Education Policies

Click here to see the list of classes and camps
REGISTRATION
You may register in one of three ways:
 
  1.   Register online here. Online registration is recommended because it allows us to process the registrations very quickly. 
  2.   Registration and payment may also be taken over the phone at 515-232-5331.
  3.   Registration may be done by in person or by mail. Complete the registration form on the class schedule flier and mail or hand-deliver with payment to:  Education Department, 427 Douglas Avenue, Ames, IA  50010. The Octagon offices are on the second floor.* 

*You are also welcome to stop by the Octagon Gallery Shop (street level, 413 Douglas) to register for a class or purchase a gift certificate to be used in a class.

ENROLLMENT
  • Enrollment is limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • We cannot guarantee an opening in your desired class.
  • Registration is not complete until FULL payment is submitted.
  • Full payment MUST be submitted by the registration deadline, usually 2 business days (Mon-Fri) before class begins. Registration deadlines are noted in class descriptions.  If payment is not submitted by the deadline 2 days before class begins, registration will be considered void and the seat will be forfeited.
  • Confirmations are sent via EMAIL. If no email address is provided, no confirmation will be sent.
  • If a student enrolls in a class with the instructor’s approval after the session has begun, full tuition is still required. Tuition is not prorated.
  • All classes are held at the Octagon Center for the Arts (427 Douglas Avenue) unless stated otherwise.
  • The Octagon reserves the right to change instructors at any time.
CLASS AVAILABILITY & CANCELLATION

THIS SECTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW

The Octagon reserves the right to cancel classes due to insufficient enrollment. To help ensure that a class runs, please register as soon as possible. Registration is not complete until FULL payment is submitted; payment for class is collected but not processed until sufficient enrollment has been reached. If classes are marked as full, students may call or email to be placed on a waiting list. If, for some reason, class is cancelled after payment is processed, tuition will be refunded in full. The Octagon website allows visitors to view the current class schedule, register for classes, and view updated class availability and cancellations.

MEMBER DISCOUNTS
Members receive a 10% discount on the cost of educational programming and enjoy benefits all year! Your membership helps support the Octagon’s operations and programs.
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILDREN

We try to make our classes and workshops available to those who would really benefit from them. If you would like to apply for a financial scholarship for a children’s class or camp, please complete the application here.

REFUNDS
THIS SECTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW
 
All transfers and refunds must take place 2 business days (Mon-Fri) before the class start date. If a student cancels less than 2 business days before class begins, their payment will not be refunded. If extenuating circumstances occur, the Education Director must be notified as soon as possible, and the case will be reviewed. If a student withdraws from class more than 2 business days before class begins, they will receive a 95% refund. A 5% processing fee is applied to all withdrawal refunds.
MAKEUP CLASSES

If a student is unable to attend a class period for any reason, the Octagon is not responsible for providing any makeup sessions. 

WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY
The Octagon may cancel classes due to severe weather or other variables. We will do our best to contact all class members about the cancellation. Cancelled classes are rescheduled for a later date.
MATERIALS & SUPPLIES

Please check course descriptions for possible material fees. Students in adult classes are usually responsible for providing some supplies (clay prices are built into ceramics class fees). Most materials for children’s classes are furnished by the Octagon.

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE

Children should arrive no earlier than 10 minutes prior to the start of class. Parents are asked to pick up their children promptly at the end of each class. A parent/legal guardian must accompany the child to his/her designated studio and see that a staff member takes charge of the child. At departure time, the parent/legal guardian must pick up the child from his/her studio. In the case of emergency or delay, please notify the Octagon at 515-232-5331.

PHOTOGRAPHY

The Octagon occasionally documents classes and camps using photography or video for promotional purposes. Unless written notification is submitted, the Octagon assumes you grant permission for the Octagon to use photos of students and campers.

ARTWORK STORAGE

The Octagon is not responsible for storing student work. All work will be discarded if not retrieved within one month after the end of class.

GUESTS & VISITORS

Only registered participants may attend classes – siblings and guests are not allowed in the studios. Parents may not attend classes unless approved by the Education Director and class instructor.