|
 Cancellations
How
much lead time will we get if you have to cancel a class?
We
have a strict no cancellations policy. We do not cancel a class so
long as there is one paid-up student enrolled.
Custom
Content
You
say your classes can be tailored to our needs. What level of
customization is included in the base tuition?
For
a typical custom class of 5 to 6 students, a full 10 to 20% custom
content (PowerPoint slides, scripts, database queries, etc.) can be
provided at no additional charge. Just let us know what you need when
you request the class.
If
desired, we can, of course, provide even more custom content. Feel
free to contact us for a free estimate.
Or, we could develop the course content based on your database. (see below)
Databases
Can
a custom group class use its own database instead of one you supply?
Yes,
just let us know and we will be happy to provide a free
quote. We will need an extract of your database in advance of
the class to help us prepare your custom material.
Directions
Where
are your San Juan Capistrano classes held?
In
San Juan Capistrano close to Interstate 5. See directions
for details.
Discounts
I
want to set up a class for several students. Is there a discount for this?
Yes.
We do provide substantial discounts for multiple students. This
applies whether you want a custom group class at your facility or
just want to send several students to open enrollment. See Price
List for current levels.
This
is intended to apply to a single order. For example, two orders paid
a week apart are treated separately.
What
is the Internet discount?
We
give this if you initiate the enrollment process on-line or request
a quote on-line. It applies only to your first class with us.
Do
I get a discount if I buy more than one class?
Yes,
if they are on the same order you will get a 15% discount.
However,
this does not apply to two-day classes with days 1 and 2 separately
orderable. For example you cannot buy AIN100A and AIN100B and get a
discount since the two day sequence is really AIN100.
Enrollment
How
do you enroll for a class?
We do not have
a separate enrollment process. Simply place your order on-line. We
will send you an invoice and confirm the dates when paid.
What is the
deadline for enrolling in an open enrollment class?
Right up
through the Thursday of the week preceding your class.
As a single
individual can I sign up for an existing group class?
No. Due to the
nature of the group training environment we cannot allow individuals
to "join" custom classes for other organizations.
We recommend
you sign up for private training or take a regularly scheduled open
enrollment class.
What
is the minimum enrollment?
Due to the
semi-private nature of our training, open enrollment classes will run
so long as there is one student enrolled.
Custom group
classes require a minimum of two students, three if taught outside
the local Orange County area. Out of state clients should probably
plan on 5 or 6 at the least.
Equipment
What equipment
should we plan on for an on-site class?
One computer
per student and one connection for the instructor's laptop or a
customer supplied desktop computer. Ideally, all on a LAN with a
share drive or folder. (If need be we can supply a few laptop
computers for a modest fee).
A Datashow or
equivalent screen projector. (Although we can supply this if need be
for a modest fee.)
A suitable
training room. (or see Facilities below.)
Can you supply
us with computers or projectors for an on-site class?
Yes, although
there will be a modest rental charge. We can provide the projector as
well as a few laptop computers with software.
Does
each open enrollment student have a dedicated computer?
Yes, each
student will have an individual computer for their use during the
class. All our student desktop computers have Windows XP and
Microsoft Office 2003 (and other software as required).
Facilities
If we prefer,
can we ask you to supply the classroom facilities for an "on-site"?
Our goal with
on-site training is to provide convenient, custom training to small
groups at costs that are much lower than conventional training at a
training center. However, if you prefer to train off-site we have
three options...
1)
Reserve our San Juan Capistrano training room. We do not
currently charge anything above normal registration for this option.
2) Have
us arrange to rent a completely equipped local training room.
These are available in many locations in Southern California. Prices
range from $500 to $1200 per group per day. Give us a call (949-489-1472)
if interested.
3) Have
us arrange a University
of Phoenix classroom.
These large, comfortable rooms are available at far lower costs
(less than $100 per group per half day) in many major locations
throughout Southern California ranging from Palmdale through South
Orange County. Here is a list of locations...
|
Diamond Bar |
Palmdale |
|
Costa Mesa |
Pasadena |
|
Gardena |
Foothill Ranch |
|
La Mirada |
San Bernardino |
|
Ontario |
Oxnard |
|
Woodland Hills |
Murrieta / Temecula |
Students either bring their own laptop or use one of ours.
Software
What software
should we plan on for an on-site class?
MS Office
Professional, 2000 through 2003 for Access classes.
For SQL
classes: SQL Server 7.0 or above, Oracle 9i, MySQL 3.23.
Visio 2000
through 2003 or equivalent design tool for the Database Design classes.
Java: BlueJ
IDE. (WebSphere with advance notice). |
On-going
Support
Once the class
is over can we contact you with questions?
Yes. We are
happy to answer your questions for a full two months following one of
our classes. In addition we encourage our students to take advantage
of our consulting and programming services to help with their projects.
Open
Enrollment
What
do you mean by "open enrollment"?
Anyone
can sign up. You do not have to be a member of a group. These
classes are taught in our Training Rooms in San Juan Capistrano,
Orange County, California.
Rates
What are the
rates for work billed hourly?
We do both
hourly work and fixed bid. Our rates are lower for Microsoft Access
than for other products. For current rates please see Programming
and Consulting rates.
Your
course prices seem low. Are the prices per day or per class?
Per class. For
example a two day course advertised at $200 will cost $200 total, not
$400. Our prices are low because we keep our overhead costs low.
Refunds
What if we
have to cancel a class? Do we get the full amount refunded?
Tuition is
fully refundable with two weeks notice prior to the class start, 50%
refundable with 24 hours notice. Registration, customization and
expenses incurred are non-refundable.
Will
you refund our money if we aren't satisfied?
For
open-enrollment classes, yes. We offer a money-back guarantee. If you
are not completely satisfied with the class we will refund the fees paid.
Registration
What
is the registration fee?
This
is a small fee associated with group classes and private training.
It applies only once to multiple classes taken
"back-to-back". It is assessed per billing contact not per student.
Registration
is in addition to tuition. It applies only once per class not per day.
Retakes
Can we retake
a class?
This depends
upon the class. In general, groups and private training students may
retake any one of the "sessions" without tuition charges
within six months. (This does not apply to special promotional
programs.) Some groups may want to repeat one of the modules that is
of particular interest. However, some classes such as the Data
Warehousing and Java courses cannot currently be retaken.
Open
enrollment students are eligible for unlimited retakes within one year. They should bring with them their original materials.
Scheduling
When do
classes start?
Unless
otherwise arranged, all classes start at 9:00AM.
Can we
schedule a class on Saturday?
Yes. This is
fine. However, individual private training and consulting are billed
at time and 1/2.
What about evenings?
Our modular
approach makes this a very feasible concept. However, there may be
limitations imposed by instructor availability. Again, individual
private training and consulting clients will be charged time and 1/2
after 5:00PM.
Can we take
just one or two of the sessions for a given class?
Certainly. For
example your group may already have some familiarity with how to
create tables, work with the datasheet and do simple queries. But you
would like some formal training on Forms and Reports (our session 2),
or maybe Macros. Give us a call. Our modular approach is a perfect
fit for this. We will tailor the class to your needs.
Is consulting
offered outside normal work hours?
Subject to
availability, yes. Billed at time and 1/2.
Travel
What are the
travel charges?
40$/hour plus
40 cents/mile when outside the local Orange County Area. These are
included in the original invoice at estimated levels per Mapquest.
For classes
outside the Southern California area meals, lodging and any
applicable airfare and auto rental at cost would apply. Travel time
is billed at $300 per travel day.
What is the
"local Orange County area"?
Locations
within 40 miles of Laguna Niguel in south Orange County. Roughly all
of Orange County, north to Long Beach and the Los Angeles County
line, east to Riverside and south to Oceanside and Vista in San Diego County.
Do
you provide training out-of-state?
Yes. See above
for costs. You will probably want to have a minimum of 5 or 6 students.
Payment
When is
payment for a class due?
You will be
invoiced prior to the scheduling of the class. Invoices are due on
receipt. Class dates and enrollment will be confirmed upon payment.
You may pay by check or credit card.
Meals, auto
rental and lodging charges, if any, will be billed at completion.
Airfare, if applicable, will be billed as incurred. Travel time will
be billed in advance with the original invoice.
What about
payments for fixed bid work?
50% upon
approval of the Statement of Work. 50% upon delivery and acceptance.
Can you bill
students in a group class individually?
Yes, although
each student billed separately will have to pay a separate
registration fee.
Do
you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept
both Visa and MasterCard. We also accept American Express cards.
Training
Certificates
Do you award
training certificates?
Yes, at the
conclusion of each class each student will receive an individual
training certificate. |
