CDL DRIVER’S TRAINING PROGRAM

As a prospective student, you are encouraged to review this catalog prior to signing an enrollment agreement. You are also encouraged to review the school’s statistical performance, which may be provided to you prior to signing an enrollment agreement by visiting the State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services Educational Approval Program’s website or by contacting them directly.

Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit the physical facilities of the school and to discuss personal, education, and occupational plans with school personnel prior to enrolling or signing admissions agreements.

Griffin’s CDL Institute does not have any pending petitions in bankruptcy, is not operating as a debtor in possession, has not filed a petition with in the preceding five years, nor has had a petition in bankruptcy filed against it within the preceding five years that resulted in reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (11 U.S.C. Sec 1101 et seq.)

The mission and purpose of Griffin’s CDL Institute is clear and uncompromised. The objective is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and ability that will enable them to qualify for entry level jobs in the trucking industry. Emphasis is placed on safety, a thorough understanding of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Rules and Regulations in the operation of Class A, B, & C equipment, and defensive driving techniques necessary in developing the skill levels required to pass the Commercial Driver’s License Examination. Griffin’s CDL Institute is designed to train, educate, and assist in the placement process in the truck industry.

To ensure that our graduates have the marketable skills they will need to succeed in the workforce, we will focus on continual development through self-assessment (student exit surveys and staff surveys), participation in professional organizations, and an open exchange of ideas with the community as well as employers.

Griffin’s CDL Institute does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, nationality, religion, creed, or ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admission policies, academic policies, and other school administered programs. Due to the Department of Transportation medical requirements, potential student that disclose a disability will be advised by the Campus Director if their disclosed disability might disqualify them under DOT regulations and if so, possible wavier through the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicle Safety Department.

Griffin’s truck driving program is a four-week program with open enrollment. A class will begin the first day of each week depending on the number of students granted enrollment. An online class will begin the first day the student logs into the online classroom. Field and classroom training will total up to 160 hours or proficiency in training. The training includes DOT Safety and Regulations, State Regulations and proficiency development in the skills required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. Griffin’s CDL Institute does not offer written correspondence instruction, does not grant credit for prior experiential learning, and has not entered into an articulation or transfer agreement. The acceptance or transferability of credits you earn at other institutions is not currently accepted at Griffin’s CDL Institute, nor will this institution accept credits through challenge examinations and/or achievement tests.

Griffin’s CDL Institute does not offer a degree program and the Truck Driving course is not accredited. The transferability of credits you earn at Griffin’s CDL Institute is at the complete discretion of an institution to which you may seek the transfer. Acceptance of the certificate you earn in the Truck Driver Training Program is also at the complete discretion of the institution to which you may seek to transfer. If the certificate that you earn at this institution is not accepted at the institution to which you seek to transfer, you may be required to repeat some, or all, of your coursework at the institution. For this reason, you should make certain that your attendance at this institution will meet your educational goals. This may include contacting an institution to which you may seek to transfer after attending Griffin’s CDL Institute to determine if your certificate will transfer.

Classroom training is held at 7910 W. Appleton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218. It includes a classroom for lessons on theory. A resource library is located in the classroom with open access during normal operating hours. The resource library contains reading materials, current industry magazines, and access for applications, telephone, and research. Online classroom will be accessible through the use of a home computer or any other supported technological hardware that provides Internet access. Yard/range training will be held at 7100 W. Calumet Road, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53223.

Equipment used for training are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations books, Wisconsin Commercial Drivers Manual, Road Atlas, Drivers Log Book, videos, conventional tandem tractors, and various trailers.

Griffin’s CDL Institute does not have dormitory facilities. The institution has no responsibility for finding students housing. Please contact the Admissions Representative for a list of nearby motels for our out of town students. Cost of nearby motels range from $60-$105 per night.

Instructors are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p. m. Monday through Friday. Campus Administrative Personnel are available from 8:00 a. m. to 5:00 p. m. Monday through Friday. Before and after-hours appointments along with weekend classes may be scheduled in advance. Important information such as operating hours, holidays, class schedule, and revisions of them will be announced to students in advance. Online courses are available 24 hours per day and 365 days a year.

Griffin’s CDL Institute observes the following holidays:

· New Year’s Day

· Memorial Day

· Independence Day

· Labor Day

· Thanksgiving

· Christmas

Micheal Johnson, Campus Director: Worked for multiple bus and trucking companies in Wisconsin from 1989 to the present, holds a graduate degree in Legal Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education (Administration and Classroom Instruction), and he currently is the owner of MR CDL Testing and MR Paralegal Services. Rowser will also function as a reserve/substitute instructor.

Damion Dash, Potential candidate for Lead Instructor or Co-Lead Instructor: 7 plus years of experience as a Class A Truck Driver, cross country from 2010 to present. He will begin employment with Griffin’s CDL Institute in January 2018.

Joey Jones, Potential candidate for Instructor: 20 plus years of experience as a Class A Truck Driver from 1993 to the present. He will begin employment with Griffin’s CDL Institute when student enrollment reaches a level that supersedes Griffin’s instructor to student ratio.

Classroom Training: 1 Instructor to 25 students

Field Training: 1 Instructor to 5 students

Applicant must meet the following criteria:

· 18 years of age or older (intrastate driving apply if under 21)

· High School Diploma or GED. Applicants who do not have either must be able to obtain a CLP.

· Read, write and comprehend English. All classes are taught in English.

· If an applicant has more than two moving violations and/or DUI’s, the Admissions Representative will inform the applicant that job placement may be limited and with some companies, not available.

· If an applicant has any felony convictions or any medical disabilities they must be disclosed to the Admission Representative in order for the applicant to be made aware of any employment or federal restrictions that may apply to hiring criteria, (job placement).

· Obtain a 5-year Department of Motor Vehicle, (DMV) print out. (Print out must be within the last thirty days).

· Pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical and Drug Screening.

Persons interested in enrolling must meet the admission requirements, must visit the campus and complete an, “Interview Questionnaire” and “Enrollment Application”. All potential students must be interviewed by an Admission Representative or the Campus Director. The applicant is interviewed to determine if he/she has the required qualifications, as established by the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, Department of Transportation, and the trucking industry, to become an Entry-Level Truck Driver. The interviewer will explain the course and the enrollment process. The applicant will be given a copy of the school catalog and any questions from the applicant will be addressed. If accepted, the applicant will be notified verbally and/or in writing via certified mail. An “Enrollment Agreement” will be completed and a copy given to the applicant. The Admissions Representative or Campus Director will instruct student when to report to class. You may cancel this transaction, without any penalty or obligation, within three business days from the date on the signed agreement (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are not business days).

Griffin’s CDL Institute requires all students to attend class daily and timely. Attendance will be taken daily via roll call and student signature verification form. Students should anticipate and plan for any problems that would prevent them from attending class.

Online students are encouraged, but not required to attend class daily. Attendance will be taken daily via daily login of the online portal. Students can start at any time and complete the coursework at any time of day. The presentations, narrations and other materials are identical to a traditional classroom.

Students will not be allowed to participate in behind the wheel(yard/range) training until they have successfully completed the class.

A tardiness notice will be given to any student arriving to class more than five minutes late. Four tardy notices will be considered equal to one full day of absence. A student tardy may be made up during non-regularly scheduled classroom time/hours upon approval of the instructor or Campus Director.

In case of illness, death, or birth of an immediate family member the student will need to notify the Campus Director either in writing or via telephone call in order to obtain an “excused absence”. All other absences will be considered, “unexcused”. Excessive absences may result in a student being dropped from the course. Excessive is considered to be 25% or more in a one-week period, and 20% or more in a two-week period, combined. Online students are not required to attend class daily and allowed to complete the classroom in 30 days. However, online students are required to login to class at least twice a week. Students in violation would be referred to the Campus Director for determination and action to be taken.

A student seeking a regular leave of absence must provide a written notice to the Campus Director prior to their requested leave start day. The request should include the reason and the time period that the student is requesting. The decision to grant or deny will be determined on a case by case basis. If a student is granted a regular leave of absence and the student does not return to class by the scheduled time, the student will be considered dropped/withdrawn as of the first day after their scheduled return. If a student requests a medical leave of absence, then a note from their medical provider will need to be provided verifying the start date for the leave and a release date to return to this course. If a student is granted a medical leave of absence and the student does not return to class by the scheduled time, the student will be considered dropped/withdrawn as of the first day after their scheduled return. However, the student’s refund for failure to return to class after any type of leave will be based on the student’s last reported day of attendance. A regular leave of absence and a medical leave of absence cannot exceed thirty calendar days. Only one leave of absences will be granted to each student.

Griffin’s CDL Institute requires that students conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times to ensure a safe learning environment for all students. Students will acknowledge by signature, the standard of conduct required while attending school. The following activities at or around the facility will be grounds for immediate termination of training and possible dismissal from the course:

· Unauthorized operation of equipment

· Use of drugs (prescription medication verified)

· Under the influence of alcohol

· Possession of drugs or alcohol on school premises

· Smoking in unauthorized areas

· Possession of a weapon on school premises

· Fighting

· Use of profanity

· Use of racist or sexist language

· Behavior creating a safety hazard

· Disobedient or disrespectful behavior to students and or staff

· Dishonesty

Students that are dismissed may appeal the dismissal in writing with the Campus Director. If the student can show good cause as to why they shouldn’t be dismissed, the Campus Director may readmit the student into the program.

Students are required to wear proper attire that will keep them safe and comfortable. Students be aware that you will be climbing in and out of trucks and will be coming in contact with dirt and grease. Khaki blue jeans, work shirts, and comfortable shoes are required. Bermuda type shorts and T shirts are permissible for wear during the summer months. Short shorts, tank tops, halter tops, sheer tops, bare chests, spike heels, sandals, and thongs are prohibited. Dangling earrings, loose jewelry, and large belt buckles are not allowed around equipment. Long hair should be tied back to avoid it getting caught in any equipment. Since the training is done in a classroom environment and students will be in close proximity to each other, personal hygiene is very important. If personal hygiene is an issue, Griffin’s CDL Institute staff will ask the student to correct the hygiene issue.

· Fair and effective teaching and grading of the program selected

· Due process and impartial hearing in all disciplinary matters

· Privacy of student records

A complete enrollment, academic, and financial file, (if applicable), is maintained on each student and kept in an individual permanent student file. All student files are confidential and are stored by with the Campus Director. All request to review student files must be made with the Campus Director. A complete copy of the enrollment and financial forms, (if applicable); will be provided to each student upon the completion of their enrollment process. All student files are kept for six years and transcripts are kept permanently. If the school closes for any reason, the student records will be maintained confidentially by the appointed Custodian of Records.

The rights of students to inspect their individual records and confidentiality are in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, Public Law, as amended. Any request made by anyone other than the student to obtain information related to a student’s file must provide written consent from the student before any personally identifiable information will be disclosed.

Griffin’s CDL Institute Campus Director has an open-door policy. If a student wants to address a complaint or notify the school of a problem the student should speak to their Instructor first. Most complaints or problems are resolved at the teaching staff level. After speaking to their Instructor if the student feels it necessary to speak to the Campus Director, the student is urged to do so. Should complaints need to be addressed after hours a phone call to the Campus Director will be the process to follow. Upon completion of the student’s Enrollment Agreement each student will be given the contact information to contact the Campus Director should they need to after hours. Griffin’s CDL Institute desires that their training be professional and pleasant for all student and complaints will be review, investigated, and acted upon promptly. A complaint log will be maintained to document all complaints. Complaints that are not satisfactorily resolved with the school may be forwarded to the Educational Approval Program at: Department of Safety and Professional Services – Educational Approval Program, P.O. Box 8366, Madison, WI 53708-8366. 

Students attend up to 40 clock hours of classroom training covering such subjects as DOT, log books, defensive driving, and job search techniques. At the end of the classroom training students will be required to pass the written exam and obtain their class “A” instructional permit administered by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It is required to pass and obtain the instructional permit before proceeding to the behind the wheel training(yard/range) (yard/range) phase of the training course. A class will begin the first day of each week depending on the number of students granted enrollment. Online classes will begin each day of the week.

Online courses incorporate various technological components. All online courses contain the essential resources such as course outline, syllabus, reading and written assignments, quizzes and/or tests including any additional resources deemed necessary to assist learners with the subject matter. Online courses are accompanied by a textbook or e-book, and interactive learning activities. A learner will interact with faculty by email, audio and/or video technology. The online courses are accessible through the use of a home computer or any other supported technological hardware that provides Internet access. Students will have up to 30 days to complete all Online Sessions.

Griffin's online classes use its own learning management system. You must be registered in a class before you will be able to log in. To log in please go to the http://www.griffinscdlinstitute.com, register, login, and begin the course. Instructors and tech support should be contacted by phone or email.

Up to 120 clock hours of field training or student proficiency is required, which will include both observation and behind the wheel time. The field training consists of driving in training areas which include a tard/range, combination of highway, city, and heavy traffic driving with emphasis on defensive driving. Backing and emergency procedures are also practiced extensively. The training also consists of DMV skills practicing, job search training, DMV road testing, and graduation.

Students who have earned a grade of Average (80% grade point average), or above, and have met the attendance requirements shall be eligible for graduation and will receive a Certificate of Completion which will indicate that the student has successfully completed training. A student who does not meet the 80% grade point average or who does not complete training will receive a Certification of Attendance showing the total hours of training completed.

Griffin’s CDL Institute offers career counseling, job placement assistance, and other related services to all students. We work closely with our students during the classroom phase of training so that they are educated in professional interview techniques, and job seeking tools. Students are advised on topics ranging from filling out an application to developing the attitude and work habits that employers are looking for in an employee. Griffin’s CDL Institute may invite various trucking companies to visit the facility and talk with students regarding employment assistance, requirements for employment, and job availability. Advising is an on-going service throughout the student’s training period and after graduation, if needed. Every effort will be made to place our graduates; however, Griffin’s CDL Institute will only refer graduates to prospective employer and not contact any prospective employer directly. Griffin’s CDL Institute does not guarantee employment.

Above Average Proficient 90 – 100%

Proficient 80 – 89%

Nonproficient 79 % – Below

Students are given a weekly grade at the end of each week. Satisfactory progress is considered to be a GPA of 80% or higher. Any student falling below proficiency will be placed on academic probation for one week and may be dismissed if they do not show satisfactory progress (80% Proficient) within the second week. The final GPA must be 80% or higher in order to be eligible to receive a Certificate of Completion. All work must be completed as required in order to receive a grade. Make up work may be allowed on a case-by-case basis and scheduled with the instructor. Students who experience difficulty in understanding a subject should request assistance from Instructor. Griffin’s CDL Institute will provide, within reason, additional assistance to ensure that each student is successful. There will be no extra charge for tutorial or make up. After 160 hours of training there will be an evaluation by the Campus Director to determine if the student shall continue or be dropped from the course. The student cannot exceed 160 hours without the approval of the Campus Director. If for some reason a student needs a little more training time, up to five additional days will be allowed at no additional fee. Anything over five days will be charged at $ 250.00 per day.

Griffin’s CDL Institute is not a participant of the Federal Financial Aid Program, Title IV; nor does this institution provide loans to students. In an effort to provide our students with options regarding the cost of tuition, Griffin’s CDL Institute has established relationships with a variety of sources for student tuition assistance. The following is a list of agencies that we work with:

· ResCare Workforce Services

· Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

· Banking and Lending Institutions

· Potential Employers

Griffin’s CDL Institute has established relationship with multiple institutions, whic