© 2006 Education Direct Printed in the U.S.A.

925 Oak Street, Scranton, PA 18515-0700www.PennFoster.edu

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Everything You Needto Get Started Is Inside!

ICSBK1-0605

Student Handbook

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1 2

A Message from the Chief Academic Officer ....................2

Getting Started is Easy ......................................................3

Contacting Penn Foster .....................................................5

Academic Policies .............................................................7

Frequently Asked Questions.............................................11

Study Tips and Taking Your Exams ..................................12

Submitting Your Exams.....................................................12

Exam Results ....................................................................12

Graduation ........................................................................13

On the Road to Success ..................................................14

Table of Contents

Dear Future Penn Foster Graduate,

Congratulations on your decision to pursue a Career Diploma fromPenn Foster. You have taken an important first step toward success,and I am proud to welcome you to our student body.

This Student Handbook features general information about your PennFoster experience, from how to contact us to details on achieving yourgoal of a Career Diploma. Information about how to get started beginson page 3.

The Penn Foster Career School administrative office is located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. If you have any concerns or questions, feelfree to contact us via our website www.PennFoster.edu or call us,anytime. We’re here to help you make the most of your distancelearning experience.

I wish you the best of luck with your studies, and look forward toawarding you your Career Diploma!

Sincerely,

Connie C. DempseyChief Academic Officer

A Messagefrom the

Chief AcademicOfficer

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Getting Started is Easy!

You’ve already taken the most importantstep toward success — making thedecision to enroll. Now you are ready to begin your Penn Foster program.

Getting started takes only a few minutes.First, let’s look at what you’ve received inthis first package:

• Your Student Handbook — Specialinformation on the Penn Fosterexperience.

• Program Outline — The informationyou will learn in your program and theorder in which you will learn it.

• Your First Set of Lesson Materials —All you need to get started.

• A Special Offer for You — Earn$50.00 cash for every student yourecommend to us! (See the enclosedbrochure for details.)

• Your Test Materials Envelope —Details on submitting your exams.

If you have not chosen our convenient,automatic payment method, your couponbook will be mailed separately.

Also, if you need to contact us in regard to this package, please go towww.PennFoster.edu or call Penn Fosterat 1-888-427-1000. Otherwise, it’s time tomove on — read the next page and you’reready to begin.

Mission Statement

Penn Foster Career School is one of theoldest and largest distance learninginstitutions in the world. The schoolprovides programs and services that aredesigned to meet the lifelong learningneeds of the adult learner. Programs ofstudy lead to career-specific diplomas.

The mission of Penn Foster is toempower adult learners to advance orchange their careers, learn a new skill,or gain personal satisfaction. Theschool strives to fulfill this mission byproviding breadth and depth ofcourseware, applicable technology,and a wide array of flexible servicesaimed at the needs of the adult learner.Programs teach current marketplaceskills which prepare for a wide varietyof entry-level vocational positions. Themission is supported by an admissionspolicy that allows students withappropriate prior education to enroll inprograms without regard to race,religion, gender, age, color, nationalorigin, or physical disability.

The school assesses fulfillment of itsmission and achievement of institutionaleffectiveness through ongoing studies of student learning, measurement ofstudent satisfaction, and evaluation of thecareer outcomes of graduates.

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1. Find your Student ID Card. It’s partof the shipping label on the packagethese learning materials arrived in.You’ll find your student number onyour ID card, which you need tohave available whenever you contactPenn Foster.

2. Find your Program Outline. YourProgram Outline lists all of yourlessons and the order in which youshould study them. Look on yourProgram Outline to determine whichof your lesson books is Study Unit 1.

3. Read Study Unit 1 thoroughly.Make sure to use the self-tests inyour lessons to help you prepare for your first “open-book” exam. Ifyou have any questions about yourlessons, call or e-mail your instructorsor visit www.PennFoster.edu, yourresource for answers to any questionyou might have.

4. You’ll find your first exam at theend of Study Unit 1. When you feelyou’re prepared, open the envelopemarked “Test Materials,” and followthe instructions for submitting the exam on the Web atwww.PennFoster.edu, over the phone, or through the mail.

That’s all there is to it. The rest of thisbook contains useful information oncontacting Penn Foster, taking exams, and answers to other questions you might have. You should review theinformation to gain the most from your Penn Foster experience.

Here’s All You Have to Do…Just follow the four simple stepsbelow and you will be on your way!

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At Penn Foster, your success isimportant to us. That’s why we’vemade it easy for you to find answersand solutions when you havequestions or problems.

• On the Web — Visitwww.PennFoster.edu for easyaccess to your student records,exams, assistance, and more. Takeadvantage of the comprehensiveQuestions and Answers section,compiled from years of studentservice excellence. The PennFoster student website is yourone-stop solution to any questionsyou might have. (See page 6 for details.)

• Over the Phone — If you don’t have access to the Internet,you can contact our 24-hour, toll-free Student Support Lines at 1-888-427-1000. Our staff ofinstructors and Student Servicesrepresentatives are available toanswer questions about yourprogram from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.,Eastern time, Monday throughFriday. After that time, and onweekends and holidays, you canleave a message and your call willbe returned the next business day.

Contacting Penn Foster Penn Foster On the Web

The Penn Foster World Wide Web Pagefeatures information on the school anddetails on every program we offer, as wellas links to other educational resources.From our website, you can view yourstudent record, take exams, e-mail yourinstructor, and more. If you have acomputer, a modem, and Internet access,visit our site at www.PennFoster.edu.

Get your education quickly andconveniently with online learning.

www.PennFoster.edu — your home for 24-hour-a-daystudent services. With a few clicks of your mouse, youare in control of your education! Be sure to visit theenhanced Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) section forhelpful information.

Access program material, grade and shipment records,and account information, all online. Download studyguides and still get hard copies by mail to keep asreferences. Make payments the easy way or quicklyaccess tuition information.

Support from your instructors, and from Student Services,is available via e-mail at your convenience.

Exams can be taken and submitted online, with instanttest results and feedback. Avoid postage costs andwaiting for “snail mail.”

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Academic Policies

Institutional GoalsProvide instruction that enables adultlearners to achieve their educational goalsand acquire core competencies.

Employ sound pedagogy based on academicstandards of good practice.

Maintain systems that maximize theopportunities for broadly participativeinteractive learning.

Establish and communicate high standards of academic excellence for students and theinstitution.

Assess student learning and institutionaleffectiveness systematically in order toimprove the quality of student learning.

Provide an extensive suite of quality studentsupport services.

Conduct fiscally responsible planning thatbalances continuing academic institutionalexcellence within an effective financialstructure.

Accreditationand LicensurePenn Foster Career School is accredited bythe Middle States Commission on SecondarySchools for its high school and vocational-technical programs. Penn Foster CareerSchool is also accredited by the AccreditingCommission of the Distance Education andTraining Council (DETC), which is listed bythe United States Department of Education asa nationally recognized accrediting agency.Penn Foster Career School is licensed by thePennsylvania State Board of Private LicensedSchools. Penn Foster Career School has beenreviewed and approved as an AuthorizedProvider of continuing education and trainingprograms by the International Association forContinuing Education and Training. Thismeans you can earn Continuing Education

Units (CEUs) for the Penn Foster CareerSchool programs you’ve completed. CEUsserve as a nationally recognized unit ofmeasure for continuing education andtraining.

All Penn Foster Career School programs areaffiliated with DANTES, which qualifies U.S.military personnel for tuition reimbursement.Many Penn Foster Career School programsare approved for U.S. Armed Forces veteranstraining benefits. Reservists may also qualifyfor veterans training benefits. Check yourlocal or regional VA office for eligibilityrequirements.

Cancellation PolicyStudents can request cancellation in any manner, but a written request isrecommended. Tuition refunds will bebased on the date of cancellation and theamount of assignments completed, asfollows:

1. Cancellation within seven days aftermidnight of the day of signing the StudentEnrollment Agreement (the “CancellationPeriod”): all monies paid to Penn FosterCareer School will be refunded.

2. After the Cancellation Period but beforesubmitting any assignments to Penn FosterCareer School for correction: a registrationfee of 15% of the total program tuitionwill be charged. The first $85 we receivefrom you in student payments will beapplied toward your non-refundablecredit application fee, technology fee, andshipping & handling charge.

3. After the Cancellation Period (or, if youare using the GI Bill, after the 10-dayaffirmation period) and after submitting atleast one assignment to Penn Foster forcorrection: financial obligation will be aregistration fee, the Technology fee, andpart of the program tuition as follows:

a) Up to and including completion of thefirst 10% of the program assignments— 10% of the tuition.

b) Beyond 10% and up to and including25% of the program assignments —25% of the tuition.

c) Beyond 25% and up to and including50% of the program assignments —50% of the tuition.

d) Beyond 50% of the programassignments — full tuition cost of the program.

Academic IntegrityExpectationAll Penn Foster Career School students areexpected to conduct themselves with thehighest academic and ethical standards.Failure to do so will result in disciplinaryaction.

CheatingCheating can be defined as anyinappropriate collaborative activity inwhich the work submitted to the schooldoes not represent the work of theenrolled student. This would includesubmission of someone else’s work,submission of answers obtained throughinappropriate measures, or providinganswers to another student. If cheating issuspected, the student will be notified andrequired to respond in writing to thecharges made. The response will go beforethe Academic Standards Committee for adecision on the student’s enrollment.Disciplinary action can be applied up toand including termination of the student’senrollment. Any inappropriate behavior onthe part of a student will result in aninvalid exam, which must be repeated as a make-up test.

PlagiarismPlagiarism is another form of unethicalbehavior. Plagiarism is dishonestly usinganother person’s ideas or finished work asyour own without giving credit for thesource. It includes copying or paraphrasingsomething and using it as if you had done

the work yourself. Any act of plagiarismwill not be tolerated from students at PennFoster. Students who submit plagiarizedwork will be disciplined. Possible measuresmay include expulsion. The best way toavoid plagiarism is to do your own work.

Online BehaviorPenn Foster Career School expectsstudents to behave properly and use goodjudgment when communicating onlinewith the school. Illegal or improper use ofthe Web within the school’s environmentwill not be permitted and may result indisciplinary action.

Disciplinary ActionAny inappropriate behavior can result inseveral forms of disciplinary action. Thiswould include anything from awarding a“0” grade on an exam to termination.Faculty members will report inappropriatebehavior by students; this will beforwarded to the Academic StandardsCommittee for action and a final decision.

Student GrievancesStudent Grievance PolicyMost student complaints can be handled atfirst point of contact with the school. Studentcomplaints are addressed using the policiesand provisions of the enrollment agreement,student handbook, and academicrequirements of the school. Students whohave a complaint should contact theirinstructor regarding academic issues or astudent service supervisor regarding servicingissues. The instructor or student servicesupervisor will provide a verbal or writtenresponse depending on the student’spreferred choice of communication. If thestudent believes that the complaint has notbeen properly handled at that point, thestudent should use the following procedureto register a grievance.

Steps in Grievance Procedure:1. The student should contact the

Department Chairman for academicissues or the Student Services Managereither by phone or in writing expressinghis/her concern within 30 days ofreceiving a response to the original

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complaint. The Department Chairman orStudent Services Manager will respondeither by phone or in writing within twoweeks of receiving the complaint.

2. If the student feels that the issue is stillunresolved, he/she has 30 days to expresscontinued concerns either by phone or inwriting to the Chief Academic Officer orSenior Student Services Manager. Aresponse will be sent to the studentwithin two weeks.

3. If the student still believes the grievanceis unresolved, he/she may complete theschool’s grievance form within 30 daysfrom receiving the response from theChief Academic Officer or Senior StudentServices Manager. This form can beobtained by contacting student services.The form can be e-mailed, faxed, ormailed to the student.

4. All grievance forms will be returned tothe Chief Academic Officer, who will turnthem over to the Dispute ResolutionCommittee. The Dispute ResolutionCommittee will meet and render adecision within two weeks of receipt ofthe grievance form. The decision of theCommittee will be final and will be sentto the student in writing.

5. All grievance forms and final decisionnotifications will be filed in the office of the Chief Academic Officer.

6. If the complaint cannot be resolved afterexhausting the institution’s grievanceprocedure, the student may file acomplaint with the Pennsylvania StateBoard of Private Licensed Schools.

Grade AppealStudents who wish to dispute a grade or an answer to a question should contact their instructor. Only an instructor has theauthority to change a grade. If the student is not happy with the grade appeal results,he/she should follow the “StudentGrievance” procedure listed in this catalog.

ExtensionsDepending on the program, students aregiven a certain amount of time to completeall the lesson assignments. Students mayrequest a six-month paid extension.Students who do not complete the programwithin the required time may need to re-enroll in the program that is current at thattime. Previous work would be evaluatedagainst the current curriculum to determinewhich courses or lessons could betransferred into the new enrollment.

Online LibraryStudents at Penn Foster Career School willhave access to an online library for useduring their studies with the school. Studentscan use this library to do the requiredresearch in the courses they complete or canuse it for general reference and links tovaluable resources. The library containshelpful research assistance, articles,databases, books, Web links, and e-mailaccess to a librarian. Students can access thelibrary from their home page.

LibrarianA librarian is available to answer questionson general research-related topics via e-mail and assist students in researchactivities during their studies with PennFoster Career School.

Family EducationalRights and Privacy Act (FERPA)Penn Foster Career School respects the rightto privacy for all of its students. To that end,the school maintains a privacy policy thatcomplies with the Family Educational Rightsand Privacy Act (FERPA). No informationregarding an individual student record isreleased to anyone other than the studentuntil a signed release form from that studenthas been received. Signed release forms aretransferred to a laser optical scanner forpermanent storage and reference. Releaseforms can be obtained from the StudentService Center.

AccommodatingStudents withDisabilitiesPenn Foster Career School believes inopportunity for everyone. Therefore, theschool strives to meet the needs of allstudents by providing instructional supportand student services which will enablethem to reach their maximum potential.The school does not discriminate on thebasis of race, color, gender, religion,national origin, age, or physical disability.The school will offer a reasonableaccommodation for any qualified studentwith known disabilities provided theaccommodation does not pose an unduehardship on the school or does not forcethe school to fundamentally alter theeducational course, compromise itsacademic standards, or place the disabledindividual in a better than equal positionwith nondisabled students. Students whoneed special accommodations should writea letter to the Chief Academic Officerindicating the nature of the special needs.The student must also provide documentedevidence of the disability.

Military BenefitsPenn Foster participates in both the VA and DANTES programs for the U.S. Military.Tuition benefits are available under each ofthese programs to qualified servicepersonnel. Students are encouraged tocontact their Education Service Officers fordetails on these reimbursement policies.The Education Direct VeteransRepresentative is also available to assistwith administrative processing of thebenefits requests.

Career AssistanceThe Career Center, which is located in thelibrary, offers many resources to help withcareer planning and job search efforts. Inaddition to the resources for researchingcompanies and businesses, there are guidesfor career planning, instructions for writinga winning resume, tips and advice to

succeed at a job interview and how tofollow-up after the interview, andinformation on negotiating andunderstanding compensation levels andoffers. There are many job listingscategorized by subject also shown in theCareer Center.

School CalendarPenn Foster Career School operates 12months of the year. The Student ServiceCenter is available Monday through Fridayfrom 8:00 a.m. E.T. to 7:00 p.m E.T. Theinstructors are available Monday throughFriday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The school is closed for ten holidaysduring the year. The holidays usuallyinclude New Year’s Day, Martin LutherKing Jr.’s Birthday, Presidents Day,Memorial Day, Independence Day, LaborDay, Thanksgiving Day, and ChristmasDay. The other days may vary. Theschool’s phones will have a “closed”message on these holidays.

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Q. Where can I find my student number?A. The number is on your Student ID Card

(see page 4 for information on your IDCard). Your student number will also beon the shipping labels of your futurelesson shipments.

Q. How often do I get my lessonshipments?

A. Your lessons are mailed to you as soonas you complete certain exams. That’swhy it’s important to submit your examsfor grading as soon as possible, so thereis no delay in receiving your materials.

Q. How do I submit exams?A. The preferred method is via the website

www.PennFoster.edu. If you don’t haveaccess to the Internet, you could use Tel-Test or Exam Express (see page 12 for more information).

Q. What if I change my address?A. The easiest way to change your address

is to log on to www.PennFoster.edu.Click “Update My Profile” (at the bottomof your “Personal Homepage”). Make thenecessary changes and submit.

Q. How do I make payments?A. If mailing in your payment, please submit

payment along with the appropriatecoupon from your payment book to:Penn Foster Career School925 Oak StreetScranton, PA 18515-0001

Please be sure to include your studentnumber on all payment materials. Allowone week for your account to be updated.

Q. How long will it take me to completemy program and receive my CareerDiploma?

A. Completion times vary, depending on the program in which you are enrolled.Many Penn Foster programs can becompleted in a year or less.* (If it seemsyou will need to take longer than thetime allotted to complete your program,you may contact Penn Foster and requestan extension.)

Your Enrollment Agreement specified the completion time for your program.

* Students enrolled in the Court Reporter andTelecommunications Programs are allowedthree years to complete their program.

Q. Are there any additional fees?A. The following fees are charged, if

applicable: additional six-monthextension fee of $75.00; technology feeof $35.00; change of program fee of$50.00; shipping and handling fee of$25.00; credit application fee of $25.00.

Q. What is your cancellation policy?A. The cancellation policy is provided in

detail on page 7 and on the EnrollmentAgreement you signed. A copy of yourEnrollment Agreement will be returnedto you after your application isapproved.

Q. Can I earn credit for previouscoursework completed?

A. In most programs, Penn Foster does not evaluate life-work experience orprevious work taken at another schoolfor transfer credit into a vocationalprogram.

Q. Is Penn Foster Career Schoolaccredited?

A. Yes. Penn Foster Career School isaccredited by the Middle StatesCommission on Secondary Schools for its high school and vocational-technicalprograms. Penn Foster Career School isalso accredited by the AccreditingCommission of the Distance Educationand Training Council (DETC), which islisted by the United States Department of Education as a nationally recognizedaccrediting agency. Penn Foster CareerSchool is licensed by the PennsylvaniaState Board of Private Licensed Schools.

Penn Foster Career School has beenreviewed and approved as anAuthorized Provider of continuingeducation and training programs by theInternational Association for ContinuingEducation and Training. This means youcan earn Continuing Education Units(CEUs) for the Penn Foster CareerSchool programs you’ve completed.CEUs serve as a nationally recognizedunit of measure for continuing educationand training.

Frequently Asked Questions Study Tips & Taking Your ExamsEach of your study units features an exam,which you complete and submit to PennFoster for grading. Study units also featurehelpful self-tests you can use to determinehow well you understand the new conceptsyou have learned. Remember that futurelesson shipments are sent when you submitexams, so avoid delays in your training bysubmitting them promptly.

Suggestions for More Effective Studying:• Set up a special place in your home to

do your studying, and keep all yourmaterials there, within easy reach.

• Schedule your study time. Make sure it doesn’t conflict with other importantactivities.

• Frequent, brief study sessions are more effective than long, “cramming”marathons.

• Make sure to do all the self-testexercises in the study unit.

Tips on Completing Your Exams:• When it comes time to take your exam,

make sure you follow the directionscarefully. If you don’t understand whatyou are supposed to do, don’t hesitateto contact Penn Foster and ask for help.

• Be sure you understand the questions.• Answer every question and complete

every item on the exam. Write theanswers on the examination pages in your lesson booklet.

• Review your answers thoroughly before submitting them to the school.

Submitting Your Exams:Students can submit exams online at theschool’s website by selecting the “Take an Exam” option. It is the easiest, fastestoption to take your exams. Plus, you’ll getyour grades instantly. Special instructionsare available for any essay exams that mustbe submitted. Students who don’t haveonline access can take exams via Tel-Testor Exam Express. With Tel-Test, studentstake exams with a touch-tone phone andget the results within minutes. Students canalso submit exams by mail using ExamExpress — it takes 10 to 14 days to seeyour results on our website. Subjective

exams can be sent online if applicable or mailed to the Student Services Center. You will receive instructions on mailingsubjective exams in your course materials.

Exam Results:Regardless of whether you take a testonline, use Tel-Test, or Exam Express, youmust go to www.PennFoster.edu to getyour evaluations. This will tell you whichanswers (if any) were incorrect and, inmost cases, provide you with the pagenumbers on which the correct answers can be found. If you have a question orproblem with your exam evaluation,contact Penn Foster immediately.

You are given two chances to pass eachexam. If your score on your first attempt is below passing, review the material againand use your exam evaluation to help findthe correct answers you missed. Thensimply submit the ENTIRE exam again, viaonline, Tel-Test, or Exam Express (Note:Makeup exams are graded on a pass/failbasis, and the highest grade you can attainis 70%.) You must wait at least five days totake a retest.

Expectation:All Penn Foster students are expected to conduct themselves with the highestacademic and ethical standards. Failure to doso will result in disciplinary action. Studentswho do not achieve passing grades may besubject to academic probation or dismissal.

The Penn Foster Grading System:Each of the exams you submit will begraded on the following scale:

Lesson Grade(Percentage)

92-100

81-91

75-80

70-74

Below 70

LetterEquivalent

A

B

C

D

F

Rating

Excellent

Good

Average

Passing

Failing

An overall program average of 70%, or above, isrequired to graduate and earn your Career Diploma.

On the Road to Success

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When you have successfullycompleted your program and youraccount is paid in full, you willachieve your goal — a CareerDiploma. To be awarded yourdiploma, you must have:

• Successfully completed all exams.

• Achieved an overall average of70% or above.

• Met all your financial obligations.

Penn Foster can also provide youwith a laminated or plaqued CareerDiploma, at your request. Justcomplete the order form you’llreceive in your last lesson shipment,and return it to Penn Foster with the required payment before youcomplete your final lesson.

TranscriptsAlong with your Career Diploma,you will receive a copy of yourOfficial Transcript. If you desireadditional copies, they are availableat a cost of $10.00 each. Contact our Student Services Department tosubmit your request. On the Web,you can use the “Contact Us —Student Services” feature to submityour request. Be sure to include thename and address of the employeror school you want the transcriptsent to. You can also make your feepayment on line by going to “MakeOther Payments.” (You must becurrent in your payments to receivethis service.)

Graduation

Good luckfrom all of us

at Penn Foster.

You have started on a journey toward abetter future — a future that brings moremoney, security, and greater careersatisfaction. All of us at Penn Foster CareerSchool will do everything we can to makethat journey a rewarding one. But theremay be times when you find it hardgoing…maybe your job or family isdemanding more of your time, orcompleting your program seems too farout of reach. If you start to feel that way,just remember these important facts:

• A good way to stay motivated is toremember why you enrolled. You havea dream of building a better life foryourself, and you have already shownyou have the dedication to make thatdream come true. Don’t let anythingstop you from achieving your goals.

• Anytime you have a problem withsomething in your lessons or a questionabout your Penn Foster experience,contact the school. Every student isimportant to us — and we want to seeyou achieve success. You can alwaysturn to your instructor or our helpfulStudent Service staff for help.

• Stick to your study schedule as much as you can — but it’s okay to giveyourself a day off now and then, too.Holidays, special occasions, or just aday to “recharge your batteries”…butdon’t take too many, because you wantto keep moving toward graduation.

• Most of all, take pride in what you are accomplishing. So many peoplenever try to make their dreams cometrue — just by enrolling, you haveshown you are someone who setsgoals and works to achieve them. You have much to be proud of.

On the Road to Success

Upon the recommendation of the Faculty and Administration

Alice Smithis hereby awarded a

Career Diplomafor the completion of the program

Interior DecoratingIn testimony whereof, the undersigned have subscribed their names and

affixed the seal of the institution this 15th Day of September 2005

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CA

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Connie C. DempseyChief Academic Officer

Daniel ConradPresident