Nadine Ashton – 2024-2025 Academic Catalog

Change of Graduate Program

This policy is to guide CCS Graduate students seeking to change programs at the graduate level. Graduate students wishing to transition into an undergraduate degree should seek further guidance from the Admissions team and their Academic Advisor.

This policy refers to procedures for changing graduate degree subject disciplines, changing modes of study, and changing from one Graduate degree type to another (i.e. MA to MFA; MFA to MA).

Changing Graduate Degree Subject Discipline

MA / MFA Color and Materials Design

MA / MFA Transportation Design

MA / MFA User Experience Design

A student seeking to change from one of the above listed programs to another must do so by the first day of week 2 of the first semester, and must have been accepted by the receiving program chair.

Those seeking to change programs after this date, will be required to restart the program in the following academic year. Students cannot switch programs midway through the academic year. All in-person graduate degrees start in the Fall Semester. Students are unable to commence their studies in the Winter Semester.

MA / MFA Interdisciplinary Design

Graduate students can transfer into MA / MFA Interdisciplinary Design Studies at any time, with approval of Chairs and the Dean of Graduate Studies. A student seeking to transfer out of this program must do so by the first day of week 2 of the first semester, and must have been accepted by the receiving program chair. This does not apply to the MA in Art Education (see below).

MA Art Education

Students wishing to transfer into this program, or from it, will need to reapply through the Graduate Admissions Office.

Note: A student who is in the process of completing a CCS graduate degree and wishes to immediately start another in a different discipline, must apply through Graduate Admissions.

Changing Study Modes

MA / MFA Degrees (Design Programs)

All MA and MFA Design degrees are offered in both full- and part-time mode. However, only US citizens and permanent residents can study part-time. Eligible students can transfer from full-time to part-time mode, or vice versa through an approval process, and degree planning negotiation with the Program Chair and Academic Advisor.

MA User Experience Design (Online)

The MA in User Experience Design (Online) is structured and sequenced differently to the in-person MA degree. Transferring between these programs is not possible (a student may apply for direct entry to the MFA in Interdisciplinary Design Studies). International students taking this program must reside outside of the US.

Changing Graduate Degree Program (MA and MFA)

MA to MFA

A student may transfer from the MA to the MFA of the same program at any time during the first semester, with the approval of the program chair. Students transferring in the second semester will be required to complete specific courses for the MFA before starting their second year.

MFA to MA

A student may transfer from the MFA to the MA version of the same program at any time during the first semester. Students enrolled on the MFA may not transfer to the MA after the first day of week 2 of the Winter semester.

Graduation from the MA or MFA graduate design degrees requires the completion of a capstone project course(s). Capstone project courses cannot be replaced with other classes, including internships.

Two-year MA and three-year MFA in Transportation Design

A two-year MA and three-year MFA is offered in Transportation Design, providing a preliminary year of skills development. Students taking either the one-year MA or the two- and three-year MFA may change to the two-year MA under advice and guidance at any juncture deemed appropriate by the Department Chair. Students on the two-year MA may advance to the final year of the MFA, having met prerequisites with the agreement of the department chair.

Students on the two-year MA may not change to the one year MA. Students on the three-year MFA may not change to the two-year MFA.

Attendance Regulations for Graduation

Students must be enrolled and attending CCS* in the semester in which they plan to graduate (*unless on an online degree)

International Students

International Students are reminded that any change to their program of study, subject matter, degree type or duration needs to be reflected in their SEVIS record and printed on their I20 Form. Please contact the Global Engagement Office within 10 days of any change for an updated I20 Form, and to officially report the change. global@ccsdetroit.edu

Graduate Student Readmission

Graduate students returning to College for Creative Studies (CCS) after an absence of more than two consecutive academic years or students who seek readmission after suspension, must complete the Application for Readmission. Please check the Graduate Student Readmission Policy for further details.

Transfer of credit earned outside of CCS

Please refer to the Graduate Credit Transfer Policy.

Graduate Assistantship

Graduate Assistantship positions are available to all registered graduate students at College for Creative Studies. Appointments are made for a given semester or year and may be renewed. Graduate Assistantship positions require 5 (minimum) to 20 (maximum) hours of service per week; typically, 8-10 hours is recommended. Eligible students are admitted first-year graduate students with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) from their previously attended institutions or returning students who have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in all graduate CCS coursework. Once approved for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all CCS coursework must be maintained. Successful candidates will demonstrate suitability and the skills required of the particular assistantship as defined by the faculty or administrator supporting the position. All positions pay $18.00 per hour.

Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA)

CCS offers graduate students the position of Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) to provide support and assistance for faculty and instructors teaching undergraduate classes. The role is also an opportunity for graduate students to extend their academic knowledge and acquire new skills. Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) may be assigned teaching duties in undergraduate (and occasionally graduate) level courses and will be assigned to a specific CCS faculty.

While each GTA position is unique to the assigned course general duties may include supporting the instructor in the preparation of materials and instruction in the classroom and/or learning management system (LMS); conducting student tutorials and remedial instruction; assisting in the organization of the class room and/or virtual learning space; tutoring individual or small groups of students, providing feedback to help students progress toward achieving course learning outcomes; mentoring of students; providing support and tutoring in software; and other course related tasks as required.

Personal attributes sought include good interpersonal skills and the ability to help, encourage, and support others; patience and sensitivity towards students of diverse pedagogic backgrounds and capabilities; excellent team-working skills; professional discretion, integrity, and adherence to confidentiality; strong organizational skills, including an ability to multitask, meet course deadlines, and be adaptable to change. A detailed list of requirements will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.

Students selected for a GTA position will be required to participate in Teaching Readiness Training offered each semester. This Training will focus on instructional skills and behaviors that enhance student experience at the College.

Graduate Research Assistant (GRA)

CCS offers graduate students the position of Graduate Research Assistant (GRA) to provide support and assistance for faculty and instructors in research. The role is also an opportunity for graduate students to extend their academic knowledge and acquire new skills. Graduate Research Assistants (GRAs) will be assigned to a specific CCS faculty/research project.

Graduate Research Assistants are responsible for supporting faculty and/or staff in undertaking scholarly research; locating, scanning, and archiving secondary sources; supporting and undertaking field research tasks; monitoring research ethics and integrity; organizing primary research activities; recording, documenting, and collating qualitative and quantitative data; developing presentation materials; and other duties as assigned by the supervising faculty. A detailed list of responsibilities will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.

Personal attributes sought include excellent interpersonal skills; excellent team-working skills; professional discretion, integrity, and adherence to confidentiality; a willingness to follow instructions and work in a supporting role; strong organizational skills, including an ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and be adaptable to change. A detailed list of requirements will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.

Students accepted into a GRA position will be required to participate in a Research Induction and undertake graduate level CITI training for research ethics.

Graduate Student Assistant (GSA)

CCS offers graduate students the position of Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) to provide support and assistance for faculty and instructors in administrative tasks outside of the day-to-day duties of program managers and other administrators. The role is also an opportunity for graduate students to extend their knowledge and acquire new skills. Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs) will be assigned to a specific CCS faculty or department.

While each GSA position is unique to the assigned faculty or department general duties may include supporting the preparation of operational and promotional materials for the Department; assisting in project documentation and preparation of presentation materials; providing support for social media and marketing materials; supporting departmental processes related to student recruitment including conducting campus tours and orientation activities; providing assistance with program event planning, collecting students files and event setup/tear down; and other tasks as required. A detailed list of responsibilities will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.

Personal attributes sought include good interpersonal skills; excellent team-working skills; professional discretion, integrity, and adherence to confidentiality; a willingness to follow instructions and work in a supporting role; strong organizational skills, including an ability to multitask, meet course deadlines, and be adaptable to change. A detailed list of requirements will be discussed/provided at the time of hire.

Application Process

The types of positions available are posted on the Financial Aid campus site for consistent student, staff, and faculty access. Students who are interested in and qualify for a Graduate Assistantship position may learn of open positions by emailing Jill Davis at fdavis@collegeforcreativestudies.edu. Faculty and staff seeking a Graduate Assistant may likewise contact the Graduate Studies office.

A Social Security Number (SSN) is required for hire. Students without an SSN should approach the International Student Services Office for guidance on how to request one.

Student application packets must be uploaded to a shared drive created by Graduate Studies for this purpose and will contain the following documentation:

A completed Graduate Assistantship application
A current resume or CV
Final performance evaluation from last CCS graduate assistantship position (if applicable)
Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
A portfolio or research related paper

Finalists for open positions will be asked to participate in an interview. Once an appointment decision is made, all applicants for the position will be notified of their status via email and the International Student Services office will be notified of the hires of any international students.

Annual Timeline for Position Posting and Application Process

	Fall Positions	Winter Positions
Graduate and Undergraduate Studies Chairs’ Meeting – Graduate Studies communicates Graduate Assistant availability and the deadline to request a position	Mid-February	Late August
Graduate Studies sends All Staff email communicating Graduate Assistant availability and the deadline to request a position	Mid-February	Late August
Deadline for offices and departments to submit open positions	March 15	September 15
Graduate Studies faculty observe students to deter mine who would be the best candidates for open Graduate Assistantship positions (if needed)	March-April	September-October
Graduate Studies communicates all open positions to graduate students	April 15	October 15
Deadline for application packet submission	May 20	November 15
Applicants matched based on student interest, recommendations by faculty, and portfolio. Students are interviewed and selected candidates receive offers.	May 20-June 15	November 15-December 5
Late application date for incoming students.	Late August	Not applicable
Graduate Teaching Assistants participate in a two-hour Teaching Readiness Workshop	Fourth week of August	Early January
Graduate Research Assistants participate in a Research Induction and begin CITI Training	Fourth week of August	Early January
Students begin performing the duties of their positions at the start of the semester	September	January

Evaluation Process

A formal performance review will be provided by the faculty or administrator overseeing the assistantship at the end of each academic year or semester, as applicable.

External Graduate Assistants (EGA)

On occasion, the College will post opportunities for external graduate assistants. This role provides an opportunity for students from other institutions to gain experience in their area of study while interacting with and benefitting the CCS community.

The position description, requirements, and hourly rate is determined by the hiring office/program, with consideration and approval of the appropriate Vice President and Human Resources.

Typically, external graduate assistants work no more than 20 hours per week. A detailed list of responsibilities will be discussed/provided at the time of hire. They are supervised by the hiring office/program and are evaluated on their performance at the close of each year.

Double Majors

Students seeking a double major must meet studio requirements for both majors. Courses, including foundations (18 credits), liberal arts (42 credits), studio electives (9 credits), and general electives (6 credits) as part of one major, may be used, when appropriate, to satisfy the requirements of the second major. 75 credit hours may be shared between the two majors.

Each plan for the major must be developed in consultation with and approved by a Department Chair. Students wishing to declare a double major must complete the Double Major Declaration form that is available in the Academic Advising and Registration Office (AARO). Students must submit the completed form to AARO with the approval of the second major’s Department Chair. One of the majors must be designated as the primary program of study on the form.

Second Major After Graduation

Students may complete a second major after graduation by applying through the CCS Admissions Office. Requirements from the first major are evaluated, and when appropriate, foundations, studio, and liberal arts coursework from the first major may be applied to the second major. Admitted transfer students are sent a potential Transfer Credit Evaluation (TCE) and curriculum chart via email shortly after being admitted. The TCE outlines which courses have been accepted for transfer credit and how they apply toward your CCS degree.

Institutional Student Learning Outcomes

The faculty of the College have articulated the general objectives of a CCS education in the form of Institutional Student Learning Outcomes and the criteria of the various majors have been aligned with these Institutional Outcomes. Institutional Learning Objectives are as follows:

CCS graduates will be able to:

THINK: Demonstrate critical thinking characterized by experimentation, inquiry, and theoretically informed social, cultural, and historical awareness.
CREATE: Synthesize knowledge and skills in the conceptualization and realization of creative expression.
COMMUNICATE: Articulate ideas and visual concepts in writing, presentations, and professional practice.
INNOVATE: Frame visionary responses to evolving social, cultural, and economic needs and opportunities.
CONNECT: Engage as responsible and ethical citizens of diverse, local, global and professional communities.
LEAD: Demonstrate leadership through appropriate research, methods, design, and professional conduct.

Program Learning Outcomes – Graduate Studies

Color and Material Deisgn
User Experience Design
Transportation Design

Program Learning Outcomes – Undergraduate Studies

Independent Study

An Independent Study is available to students who are at junior or senior level standing with a cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above. The student may receive approval to work in an area or on a project that is not otherwise offered or addressed in the curriculum. Students may receive credit toward graduation for no more than 6 credit hours of independent study.

The student, working with the supervising faculty, must complete an Independent Study form for consideration by the Department Chair and Academic Affairs. The student may register for the course upon approval from all signatories.

The student must submit a minimum 150-word Independent Study Proposal, along with the Independent Study Approval Form, to the Chair of the department in which they wish to study stating the reason for the independent study and their plan for study, including topics to be covered and goals.

Once the Department Chair approves of the Independent Study, the instructor appointed to oversee the Independent Study must write an Independent Study syllabus with a detailed course description, learning outcomes, assignments, meeting dates (minimum of four), due dates, and grading criteria. The Independent Study Approval Form, with faculty and Chair signatures, must be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs for final approval by the appropriate Dean.

The final approved form will be sent by Academic Affairs to the Academic Advising and Registration Office for registration of the Independent Study. Independent Study forms must be turned in no later than the final day to add a class of the semester in which the Independent Study is to be taken.

Repetitions

When a course is repeated, the higher grade will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. Any course, or its equivalent approved course, may be applied only once toward fulfillment of any and all degree requirements, including elective credit. Courses taken at other institutions are not subject to the repeat policy. Work from previous attempts at the course cannot be reused in future attempts without written approval from the faculty member teaching the repeated course. Federal regulations specify that a student may only receive financial aid for a repeated course once after a passing grade has been earned.

Assigning Academic Credit

College for Creative Studies uses credit hours as a general measure of academic work and progress toward degrees at both the Undergraduate and Graduate level. The College’s use of credit hours complies with standards established by our accrediting bodies and is consistent with generally accepted practices of peer institutions across the nation.

At CCS, one credit hour represents an average of at least three hours of work each week for a period of 15 or 16 weeks. Most classes offered award three credit hours upon successful completion, hence an average of at least nine hours per week of classroom and outside work, totaling 135 hours in a 15-week semester is expected.

For studio courses, three credit hours represents six hours of class time with an average of at least three hours of work outside of class each week.
For lecture classes, including Liberal Arts, three credit hours represents three hours of class time with an average of at least six hours of work outside of class each week.
Workloads may vary from class to class, depending upon the period during the semester, but students should expect to commit to an average of at least nine hours of classroom and outside work per week for every three credit hour class taken.

During a 15 or 16-week semester students enrolled in a three credit hour independent study or a three credit fully online course are expected to commit to at least nine hours of work per week or 135 hours. Summer courses that are offered in a condensed term are scheduled to have the same number of classroom hours as a lecture or studio class of equal credit would have over a 15-week semester. Likewise, the weekly expectation of outside of class work is adjusted so that the classroom and outside work totals at least 135 hours.

Students in the undergraduate program may complete more than 3 hours of effort per credit during an elective internship, a CCS travel class or Directed Teaching.

Departmental Review Attendance

The academic programs at CCS are designed to challenge students, prepare them for careers in the visual arts and design, and provide them with opportunities to express their ideas through visual and verbal presentations. At least once each academic year, students are expected to participate in a departmental review. Students who do not attend the review at the scheduled date and time and have circumstances the are beyond their control, should immediately contact the department. Documentation regarding the circumstances may be required from the student. The department will reschedule the review at a time mutually agreeable for the department and student. Students who do not attend their scheduled review and do not make arrangements with the department to reschedule are ineligible to register for the next semester. If a student has registered, he, she, or they will be removed from the registered courses. A departmental hold will be placed on the student’s record until the matter is resolved with the department.

Areas of Emphasis and Minors

Emphasis

An emphasis is a required focused area of study within a major and is part of the 60 credits required for the major courses within an undergraduate program. Enrolled students are required to meet the current emphasis credit requirements, which range from 12 to 30 credits depending on the major and emphasis.

The following undergraduate departments have a required area of emphasis:

Major	Emphasis Area Options
Advertising Design	Advertising or Copywriting
Craft & Material Studies	Ceramics, Glass, Fiber & Textiles or Metalsmithing/Jewelry
Fashion	Fashion Design or Fashion Accessories
Entertainment Arts	Animation, Concept Design, or Game

The emphasis appears on the final official transcript but does not appear on the diploma.

Minors

Liberal Arts and Studio minor options are available to undergraduate level students. A Studio Minor is an area of study outside the major that provides students the ability to customize their studies by gaining knowledge and proficiency in a different discipline. A Liberal Arts Minor is a focused area of study within the Liberal Arts subjects.

Studio and Liberal Arts minors require 15.0 credits to complete. A list of available minor options is published on the CCS Website and provided with the associated form (see the Liberal Arts Minor Declaration Form and/or Studio Minor Declaration Form) that can be found on the Campus Offices site under the Academic Advising and Registration Office. Students must consult with the Department Chair of the minor for detailed information and minor expectations. Some minors are customized based on students’ interest and/or skill. Designated major departments will allow a minor within the same major if the minor’s emphasis (or specialized area of focus) is “different” from emphasis outlined in the major. Example: Transportation Design major can minor in Automotive Clay Modeling; Crafts/Ceramics major can minor in Crafts/Glass; Entertainment Arts/Animation major can minor in Entertainment Arts/Game, etc.

Declaring a minor is not required to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.
Minors can only be attempted while pursuing a BFA and cannot be attempted post graduation.
Once a minor is added to the student’s record, all requirements for the existing minor must be satisfied in order to graduate (along with the general degree requirements).
Adjustments to minor requirements are based on department approval.
Adding a minor may extend the expected graduation timeline and students should consult with an Academic Advisor to review degree timeline details.
Some limitations or restrictions may apply when choosing a minor within the same major department.
Minors appear on the final official transcript but do not appear on the diploma.

Transfer Credits for a Minor

A maximum of six (6.0) transfer credit earned from an accredited institution may be applied to a minor in any area of study. Students may be asked to submit documentation or work samples for transfer credit requests in question. See Transfer Credits – Undergraduate policy for additional details.

Credit Sharing

No more than nine (9) credits between the general degree requirements and the minor can be shared. Credit sharing is not automatic and should be discussed with an Academic Advisor to confirm steps and/or requirements for placement. Department Chair approval may be required for courses that are not pre-approved for placement. Credit sharing can be applied to General Electives without Department Chair approval. See section on “Adding Multiple Minors” for policy on credit sharing with more than one minor.*

Adding a Minor

Students must sign and submit the appropriate minor form to the Department Chair of the minor. A Liberal Arts Minor Declaration form must be signed by the Liberal Arts Department Chair. A Studio Minor Declaration form must be signed by the Department Chair of the studio minor. Completed forms must be submitted to the Academic Advising & Registration Office for processing and to officially add the minor to degree requirements. Once a minor is added to a student’s degree program, all major and minor credits must be satisfied in order to graduate. It is the student’s responsibility to 1) complete all required minor credits or 2) initiate a request to remove the minor if no longer planning to attempt the credits.

Students close to graduation must have all minor forms completed and submitted before applying for graduation (see Academic Calendar for deadlines).

Adding Multiple Minors

Students may choose to minor in multiple Studio/Major Departments or Liberal Arts subject areas (or a combination of both). A minor form is required for each intended minor. “Credits Sharing” and “Transfer Credit for Minors” will apply to each minor separately (as outlined in above policies). Additionally, up to 9.0 credit hours can be shared “between minors”, if applicable or due to “like” courses.

Credit Sharing with More than One Minor:

Share max of 9.0 credits between minors is allowed
- up to 9.0 credit hours can be applied/shared from the 1st minor with the 2nd minor, if courses are applicable.
- Up to 9.0 credit hours can be shared with the major/general degree requirements.
- Remaining credits for the minor(s) must be fulfilled with courses different from any attempted credits within the major/general degree requirements and cannot be shared.

Removing or Changing a Minor

A minor may be removed at any time if a student no longer wishes to pursue the minor or satisfy the requirements. Students must indicate their intent to drop the minor on the appropriate Minor Declaration Form. Department Chair signature (of the removed minor) is not required on the form.

If a student wishes to switch to a different minor, the Department Chair of the new minor will evaluate the student’s course work for placement or transferability of any courses previously taken or in-progress. The new minor should be indicted on the Minor Declaration form and the Department Chair of the new minor must sign the form to change the minor. The completed form must be submitted to the Academic Advising & Registration Office to have the minor removed.

If credits were taken/completed towards the “removed” minor, students should meet with an Academic Advisor to discuss courses that no longer apply to degree requirements.

Students who are graduating and intend to remove (or add) a minor, must do so prior to submitting the application for graduation (see the Academic Calendar for deadlines).

Dean’s and President’s List

Undergraduate students who complete a minimum of 12 credits during a given semester with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.50 to 3.799 are placed on the Dean’s List. Undergraduate students who achieve a GPA of 3.80 or above are placed on the President’s List. A notation will be placed on the student’s transcript for each semester that Dean’s List status is achieved.