Policy Classes

About This Policy

This policy is to create a standard for how class payments are handled so that Freeside can communicate an official stance on classes that is clear and concise.

We’ve benchmarked a few other spaces (with a specific focus on Artisan’s Asylum) to create a clear plan for organizing and hosting classes at the space. We’ve also spent about a year experimenting with different strategies for organizing, promoting and charging for classes.

This document is a result of that work, which we’ve consolidated into a plan for hosting classes that is fair and easy to understand.

How much to charge

The price of a class is set by the teacher. The class fee must at least cover the cost of materials. Higher fees beyond that point are up to the individual teacher. In general, more advanced classes require smaller class size and so higher rates are recommended. This is at the discretion of the Teacher.

Division of revenue

The Teacher receives 70%* of the amount charged for the class, minus the cost of materials. If the teacher purchased class materials, they will be reimbursed. If a class fee is $120, and material costs are $20, the teacher will receive $70, Freeside retains $30, and whoever purchased the materials will be reimbursed for $20.

All processing and transfer fees (excluding the fees for paying the Teacher if they apply) are taken out of Freeside’s half of the class fee. These cover any advertising, administrative, promotional costs as well as the use of Freeside space and equipment where it applies.

Freeside also offers a 20% refund for members from the class fee, excluding materials fees. This is also taken out of Freeside’s portion of the class fee.

*This policy was changed on 06/15/2022. Previously, teachers received 50% of class fees, after the deduction of material costs.

Registering a class

Teachers apply to teach a class by filling out the Class/Event Proposal Form. The information in this form will be used to create a Meetup event for the class, and market the event. Freeside may also ask teachers to submit additional materials and visit the space to make sure of materials and facilities are available for the class.

After submitting the form, the Teacher will be contacted by a representative of Freeside (Officer, DIrector, or delegate of the Activities and Culture committee) to look over their lesson plan, discuss the details of the class relevant to scheduling and promotion, make any necessary adjustments, and then launch the class. The Director will work with the Teacher to follow the guidelines for scheduling a class to ensure the highest possible quality and attendance for the class. This process will, in general, be greatly simplified for repeats or follow-up classes.

Repetition of Classes

Repeating classes and class series are important for complicated topics, but can be difficult to handle. Scheduling conflicts among attendees can result in smaller and smaller class sizes as the class progresses. We recommend offering two versions of a Level 1 class before releasing a Level 2. But this is just a recommendation.

Frequency of payments and refunds

Teachers will be paid for classes as soon as the treasurer is able.

Members will also be issued their 20% ras requested by emailing treasurer@freesideatlanta.org. The discount is not immediate because Meetup will not allow two tiers of payment. Members will have to pay the full price for classes and be compensated in the form of a refund via PayPal. Members will bear whatever transfer fees apply in that payment.

Student Refund Policy

Students are eligible for a refund if and only if:

• The class is cancelled
• The class is rescheduled
• The student cancels 3 or more days before the class is set to start.
• The teacher fails to show up for the class
• The space is unavailable for whatever reason and/or the class doesn’t happen.

Students that register but do not appear and students that drop the class less than 3 days before the event are not eligible for a refund because it is possible that their registration filled the class to capacity, materials were acquired on their behalf, or the class should have been cancelled because too few people were registered. This policy is for the benefit of the Teacher, who we feel should be fairly compensated for their time in this situation.

Summary of Policies

These policies are designed to make Classes at Freeside good for everyone:

Good for students

• Basic information and a network of help
• Reliable and organized instruction

Good for teachers

• 70% take of all class profit (fees are deducted from Freeside’s portion)
• Benefit from Freeside’s network of interested students
• Free advertising and promotion
• Administration of class is taken care of
• Space and materials are provided (classroom, projector, equipment, etc...)

Good for Freeside

• More support for more materials, space, resources
• Better skills = cooler projects for members
• Good for Freeside Members
• Freeside members get a 20% refund on class fees (taken from Freeside’s portion)