Approval Disclosure Statement
The Dharma Realm Buddhist Association, City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, 2001 Talmage Road, Ukiah, California 95482 first received approval to operate February 18, 1982, under the California Superintendent of Public Instruction provisions, Section §94311D, California Education Code.

In 1995, these Programs were granted Approval to Operate by the Council for Private Postsecondary & Vocational Education, under the California Private Postsecondary & Vocational Education Reform Act of 1989, and are currently approved by the subsequent California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to Operate means compliance with state standards as set forth in the CEC (California Education Code ) and in 5, CCR (California Code of Regulations). The California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education does not endorse programs, nor does Bureau approval mean that an institution exceeds minimum state standards.

As of Spring 2000 total clock hours are 8,000 for Paramita Training Program as shown in detail in Section IX. Students of the program reside at the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas or the City of the Dharma Realm, and at off-campus facilities approved by the Sangha and Laity Training Program’s administration. Current maximum enrollment is set at 300 students.

Diplomas are awarded for successful completion of the total course. Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit the physical facilities of the school and to discuss their personal educational and occupational plans with school personnel prior to enrolling or signing enrollment agreements. The business office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

Persons seeking to resolve problems or complaints should first contact the instructor in charge. Requests for further action may be made to the Student Complaint Designee and/or the Sangha and Laity Training Programs Committee on Program Standards. Unresolved complaints may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, California, 95834, (916) 574-8900 or (888) 370-7589.

Methods of Instruction
Class format is of three types: academic, practicum, and independent study. Training is measured in clock hours for each type of course. A letter grade is given to evaluate the quality of the clock-hour performance.

1) Academic (A)
The classroom instructor monitors the students’ progress by observation of attendance, attentiveness, participation in the class format, and completion of assignments. A letter grade is assigned, indicating comprehension of the content covered in the class. Clock hours are earned as recorded on attendance records. Trainees who wish to take Dharma Realm Buddhist University classes for clock-hour and letter-grade credit in the Sangha or Laity Training Program, must complete a Special Studies Form, get the instructor’s signature and then pass the form to the Registrar’s Office.

2) Practicum (P)
Practicum courses normally involve participation in group practice where learning takes place through mutual cooperation. Instruction is given both verbally and through demonstration and example on the part of the instructor. Practicum courses include ceremony and ritual, repentance, recitation, mantras, and Chan. Each practicum course is complemented with a study course. However, during actual practice of ceremony and ritual, repentance, recitation, and mantras, texts containing Buddhism’s principles and meanings are often read, recited, and memorized. Normally during Chan practice, instruction in the principles of Chan are given. Evaluation is based on close and continual observation of the students’ performance, level of competence, quality of participation, development of skill, and attendance record. Clock hours are earned and a letter grade is assigned.

3) Independent Study
Clock hours may be earned and letter grades given for approved and supervised independent study. To arrange an independent study class, the student must consult with the appropriate instructor to arrange the content of the course, method of study or practice, and means of evaluation. If approved, the student then completes the Special Studies Form, has the instructor sign it, and turns it to the SLTP registrar’s office.

Evaluation
Trainees’ progress is rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory at the end of Students’ progress is rated as satisfactory or unsatisfactory at the end of each school term. An overall satisfactory evaluation for training will be judged on the basis of (1) a minimum 70% overall average attendance and punctuality; (2) a student’s having had no disciplinary warnings; (3) a student’s having exhibited in classes a minimum level of attentiveness, comprehension, retention, and performance as determined by an overall average letter grade of at least C (70%). A student may be placed on academic probation if they receive an unsatisfactory overall evaluation on the basis of those three criteria in any given semester. In such cases, the student will receive a probation notification, and a copy of the notice will be placed in the student’s file. Within one week of receiving the probation notification, the student will be required to see an academic advisor to help determine the root of the problem and to aid the student in returning to a satisfactory performance level. If this can be accomplished by the end of the semester, their probation will be lifted. An accumulation of three or more unsatisfactory ratings may be deemed cause for a student’s dismissal.

Instruction, guidance, and evaluation of moral development are a major part of the Training Programs. Students are counseled and evaluated according to criteria made known to them that are based on the Six Principles.

Advising and Placement
Trainees are closely supervised in their progress through the Training Programs. Much of the curriculum is aimed at developing virtue and competence in religious practice and inter-cultural skills.

Personal advice, encouragement, and guidance are essential to the process of learning. A senior instructor is in charge of each area of study for trainees and monitors their progress and attendance closely. In addition, each student has a faculty advisor who assists him or her in making curriculum choices, completing administrative procedures, resolving personal problems and determining career choices.

The Sangha and Laity Training Programs do not offer placement assistance to graduates. However, the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association maintains extensive contacts with Buddhist monasteries, convents, educational institutions, health centers, and other Buddhist organizations throughout the world and may offer placement advice and letters of recommendation to qualified graduates.

Transfer Credit

Other Institutions
Transfer credit may be accepted for up to one-half of the instructional requirements in each area for a maximum of one-half the total credit hours requirement = 4,000 hours for both the Sangha and the Laity Paramita Programs. Transfer credits (for, lab, and practicum courses) may be accepted from an institute of higher learning or an internationally recognized Buddhist monastery, convert, or academy. Trainees requesting transfers of credits are responsible for submitting official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and any other pertinent evidence of their previous training.

Between Programs
Students who are enrolled in the Laity Training Program and who develop a monastic vocation may apply to the Sangha Training Program once they have left the home-life. Upon their acceptance into the Sangha Training Program, all of the credit hours they have earned in the Laity Training Program may be transferred toward the Sangha Diploma, with the consent of the Program’s administrative staff.

Note: There is no connection between being a Buddhist Monastic and being a Sangha Training student, other than that the Sangha Training Programs are restricted to monastics only, and one must be a monastic before being admitted to the Sangha program.

State of California Student Tuition Recovery Fund
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition.

You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment, if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.

It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 North Market Blvd., Suite 225, Sacramento, California, 95834, (916) 574-8900 or (888) 370-7589.

Records Retention
Trainee’s records are maintained at the business office at the CTTB campus, with back-up data being stored at the Women’s Translation and Archives Center, Burlingame. Enrollees are advised and cautioned that state law requires this educational institution to maintain school and student records for a period of at least five (5) years. Transcripts are retained for a period of at least fifty (50) years.

Attendance Requirements and Sample Schedule
The Sangha Paramita Training Program and the Laity Paramita Training Program are offered daily throughout the year. Trainees are expected to be in attendance for 50 weeks of the year, including scheduled meditation and recitation sessions. Trainees may enroll during 7 months of each year: the first three months of spring and fall semesters, and the first month of the summer session, for a total of 211 days in all. The class schedule for each term shows the last possible day to enter the program.

Trainees may refer to the class schedule for each term to determine which classes are required and which are optional and to be made aware of an any additional classes scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays and at other times as determined by instructors. A sample daily schedule is as follows:

Weekend Activities in Addition to the Daily Schedule:

Regular Attendance
Prompt and regular attendance at all assigned classes is required.

Official Withdrawal
A trainee may withdraw completely from the Training Program for serious and compelling reasons or in verified cases of accident or acute or chronic illness. All requests for withdrawal must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office.

Unofficial Withdrawal From Courses or the Training Program
Trainees who leave a course or Training Program without officially withdrawing from enrollment are subject to a failing grade.

Cancellation of Secheduled Courses
The Training Program administration reserves the right to cancel any course listed in the class schedule if enrollment is four trainees or less, or if an instructor is not available due to an unavoidable change in faculty personnel.

Award of a Sangha or Laity Training Diploma
A Sangha or Laity Training diploma is awarded at the successful completion of the total number of clock hours required for the course of Training for which the student enrolled; this usually takes four years.

Student Conduct
Responsible Conduct. While enrolled in the Sangha Training Program or the Laity Training Programs, trainees are always expected to act in a responsible manner and to conduct themselves in accordance with the teachings of the Buddha, even when they are off campus. Improper behavior may be grounds for disciplinary action or dismissal. The Six Principles of the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association are:

Student apparel. Dress should be modest, while being appropriate to the season and climate. Monks and nuns are required to wear the 5-piece or 7-piece precept sash except when performing menial tasks or when in their rooms.

Rules for Residents. Men may not enter the women’s residence halls, and women may not enter the men’s residence halls. Residents are responsible for keeping their rooms, residence halls, and designated areas they live in clean and neat, according to a schedule to be established by the students and the residence hall supervisors. Students’ rooms are subject to inspection. No screws, nails, tape, or the like may be used on the walls or other surfaces of the rooms, and Training Program furniture must remain in the rooms where it was originally placed, unless permission to move it is obtained from the residence hall supervisor. Students must refrain from making unnecessary noise, particularly after 10:00pm. No dancing, gambling, or taking intoxicants of any sort, including tobacco, is allowed anywhere on campus. No electrical appliances food, video, radio, or television, etc., are allowed in students’ rooms.

Students’ guests should register at the administration office upon first entering either campus. Housing will then be assigned to them. Sleeping outside on the grounds or in cars is not permitted.

Refund Policy
Buyer’s Right to Cancel
The student has the right to cancel this Agreement without obligation, and obtain a refund of all amounts paid, less a non-refundable registration fee of $30.00 per semester, if notice cancellation is given to DRBA, SLTP, prior to or on the first day of instruction by mail, hand delivery, telegram, or facsimile to:

Mr. Chu, Jen-Hou, Administration Office,
City of Ten Thousand Buddhas
4951 Bodhi Way,
Ukiah, CA 95482;
email: cttbchu@live.com;
facsimile: (707) 462-0949.

The written notice of cancellation, if sent by mail, is effective when deposited in the mail properly addressed with postage prepaid. The written notice of cancellation need not take any particular form and, however expressed, is effective if it shows that the student no longer wishes to be bound by the Enrollment Agreement. Refunds will be paid within 30 days of cancellation or withdrawal.

Explanation of Program Withdrawal and Refund Rights
Students requesting to withdraw from the program must fill out the Withdrawal form which may be obtained from and are to be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by mail, by hand delivery, by fax or by email to, address: SLTP Registrar’s Office, 4951 Bodhi Way, Ukiah, CA 95482; email: sltp.registrar@drba.org; fax: (707) 462-0949. Students who withdraw from the program and wish to return after an extended period of absence must apply for readmission.

A student who has completed 60 percent or less of the program of instruction described in the enrollment agreement may withdraw from the program and receive a refund of the unused portion of tuition fees and other charges. If a student withdraws after the period in which the student may cancel this agreement, but before the student has completed 67 percent or less of the program, the student need only pay for educational services rendered, plus a non-refundable registration fee of $30 per semester (not to exceed $100). The prorated refund amount will be calculated by first determining the total hourly cost of the program of instruction by dividing the total tuition charge by the total number of clock hours, then multiplying the hourly cost by the total clock hours elapsed at the time of the withdrawal, and then subtracting that amount from the total amount paid.

When the student has “withdrawn”
For the purpose of determining the student’s obligation for the time attended, the student will be considered to have withdrawn from the program when any of the following occurs:
• When the student notifies the school of the withdrawal or the actual date of withdrawal, whichever is later.
• When the school terminates the student’s enrollment.
• When the student fails to attend classes for a three-week period. In this case, the date of withdrawal will be deemed to be the last date of recorded attendance.
• When the student fails to submit three consecutive lessons or fails to submit a completed lesson required for home study or correspondence within 60 days of its due date.

Note: This school does not participate in state, federal, or privately-funded student loan programs.

For the purpose of determining the amount a student owes for the time attended, the student shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the course when any of the following occurs:

The amount of refund will first be used to repay any student financial aid programs from which the student received benefits, in proportion to the amount of the benefits received. Any remaining amount will be paid to the student. If the amount the student has paid is more than the amount that the student owes for the time attended, then a refund will be made within 30 days after notice of cancellation is received by the Dharma Realm Buddhist Association.

If the amount the student owes is more than the amount the student has already paid, then the student will have to make arrangements to pay it.

The entire refund policy, as stated above, may also be found in the Enrollment Agreement form.