The North American School of Outdoor Writing

Enrollment & Refund Policy
The North American School of Outdoor Writing is recognized by Outdoor Writers of America and Outdoor Writers of Canada. Students may qualify for the Outdoor Writers of American Scholarship program.

Raccoon illustration for article.  "Where Animals Sleep" in Discover Magazine.
Photo by R. Brunt

A student is enrolled in the North American School of Outdoor Writing once they receive a copy of their Enrollment Application signed and dated by the Registrar of the School

1.  Written notice must be provided by:

(a) a student to the institution when the student withdraws and:
(b) the institution to the student when the institution dismisses a student

Refunds Before the program of Study Starts

2.  If written notice of withdrawal is received before the program of study starts, the institution must return all funds except an administration fee of 10% of funds due under the contract, to a maximum of $100.

Refunds After the Program of Study Starts

3. (a) If written notice of withdrawal is received, or a student is dismissed, within 10% of the program of study's duration the institution must return all funds paid except 30% of funds due under the contract.

(b) Subject to subsection (3)(a) if written notice of withdrawal is received, or a student is dismissed, within 30% of the program of study's duration, the institution must return all funds paid except 50% of funds due under the contract.

(c) If a student withdraws or is dismissed after 30% of the program of study's duration, no refund is required.

4. Refunds owing to students pursuant to subsections (2) and (3) must be paid within thirty (30) days of the institution receiving written notification of the withdrawal, or within thirty (30) days of an institutions written notice of dismissal.

Refunds In Case An Institution Closes

5. When an institution closes, voluntary or otherwise, before the program of study is delivered, student fees will be refunded.

Refunds in cases of Change in Program Content, Scheduling or Location

6. (1)  If an institution changes the start date or location of study after a entering into a contract with the student, or significantly alters either the program of study's content or scheduling, refund of all or part of paid student fees may be granted.

(2) Refunds must be paid by the institution within thirty (30) days of receiving notice of withdrawal by the student.

Refunds in Cases Where a Student Does Not Complete Their Lessons

If a student does not complete 30% of the course within one year, or contact the school for a period of one year, they will not be entitled to a refund after that date.