Policy and Procedures

General Policy 

1. Na Gaeil Chicago (NGC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing instruction in the Irish language for adults.
2. NGC is not accredited by any educational organization, and it does not offer any certificates, diplomas, or course credits suitable for accreditation domestically or abroad. When requested by a student, NGC may supply a letter that indicates the extent of a student’s class instruction and a letter of recommendation.
3. NGC offers two terms of classes per year, beginning in September and in January. A term is usually 15 class sessions. Some classes are online, via Zoom. Online class sessions are 90 minutes. In-person classes are at the Irish American Heritage Center. Class sessions are between 90 minutes and 2-1/2 hours.
4. NGC accepts both local and out of state registrations for its online classes. NGC encourages local online students to get involved with local in-person activities and special events if possible.
5. NGC incentivizes returning students by discounting tuition and providing early registration for courses.
6. NGC does not routinely test a student’s progress in learning, nor provide grades. Students are encouraged to be self-motivated in their progress in language ability.
7. Instruction is offered to all adults interested in learning the language and its culture. It seeks to offer its classes in a welcoming environment to all, regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious, language, or educational backgrounds.
8. Classes are open to adults and are specifically designed for adults. NGC will consider admitting a teenager on a case-by-case basis, provided that the teenager is accompanied by a designated responsible adult during class. The safety and security of the child will rest entirely with the parent or guardian.
9. NGC offers its Irish language instruction without any political agenda, foreign or domestic.
10. NGC currently holds in-person classes in the 2nd-floor library and other rooms of the Irish American Heritage Center (IAHC). There is an ADA entrance to the building accessible from the north parking lot, with a few ADA parking spots. The building has an elevator and the library has a short ramp providing access to the rooms where classes are conducted. There are ADA restrooms on every level. The responsibility of providing and maintaining accessible facilities remains with the building owner, the Irish American Heritage Center. Students with mobility challenges that may affect instruction should discuss those issues with NGC teachers prior to beginning class so that the IAHC and NGC may make appropriate accommodations.
11. While NGC may from time to timetime-to-time coordinate and promote language and cultural events with the IAHC, the local Consulate of the Republic of Ireland, the City of Chicago, or other organizations, NGC remains an independent non-profit organization, that is not owned, controlled, or a division of the IAHC, the Irish government, or any other organization.
12. NGC uses Eventbrite for course registration and payment. If a class fills up, potential students may join a waiting list on Eventbrite. NGC will alert waitlisted students when openings occur.
13. Tuition Refund Policy: Students may drop a class and receive a full refund by contacting NGC (info@nagaeil.org) before the third class session, and by returning the materials provided for that class. If materials are not returned or are not in clean condition suitable for another student, NGC will reduce the refund appropriately to pay for replacements.
14. NGC maintains an email list and uses it to announce registration for courses and publicize relevant events. People join the email list via the website, by enrolling in a class, or by providing their address at an event. People may ask to be removed from the mailing list. NGC does not share or sell its mailing list. Refer to our Privacy Policy listed below.
15. NGC encourages all its students to pursue summer school and other immersive instruction classes in the Irish Gaeltacht and in the US. NGC will assist interested students in identifying available grants offered to subsidize these activities and write recommendations when requested.
16. NGC reserves the right to update or change its policies as conditions indicate.