The Ayurvedic Studies Programs, Levels 1 and 2, may include a final exam each quarter for each subject. Additional homework, quizzes or projects may be required for each subject. At the end of each program, there is an oral examination with Vasant Lad and staff. Successful completion of all course work and exams is required to earn a certificate of completion. The Pune Gurukula Program, Summer Intensives and Weekend Seminars require attendance but not exams.

All examinations are individually reviewed and returned. Each student may inquire as to his or her standing in relationship with the rest of the class, but traditional grades are not assigned.

Students may request a copy of their academic records at any time from the Education Administrator.
 

To be eligible for their certificate, students enrolled in the certificate programs must attend 90% of all the required classes held on each subject per quarter and successfully complete
 

It is possible for students to audit portions of the programs offered. Refer to the specific programs for details. There is no requirement for completion of exams; however, some audited courses may have attendance or participation requirements. Adherence to tardiness policies is required.
 

We welcome each student's interest and commitment to the study of Ayurveda. In order to be and remain in good standing at the Institute, students are asked to abide by the following standards throughout the course:

1. Students must be punctual for class. Repeated tardiness is not acceptable. If you do arrive late and the opening chants have begun, wait until they are finished before entering the classroom.

2. In keeping with traditional Indian and Vedic customs, we ask everyone to remove their shoes before entering the classroom. Also, it is considered disrespectful to present the soles of one’s feet to the teacher, to others in the classroom or to the altar while sitting.

3. Classroom attire shall be modest, neat and clean. In keeping with Vedic tradition, please refrain from wearing short skirts and/or shorts, low-cut or revealing tops, tank tops or bare midriffs to class. Practice good personal hygiene.

4. Students shall undertake to see that the classroom is tidy.

5. Young children and infants are not allowed in the classroom.

6. Please, no eating during class. We ask that students not bring meat into the building in their foods.

7. It is considered disrespectful to leave the classroom during the closing chants. Please remain seated until they are finished and Vasant Lad has left the room before you get up to go.

8. Students are requested to follow the guidelines for asking questions set by each teacher for their particular class. In Vasant Lad’s classes, he requests students ask only questions related to the topic at hand or to clarify an area about the topic at hand.

9. No personal audio or video taping is allowed in class. Full-time Ayurvedic Studies Program Level 1 and 2 students, in good standing, may borrow, for short periods of time, the audio tapes of classes they have attended or paid for and missed.

10. No computers, cameras, cell phones or audio pagers may be used in the classroom. These devices are too distracting and disruptive to the other students and the speaker.

11. No pets shall be brought into the classroom, kept in the foyer, tied up outside or left in vehicles during class as it serves as a distraction and the animal is often not comfortable. Certified assistance dogs are welcome.

12. No smoking is allowed in the building or on Institute property.

13. No alcohol, illegal drugs or being under the influence of these is allowed on Institute property.

14. Students are encouraged to develop their own individual lecture notes. These can and should be used for personal review, study group sessions, etc. Lecture notes should not be copied and distributed or sold to others in whole or in part.

15. Students are welcome to invite guests to their classes but they must first register with the office well in advance of attending. Anyone is allowed to sit in on one class to “window shop.” The classroom has a limited amount of space, so prior approval from the office is necessary.

16. Office hours are between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm Monday through Friday. Payment of fees, purchase of herbs and all other transactions should be completed before 5:45 pm, as the cashier’s window closes at that time.

17. If an Institute staff member feels that the student’s behavior is not conducive to learning, does not foster a positive learning environment, or is harmful or potentially harmful to the other students, the staff member shall communicate these feelings to the student and allow the student a specified period of time to change his or her behavior. If, after this time, the staff member feels the student has not adequately responded, the staff member and student shall meet with the Administrator to decide upon the student’s future standing at the Institute. Students found in violation of the above may be placed on probation for thirty days. Further violations during this probationary period may result in immediate termination. At the end of the probationary period, if the student has exhibited satisfactory conduct, he or she will be removed from the conduct probation. Depending upon the severity of the initial violation, as determined by the Administrator, the student may be terminated immediately.

Students are expected to understand and respect the fact that the Ayurvedic Studies Program and to some extent the other programs reflect the style of sitting with a traditional Indian teacher. The knowledge is taught, primarily orally, with the integral aspects of the body, mind and spiritual components intact. It is common to include practical examples, stories, chanting and ceremony as part of the teaching.

Students with complaints or grievances regarding the Ayurvedic Institute should first seek to resolve their complaint or grievance directly with the manager of the department involved. If this does not resolve the issue, they should bring it up with the Administrator. The Administrator will assign a manager of the Ayurvedic Institute, who is not directly involved in the area of the complaint, to investigate. This person will respond to the student between three and 10 days from the date of notification to the Administrator and report his/her findings to the Administrator as well. 

If a complaint or grievance cannot be resolved within the school, the New Mexico Higher Education Department may be contacted at 1068 Cerillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505; phone (505) 476-6500.

There will be no adverse action taken against the student for registering the complaint. We welcome all suggestions for improvement.