ACEC PATRON PROGRAM FACT SHEET & FAQ'S

Patron Program Facts

What is the Patron program?
The Patron program was created to support education in Sarasota County. A portion of the donation will go to the Education Foundation, an agency which invests in all students in Sarasota public schools. The remainder supports the ACEC program in an effort to hold down our prices in the face of rising costs.

What privileges does a Patron receive?
ACEC extends the following as a way of saying thanks:

• Priority registration beginning Winter 2009
• Free access to special lectures
• Discounts on selected classes
• Annual appreciation reception

How does someone become a Patron and how much does it cost?

• The cost is $50 per year per individual
• Additional household members pay $25 each
• Any ACEC staff member can sign up a student by pulling up “Patron” as the keyword or activity on the enrollment screen and completing like a normal registration. The student is identified as a Patron each time their name is entered in Safari under “Grade.”.
• A Bronze Patron cists $100 per year.
• A Silver Patron costs $250 per year.
  
• A Gold Patron costs $500 per year.
• A Platinum Patron costs $1,000 or above per year.

Is the fee to become a Patron tax deductible?
A percentage of the patron fee will be sent to the Education Foundation a 501(c)3 agency and the remainder will be used to support ACEC programs. Members should check with their accountants. 

What are the free or discounted classes? 
A list of eligible classes is published each term and is sent to Patrons as well as indicated as an eligible class in the schedule.  Patrons may choose two free/discounted classes each term.  Patron slots are limited in number.

If a Patron wishes to sign up for one of the free lectures or discounted classes, are they guaranteed a space in the class?
Being a Patron does not automatically guarantee a free/discounted slot in the class. If there is limited space, it is on first come, first served basis.

Can I give my free class slot to someone else?
No.  Free classes are for Patrons only. 

 How do I sign up for a free/discounted class?
Patrons may register either by phone or in person.  It is the Patron responsibility to notify the ACEC office that they wish to take this particular class as one of their free/discounted selections.

I already signed up and paid for a free class.  If I now become a Patron, can I receive a refund for the difference?
No.  You must be a Patron when signing up for a free/discounted class.

What does Priority Registration mean?  Are Patrons guaranteed registration in a class?
Patron registration begins one day prior to the first day of public walk-in registration.    This date is advertised in the course schedule.  The morning will be reserved for those registering in person.  Patrons may register via phone after noon.  Patrons will also be notified by mail of the advance registration date.  There are no guarantees that a Patron will get into any class.

Can I become a Patron and register for a class on the day of priority registration?
Yes.  You may sign up for classes and become a Patron on the first day of registration. 

How is the yearly Patron term calculated?
The Patron year is calculated for the four terms that make up a year.  If you become a Patron in the fall, your patron ship is in effect for fall, winter, spring and summer.  Your renewal would take place in the following fall.   If you begin in the winter, your term would be winter, spring, summer and fall.

Will my Patron status be renewed automatically?
No.  You must either sign up in person, phone, or mail.

Can I register my spouse (who is not a Patron) while I am registering for classes on priority registration day?
No.  Early registration is for Patrons only.  Additional household members may be added at a cost of $25.00 each. 

Who is considered a household member?
Only those sharing the same physical address.  There is no limit to the number of household members, as long as they indeed live together at a shared address.