School Handbook

The 2025 Handbook is for all students who are planning to attend the 2025 Company Experience and/or the 2025 Intensive Summer Program. This is also a helpful reference for those attending the 2025-26 school year, as many policies will still apply. Included in this handbook is important information for participating in our Summer programs. Please read thoroughly. All students (or their parent/guardian) MUST sign off during registration that they have read the 2025 Handbook and agree to abide by its policies. 

PART ONE: OVERVIEW

MEDICAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Insurance Releases & Medical Forms

It is imperative that PBT School have accurate medical information. Please make sure your student’s information is updated in the Family Portal. A medical consent form will be available soon. This information allows students to seek medical attention and permits emergency treatment. Please note that both resident and commuter students must provide these forms. Students who do not have these forms on file will not be allowed to participate in class or stay in the residence halls until these forms are completed and filed with the School Office. For students who are international and need insurance, click here.

Emergencies and General Illness

If a student has a medical emergency due to illness or injury, the School or Residence staff will call 911 for an ambulance to transport the resident to the hospital. If a resident experiences illness, they should notify their Residence Advisory ASAP. The School Office can assist the student in seeking medical attention as soon as possible. If a commuter experiences illness, they should fill out the absence form accordingly. 

Injury Guidance

In partnership with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center for Sports Medicine, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School offers injury clinics on select days of the week. During these injury clinics, UPMC Sports Med. staff will assess potential injuries and offer counsel for treatment. Students must sign up for these services. Please note that space is limited, and students are responsible for signing up for their own appointment.

If it is recommended that a student needs to see a specialist, the student will be responsible for making these appointments, checking to see if their insurance covers the service, and arranging and paying for transportation to and from the appointment. Unless it is an emergency, School/residence hall personnel cannot accompany students to and from these appointments.

Payment and Withdrawal Policy

Payments can be made through the Family Portal. Failure to meet Tuition Payment dates will forfeit the student’s space in the program(s). For students receiving Scholarships or Financial Aid, the amount will be deducted from the final payment. Please see the more detailed payment policies on their respective pages and/or in the Family Portal for further information. Families should contact the School Office for any payment inquiries. 

Summer Withdrawals and Refunds

Students withdrawing from summer programming for any reason must submit a written notice in advance of the date of withdrawal to pbtschool@pittsburghballet.org and alenze@pittsburghballet.org stating their name, program, and effective withdrawal date. Notices of withdrawal do not apply retroactively (i.e., we are not able to accept withdrawal notifications for dates that have already passed).

Prorated refunds for summer programming will be offered only in the case of documentable extenuating circumstances (i.e., injury, family emergency). In these cases, documentation should be submitted via email at the time of giving withdrawal notice.  Please note that any fees or deposits are non-refundable.  This includes the registration, installment (if applicable) and housing application (if applicable) fees, as well as the tuition deposit. 

PART TWO: STUDIO POLICIES

MAIL

Students are able to accept mail and packages at PBT Studios (shortly ahead of and) during their time here this summer. Students are unable to accept any mail at Chatham University. Please address letters and packages to:

[Student Name]

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School

2900 Liberty Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15201-1500

PART THREE: POLICIES AND CONDUCT

3A: POLICIES

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School takes its responsibility to prevent alcohol and drug use seriously and maintains an alcohol and drug-free environment. 

All students at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre are required to abstain from the consumption, possession, sale, or transport of alcoholic beverages. All students are expected to refrain from the possession, distribution, use, and sale of illegal drugs and the inappropriate use, sale, or distribution of prescription drugs at all times.

PBT School forbids any drug and alcohol-related paraphernalia. PBT School reserves the right to perform bag checks if there is suspicion of alcohol or drugs being brought on campus. 

Any resident found in violation of these policies will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program. Any student who knowingly remains present where alcoholic beverages are being consumed by other students, or where illegal or controlled drugs are being used, is also in violation of this policy and will be held accountable. If PBT School reasonably suspects that a resident is in violation of any of the above policies, they may require the resident to be evaluated for substance abuse, which may include drug testing and/or alcohol screening. Permission for medical personnel to conduct such testing, signed by the resident and one of their custodial parents/guardians, must be on file before the resident is allowed on Chatham premises.

Sanctuary Policy

To encourage students to seek help for medical emergencies involving alcohol or drugs, the School has instituted a “sanctuary policy.” If a resident determines that they or a friend needs immediate medical attention as a result of alcohol or drug use, the resident may contact the staff person on duty or a member of the PBT School faculty or staff. Residents must understand that there will be mandated situational follow-up. No disciplinary action will be taken if (i) the student is seeking aid, (ii) the School knows of the policy violations in no other way, (iii) all recommendations that are made as part of the follow-up (including any recommendations of those taking leave from the School) are followed. The individuals notified of the sanctuary incident are those to whom the information is directly pertinent. This may include the resident’s parents/guardians, the Dean of PBT School, the Head of the Pre-Professional Division, and the Manager of Residential Programs.

Damages

Families are responsible for any damages caused by student actions to any facility or vehicle used for the duration of the program. This includes studios, residence halls, or any vehicle for student transportation.

Amnesty

Students who struggle with concerns that may put them in violation of the Summer Program Handbooks are encouraged to seek support and assistance from staff. Examples include, but are not limited to: drug use and alcohol use. In most instances, PBT School will not suspend a student who requests amnesty. However, PBT School reserves the right to deem suspension necessary when extreme factors such as public safety or requests from law enforcement are involved.

Anti-Hazing

PBT School considers hazing in any form a serious offense and does not differentiate in terms of degree. PBT School reserves the right to determine the violation of our anti-hazing regulations in terms of PBT School’s definition of anti-hazing law, civil prosecution notwithstanding. For a complete description of this law, please click here.

Bullying and Cyberbullying

PBT School is dedicated to providing all residents with a safe and healthy environment where they can grow both artistically and personally. This policy protects residents from bullying/aggressive behavior and seeks to affirm the dignity and worth of each individual.

Any form of bullying and cyberbullying (including but not limited to text messages, phone calls, social media posts, websites, emails, and instant messaging) is strictly prohibited.

Bullying has been defined as an intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical act or a series of acts:

1. Directed at another student or students;

2. Which occurs in a school setting;

3. That is severe, persistent, or pervasive; and 

4. That has the effect of doing any of the following:

5. Substantially interfering with a student’s education;

6. Creating a threatening environment; or

7. Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school; and “school setting” shall mean in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school.

Examples of bullying include, but are not limited to: aggressive relational and social behavior such as manipulating social relationships, exclusion/isolation, rumor spreading, belittling, intimidations, physical acts of aggression, and/or destruction of another’s personal property. 

PBT School bases its bullying policy off of the PA Anti-Bullying Law for educational institutions. None of the above behaviors are tolerated and any violation of this policy will result in the resident being subject to the Resident Conduct Process. Sanctions may include dismissal from PBT School.

Bullying should be reported to the Manager of Residential Programs or PBT School Staff. All reports will be investigated and resolved in a timely manner.

Sexual Activity

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School does not condone sexual activity between minors and strictly prohibits such activity on PBT properties, including but not limited to Chatham University and excursions. Failure to comply with this policy will result in severe disciplinary action and will also result in the notification of parents/guardians. Sanctions may include dismissal. 

Mandated Reporting

At Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, all staff are legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities. Due to the typically vulnerable nature of these situations, PBT staff strictly follow the guidelines outlined through Pennsylvania law.

Posting/Recording Policy

PBT School recognizes that social networks and other media-based platforms are prominent realities in our society as well as part of a dancer’s image. However, any resident who takes and posts any photos or videos of another individual without their consent is prohibited. Recording another individual without their consent is also strictly prohibited. Any resident found in violation of this policy may be subject to sanctions through the Resident Conduct Process.

Tobacco and Smoke-Free Policy

It is a violation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law for any individual under the age of 18 to purchase any tobacco products, including but not limited to: cigarettes, e-cigarettes, chew, and vaporizers. PBT School prohibits underage smoking or use of nicotine products and strongly discourages the use by of-age students. Smoking or the use of nicotine products is not permitted in PBT facilities or at Chatham University--all PBT School properties are smoke and tobacco-free. Any resident in possession of any prohibited products will be subject to disciplinary action.

Weapons Policy

Possession and carrying of a weapon by any person other than authorized security personnel on PBT properties or at any PBT-sponsored event is strictly prohibited. Any weapon that is found on PBT properties or any PBT-sponsored events may result in user discipline and removal.

3B: CODE OF CONDUCT

Community Standards

The following community standards synthesize PBT policies and procedures into a value-based contract for a positive living and learning experience with PBT. Dancers are expected to follow these standards while enrolled at PBT. Below each community standard are examples of potential violations. Note that violations are not limited to these examples.

Integrity

Violations include: making false reports, knowingly being in the presence of a violation, fleeing the scene, violating housing and/or studio policies.

Respect of Others

Violations include: Attempting to or causing bodily harm or injury to another person intentionally or unintentionally, bullying/cyberbullying, engaging in sexual contact or behavior with another person, possession of pornographic materials, abuse, and hazing.

Commitment to Community

Violations include: Failure to abide by a curfew and visiting hours, inappropriate clothing or other objects that are degrading or depicting alcohol or tobacco products, use or possession of forbidden substances, and disruptive pranks. Refer to the Policies Section for more information.

Respect of Property

Violations include: Using another individual’s key without their consent, vandalism, taking of another's property and/or food, including that of PBT, or any other action that causes international or unintentional damage to property, failing to care for PBT-provided spaces.

Safety-Minded

Violations include: tampering with safety equipment, breaking residential policies, unauthorized duplication of keys, and entering facilities when buildings are closed.

Respect of Authority

Violations include: failing to abide by disciplinary sanctions imposed; failure to appear for disciplinary hearings; interfering with housing activities and functions; and failing to comply with the request of a PBT staff member in the lawful performance of their duties.

Good Citizen

Violations include: any violation of local, state, or federal laws; behavior that reflects poorly on the mission of PBT.

At PBT School, all of our standards and policies are designed to create a safe and hospitable living and learning environment for all students. Any violations of these standards will be subject to disciplinary action. Whenever possible, these measures will be implemented with the goal of the resident taking responsibility and reconciling with the community. However, PBT still maintains the right to permanently dismiss a student due to a serious violation of community or other standards.

PBT Inquiry Procedures

PBT reserves the right to confiscate and/or search the contents of a resident’s cell phone or any other electronic communication or information storage device if a PBT staff member suspects that it was used in violation of a community standard or policy. Examples include, but are not limited to: harassment or where there is a concern for the safety of the student and/or others.

Reporting

Any dancer or PBT employee wanting to report a violation of PBT community standards and policies should do so in a timely manner after the violation occurs (preferably within 24 hours). Reports of alleged violations should be made to the Manager of Residential Programs or PBT School Office and should include the names of individuals involved, along with details of the violation.

Anti-Retaliation

Dancers have the right to be free from retaliation. PBT does not allow any threats or other forms of intimidation or retribution against a resident:

• What files a complaint or grievance

• Who participates or serves as a witness in the conduct process

• Who opposes an unlawful act, discriminatory practice, or policy

Anyone who threatens, intimidates, or retaliates against another resident may be subject to disciplinary action.

Available Disciplinary Measures

• • • Early Room Curfew: Residents will be assigned a date where they must report to their room at a time prior to curfew determined by housing staff. The resident may only leave to use the restroom.

    • Loss of Sign Out Privileges: Residents will no longer be able to sign out, other than go to class, for a period of time determined by housing staff.

    • Confiscation of Prohibited Property: Any item that is prohibited by residence hall policy will be confiscated by staff. Items may be returned at the discretion of housing staff.

    • Restitution: Residents will be required to make a payment equal to any expenses in the restoration of damages. This may include, but is not limited to, labor costs, medical bills, repair costs, replacement and other damages.

    • Fines: Residents will be required to pay a monetary sum to PBT in a timely manner.

Removal from the Program

Additional Sanctions: Additional sanctions may be created and implemented by housing staff and PBT administrative staff if deemed appropriate to the offense with the approval of the Dean of PBT School or designee. This includes but is not limited to loss of excursions without a refund and weekend room restriction.

PART FOUR: HOUSING

This section is applicable to all students residing on campus at Chatham University during a summer program. Any visitors may be subject to these policies as they pertain to the safety and well-being of all those on campus. This section is only applicable during CE/ISP.

Visiting Other Rooms

Resident students in the same hall may visit each other's room's between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Doors must be kept open at all times when a visitor is in the room. Residents may only visit a student's room in the building to which they were assigned. Other resident students may visit each other's building between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. Students may only utilize the communal first floor space when visiting a building to which they were not assigned; students are not permitted in student rooms if they are visiting the other dormitory building.  Resident visitation rights may be terminated if utilized inappropriately. 

Housing Requests, Assignments, or Room Changes

Students may request a single-occupancy room or request roommates. Housing requests will be accommodated as much as possible, though there is no guarantee that any housing requests will be granted. Late housing requests should be communicated ahead of May if possible. 

Room assignments will be communicated in May ahead of move-in. All room assignments are final, and changing rooms is strictly prohibited. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

All residents are responsible for keeping their residence hall rooms clean and orderly. Bathrooms and showers are cleaned by the University Housekeeping department; however, they are to be left in proper order after use. Maintenance work or repairs may need to be done in a student room; when possible, housing staff will notify the resident prior to entry.

Room Inspections and Entry

Housing staff will conduct weekly room inspections to ensure that cleanliness and safety are maintained. PBT reserves the right to enter any residence hall room at any time for the purpose of inspection, or when there is reason to believe that program rules are not being followed.

The following may result in failure of room inspection:

• Unsafe/misuse of any furniture

• Overloaded circuits

• Use of nails, tape, or other prohibited hanging devices on the walls

• Lack of cleanliness (trash, etc.)

• Medications found in room

• Any evidence of other prohibited items

Residents who fail a room inspection are expected to correct the issue immediately. Housing staff reserve the right to implement daily room inspections or disciplinary sanctions like loss of sign out privileges until the room can consistently pass room inspection.

Housing and PBT School staff reserve the right to enter any room for the following reasons:

• Room inspections (as outlined above)

• Smoke, fire, water, or odors coming from a room

• Reasonable suspicion that someone is in a threatening situation

• Reasonable suspicion of a policy violation

• Maintenance work is needed