CIDESCO 2026 STUDENT HANDBOOK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I Facilities and Weather
Location Parking
Public transit
Weather in Calgary
Lockers
II Academics
Academic calendar
Required hours
Curriculum
Course Content
III Policies Models
Clients
Earn and Learn
Social Media Participation
Attendance Assessments
Assignments
Module exams
Final exams
Progress Reports
Research Project
Portfolio of Evidence
Uniform Privacy
Mobile Phones & Electronic Devices
Masks
Sick Days
IV. Certification
V. Student Behavior
Behavioral Issues/Dispute Resolution
Meetings
Plagiarism
Artificial Intelligence
Smoking or Vaping
Academic Performance
VI. Grades & Appeals
The information contained herein is subject to change and may be changed/updated without notice. This handbook will be reviewed on the first day of class.
I. FACILITIES & WEATHER
LOCATION
The south campus of The Esthetic Institute Training Center is located at #4110 - 7005 Fairmount Drive SE
There is also a north campus, but all CIDESCO classes will be held at the south campus.
The Esthetic Institute (TEI) Training Center is part of Beauty Depot which is located in the same building Beauty Depot is an esthetic and spa supply distributor that is open to licensed beauty/spa professionals and industry students only TEI has its own entrance and facilities, and CIDESCO classes are held on the second floor. Please do not inquire about your CIDESCO classes in Beauty Depot. The CIDESCO department of the school is not wheelchair accessible and is accessed by stairs only
PARKING
Please park on the south side of the building. However, avoid stalls that are in front of the Beauty Depot. Models can park on the west side of the building Please be sure to let your models know not to park in the spots labeled 1-hour parking, and not to use spots reserved for neighboring businesses, such as Hall’s Auction House next door to us
The ‘rush hour’ in Calgary is usually from 7:30 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm During these times, the major roads and freeways will be congested. Weather, road conditions and accidents may delay your trip, so it is expected that you monitor the road conditions via internet, television, or radio and adjust your travel schedule so that you can drive safely and arrive on time for class, regardless of the travel conditions
PUBLIC TRANSIT
The Chinook C-Train Station is on 61st Ave SW, which is a short bus ride north of the school There are buses that leave the Chinook station and can drop you at stop #7276 that is located just before the Glenmore Trail underpass From this bus stop it is a few minutes walk south to the Fairmore Business Park where the school is located. Please visit calgarytransit.com to plan your transit route. It is strongly recommended that you practice your public transit route at least once before the start of classes so that you are not late. Snow storms may delay the transit buses and you are expected to make the appropriate changes to your travel schedule during inclement weather to be on time for classes
WEATHER IN CALGARY
Be prepared to be outside in very cold weather for an extended period of time if you are taking public transit during the fall, winter, and early spring The weather in southern Alberta is variable from day to
day. Temperatures in the winter will range from just above freezing to -30 degrees Celsius, while summer temperatures can soar to 30 degrees Celsius or more. Snowstorms in winter and thunderstorms in summer are frequent. Southern Alberta is also known to be windy. It is imperative that you monitor the weather forecast and wear appropriate attire when outside to stay comfortable and safe. The coldest weather is usually from November to March, but it is possible to have very cold or snowy weather much earlier or later than this. For more information about the weather in Calgary, visit www.weathernetwork.ca.
SCHOOL HOURS
Doors will open 30 minutes prior to class starting You will not be able to enter the building until that time. It is important to note that when class is over, students MUST vacate the building. The staff cannot be expected to stay behind while students visit, fix hair/makeup in the bathroom, etc. If you have someone who is picking you up from class, you must ensure that they are scheduled to arrive when class is finished.
LOCKERS
Lockers will be provided on the first day of class. You are required to bring your own lock for the lockers, as one will not be provided. For security reasons, you are asked to provide your locker code or an extra key to the primary educator in the event that you forget or misplace either one. When a spare locker key or code is provided, if important belongings such as car keys or locker keys are accidentally locked in, we will be able to ensure timely access to those items. Lockers will not be entered without permission or unless there is an imminent safety concern. Should we need to access a locksmith to cut off a lock, there’s no guarantee that this can be done promptly. Educators cannot stay late to wait around for someone, even a locksmith.
All of your personal belongings are to be kept in your locker, other than what you require for the lecture or spa on any given day. Personal items are not to be left in the kitchen, bistro, bathroom, or other public or common areas
II. ACADEMICS
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
(*Subject to change at any time)
Theory Days Mon-Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm (some theory will be delivered online on Moodle)
Spa Days Mon - Thur: 12:30 - 8:30pm (days will alternate)
Fri-Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Theory and Spa Weeks Combination of the above
Module Exams
Module theory exams will occur regularly in class and often on Moodle.
IMPORTANT DATES
Feb 20, 2026 (Mandatory)
Feb 23, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
Apr 6, 2026
May 18, 2026
July 1, 2026
August 3, 2026
Sept. 7, 2026
Oct. 12, 2026
Nov. 11, 2026
Nov 4, 2026
Nov 6 to 9, 2026
Nov 20, 2026
Nov 27 to 30, 2026
Meet & Greet (Uniform, textbook, schedule, and reading list pick-up) 11am
First day of class - Orientation
Easter Friday - no class
Easter Monday - no class
Victoria Day – no class
Canada Day - no class
Civic Holiday - no class
Labour Day – no class
Thanksgiving - no class
Remembrance Day - no class
Research Project Due
Mock Exams (subject to change)
Portfolio of Evidence Due
Final Exams (subject to change)
**You will receive a paper calendar with all class dates, holidays, and days off on the first day of class. The calendar is subject to change at any time.
REQUIRED HOURS
CIDESCO and the Government of Alberta require that students complete 1200 in this program in order to graduate The government requires these hours to be completed in 41 weeks (9 months) The majority of in-class and spa activities will count toward this total. The program has been structured so that the students can attain their required hours if they participate fully in all activities It is imperative that the student take ownership of their hours to ensure that they are completed. There is limited opportunity and resources to make up for lost time if you are absent for any reason, including illness In addition to hours missed due to illness, time will be deducted from attendance for the following reasons:
● The student is late arriving to class
● The student leaves early
● The student no-shows
● The student has appointments they need to attend during class time
● The student is late returning from breaks
● The student is not actively participating in class/spa
● The student frequently visits their locker during class hours
● The student is off the floor/ unable to be found by staff
Should a student not meet the required 1200 hours, the student will not be allowed to sit for the final exams and will be withdrawn from the program.
CURRICULUM
The program will involve a combination of:
● Lectures & class exercises (in-class and online)
● Demonstrations (in class and online)
● Assignments
● Term project
● Practice on fellow students
● Practice on models recruited by the students
● Experience working with clients in the student spa, scheduled by the school and by the students
● Exams (in-class)
● PreEmpt course (part of the Hygiene module)
**Online classes/exams will be conducted on the Moodle platform You must use the Chrome browser
with this platform for it to work properly.
**The PreEmpt course MUST be completed and a passing grade received on the quiz before being able to participate in any practical services.
You will be provided with certain tools required to perform specific services. In the event that these tools are lost/damaged, it is your responsibility to replace them. TEI is not responsible for any tools that go missing. It is expected that students keep all of their belongings locked up in their lockers. You must have the appropriate tools available for in-class and in the spa. There are no extras available to borrow.
COURSE CONTENT
Lectures will be provided in person or online (some of which are pre-recorded) The majority of lectures will be provided in the classroom, however, this is subject to change at any time.
Pre-recorded lectures are to be treated as any other lecture. The student is expected to log in on time at 8:30 am and put in a full day’s effort to achieve the hours allotted for that particular module Late arrivals or early departures will be docked time accordingly and logged as an ‘unexcused absence’.
Students are expected to be able to sit and focus for up to 2 hours at a time. It is important for students to remain mindful of others with regard to any distractions, such as frequent trips out of the room, clicking of pens, tapping of feet, crinkling of wrappers/water bottles, etc. (Note: Absolutely no food is allowed in the classroom/spa) If a lecture is missed, it is important for a student to collect any notes from a classmate, as additional information is always provided in conjunction with the slides and is testable material
It is strongly recommended that you do your pre-reading of course material (as per your reading list) prior to lectures, particularly those that are online. There can be quizzes to see if the reading has been completed prior to the lectures
The course curriculum includes core subjects that will be directly tested by CIDESCO, as well as additional subjects that the students choose to participate in to give them additional hours and skills to offer employers
Additional subjects are not a requirement of CIDESCO. However, the hours provided for these subjects are counted towards the ‘buffer’ of hours CIDESCO provides in the event that a student has an unforeseen absence (CIDESCO requires completion of 1200 hours; a buffer of 100 hours is built in for a total of 1300 hours available in the scheduled term)
Students will sign up for the ‘Additional Subjects’ that interest them. It is expected that a student attends the course once they commit and provide no less than one month’s notice if they can no longer attend. If a student chooses to withdraw less than 1 month from the date of the ‘additional subject’, they will be charged a $75 cancellation fee. This fee covers any additional student supplies/kits that were specially ordered for the student to participate in these classes
COURSE CONTENT MODULES
CORE CIDESCO SUBJECTS
Hygiene
Contraindications
Anatomy & Physiology
Organic Chemistry
Electrical Physics
Cytology
Microbiology
Cosmetic Ingredients
Metabolism
Nutrition
Manicure
Pedicure
Brow shaping
Waxing
Facial Analysis
Basic Facials
Microdermabrasion
Advanced Facials
Day Makeup
Brow & Lash Tinting
Body Analysis
Body Treatments
Advanced Body Treatments
Swedish-style Massage
Business studies
ADDITIONAL COURSES
Optional attendance
E-file Pedicure (prerequisite required) (16 hours)
Glycolic Peel (prerequisite required) (12 hours)
Lash Lift (16 hours)
Brow Lamination (8 hours)
Mandatory attendance
Brand Yourself
III. POLICIES
MODELS
Students will be expected to recruit models for skill practice. A model is the first person on whom a student will perform a service other than a fellow student. Often, a model is a friend, acquaintance, or family member of the student. However, if a student is not from the Calgary area, the school has a list of individuals who are willing to model for out-of-town students.
Class models will pay a nominal model fee of $10 to $20, course dependent If the model list does not fill a student’s model requirements, other methods to recruit models include social media and active networking Students will be assigned times to bring in models This information will be reviewed on the first day of class. It is up to students to secure models and to ensure that models are not medically or otherwise contraindicated to receive the service Models must be female for certain services, including waxing and body treatments, as model sessions will not be conducted in private. Students will not be permitted to take clients in the student spa for a particular treatment until they have shown that they can satisfactorily perform the treatment on a model.
In the event that a student does not have a model for a core CIDESCO service (ex manicure, pedicure, facial, etc.) or the student misses any days in which new skills are taught, the student will not be allowed to perform that service in the spa Inability to perform services in the spa will interfere with the ability to meet service quotas (discussed later under ‘TEI certification’). ‘Catch-up’ days will be made available only once or twice per term, time permitting, and are not to be relied upon Alternatively, a student can pay a $100 fee to arrange for observation by staff of a model or for a staff member to help a student catch up on a skill prior to the scheduled ‘catch-up’ days
In the event that a student does not have a model for the ‘Additional Subjects’ (listed previously), a $250 rescheduling fee will apply for another model time to be arranged Certification in those subjects (specifically Chemical Peel, Lash Lift, Brow Lamination and E-file Pedicure) is dependent upon completion of models Failure to recruit a model will either result in a $250 fee to reschedule or the forfeiture of the certification.
CLIENTS
After demonstrating skill level satisfactorily on a model, students will gain more experience with skills by working with clients in the TEI Student Spa. Spa clients will pay a special reduced rate to have a student serve them instead of a certified esthetician Clients will be members of the public who schedule appointments with the spa, or may be individuals whom you have recruited yourself. Since we can not guarantee how many of the public will book appointments, students will be required to recruit some clients themselves. The onus is on the student to ensure that they get the experience that they need If a student does not have at least one client, or previously scheduled reception or
dispensary, for the day, TEI can provide some relevant spa duties (laundry, sanitation, office tasks, etc.).
We will provide up to a few hours of these activities on spa days even if a student has a client or previously scheduled dispensary or reception duty, and then you could be sent home. In this case, TEI will not credit the student hours for the remainder of the day.
This is a similar policy to what you will experience in an industry job Idle staff might be sent home on slow days after a few hours. This is why it’s important to build a clientele that books you repeatedly.
Both TEI and CIDESCO require you to accrue a certain quota of treatment with clients to sit for examinations. Your educators will keep track of your client and treatment quotas for both TEI and CIDESCO A Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) of your client treatments will be submitted to the CIDESCO examiner. Failure to complete this portfolio will result in withdrawal from final exams.
EARN AND LEARN
Students have the ability to participate in ‘Earn & Learn’ while working in the student spa. Every quarter, a student will receive 10% of their product sales and spa services to be directed into either their school account for future classes or to Beauty Depot to spend on products. Tips earned on services will also be calculated every quarter and provided to the student It is important to note that ALL cash tips are accounted for in the Vagaro booking system upon checkout and left for the staff to manage. These tips will be allocated back to students every quarter This includes tips that a client hands directly to a student. Please ensure that the cash is given to your educator so that it is properly accounted for.
SOCIAL MEDIA
In an effort to help students build their social media portfolio, an arrangement will be made with students with regard to creating content for sites such as Instagram within the classroom or spa setting. It is important to understand that this is not a requirement of TEI or CIDESCO and that any abuse or breaking of rules in regards to the social media policy could result in this privilege being revoked This policy will be reviewed early in the term.
With regards to the use of social media and The Esthetic Institute, here are the policies that apply to the entire school (both CIDESCO and modular programs)
> Online Communication and Social Media Activity Code of Conduct
This section contains principles and expectations of behavior that guide the usage of online communication methods and social media platforms by students, staff, and contractors (herein referred to as ‘individuals’) of The Esthetic Institute Training Center (herein referred to as ‘TEI’) for the purposes of displaying information or images associated with TEI, in a way that:
(a) contributes to the welfare of its key stakeholders, and (b) respects the rights of all individuals affected by its operations.
‘Online communication’ and ‘social media’ refer to internet-based communication tools, applications, websites, and platforms through which individuals may communicate, collaborate, or make contact with others, which are not under the control of TEI, and are voluntarily accessed and used by individuals
Individuals commit, by virtue of their association with TEI, to abide by the principles and guidelines contained herein. Individuals found to be in violation of these principles may be subject to sanctions or disciplinary action
> Representation of TEI
An individual’s character and actions in online communication and on social media are a reflection of TEI’s reputation The individual is responsible for behaving in a manner that does not adversely affect the reputation of TEI
Posts and images that mention TEI, that show any TEI branding, any identifying features of TEI, or might otherwise be associated with TEI shall not be displayed on public social media accounts.
Posts and images that mention TEI, that show any TEI branding or any identifying features of TEI, or might otherwise be associated with TEI shall only be displayed on:
1 a private social media account, or
2. a public social media account that is exclusively dedicated to professional spa/beauty industry treatments, and does not contain any content of a personal nature
Individuals will only post content online using the following social media:
1. Instagram
2 Facebook
3 TikTok
Acceptable social media are subject to change, and individuals are responsible for consulting the TEI Social Media Code of Conduct for updates and taking the appropriate action to ensure that they are in compliance
Individuals may repost another industry professional’s social media post or online communication, as long as the information contained therein is correct and otherwise follows the principles contained herein.
Individuals are permitted to include products in their social media posts, provided that they are reputable companies, designed for use by industry professionals, and sold through professional distribution channels.
If any social media content or online communication associating the individual with TEI, no matter when it was posted, is deemed inappropriate by any TEI staff member, the individual shall remove the content from all social media and online communication accounts immediately.
> Privacy and Consent
Individuals shall not disclose private, personal, confidential or sensitive information about others in social media or online communication
Individuals shall not post, share, or transmit, whether through social media, online communication, or non-digital methods, images of others without explicit consent from the person/people who appear(s) in the image.
Individuals must not post images of TEI models or clients on social media without the explicit permission of their lead educator.
> Integrity and Respect
Individuals who choose to engage in social media discussion or online communication commit, by virtue of their participation in TEI courses, workshops, or activities, to support the morale of other individuals by:
1. keeping content, posts, and conversation threads focused on TEI courses and official activities
2. choosing to express one’s self in words with a positive connotation
3. choosing to be solutions-focused, rather than problem-focused
4. avoiding comments that shame or belittle others
5 avoiding negativity and complaining, and instead, asking for help and/or seeking solutions
> Individuals are entitled to:
1. withdraw from social media and online communication with peers that make them feel negative or uncomfortable.
2. communicate with their lead educator regarding class matters, through whichever means the
educator has indicated is appropriate and acceptable to them.
3 ask to see images, for the purpose of approving or disapproving them for posting on social media or in other online communications, in which they appear before they are posted Individuals may not refuse another’s request to see and approve an image in which they appear before it is posted, unless the applicable general release has been signed.
PARTICIPATION
Full participation in every skill, lecture, and activity is required by all students Students will first practice skills on other students in class prior to practicing on models/clients. It is expected that students will work together with all their classmates Groups/partners will be assigned by the educators daily
Full participation will preclude students from wearing certain beauty enhancements. Therefore, the following list of enhancements must be removed before the applicable module begins The following are examples:
MODULE
Manicure, Pedicure, E-file Pedicure
Tinting
Facials & Advanced Facials
Makeup
Microdermabrasion & Glycolic peel
Advanced Body Treatments
Lash Lift
PROHIBITED ENHANCEMENTS FOR STUDENTS
Any nail product or enhancement (ie: gel/acrylic)
Eyelash extensions, false eyelashes, waterproof mascara, contact lenses
Any face/decollette piercings, metal ear piercings, eyelash extensions, false eyelashes
Eyelash extensions, false eyelashes
Facial piercings, eyelash extensions, false eyelashes
Metal body piercings
Eyelash extensions, false eyelashes, contact lenses
These enhancements MUST be removed prior to starting the module. Please pay attention to your calendars and make a note of start dates.
Please note that rings, bracelets, and watches are not to be worn during any esthetic treatment for hygienic and safety reasons. If you have such accessories which can not be removed, please contact the Principal Educator as soon as possible.
Ensure any permanent jewelry is removed. You may need to visit a store/vendor to have it soldered off.
If you have piercings that can not be removed for any period of time, you must plan ahead to have silicone spacers put in prior to the module starting.
Nails must be shortened to the length discussed under ‘Uniform’ by the time practical skills begin.
ATTENDANCE
As previously mentioned, this program is a 1200-hour program Regular attendance is required to achieve 1200 hours. A student who does not or can not meet the required hours will be unable to sit for the CIDESCO final exams and will be withdrawn from the program
Any absence, regardless of the cause, will result in a loss of hours. If you are absent and provide a doctor's note indicating that there was a medical reason you were unable to attend class, then the absence will be excused (however, the hours will still be docked). If you are absent and no doctor’s note is provided, then the absence will be unexcused
If a student is late, even one minute late, a ‘late arrival’ will be noted. If a student leaves early from class, then this will also be noted As mentioned previously, in both of these circumstances, the lost time will be deducted from a student’s hours.
An update on attendance hours will be provided on each quarterly report However, it is up to the student to monitor their own attendance as details are not kept in the educator’s attendance records as to the reason for absences
In the event that you miss a day when you are learning a new skill or miss a model day, you will only be able to make it up on a ‘catch-up’ day or if you pay the fee associated with the missed skill, as previously mentioned.
If an exam is missed, a doctor’s note excusing the absence will allow for the exam to be written on a different day of the instructor’s choosing In certain circumstances you will not get much warning and need to be prepared to write it at any time. An unexcused absence will result in the student taking a zero on the exam No exceptions will be made
NOTE: As per the CIDESCO Beauty Therapy Diploma exam criteria, “candidates cannot miss more than 10% of total hours for each subject”. Should your collective absences lead to more than 10% missed hours in any given subject, the candidate will be unable to sit for the final CIDESCO exams
ASSESSMENTS
Assignments
Students are to write/complete assignments by the indicated due date and time in order to receive credit hours for completing the assignment. Some assignments will require a passing score of 70%, while others will be assessed for completion and thoroughness All assignments will be submitted to the G-folder that is set up for you at the beginning of the term.
Students will write their original assignment text in ONE Google Doc or WORD document, with no copy-and-pasting from other working documents, sources, or references Students are not to use any AI-powered features to enhance their own writing, other than basic spelling and grammar checks. Students are to convert their one working document into PDF format for submission, but students are required to keep the working document in its original format.
Students will produce their original working document if asked to do so. It must match the submitted PDF. Students who cannot produce a matching working document immediately when asked to, or whose original working document exhibits copy-and-paste activity, will lose the credit hours for that assignment.
Module Exams
There will be frequent module exams covering the theory and practical skills learned in class These tests are designed to ensure students understand the theory behind the services being performed, to ensure that students serving clients of the student spa have an appropriate level of knowledge, as well as to prepare students for the CIDESCO final exam. TEI module exam results will not count toward the final CIDESCO exam
Module exams will count toward a diploma in Esthetics from TEI if all appropriate theory and practical requirements are satisfied within the time allotted for this course All exams will be conducted in class Exams will be a mix of paper exams and exams on the Moodle platform. Be sure that you are able to source a device on which to write the Moodle exams You will be provided ample notice as to which exams will be online. Devices required to complete exams are either a tablet or a laptop that must be Chrome-enabled. Devices must be charged, as there will be nowhere to plug them in Cell phones are not allowed for exams. There are no second chances/attempts for any module exams.
ALL exams will be written in the classroom setting, paper exams and Moodle exams. If you are absent for any reason on the day of a Moodle exam, you will not be allowed to do the exam at home.
A passing grade on any module test is 70% for theory and 80% for practical (some exceptions apply to
‘additional classes’). Theory exams are done regularly, and practical exams will occur during quarterly ‘assessment days’.
Final CIDESCO Exams
Final exams will occur at the end of the term. The final exams will consist of a full-day practical exam administered by an international CIDESCO examiner, and a theory exam on another day. Either or both of these examinations could be in-person or virtual (online). A ‘passing’ mark for both examinations is 70% on each.
Your educator will conduct a ‘mock exam’ a few weeks before the CIDESCO final. Its purpose is to show the students where they still need practice and to show what to expect during the final exam The mock exam does not count toward the CIDESCO mark. However, the mock exam results are shown as the ‘TEI Final Exam’ grades on your transcripts that you will receive at the end of the term
In order to sit for the final exam, you must complete the 1200 hours, complete the Portfolio of Evidence, as well as achieve a 70% or higher on the research project (explained later)
Students will be given a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ mark for the final CIDESCO exams. If a student fails either part of the CIDESCO final exams, they may apply at any CIDESCO school to sit for the exam again, including The Esthetic Institute. A student may sit for the CIDESCO final theory or practical exam an unlimited number of times, but only the first three times will not incur an additional examination fee Students must sit for the CIDESCO exam at the school of their original training for the first attempt. After that last day of the term, the CIDESCO program and TEI Student Spa resources will no longer be available to the student
The CIDESCO multiple-choice exam is conducted on an online platform run by CIDESCO, not on the Moodle platform You must have a Chrome-enabled laptop with a functional webcam for the final exams. Tablets will not work.
Assessment Days
Three to four sets of assessment days will be conducted over the term The purpose of the assessment days is to help prepare students for CIDESCO examination conditions and to monitor progress in theory knowledge and practical skills If a student’s results in a particular skill are high enough, the assessment of that skill will count toward their TEI diploma. Assessment days will consist of treatment demonstrations by the students, observed by their educators, as well as theory exams
Assessment days will be followed by an assessment meeting. During this meeting, the student will meet with the primary educator to discuss their assessment results, progress in the course, and goals for improvement. These goals will be reviewed in the next assessment meeting.
Students will be issued a progress report and practical exam results after assessment meetings outlining their exam grades, grade average, indication of skill in treatment elements, soft skills, as well as
particular accomplishments and areas requiring development. Progress reports are used to inform students as to where they should be focusing the most effort to improve, and as a guide for educators as to a student’s strengths and areas needing further improvement when they are acting as a reference for potential employers.
Research Project
To qualify to sit for CIDESCO final exams, students will complete a research project The topic will be chosen by the student from a provided list of esthetic concerns. Class time will be set aside to explain the research project criteria in detail
Students are required by CIDESCO to pass the research project with a score of at least 70% in order to sit for the final exams. Students are required to submit their project by the due date and time, or their mark will be subject to deductions of 5% per day. Projects that fail will disqualify the student to sit CIDESCO examinations.
Students will write their original assignment text in ONE Google Doc or WORD document. Rules and expectations for all assignments apply to the research project, as well.
Portfolio of Evidence (PoEs)
To qualify to sit for the CIDESCO Final Exams, students are expected to complete a number of PoE’s during their time in spa and on practice days
These PoEs will be explained in detail during class. The portfolios consist of several pages of information, depending on the service that is being completed They are tracked on a personal spreadsheet found in each student's G-Drive and also in paper folders in the classroom.
These folders are subject to random audits throughout the semester to ensure that students are staying on track. It is up to the student to book clients for the portfolio services they need and take advantage of downtime in the spa or practice days.
UNIFORM
TEI requires that students maintain the uniform requirements that are expected by The Esthetic Institute CIDESCO Program. Your uniform will be graded as part of progress reports and final exams. Students are expected to maintain impeccable uniform standards at all times Students will pick up their jacket and other supplies on or before the first day of class (see “Academic Calendar”). TEI will provide the jacket,
and students will be responsible for completing their uniform. Students are expected to check the status of their uniform throughout the day. In addition to attire and appearance, students should ensure that they keep impeccable personal hygiene.
Students will be required to wear an all-white uniform the majority of the time. All-black uniforms will be worn for certain skills
ATTIRE
1) White lab jacket/Black lab jacket
▪ Provided by TEI
▪ Must appear clean, smooth and pressed
▪ If you stain your jacket noticeably, you will be expected to purchase a new one of the same model from TEI or an authorized vendor. PLEASE BE PREPARED TO PURCHASE A NEW JACKET IMMEDIATELY, IF REQUIRED
2) White trousers/Black trousers
▪ Must be machine-washable.
▪ Must meet the student’s ankles when standing, but should not touch the ground.
▪ Must appear clean, smooth, and pressed
▪ Recommended are well-fitting ‘scrubs’, such as those worn by nurses; these are available at places such as Vogue Uniforms, The Nursing Station, and Mark’s Work Warehouse. Polyester is recommended over cotton because cotton becomes discolored quickly; leggings and denim are NOT permitted in this program
▪ If you stain your pants or if they become discolored from color transfer to the point that it can not be corrected, you will be expected to purchase new ones. PLEASE BE PREPARED
3) White shoes/Black shoes
▪ Must completely cover toes and feet, including the heel; no crocs, clogs, sandals or boots of any kind
▪ Preferably no laces, for safety
▪ Must have a completely rubber sole.
▪ For the white shoes, no other color but white should be noticeable; for the black shoes, no other color but black should be noticeable
▪ We recommend investing in the best-quality, supportive shoes that you can, but inexpensive versions that fit the dress code are usually available at Walmart or online.
▪ Appropriate styles would be loafers, support shoes, walking shoes, nursing shoes Style should look professional
▪ Uniform shoes are only to be worn indoors. Please have separate outdoor footwear.
▪ Only clean shoes in good condition should be worn.
4) Socks
▪ All-white socks or stockings with white shoes; all black socks or stockings with black shoes.
▪ Nude stockings are appropriate with either color of shoe.
▪ Must cover all skin that shows below the student's trouser cuff when standing and sitting for Occupational Health and Safety compliance as well as professional etiquette
5) Hair
▪ In class (theory only), short hair should be attractively styled in a professional manner. Long hair must be tidy and pulled back off the face
▪ For models and spa days, long hair must be completely pulled back into an up-do, with all layers and long bangs/fringe contained in the hairstyle. The hairstyle, including ponytails, must not touch the student’s shoulders; stray hairs and layers must be pinned up at all times Hair should not be falling out of the back and down the neck
▪ Hair styling aids, such as pins and barrettes, must match the student’s hair color. Scarves may only be worn for religious reasons and must be entirely white or black, depending on the uniform of the module Hair styling aids should be neat, clean, and new-looking
▪ Appropriate styles would be short ponytails, braids, neat buns, and “up-dos” that abide by these guidelines Messy buns and long ponytails are not appropriate
▪ Any bold hair color, highlights, or extensions must be well-maintained and kept tidy at all times to maintain a professional appearance.
6) Jewelry
▪ Students may wear jewelry in class, but it should complement the tidy and conservative look of the student uniform
▪ Examples of appropriate jewelry for students would be:
o Small stud earrings
o Small hoop earrings
o Short necklace with a small charm
o Short string of pearls
o Conservative watch
o Wedding rings
o Small nose stud
▪ Avoid bracelets and decorative rings.
▪ No jewelry that jingles or makes noise
▪ Multiple facial piercings are discouraged.
*Please note that jewelry such as watches, rings, and facial piercings may NOT be worn during much of the spa work because of the electrical equipment used and for hygiene purposes. If you wear jewelry to 19
school, please be prepared to remove it and store it in your locker. If you have metal piercings or rings that you can not remove, please contact the primary educator immediately.
7) Make-up
▪ Students are required to wear makeup daily
▪ The make-up required is under-eye concealer (if needed to hide dark circles/discoloration), mascara, and foundation Students should also consider lightly contouring and lining their eyes, as well as lightly filling their eyebrows.
▪ Students should wear a traditional day make-up look; avoid very dark eyes and very exaggerated lashes.
8) Nails
▪ Students are expected to keep nails short (no more than 1 mm growth), clean, and cuticles well-groomed This is required for client comfort and hygiene
▪ Nail color may be worn as long as it is not susceptible to nail polish remover and must be kept in impeccable condition at all times This type of nail color (ie: gel polish or shellac) requires bi-weekly appointments with a technician to maintain one’s appearance at a professional level If that is not possible, then consider keeping nails bare
▪ Nail colors must be pale/neutral.
▪ In lieu of nail color, nails may be buffed to a shine and kept bare, which is strongly recommended.
▪ For the final exams, nails and cuticles must be groomed, very short, and kept bare.
9) Hygiene
■ Students must take care of their personal hygiene, including oral care and controlling body odor
■ An individual in a professional setting should never smell of cigarettes, marijuana, or any other smokable/vaping material, nor should they smell obviously of perfume
Failure to show up in complete uniform may result in you having to return home and change Alternatively, if it is an easy fix, such as a quick make-up application or hair grooming, a finite number of supplies may be available for you to use to meet the requirements. Maintaining a professional appearance is mandatory at all times Any exception to this rule (ex: not wearing make-up to class on a day you’re practicing a particular service) will be communicated when necessary.
PRIVACY
The majority of students at The Esthetic Institute Training Center are adults under the law Therefore, a student’s financial, academic and disciplinary standing with TEL will be discussed only with the student, CIDESCO representatives, and TEI staff. Inquiries from family, spouses, etc. will not be addressed.
Exceptions to this policy are:
● If a third party has supplied their financial information to The Esthetic Institute (a credit card number, for example), that financial information may be discussed with the third party. The third party, however, is not entitled to any other information.
● If a student uses an educator from TEI as a reference to a potential employer, it implies that the student gives permission for their academic and progress report records to be disclosed to the potential employer.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Students should treat private conversations and correspondence between themselves and TEI staff as private and confidential Students should not engage other students in discussion regarding such conversations To breach confidentiality in any way may result in a notice on one’s progress reports, which are a permanent record, or disciplinary action (ie: suspension or expulsion). Interactions between students and staff may be recorded by the staff member and shared with the appropriate TEI staff.
MOBILE PHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES
For the comfort and consideration of fellow students and guests of TEI, mobile phone conversations are only permitted in designated areas (‘Phone Zones’) Mobile phone usage of any kind is prohibited during any class time, nor are phones to be on a student’s person during class time Mobile phones should be kept in a locker. Students may check their messages before and after the class day and during an instructor-approved break only. There will be NO exceptions made to this rule. As per the social media agreement, staff will take before and after photos and send them to students No exceptions
Failure to comply with this rule can result in you being asked to leave class, as well as time docked from attendance for use of mobile devices during school time.
Laptops and tablets may be used to take notes during class, but are unnecessary, and it is strongly recommended that students take notes by hand for optimal learning. If using a laptop or tablet, students are restricted to class-related use and are to refrain from accessing internet-based services, entertainment, or personal files Failure to comply will result in a ban on devices used in class
Watching videos or listening to music on electronic devices with audible sound is prohibited in all areas of the school.
‘Smart watches’ are prohibited for students.
Certain topics/activities during the term may require internet or a camera, however, those topics/activities will be explicitly identified, and during those times the above policies still apply.
SICK DAYS
In the event that you are sick, you are expected to stay home For the absence to be excused, you will require a doctor's note The buffer of hours provided in the program (discussed under ‘Attendance’) is provided for circumstances such as these. It is expected that any type of illness that can be recurring (ie: migraine, menstrual cramps, etc.) will be discussed with your physician to arrange some type of management Regular absences due to these types of circumstances can lead to a student falling way behind in class and risk withdrawal from the program due to the inability to meet the hours requirement.
MASKS
At the present time, masks are still required at certain times Masks are mandatory when performing services on clients/models/classmates. At times, if students are very close together for any reason, such as watching a demonstration, masks may be required
IV. CERTIFICATION
The CIDESCO program at The Esthetic Institute offers two levels of certification to successful candidatesone diploma from CIDESCO and another diploma from The Esthetic Institute
CIDESCO CERTIFICATION
Upon passing the CIDESCO final theory and practical exams, as well as the Portfolios of Evidence and research project, the candidate will receive a letter confirming that they have passed the CIDESCO final exams. At this time, the Principal Educator will apply for the candidate's CIDESCO Diploma.
TEI CERTIFICATION
Regardless of whether or not the candidate passes the CIDESCO final exams on the first attempt, they may have earned individual module certificates and/or a diploma in Esthetics from The Esthetic Institute. Students will be granted TEI certificates/diplomas at the end of the term if they meet criteria such as passing theory/practical exams and achieving certain numbers of quotas for various services Some
modules are only a ‘workshop’, meaning there are no exams or quotas required. The following is a list of skills and the requirements to achieve your Esthetic Institute Certificates
Module
Manicure/Pedicure Yes
Tinting & Lash Lift No
Brow Lamination No
Waxing Yes
Advanced Pedicure (e-file)
Yes
Facial Yes
Electrical facial modality Yes
Make-Up Yes
Minimum 7 manicures and pedicures (each) with regular polish Yes
Model only No
Model only No
Minimum 6 lower legs, 3 full legs, 2 eyebrows, 2 upper lip, 3 bikini, 1 chest or back, 2 lip, 3 underarms, 3 arms
Yes
Minimum 4 Yes
Minimum 15 Yes
Minimum 8 each Yes
Minimum 6 Yes
Microdermabrasion & Peel Yes 2 models each (done in class) Yes
Swedish Massage Yes
Minimum 4 Yes
Body Treatments Yes Minimum 2 body wraps, 2 dry brushes, 2 scrubs Yes
Body modalities Yes Minimum 4 each Yes
V. STUDENT BEHAVIOR
Students are expected to act with professionalism and decorum at all times Students should help to maintain a positive and helpful atmosphere in class and in their interactions with each other by actively choosing to behave in a manner that supports the health and morale of the team Behavior that is inconsiderate or inappropriate in a professional setting will be recorded and addressed in person and/or in the student’s quarterly reports
Inconsiderate or inappropriate behavior can include, but is not limited to, gossiping, property destruction, or acts that are not conducive to an adult learning environment, such as purposeful disruption in the classroom. In the event you are caught gossiping or representing yourself in any type of unprofessional manner, a meeting will be held with the primary educator and the school director. The result could be a suspension from school for up to one week. Gossiping, specifically, can be construed as defamation of character and/or bullying, which is an expellable offense.
If a student exhibits any of the following behaviors, they may be expelled from the TEI CIDESCO program, and from attending future classes at The Esthetic Institute:
● Cheating
● Bullying
● Theft
● Divulging confidential conversations or information (this includes any communications with school staff or educators)
● Gossiping/slander/defamation of character
● Smoking/Vaping in the school
● Plagiarism (see explanation below)
● Use of artificial intelligence in assignments or the research project
● Vandalism
● Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, including marijuana
● Belligerent behavior
● Perpetrating sexual harassment
A student who has been removed from the CIDESCO program for either behavior or lack of participation hours forfeits all CIDESCO tuition and fees. Any acquired student aid or student loans will still need to be repaid by the student The Government of Alberta requires The Esthetic Institute to withdraw a student from this program if it appears that they will not be able to complete their required hours or successfully complete the program for any reason.
Behavioral Issues/Dispute Resolution
If a student would like to make a complaint against another student regarding their behavior, a protocol is in place. This protocol states that the student must first make their complaint to the educator on shift that day to make documentation of the complaint Once documentation is made, if the issue is not resolved or occurs multiple times, the affected students will meet together with the Director of TEI to discuss the actions demonstrated in the complaint
While we encourage open communication, please note that minor interpersonal complaints between students will be acknowledged but may not warrant formal action unless they impact the learning environment or violate conduct standards.
As adult learners, you are expected to engage in respectful, mature communication and to take reasonable steps to resolve minor conflicts independently. Developing the ability to navigate interpersonal challenges is part of your professional growth and is encouraged before seeking formal intervention.
Meetings
In the event of any concern with a student or students, a meeting will be arranged with the primary educator and/or director as necessary A more formal policy will be communicated once it is updated Any meeting that takes place for any type of behavior that goes against school policy will be recorded (auditory) for safety and legal reasons Any other meetings to address items of concern brought forth by a student will also be recorded (auditory).
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the use of the work or ideas of others and presenting it as one's own work or ideas. It is essentially copying the work of others. It could involve text, images, ideas, or research, the use of artificial intelligence among other items, and is a form of cheating.
To avoid plagiarism, candidates should never directly copy material from the internet, books, slides, or other sources, nor depend on artificial intelligence to write assignments. Instead, one should be taking notes from any sources used for their work and rewriting that information themselves in one's own style. One should not copy text directly from the internet and simply make some changes, as that is still plagiarism. Images should not be copied from the internet and submitted as if they were your own work. They should be properly referenced or the copyrights purchased. Having artificial intelligence produce an assignment submission on one’s behalf does not represent one’s own work. An image designed to be a 'template' is blank and filled in entirely with your own work is acceptable; however, submitting the work of others in an academic setting and taking credit for it is plagiarism.
Plagiarism is an offense for which students can be expelled at many institutions, including TEI, and fines for plagiarism are sometimes charged. Most academic institutions have protocols in place to verify that their students do not commit plagiarism while they are studying with that institution, as the practice is highly frowned upon in academia.
CIDESCO candidates are expected to submit their own work for assignments and projects. Assignments that are even suspected of plagiarism will not be accepted. Intent is not a requirement of plagiarism. It is still plagiarism even if you did not mean to do it or did not know you were doing it. Plagiarism is not allowed at any level of education and so ignorance is not an excuse. The candidate is responsible for taking steps to ensure that they are not committing plagiarism.
A word on referencing . TEI educators know that candidates will be using class textbooks to source information for assignments, and much of the information you will comment on for assignments is public domain Therefore, references are not required for most of your assignments unless otherwise stated The research project absolutely requires proper referencing, as well as avoidance of plagiarism.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Students studying in TEI’s CIDESCO programs are expected to write assignments using their own understanding and ability.
Submissions written by Artificial Intelligence models do not help the educator assess if students have achieved their learning objectives, and are considered a form of cheating Furthermore, using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to write assignments will result in poor assignment and project scores, as AI will likely not generate the highly customized submissions that are expected of students in this course
Only authentic work produced by students is valid course submissions in TEI CIDESCO programs and courses. Submissions that are suspected of having been written, even in part, using AI models will not be accepted
SMOKING and VAPING
Smoking or vaping within the school is strictly prohibited and can result in suspension and/or expulsion. For the safety and security of staff and students, camera surveillance has been implemented throughout the school. If students wish to smoke or vape, they must go to the green space on the south side of the parking lot No one is to be vaping in the immediate vicinity of the building or on the patio outside of the Beauty Depot.
ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
Students are required to maintain a minimum average of 70% for both the theory portion as well as the
practical portion of the course. This means 70% for each, not combined.
In the event the student is unable to demonstrate the required grades within the first 20 weeks of the program, the student may be considered for withdrawal from the program
VI. APPEALS
STUDENT APPEALS POLICY
A student (appellant) may appeal any grade for an assignment that contributes to the final grade. Appeals of both failing and passing grades may be considered. During the course of the CIDESCO program, the Research Project falls under this jurisdiction, however, the CIDESCO international examiner is permitted to supersede the mark of the Research Project if he/she disagrees with the mark that was issued by the educator.
The appellant must follow the procedures outlined in the appropriate section of this document. If the appeal is misdirected, the school educator in receipt of the appeal shall redirect the appeal to the School Education Director.
The appeal of a Research Project grade and subsequent remarking, if appropriate, shall result in one of three possible outcomes:
1 the grade remains the same
2 the grade is raised
3 the grade is lowered
An appeal for the assignment of grades on substantive grounds can be made when:
1. an appellant believes a grade for coursework was assigned on some basis other than academic achievement.
2. the evaluation standards applied to the assignment of the grade are unreasonable.
Step One: Request for an Informal Review by Principal Educator of Program
The appellant must request an informal review of the assigned grade with the principal educator. This request must be made within thirty (30) days of receiving the grade.
The Principal Educator can:
1. remark the coursework in question and assign an outcome as described above;
2. decline to proceed if sufficient grounds have not been established.
The Principal Educator must discuss the matter with the appellant and provide a decision, in writing, to the appellant within ten (10) business days of receiving the informal review request.
Step Two: Appeal to the Education Director
An Appellant who is not satisfied with the Step One decision may appeal in writing to the Education Director within thirty (30) days of receiving the Step One decision The appeal must be in writing, must specify the reasons for making a further appeal, and include all additional information or documentation the Appellant wishes to be considered.
The Education Director can:
1. remark the coursework in question and assign an outcome
2. arrange to have the coursework remarked by an alternate competent marker
3. decline to proceed if sufficient grounds have not been established.
The Education Director must discuss the matter with the appellant and provide a decision, in writing, to the appellant within ten (10) business days of receiving the Step Two appeal request.
An appellant may also be at risk of being expelled from the program, which may be due to several reasons outlined in the student handbook. An appeal for being expelled from the program can be made when:
1. an appellant believes they are unfairly at risk from being expelled from the program.
Step One: Appeal to the Education Director
An Appellant who has been advised via written notification that they are at risk of being expelled from the program may appeal in writing to the Education Director within ten (10) days of receiving notice.
The appeal must be in writing, specify the reasons for making a further appeal, and include all additional information or documentation the Appellant wishes to be considered.
A meeting will then be set up with the Education Director within five (5) days to discuss whether the student is permitted to stay in the program Each case will be reviewed individually and will ultimately be up to the Education Director whether the student remains at risk for being expelled