Folk School Policies

Non-Discrimination Statement

The Finnish American Folk School prohibits discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, marital status, familial status, pregnancy, veteran status, citizenship, national origin, native language, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance or any characteristic protected by law.

Cancellation & Refund Policies

Participants who contact us to cancel 14 days or more before the event are eligible for a 90% refund. The remaining 10% is used to cover administrative fees related to cancellation. 

Participants who cancel less than 14 days before the event are not eligible for a refund, except in extreme circumstances such as COVID positivity or hospitalization. 

If the school or instructor needs to cancel the class due to low enrollment, instructor illness, or any reason, participants will be eligible for a full refund. In cases like instructor illness or inclement weather, the instructor and FAFS staff will work together to find a suitable date to reschedule the event. If the new date is not possible for a participant, they are eligible for a full refund. 

Inclement Weather Policy

The decision to postpone or cancel an event due to inclement weather is made by the instructor and staff on a case by case basis, and participants are notified as promptly as possible via the contact information provided at the time of registration. 

COVID Policy

If you feel sick or have been exposed to COVID-19 before a class or other event, please stay at home and contact us to arrange a refund. If the FAFS must cancel an event, registrants will be notified, and refunds will be issued. Thank you for helping us to continue offering programs as safely as possible.

Waiting Lists

When an event reaches maximum enrollment capacity, FAFS will accept names for a waiting list. In case a participant withdraws from a class, we will contact people on the waiting list in the order that their request to be on the list was received. See specific class descriptions for information about availability and contact for waiting lists.

Pets

Pets are not allowed at any FAFS event, either indoors or outdoors. Service dogs that meet ADA guidelines are permitted. 

Firearms and Weapons

Firearms and weapons are not permitted at any FAFS events or facilities. 

Liability

Finlandia Foundation National, the Finnish American Folk School, and all staff, instructors, and volunteers are not liable for any injury that may occur during a class. All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before participating in FAFS classes. 

Media Consent

Students and instructors are given the opportunity to consent or decline to consent to allow Finlandia Foundation National to use their image. Once this consent form is completed, FAFS will keep it on file for future use. Participants may change their consent by written request at any time.