Going To The National Fire Academy (NFA) For The First Time?

Policies

Campus Security:

Due to heightened security requirements, please understand that you, your vehicle, or your luggage may be searched by security and law enforcement personnel. Maryland law is very narrow in its definition of Law Enforcement Officers who may carry firearms. For your own protection, and to expedite your processing into the NETC, do not bring any firearms to campus. Sworn and State POST certified officers and federal officers or local officers with concurrent jurisdiction who require a firearm for the performance of required official duties must obtain an exception from the Director of Support Services or the NETC Safety and Security Specialist prior to arrival on campus. For security information (only), please call (301) 447-1422; for general information, please call (301) 447-1000.

Class Attendance:

Students must attend all class sessions and successfully complete the evaluation criteria with a minimum grade of 70 percent to receive a certificate.

Dress Code

It is each student's responsibility to use good judgment in selecting attire that projects a professional image, and is appropriate for both climate differences and classroom activities. EMI and NFA have authority to make a determination that a student's attire is inappropriate. Students wearing attire which is determined to be inappropriate will be required to change into more appropriate clothing before being allowed to continue class.

In routine classroom settings:

MALES: Shirts with collars, slacks, including departmental uniforms (no T-shirts), shoes and socks.

Optional items include sweaters, sport coats, ties, etc.

FEMALES: Dresses, blouses with slacks or skirts, including departmental uniforms (no T-shirts),

                                         and shoes. Optional items include sweaters, blazers, etc.

        Principles of Fire Protection students will need work clothes (no turnout gear) for the Fire Protection
                                   Lab activities during the course.

        Fire/Arson Investigation students will need work clothes (no turnout gear) for the last week of the course.

Recommended graduation attire (NFA students only):

MALES: Suits, sport coats, dress shirts and ties, dress slacks, or departmental dress uniforms.

FEMALES: Suits or dresses, blouses with dress slacks or skirts, or departmental dress uniforms.

Student Failure:

A student who fails a NFA on-campus course and applies for any subsequent course, including the one failed, will be accepted only on a space-available basis (after all applicants have been placed and there is no waiting list). Attendance will be at no cost to the Government; i.e., a second stipend will not be provided. Lodging will be provided at the student's expense. This restriction will apply until the individual successfully completes an NFA on-campus course.

Cancellations:

The NFA always has always promoted full class attendance in order to fulfill its obligation under Public Law 93-498 to deliver training and, thus, to reduce the loss of life and property due to fires. Its mission for delivery of resident courses is impaired significantly by cancellations and no-shows. Typically there are many more student applications than there are course seats available, and NFA must maximize opportunities for class attendance. It is very difficult to recruit students for courses at the last minute.

The NFA is keeping a careful watch over student cancellations and no-shows. Currently, there is a 2-year ban on student attendance for students who are no-shows or cancel at the last minute without a valid reason. Students who are accepted into a course offering should take their obligation to attend very seriously.

Misconduct

If a student, guest, or contract employee is found to have engaged in misconduct and the charges are upheld on appeal, the penalty may include--but is not limited to--expulsion; withholding of stipend or forfeiture of stipend paid; foreclosure from future classes for a specified period; forfeiture of certificate for course/courses enrolled in at NETC; deletion from the qualified bidders list; or all of the above.

A letter notifying the student, guest, or contract employee's sponsor of the individual's misconduct is sent by the appropriate official at NETC. Upon written request by the individual's sponsor, information from and/or copies of the statements from the individual and witnesses, police reports, and NETC security reports may be made available to the individual's sponsor for the purpose of determining if disciplinary action is appropriate by the sponsoring organization.

Records of student and guest misconduct at NETC will be maintained by the NETC Management, Operations, and Support Services. Official records must be retained two years after final disposition of the matter and expiration of penalty, if any penalty was imposed, whichever is later.

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