1. Introduction
- The Operating Rules are intended to be a guiding document for conduct and an indicator of procedures to be observed at Cascais School of Arts & Design (CSA), to allow the normal functioning of the school and to encourage the development of an environment conducive to the pedagogical and cultural enrichment of students.
- This document also aims to optimize the performance of the teaching and non-teaching staff.
2. Facilities
- 2.1 CSA's opening hours during the school year, unless otherwise stated, are from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday to Saturday.
- 2.2 Students attending a CSA course can use the school facilities and equipment whenever available. Classes have priority over their use.
- 2.3 The use of spaces and equipment must be conducted carefully to avoid damage. The use of scalpels, glues, and paints must be done with proper protection and in appropriate areas.
- 2.4 Computers are intended exclusively for educational purposes and for curricular work.
- 2.5 Students must always log out after use and are responsible for any data stored on the computers.
- 2.6 Eating or drinking is not permitted in the classrooms.
- 2.7 Socializing in common areas must occur without disturbing classes or learning activities.
- 2.8 Smoking is only allowed in the courtyard ashtray area. It is forbidden near the school entrance.
- 2.9 Free parking is available on Rua do Viveiro and Avenida Sabóia.
3. Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff
- 3.1 CSA has a team of faculty and staff available to support students.
- 3.2 Pedagogical or academic questions should first be addressed to the module instructor. Broader issues may be directed to the Course Coordinator.
- 3.3 Administrative, financial, or procedural matters should be directed to the Sales Team.
- 3.4 Other academic questions may be addressed to the Academic Board, which acts as the final instance of resolution.
- 3.5 Technical support is available for Zoom or software issues. Contact +351 913 760 507 between 9:20 AM and 7:00 PM.
4. Student Enrollment and Selection
- 4.1 Enrollment requires completion of secondary education (12th grade) and, when applicable, basic computer literacy.
- 4.2 Information about courses may be requested via www.csarts.pt, by phone, or in person.
- 4.3 After initial contact, applicants receive the requested information, the enrollment form, and the list of required documents.
- 4.4 Each applicant must correctly fill in the enrollment form and provide all required documentation.
- 4.5 Enrollment is confirmed after payment and signing of the professional training contract.
- 4.6 Student information is uploaded to the CSA Portal for academic management.
- 4.7 Personal data is protected by CSA’s data protection policy and used only for official purposes, unless explicit consent is given.
- 4.8 Courses will only open if the minimum number of students is met one week before the start date. Students may transfer or request a refund within 15 working days if a class is canceled.
- 4.9 Refunds are available if the student withdraws up to 20 working days before the course begins.
- 4.10 Attendance Certificates are issued only after the agreed payment is completed.
5. Teaching Activities
- 5.1 The full course calendar and schedule are provided at the start of the course. Any changes are communicated through the Portal.
- 5.2 Students must attend at least 70% of total classes per curricular unit. Failure to meet this may result in course repetition at extra cost.
- 5.3 Absences must be justified via email to academicservice@csarts.pt and validated by the Academic Team.
- 5.4 A 30-minute delay tolerance is allowed before being marked absent.
- 5.5 Breaks must not exceed 15 minutes, and lunch breaks should not exceed one hour.
- 5.6 Missed content will not be replaced for absent or late students.
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5.7 Attendance Scheme
- a) Attendance Without Assessment – Students must follow attendance and participation rules but are not required to complete assessments. They receive a Certificate of Attendance and no future accreditation.
- b) Attendance With Assessment – Students must complete attendance, participation, and all assessment activities described in section 5.8.
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5.8 Assessment Methodology
- a) The assessment methodology for the course and each curricular unit is presented at the beginning of the course.
- b) Students must comply with all assessments and obtain a final grade equal to or higher than 10.
- c) The final grade is a weighted average of all curricular units, accompanied by qualitative feedback.
- d) The weighted average determines the final grade, which is recorded on the Professional Training Certificate issued by DGERT.
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5.9 Assessment Process
- a) Learning assessment is continuous.
- b) Continuous assessment is carried out by the instructor under the supervision of the course coordinator.
- c) It is based on curricular content and objectives, allowing ongoing monitoring.
- d) Students must submit assessment work digitally via the Portal, or physically to the instructor responsible.
- e) Returned work must be collected within 15 working days; uncollected work will be discarded.
- f) The course is considered completed only when the student passes all curricular units.
- g) Final grades must be entered in the Portal within 15 working days after completion of the unit or last assessment date.
- h) Grades are validated by the Training Management Team after coordinator confirmation.
- i) Certificates are issued via the SIGO platform within 15 working days of course completion. After certification, students become alumni.
- j) Unaddressed cases are reviewed by the Training Management Team with the course coordinator.
- 5.10 Students must complete mandatory satisfaction surveys before receiving their certificates.
- 5.11 CSA promotes internship, extracurricular, and job opportunities to improve employability.
6. Rules on Payment of Fees
- 6.1 Registration and tuition fees for arts and design courses are defined annually by CSA.
- 6.2 Tuition fees are annual and can be paid as follows:
- a) Full payment up to 5 working days before the course starts, with a 10% discount.
- b) Payment in 9 or 11 equal monthly installments via direct debit.
- c) Installments are due by the 5th of each month, or the previous working day if not.
- d) The first fee is paid by ATM or transfer (IBAN: PT50 0018 2021 0353 2587 0207 5) by the first day of class. The second installment is due by the 5th of the following month.
- e) The discount does not apply to the registration fee.
- f) Non-EU students are subject to an additional €1,100 registration fee.
- g) Individual support lessons cost €60/hour and can be scheduled based on instructor availability.
7. Late Payment
- a) Payments after the 5th incur a €15 penalty; delays over 30 days incur €100 for each 30-day period.
- b) Penalties apply to direct debit returns and related bank fees. CSA may also apply late payment interest.
- c) Returned payments can be made by Multibanco, Visa, Mastercard, or bank transfer with proof sent by email.
8. Long Absences or Withdrawals
- 8.1 Students are responsible for paying the full course fee, even in the event of voluntary withdrawal.
- 8.2 CSA may suspend or cancel enrollment due to non-payment without valid justification.
- 8.3 CSA reserves the right to initiate appropriate recovery actions in cases of non-compliance.
- 8.4 CSA may exempt future payments for students who withdraw for serious, documented reasons.
9. Suggestions and Complaints
- 9.1 Students can provide feedback through surveys, the portal, email, phone, or in person.
- 9.2 CSA has a Complaints Book. Complaints must be submitted within 30 working days and will be answered within 15 working days.
- 9.3 Pedagogical, administrative, or academic issues follow the procedures outlined in sections 3.2–3.4.
