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SCHOOL POLICIES

As a model of high standards of professional and ethical practice and behavior, the Cayce/Reilly School policies are designed to support students, faculty and staff in maintaining the integrity of the educational environment at all times. Our policies contain important guidelines and information regarding student and School activities and help to establish clear boundaries and expectations for successful program completion.

Code of Ethics

This code of ethics is a summary statement by which the Cayce/Reilly School and all its members (administration, faculty, massage students) agree to conduct themselves and is a declaration of the general principles of acceptable, ethical, professional behavior.

Cayce/Reilly School of Massage members shall support the mission of the School: To offer a quality, comprehensive education in both the art and science of massage therapy based on the holistic principles of the Edgar Cayce readings and in the spirit of Dr. Harold J. Reilly. The massage school supports A.R.E.'s mission to change lives for the better through the concepts in the Cayce readings.

  • Behave with integrity, honesty, and competence in all professional relationships with the school, other school members, faculty, staff, students, the massage therapy profession, other healthcare providers and society
  • Apply and follow the established massage school code of ethics and all school rules and regulations.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to current educational, ethical, and professional standards for massage therapists and bodyworkers.
  • Represent the massage school and its programs with professional as well as personal integrity and honesty in all forms of communication.
  • Educate students to only represent themselves in an ethical and professional manner and provide only services for which they are qualified.
  • Conduct a massage school program that provides state of the art education and represents all ethical and other standards of the profession as well as all applicable laws and regulations
  • Provide a positive, focused educational environment that is conducive to learning and development and addresses a variety of learning styles. It includes, but is not limited to, a physical space with appropriate lighting, heat/air/cleanliness, and equipment.
  • Conduct the massage school program in a manner that respects and teaches the students boundaries and privacy on all levels, including appropriate draping, physical privacy and matters of confidentiality. The same rights, privileges, and responsibilities apply to all other members of the school. Any sexual misconduct will be considered a violation of this code of ethics.
  • Uphold principles and standards that value the dignity and worth of all persons regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual identity, gender, disability and/or health status.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cayce/Reilly cancellation and refund policies meet the requirements of the State Council of Higher Education (SCHEV). All payments remitted to the school (except the $75 application fee) shall be refunded to the student if he/she is found to be ineligible to attend or withdraws prior to the beginning of classes.

All refunds are calculated on a per semester basis:

  • A student who enters the program but withdraws or is terminated during the first quarter (25%) of the semester is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 50% of the stated cost of the course or program FOR THE SEMESTER
  • A student who enters the program but withdraws after completing a quarter (25%), but less than half (50%) of the semester is entitled to receive as a refund a minimum of 25% of the stated cost of the course or program FOR THE SEMESTER
  • A student who withdraws after completing half, or more than half, of the semester is not entitled to a refund. Withdrawal from the school must be in writing
  • All refunds are calculated and made within 30 days of receipt of written notice

FERPA Policy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives students certain rights with respect to their records. These rights include:

  • The student has the right to inspect and review their education records within 45 days of the day the Cayce/Reilly® School receives a written request for access.
  • The student has the right to request the amendment of their education records that they believe are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights under FERPA.
  • The student has the right to provide written consent before the Cayce/Reilly® School can disclose personally identifiable information from the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.
  • The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the Cayce/Reilly® School to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Massage Student Conduct Policy

Massage students are expected to behave in a professional and courteous manner at all times. Honesty, integrity, and clear intent are necessary components for work as a massage therapist. A massage student may be placed on probation, suspended, or dismissed for conduct that includes, but is not limited to:

  • Use, consumption, or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs on school premises
  • Attending class under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs
  • Possession or use of any weapon on school premises
  • Violation of school policy on infectious conditions
  • Sexual activity on school premises
  • Sexual advances or activity in a massage therapy setting, regardless of location
  • Violation of school draping/nudity policy or violation of appropriate touch, as taught in class
  • Failure to maintain appropriate hygiene
  • Cheating
  • Using profane language or exhibiting abusive behavior toward classmates and/or faculty/administration
  • Threatening a fellow student, faculty, staff, or administrative person
  • Any behavior that is deemed by the administrative staff to be inconsistent with the standards of the school and profession of massage therapy
  • Cooperation with and sensitivity to others is both valued and expected at the Cayce/Reilly School.

Drug & Alcohol Abuse Prevention Policy

The U.S. Department of Education's Drug Free Schools and Communities Act requires that as a condition of receiving any form of financial assistance under any Federal Program, an institution of higher education must adopt and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students and employees. This policy establishes the required components of that program.

There are millions of employed individuals whose job performance and productivity are adversely affected by the progressive dependence on drugs or alcohol. As many as 20% of all college students use chemical substances and drugs at a level of concern to themselves and others. Some estimate that 70% of the working population and 90% of college students consume mood-altering chemicals of some type, and the cost to the United States economy is estimated to be more than $26 billion per year.

  • Philosophy The Cayce/Reilly School is committed to the development and maintenance of a drug-free environment on the campus as well as an environment that prohibits the abuse of other drugs and alcohol and has a drug and alcohol abuse prevention system in operation, accessible to all members of the school. The school is also committed to the further expansion of that program and the dissemination of drug awareness information to all students and employees. The Cayce/Reilly School is committed to enforcing the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1989 and believes that these acts and their implementation regulations provide a proper framework for the drug and alcohol abuse policies of the school.
  • Definitions:
    • The following terms are important for purposes of expressing the school’s policy on a drug-free learning environment and workplace.
    • Controlled Substance means any drug as defined in the five categories of the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The categories cover opium and its derivatives, hallucinogens, depressants, and stimulants.
    • Contract means a legal instrument reflecting a relationship between the federal government and a recipient whenever the principal purpose of the instrument is the acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services for the direct benefit or use of the federal government; or whenever an executive agency determines in a specific instance that the use of a type of procurement contract is appropriate.
    • Conviction means finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere) or imposition of sentence, or both, by any judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of the federal or state criminal drug statutes.
    • Criminal drug statute means a federal or nonfederal criminal statute involving the manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, use, or possession of any controlled substance.
    • Employee means an individual receiving a salary, wages, other compensation and/or stipend support from the university.
    • Federal agency or agency means any United States executive department, military department, government corporation, government-controlled corporation, or any other establishment in the executive branch (including the Executive Office of the President), or any independent regulatory agency.
    • Grant means an award of financial assistance, including a cooperative agreement, in the form of money, or property in lieu of money, by a federal agency directly to a grantee. The term grant includes block grant and entitlement grant programs, whether or not exempted from coverage under the grants management government-wide regulation ("Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments"). The term does not include technical assistance that provides services instead of money; or other assistance in the form of loans, loan guarantees, interest subsidies, insurance; or direct appropriations or any veteran's benefits to individuals, i.e. any benefit to veterans, their families, or their survivors by virtue of the service of a veteran in the Armed Forces of the United States.
    • Grantee means a legal entity that applies for or receives a grant or contract directly from a federal agency.
    • Illicit drug use means the use of illegal drugs and the abuse of other drugs and alcohol.
    • Student means an individual registered or enrolled for a course or program offered by the Cayce/Reilly School.
    • School activities means an activity officially sponsored by the Cayce/Reilly School.
    • Workplace means the physical boundaries of the Cayce/Reilly School and facilities owned or controlled the Association for Research and Enlightenment (A.R.E.).
  • Distribution: Except as authorized in the Drug Control Act, Chapter 34, §54.1-3400 through §54.1-3472 of the Code of Virginia it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture, sell, give, distribute or possess with intent to manufacture, sell, give or distribute a controlled substance or an imitation controlled substance. §18.2-248, Code of Virginia. A "controlled substance" means a drug, substance, or immediate precursor in Schedules I through VI of Chapter 34, but does not include distilled spirits, wine, malt beverages, or tobacco. §54.1-3401, Code of Virginia.
  • Policy & Penalties for Violation of Policy: The school policy prohibiting the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol on school grounds and at school-sponsored events held off campus protects and supports the employees and students of the Cayce/Reilly School. Students and employees may be referred for prosecution, and may be required to satisfactorily participate in a drug and alcohol assistance or rehabilitation program, as agreed upon between the employee or student, the Human Resources Department and the Cayce/Reilly School. In addition, penalties under Virginia and federal law appear below.
  • Disciplinary sanctions for faculty, staff, and students engaged in the unlawful manufacture, use, or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol on school and A.R.E. property are as follows:
    • Faculty/Staff: Disciplinary action up to and including discharge and participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program at the discretion of management. Faculty sanctions for such violations shall be in accordance with the rules specified in the Faculty Handbook. Classified employee sanctions for such violations shall be in accordance with the Commonwealth's Standards of Conduct Policy
    • Students: Disciplinary action up to and including discharge and participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program at the discretion of management. Faculty sanctions for such violations shall be in accordance with the rules specified in the Faculty Handbook. Classified employee sanctions for such violations shall be in accordance with the Commonwealth's Standards of Conduct Policy.
    • Penalties Under Virginia Law: An "imitation controlled substance" means a pill, capsule, or tablet or substance in any form whatsoever which is not a controlled substance, but which is subject to abuse... §18.2-247, Code of Virginia. Upon conviction, the legal sanctions imposed for a violation of §18.2-248 of the Code are as follow.

Standards for Academic Progress

Program material is taught in a sequential manner and requires each student to meet performance criteria for each course before moving to the next level of coursework.

Progress is measured by:

  • Quizzes and examinations for theoretical material
  • Demonstration of practical material, student feedback, and instructor feedback, plus hands-on evaluations of practical material
  • Documented massages outside of class, study reports, and completion of assigned homework, in addition to classroom time

Massage students experiencing difficulties may utilize a variety of options to improve their scholastic standing, including individual and group tutoring, study groups, or counseling with administrative staff or faculty.

Graduation and Diploma Standards

Successful completion of the Cayce/Reilly School massage therapy program will be achieved when the student completes the following:

  • The full 700-hour program with an average of 70% or better
  • Return of all library books and equipment
  • Payment of all tuition and fees
  • Completion of all required clinical work
  • Student Handbook acknowledgment sheet
  • Exit Interview
  • Financial Aid Exit Interview if Applicable

Grievance and Conflict Resolution

When there is a conflict or grievance, resolution should bring understanding and acceptance to all parties involved - especially to the student raising the issue; it should reduce aggravation, apparent unfairness, or misunderstanding. Whenever possible, of course, resolution will conclude with satisfaction all around.

The “levels” of the process are as follows; levels 1, 2, and 3 are omitted for harassment of sexual, racial, religious, national or ethnic origin.

Level 1: The student should take the time to identify clearly what the issue is and, if possible, resolve it on his/her own.

Level 2: If a student cannot resolve it on his/her own, he/she is encouraged to seek out an instructor or staff member with whom he/she feels they can talk openly and freely.

Level 3: If there is no resolution, a staff member will meet again with the student. After the meeting, the staff member will take steps to collect the facts, bring relevant parties together, and resolve the issue in this manner.

Level 4: If there is still no resolution, the staff person and the student will schedule a meeting with a member of the Human Resources staff to relay pertinent facts. At that meeting, it will be turned over to Human Resources for resolution and the school will follow whatever recommendations are made. Students may also submit a formal complaint in writing, which will be reviewed by the administrative staff and/or Human Resources Department of the A.R.E. All formal written complaints will receive a response within two weeks of submission.


If a party is unhappy with the outcome, the school is certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) and accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA); both have a process for reviewing complaints. Their addresses are as follows:

State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV)
101 North 14th Street
James Monroe Building
Richmond, Virginia 23219

Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA)
900 Commonwealth Place, Suite 200-331
Virginia Beach, VA 23464


This process is mainly for the resolution of “minor” issues and not for major complaints or grievances, i.e., sexual harassment, discrimination, etc. Should there be any allegations of that nature, the above process will be null and void and the complaint will be brought directly to the attention of the A.R.E. Human Resources Department. Once a complaint of this severity is lodged, Human Resources will begin their investigative process which may include meeting with the student who lodged the complaint, the individual against whom the complaint was made, any witnesses, etc. The school will be bound by whatever actions this department deems appropriate in each instance.

Any individual who threatens or engages in litigation is encouraged to utilize the resolution procedures as outlined above. In the event of continued threats, the individual or individuals involved will be suspended from school until the matter is resolved. All missed classes will then fall under the school’s make-up policies and will be at the student’s expense.

All complaints or grievances made to COMTA must be in writing. The appropriate forms can be obtained from the Educational Services Manager. Students will not be subject to unfair treatment as a result of filing a complaint.

 

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