About NFA
Attending the Academy
Policies
Campus Security: Due to heightened security requirements, please understand that you, your vehicle, or your luggage may be searched by security and law enforcement personnel. Maryland law is very narrow in its definition of Law Enforcement Officers who may carry firearms. For your own protection, and to expedite your processing into the NETC, do not bring any firearms to campus. Sworn and State POST certified officers and federal officers or local officers with concurrent jurisdiction who require a firearm for the performance of required official duties must obtain an exception from the Director of Support Services or the NETC Safety and Security Specialist prior to arrival on campus. For security information (only), please call (301) 447-1422; for general information, please call (301) 447-1000.
Class Attendance: Students must attend all class sessions and successfully complete the evaluation criteria with a minimum grade of 70 percent to receive a certificate.
Dress Code: It is each student's responsibility to use good judgment in selecting attire that projects a professional image and that is appropriate for both climate differences and classroom activities. NFA staff have the authority to make a determination that a student's attire may be inappropriate. Students whose attire is determined to be inappropriate will conform to this policy before being allowed to continue class.
Acceptable Attire for Classroom Settings:
- Men: Shirts with collars; slacks, nice jeans; departmental uniforms (no T-shirts); shoes and socks. Optional items include sweaters, sport coats, ties, etc.
- Women: Dresses; blouses with slacks or nice jeans, skirts, split skirts/skorts, including departmental dress uniforms (no T-shirts); and shoes. Optional items include sweaters, blazers, etc.
Acceptable Attire for Graduation:
- Men: Suits; sports coats; dress shirts with ties or class shirts; dress slacks, or departmental dress uniforms.
- Women: Suits or dresses; blouses or class shirts with dress slacks or skirts; or departmental dress uniforms.
Shorts, sleeveless shirts, baseball caps, open-toe sandals, thongs, etc., are not permitted in the classrooms, the auditorium, or the dining hall. Bathing suits/trunks are not permitted outside the pool area. Dresses, skirts, split skirts/skorts should be no higher than 1" above the knee (no mini skirts).
Student Failure: A student who fails a NFA on-campus course and applies for any subsequent course, including the one failed, will be accepted only on a space-available basis (after all applicants have been placed and there is no waiting list). Attendance will be at no cost to the Government; i.e., a second stipend will not be provided. Lodging will be provided at the student's expense. This restriction will apply until the individual successfully completes an NFA on-campus course.
Cancellations: The NFA always has always promoted full class attendance in order to fulfill its obligation under Public Law 93-498 to deliver training and, thus, to reduce the loss of life and property due to fires. Its mission for delivery of resident courses is impaired significantly by cancellations and no-shows. Typically there are many more student applications than there are course seats available, and NFA must maximize opportunities for class attendance. It is very difficult to recruit students for courses at the last minute.
The NFA is keeping a careful watch over student cancellations and no-shows. Currently, there is a 2-year ban on student attendance for students who are no-shows or cancel at the last minute without a valid reason. Students who are accepted into a course offering should take their obligation to attend very seriously.
Last Updated: June 23, 2004 01:35 PM
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