Before You Begin

Online classes, also referred to as "distance learning," are the hottest new trend in learning for universities and other educational organizations. People are busier than ever and thus always seeking new ways to make more efficient use of their time and money. At the same time, society is placing a priority on becoming more informed and educated in one's field of study. The wonderful world of dance and cheer is becoming more popular, more innovative, more competitive, more cutting edge and more impressive as it gains more exposure through the increasing number of televised events. Coaches and team leaders are finding that in order to stay competitive in their fields, they must seek out learning resources and continually update their knowledge base in order to stay on top of this rapidly changing industry. As owner of dTe, I receive hundreds of emails each day, many of which are from coaches begging for help in specific areas. It is not humanly possible for me to help every desperate person who contacts me, and I regret that I do not personally have the time or money to list all of the information in the Spirit Library. So SpiritU is my solution where I am able to commission top-notch coaches who can offer their time and expertise in those areas where I get the most requests. This way you can get the personalized assistance that you need for your own unique situation from an experienced, knowledgeable coach in your field. So if you have a request for a class, be sure to visit the Course Catalog and submit your request. We look forward to hearing from you.

Study Load

The usual academic load per semester for a full-time student is four classes. Five classes constitute a maximum study load. Only students with proven academic ability should enroll for a maximum study program. Permission to exceed the maximum study load must be obtained prior to enrollment. Before enrolling as a full time student, please consider your time wisely because these classes do require homework. There is no minimum study load.

How Classes Work

It is important that you realize that online classes are a lot different from traditional on site classes. So please take a moment to review the class procedures before enrolling so that you understand how the classes are operated. The basic procedure for this course is:

• You review the SpiritU info pages to learn how the classes work and what the SpiritU policies are.
• Visit the SpiritU catalog and click the links to the Course Info Pages of the courses that you are interested in.
• Contact us if you have any questions. It is important that you read the course syllabus thoroughly and get any questions answered before you enroll, because once you have been issues the password to access your class, there will be no refunds or credits toward other classes.
• Prior to enrolling for classes, consider your personal schedule and any upcoming events like holidays, camps, competitions, etc. and make sure that you will have the time to commit yourself 100% to getting the most out of each class.
• Enroll for your class(es), and purchases any required textbooks, videos or other materials as posted on the Course Info Pages for your class(es).
• You will receive confirmation of your enrollment acceptance within one week of your enrollment.
• Passwords and class access information will be emailed to you the weekend before class starts, though the link to your class(es) may not be accessible until the Monday that class starts.
• Anytime on Monday, you may access your class. There is no set "meeting time" or "meeting date." The class has a Course Homepage which has important information about your class, your instructor's email link, due dates, links to chat and/or forums (if applicable to that class), and more. At the bottom of that page, new links will be posted each week for that week's lecture page along with the objectives for that week so that you know what you are trying to accomplish each week. Correspondence with instructors is done via email.
• Visit your lecture page and review the assignments and their due dates (if not already posted on the Course Homepage) so that you know how to plan your time for that week in order to get your assignments ready.
• At your convenience, read the lecture, prepare assignments, attend chat (if applicable) and do any other work as instructed for that week so long as your assignments are turned in by the due dates as specified. Assignments are turned in via email. There is not any specified meeting time for classes!
• You may contact your instructor as necessary if you need assistance with your class material. Please keep questions related to the course you are taking. If you would like additional consulting with your instructor that falls outside the course syllabi, they are available at an hourly rate of $29.00 which is to be paid in advance. Please email us to schedule an individual consulting session.
• Assignments are typically graded and returned to you within one week of receipt. Please email us if you do not hear from your instructor within that time. Please keep in mind that extra work like redoing assignments may cause delays in future assignments being returned to you.
• Once your final assignments have been received for the class, your final grades will typically be emailed to you within three weeks of the class's final date or receipt of your final assignment, whichever comes last. Certificates for certification classes will typically be mailed within four weeks.
• Certifications are valid for three years. At that time you may take a class to be recertified.

Standards of Conduct

As with any traditional college, students should act according to the typical standards of conduct. Learning at SpiritU is more than just completing the syllabus and receiving a report card or certification. Students should perform certain skills that would be expected in a typical job scenario. Some of these skills include:

• Acting in a professional manner
• Exercising good listening skills
• Demonstrating good problem solving skills
• Ability to demonstrate good judgement as a coach, director, instructor, role model, &/or teamleader
• Coaching classes require that coaches be able to demonstrate use of appropriate activities, communications, and other relevant interactions during class. As a leader of spirit teams, you are always under the watchful eyes of the parents, school administrators, community, etc. It is the policy of SpiritU to advise SpiritU students to stay away from any interactions or activities that may be deemed questionable or inappropriate. Assignments and interactions that are deemed inappropriate will be graded accordingly.
• Communicating clearly
• Listening to and following instructions clearly
• Meeting expectations and due dates as required
• Using proper grammar and spelling
• Exercising regular and prompt class attendance at scheduled virtual classes
• Treating SpiritU staff and students in a respectful manner
• Handling grievances in an appropriate and diplomatic manner

Attendance Requirements

Regular attendance is required of every student. Failure to meet due dates will result in a lowered grade according to the policy stated on the Course Info Page of each course, unless the student has secured an excused absence and made arrangements to make up the late work. All work must be completed in order to fulfill the requirements of the class and receive a passing grade.

Only severe illnesses or injuries qualify as excused absences for which the student can make up work. In this case, students should provide legitimate proof within one week of their return to class.

Instructor/Student Communications

You will be sent an email confirming your enrollment within one week of enrollment. If you have not received confirmation of your enrollment by then, please contact us to make sure we received it. Most SpiritU instructors work full time jobs, so they may not always be able to respond to your emails as quickly as we'd like, however barring computer problems, instructors will typically answer emails within one week. Weekly grades will typically be returned within one week of due date. Please email us if you do not hear from your instructor within those time frames so that we may see to it that you are being taken care of.

Getting The Most Out Of Classes

We care about you and want to see to it that you get what you need out of these classes. In order to get the most out of your classes, please be sure to read and understand this Before You Begin Section including the FAQs link. You will enjoy your SpiritU classes much more if you come in with an open mind keeping in mind that online classes differ a lot from traditional on site classes, and reviewing the procedures and FAQs to ensure that you have a pretty good understanding of the operation procedures. It is also important that you communicate any desires with your instructor(s) so that they make sure you are being tended to in a way that is beneficial to you. Students vary a lot as to their needs, so if you are needing different types of feedback on your assignments, then please be sure to specify your desires to your instructor(s) so they know how best to assist you. Good communication skills like this are important not only to getting the most out of your SpiritU classes, but also to getting the most out of your career and your personal life too.

Repetition of Classes

A student may repeat any SpiritU course as many times as they wish. Repeat students will be required to pay full tuition each time they repeat a class, and repeat all assignments as if they were taking the class for the first time. Each taking of the course will be listed on the student’s permanent record.

Adding Classes

Classes may be added to the student’s program, subject to available class space, and with the approval of the class instructor, during the first two weeks of the semester.

Dropping Classes

Courses dropped prior to the second week of the semester will not be included as part of the student’s permanent record. For courses dropped from the second week to the 4th week of the semester, a "W" will be recorded. After the 4th week, a grade symbol other than a "W" will be recorded. There will be no refunds for classes dropped.

Official withdrawal from a class is accomplished by emailing your wish to withdraw from the class to the instructor of that course. You must receive a confirmation in order for your withdrawal to be effective. Simply ceasing to attend a class does not constitute withdrawal.

Certificates & Report Cards

SpiritU report cards and certifications are often used with resumes for job interviews, and potential employers rely on those report cards or certifications to show that a student has learned the specific skills taught in each class. So SpiritU grades students with this in mind. Please be sure to read the Standards of Conduct carefully to get a feel for the SpiritU expectations of each student.

Upon completion of each class that offers the report card grading system, students will receive a report card via email in PDF format that can be printed to hard copy for your records. You will need to download the latest version of the free Adobe Reader to be able to view these files. If for any reason you are not able to view report cards using the Adobe Reader, please email us prior to enrollment and we will try to accommodate you in some other manner that works for you. Report cards will be sent as an attachment via email to students within 6 weeks of completion of assignments or class's end date, whichever comes later.

For certification classes, you will receive an email informing you if you passed certification and, if you passed the certification requirements, your hard copy certificate will be mailed via USPS postal mail within 6 weeks of our receipt of your final assignment or the last day of class, whichever comes later. Certification requirements change through time, so certificates are valid for three years. Certification students may take the certification class again after three years to receive a new valid certificate.

Financial Assistance

A lot of coaches do not realize that they do not necessarily have to pay for these classes out of their pocket. Most schools or booster clubs will pay for your education because it helps them when their coaches are more equipped to deal with common issues like liability, dealing with problem parents, budgets, camps, organization, time management, team building, fundraising, and more. So if you find yourself on a tight budget but wanting to elevate your professional status by being able to show coaching certification and/or other educational training, then speak with your administration and see if they'll "foot the bill" so to speak. If your school is in fact willing to support your continued education, then don't forget our other great resources available outside of SpiritU like videos and books (available in the Spirit Mall). Videos are one of our hottest sellers in the Spirit Mall.

FAQ's

Read frequently asked questions. Learn more about SpiritU, certifications, and how classes operate.

Other Considerations

Visit our enrollment form for a quick preview of class prices, our Refund Policy, a list of Required Materials and an explanation of the difference between a Full Student and a Guest Student.