About BECS
30 Years of Experience. Federal Standards. Measurable Results.
Borel Educational Consulting Services (BECS) is a veteran-owned, woman-owned small business delivering instructional design, compliance training, and workforce development strategy to educational institutions, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and defense-sector employers.
Dr. Cynthia D. Borel
Principal Consultant & Chief Executive Officer
Ed.D., PhD(c) | ATD Master Instructional Designer | IACET Accredited Provider | SHRM & HRCI Recertification Provider
Leadership
Dr. Cynthia D. Borel
Dr. Cynthia Denise Borel is a retired Army Master Sergeant and Department of Defense civilian with more than 30 years of combined military, federal, and academic experience. She founded Borel Educational Consulting Services (BECS) in December 2022 to deliver innovative instructional design, compliance training, and workforce development solutions to individuals, organizations, and educational institutions across Alabama, Georgia, and beyond. Dr. Borel is the author of Self-Directed Learning: A Creative Experience, available on Amazon, and is currently completing her second book, Making Learning Count.
Dr. Borel earned her GED from Aiea High School in Honolulu, Hawaii, before completing an Associate and Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College (formerly The University of the State of New York). She went on to earn a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a second master's in Healthcare Administration Management from Troy University, followed by a Doctor of Education from Auburn University — where she received the Outstanding Minority Graduate Student Award. She later completed a third master's in Adult Education – Instructional Design at Troy University and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Educational Studies – Instructional Design & Technology at Liberty University (anticipated graduation Summer 2027; current GPA 4.0). Her professional certifications include ATD Master Instructional Designer, Everything DiSC Certified Practitioner, Five Behaviors Certified Practitioner, MBTI Step I–II Qualified Professional, Strong Interest Inventory Practitioner, Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker/Coach/Trainer, Data Analytics Certificate (Cornell University), and Certified DISC Profile Analyst, among others.
Before founding BECS, Dr. Borel served as a Health System Specialist at Fort Benning's Medical Protection System and as adjunct faculty at the University of Phoenix, Auburn University, and Troy University. Her 21-year Army career — retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant in 2001 — spanned clinical nursing leadership roles at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the 121st General Hospital in Seoul, Korea, and multiple stateside installations. She is a member of Phi Delta Kappa International, the Society for Human Resource Management, the American College of Healthcare Executives, and several other professional organizations. Her military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (4th Award) and the Army Commendation Medal (2nd Award).
SBA Certification Documentation
The following document confirms BECS's current federal small-business certifications as issued by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Contracting officers and prime contractors may download this document for procurement records.
Our Mission
To provide innovative and effective educational solutions that empower individuals and organizations to achieve their full potential. We believe that education is the key to unlocking human potential, and we are committed to helping our clients succeed by providing them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive.
How BECS Came to Be
Established December 8, 2022, Borel Educational Consulting Services entered 2026 positioned for significant growth following the achievement of IACET Accredited Provider status, effective January 1, 2026. This milestone — combined with established SDVOSB and EDWOSB certifications — creates expanded opportunities in federal contracting, higher education partnerships, and corporate leadership development markets.
BECS's strategic roadmap for 2026 targets 40% revenue growth across five pillars: revenue expansion, market development, service line growth, operational excellence, and brand positioning. Our faith-based, client-centered approach distinguishes our services and drives every engagement — from a single training module to a multi-year workforce development strategy.
Credentials
Certifications and Designations
BECS holds the following federal certifications and professional designations, each independently verified and maintained.
IACET Accredited Provider
Accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training under the ANSI/IACET 1-2018 Standard. BECS-designed programs are eligible to award recognized Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
ATD Master Instructional Designer
Credentialed by the Association for Talent Development — the leading professional association for learning and development. The Master Instructional Designer designation recognizes advanced competency in instructional design practice.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business
Certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SDVOSB status makes BECS eligible for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.
Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business
Certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. EDWOSB status makes BECS eligible for federal set-aside contracts reserved for economically disadvantaged woman-owned small businesses.
Woman-Owned Small Business
Certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. WOSB status makes BECS eligible for federal set-aside contracts in industries where women-owned businesses are underrepresented.
Veteran-Owned Small Business
Certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. VOSB status reflects BECS's commitment to veteran entrepreneurship and qualifies the firm for federal contracting preferences.
Historically Underutilized Business Zone
Certified by the U.S. Small Business Administration. HUBZone certification makes BECS eligible for federal set-aside contracts and price evaluation preferences designed to stimulate economic development in historically underutilized areas.
Student Rights
Student Grievance Policy
BECS resolves student concerns promptly, fairly, and without retaliation. The detailed steps of the process are published below as the Guidelines require (ACCS, 2024, Section IV.L.20). A student with a grievance concerning instruction, grades, charges, refunds, conduct decisions, or accessibility should proceed as follows:
- Step 1. Discuss the concern with the instructor within 10 calendar days of the event. Most concerns are resolved at this step.
- Step 2. If unresolved within 5 business days, submit the grievance in writing to the School Director, Dr. Cynthia D. Borel, at cdb@borelonline.com, describing the facts, the parties involved, and the remedy sought.
- Step 3. The School Director acknowledges the written grievance within 5 business days, reviews the record, may meet with the student, and issues a written decision within 15 business days of receipt.
- Step 4. The student may request reconsideration in writing within 10 calendar days of the decision, presenting any new information. A final written decision issues within 10 business days, from the School Director or, where the grievance concerns the conduct of the School Director, from the independent reviewer designated under school policy.
- Step 5. A student whose grievance is not resolved through Steps 1 through 4 may refer the matter to the Private School Licensure Division. BECS directs every student to attempt resolution through the school officials named in Steps 1 through 4 first, and BECS refers any grievance it does not resolve to the Division. A student may contact the Division at P.O. Box 302130, Montgomery, AL 36130-2130, by telephone at (334) 293-4650, or through the student complaint form on the Division website. Nothing in this policy limits a student's right to contact the Division, a court, or any other authority at any time.
Records of each grievance and its resolution are retained in the student's file.
No adverse action is taken against a student for filing a grievance in good faith.
ACCS. (2024). Guidelines for Private School Licensure, Section IV.L.20. Alabama Community College System.
Student Rights
Cancellation and Refund Policy
A student may cancel enrollment at any time by giving notice to BECS in writing (email to cdb@borelonline.com is sufficient), by telephone, or in person; the effective cancellation date is the date the notice is received. Refunds of unearned prepaid tuition, fees, and charges are made within thirty (30) calendar days of termination, as follows. For purposes of this policy, the enrollment date is the date BECS countersigns the enrollment agreement, as recorded on the fully signed agreement provided to the student.
| Timing of Cancellation | Refund Due |
|---|---|
| Within seventy-two (72) hours of the enrollment date | All money paid by the prospective student is refunded in full |
| After seventy-two (72) hours of the enrollment date but before classes begin or self-paced course materials are delivered | All money paid is refunded except the registration fee |
| After classes begin or after delivery of self-paced course materials | A pro rata refund of all unearned prepaid tuition and fees, and of charges for books and supplies not issued to the student, computed as stated below |
| Contracted educational services denied by the school as a result of economic or academic fraud as defined in the Code of Alabama Section 16-46-1(7) and (8) (1975) | A full refund of all money paid |
Pro Rata Refund Rate
For instructor-led courses, the pro rata refund equals the prepaid tuition and fees multiplied by the number of scheduled instructional clock hours remaining after the effective cancellation date, divided by the total scheduled instructional clock hours of the course. For example, a student who cancels an 8 clock hour course after attending 4 clock hours receives 50 percent of prepaid tuition and fees, and a student who cancels a 24 clock hour course after attending 6 clock hours receives 75 percent.
For self-paced courses, the earned portion equals the number of course modules the student has completed divided by the total number of modules available in the course, and the pro rata refund equals the prepaid tuition and fees multiplied by the number of modules not completed, divided by the total number of modules available. A module is counted as completed when the student finishes its final activity or knowledge check; a module that has been opened but not finished is not counted as completed. Each self-paced course is divided into modules of one instructional clock hour each, so the total number of modules available equals the course's published clock hours; a standard 8 clock hour course contains 8 modules, and the module total is stated in the enrollment agreement, except where a course listing states a different module structure. The Public Sector and Government Finance Training program consists of six modules, and its pro rata refund computes on those six modules. For example, a student who cancels a 10 module self-paced course after completing 3 modules receives 70 percent of prepaid tuition and fees.
Once books or supplies are issued to and received by a student they become the property of the student, and any refund for them is at the discretion of the school. The registration fee compensates BECS for processing the enrollment and is earned in full when the enrollment agreement is countersigned; it is refunded only where cancellation occurs within seventy-two (72) hours of the enrollment date or where BECS cancels the course.
Private School Licensure Division. (2024). Guidelines for Private School Licensure, Section IV.I.2.c. Alabama Community College System.
School-initiated cancellation
If BECS cancels a scheduled course session for any reason, including insufficient enrollment, BECS provides written notice to every enrolled student, and each affected student elects either a full refund of all money paid, including the registration fee, or a free transfer to a later session of the same program at no additional charge. Refunds elected under this provision are paid within thirty (30) calendar days.
Registered apprenticeship
This policy governs tuition, fees, and charges paid to BECS for related instruction. It does not govern wages, which are paid by the participating employer, and it does not govern cancellation of the Apprenticeship Agreement, which is governed by the registered Apprenticeship Standards and 29 C.F.R. Section 29.7. Where the Apprenticeship Agreement is cancelled by the sponsor, the employer, or the Registration Agency during a paid-for course, the apprentice receives a pro rata refund of unearned prepaid tuition and fees for that course, computed at the rate stated above. A student who cancels a 24 clock hour course after attending 6 clock hours receives 75 percent of prepaid tuition; a student who cancels the 144 clock hour sequence after completing 36 clock hours receives 75 percent of prepaid tuition.
Student Rights
Student Conduct and Disciplinary Policy
Students are expected to participate honestly, treat instructors and fellow students with respect, protect the confidentiality of assessment results shared by classmates, and comply with the acceptable-use rules of the delivery platforms.
The following conduct is prohibited:
- Academic dishonesty, including plagiarism and misrepresentation of work
- Harassment, discrimination, bullying, or threatening behavior
- Disruption of instruction
- Unauthorized recording or distribution of course sessions or copyrighted materials
- Misuse of school or publisher systems
- Failure to meet financial obligations
Disciplinary Procedure and Conditions of Forced Withdrawal
- First instance (minor). The instructor documents the concern and counsels the student privately.
- Repeated or serious misconduct. The school director issues a written warning stating the conduct, the required correction, and the consequence of recurrence.
- Forced withdrawal. The school director may withdraw a student for continued misconduct after written warning, or immediately and without prior warning for threats or acts of violence, harassment, academic dishonesty on a final assessment, or unlawful conduct. A student subject to forced withdrawal receives written notice of the reason and of any refund due under the cancellation and refund policy, and may respond through the grievance policy.
Effect on the Apprenticeship Agreement
For a student enrolled in the registered apprenticeship of Program Area 8, withdrawal from related instruction, failure to fulfill the related instruction obligation, or failure to maintain passing grades constitutes adequate cause for cancellation of the Apprenticeship Agreement. Cancellation is a separate action taken by the sponsor under the registered Standards and 29 C.F.R. Section 29.7, after written notice to the apprentice, the employer, and the Registration Agency stating the cause and the apprentice's right to respond.
Conduct occurring at the employer worksite is addressed by the employer under its own policies; the sponsor is notified and the matter is considered at the next progress review. Apprentices are additionally expected to protect the confidentiality of employer, employee, and learner information encountered in the course of the apprenticeship.
Student Rights
Attendance Policy
Attendance is recorded for every scheduled instructional session, including virtual sessions, and forms part of each student's permanent record. Completion requires attendance of 100 percent of scheduled instructional clock hours.
A student who misses instruction for an excused reason (illness, emergency, or military duty) may complete instructor-approved make-up work within 30 calendar days; the grade of Incomplete applies until make-up work is finished.
Unexcused absence from more than 20 percent of scheduled clock hours without arrangement with the instructor results in withdrawal from the course, and the cancellation and refund policy applies as of the last date of attendance. Students in self-paced courses must complete all modules within the access period stated in the enrollment agreement.
Registered apprenticeship
Related instruction attendance and progress are tracked and recorded for every apprentice, and appropriate records are maintained, as the registered Standards require. Failure on the part of the apprentice to fulfill the related instruction obligation, including attendance, or to maintain passing grades, constitutes adequate cause for cancellation of the Apprenticeship Agreement.
Attendance at the employer worksite is governed by the employer's attendance policy and by the terms of employment; hours are recorded by the employer, reported to the sponsor, and credited toward the 2,000 hour requirement only where they are supervised hours performed within the job functions of the work process schedule.
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