Community Standards
Code of Conduct
Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every student, family, and faculty member. The following standards apply to all members of our community.
Respect for All
Every student, parent, faculty member, and guest at NMPAC deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. Discrimination, harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind — based on race, ethnicity, gender, age, ability, religion, or background — will not be tolerated. We are committed to maintaining an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and welcome.
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to arrive on time and prepared for class, wearing appropriate attire for their discipline. Respectful behavior toward instructors, fellow students, and staff is required at all times. Students should listen attentively, follow instructor direction, and support their peers. Personal electronic devices should be silenced and put away during class unless instructed otherwise. Students are ambassadors of NMPAC in everything they do. Whether in the studio, at school, or in the community, students are expected to carry themselves in a way that reflects positively on themselves, their families, and this school. We do not tolerate "mean girl" behavior — exclusion, gossip, cliques, or social cruelty of any kind have no place in our community. At competitions and performances, students are expected to be gracious, kind, and dignified toward all competitors and performers — regardless of the outcome. Celebrating your own success never requires diminishing someone else's. We cheer for our peers, congratulate our competitors, and represent NMPAC with pride and class at every event.
Parent & Guardian Responsibilities
Parents and guardians play a vital role in our community. We ask that families support their student's commitment to training, communicate openly with faculty regarding any concerns, and arrive for drop-off and pick-up on time. Observation of classes is welcome during designated viewing periods. Please refrain from interrupting classes in progress. Concerns about instruction or programming should be directed to the administrative office — not addressed during class time.
Faculty & Staff Standards
NMPAC faculty and staff are held to the highest professional standards. Instructors are expected to provide a safe, structured, and encouraging learning environment, communicate clearly with students and families, and maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times. Any conduct that compromises student safety or well-being will be addressed immediately.
Safe Environment
The physical and emotional safety of every student is our top priority. NMPAC maintains a zero-tolerance policy for physical or verbal abuse. Students who feel unsafe or witness inappropriate behavior are encouraged to report it to a trusted faculty member or the administrative office. All reports will be taken seriously and handled with discretion.
Dress Code & Studio Etiquette
Appropriate attire is required for all classes and varies by discipline — specific dress code guidelines are provided at enrollment. Street shoes are not permitted on studio floors. Food and beverages (other than water) are not allowed in the studios. Students are responsible for their personal belongings; NMPAC is not liable for lost or stolen items.
Social Media & Photography
Photography and video recording of classes, rehearsals, and performances require prior written consent from NMPAC administration. Sharing images or videos of other students on social media without the consent of their parent or guardian is strictly prohibited. NMPAC reserves the right to photograph and video students for promotional purposes; families may opt out by notifying the administrative office in writing.
Consequences for Violations
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in a verbal or written warning, suspension from class, or dismissal from the program, depending on the severity and nature of the conduct. NMPAC reserves the right to dismiss any student, parent, or guardian whose behavior is deemed harmful to the community. Tuition refunds in cases of dismissal will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Acknowledgment
By enrolling at Northern Michigan Performing Arts Center, students and their families agree to uphold this Code of Conduct. We believe that mutual respect, commitment, and integrity are the foundation of great artistry — and of a great community.
Effective: September 2026 Season · Questions? Contact us at [email protected]