The College reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time for academic dishonesty or improper behavior. Improper behavior is defined as, but not limited to, actions by an individual that may be detrimental to the student, other students, or the College, or damage to College property. It also includes violations of civil, state, or federal law. See the Code of Student Conduct for further details.
Category: Academics
Academics
Change of Academic Level
Changing Academic Level from Graduate to Undergraduate
In order to be eligible for a change of academic level (from Graduate level to Undergraduate level) students must be in good academic standing (2.0 cumulative grade point average and meet satisfactory academic progress). Students, along with their Academic Department Chair, must complete the Change of Academic Level form for processing.
Students pursuing a second Bachelor’s degree who would like to be considered for the Master of Fine Arts program must go through the admissions process.
Obtaining Grades Online
Grading is based on work performed, growth in ability, attendance and attitude. A continuous record of all students’ classes is kept in the Academic Advising and Registration Office. Final grade reports are available through WebAdvisor, the on-line student registration system, the week after classes end provided there are no restrictions (holds) on the student’s record.
Guest/Non-Matriculated Students
Students who wish to enroll in specific courses at the College but who do not apply for admission as degree-seeking students are identified as non-matriculated. Non-matriculated students must meet with the appropriate department chair to obtain permission to enroll. Non-matriculated students may enroll in up to three courses per semester. International guest students must enroll in a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester. Enrollment for non-matriculated students is on a space-available basis and must take place during the Add/Drop period during the first week of the semester.
Forms:
First Year Experience
The First Year Experience is a comprehensive transitional 1 credit hour course that begins the week prior to classes and continues throughout the first semester. It explores topics and issues that are pertinent to the success of students at CCS as well as building social interaction with faculty, staff and upper class students.
Passing this course is required for all freshmen (excluding transfer students with more than 12 transferable credit hours from an accredited U.S. institution) in order to move on to sophomore level classes.
Graduate Admission Requirements for International Applicants
Application Requirements
Application Form
Enter general personal and educational information.
Portfolio
Upload projects, sketches and other items that communicate your technical and design expertise and problem-solving skills. Review individual program requirements/recommendations on the Portfolio Guidelines page.
MFA Transcript
Upload a current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admissions.
International Applicants: Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s). The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school’s official grading scale, so that we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average for all years attended in your bachelor’s degree.
Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from a college or university, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.
MFA Statement of Purpose
Upload a statement of purpose (500-1000 words) that outlines your objectives for seeking an MFA at CCS and addresses the following:
What is your motivation for studying design?
What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
Why do you think CCS is the place for you?
What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
This document serves as your writing sample and should include your areas of interest and influences on your design/thinking practice.
MFA CV/Resume
Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work and community service/volunteer experience.
MFA Letters of Recommendation
Provide two (2) recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisors. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of your application.
Application Fee
Submit a $18 non-refundable application fee prior to finalizing your application.
Additional Requirements for International Students
English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS general exam scores. Request scores be sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.
Minimum scores: TOEFL- Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197
IELTS: 6.5
If the primary language of instruction for your undergraduate degree was English, you can request the requirement be waived in your SlideRoom application. Please provide a direct link to institutions website with details of the language of instruction. Applicants requesting a waiver will be contacted directly by the Office of Graduate Admissions regarding the decision.
Transcripts: Upload provide a certified English translation of your transcripts, along with the school’s official grading scale, so we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average. Please also provide an English translated degree certificate, if available.
Passport: Submit a current scanned copy of your passport.
Course Overload
A class schedule containing more than 18 credit hours in one semester is considered a course overload. Students who wish to register for an overload must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and must be in good academic standing. Permission to take above 18 credit hours in one semester is granted by the academic advisor.
Class Level
Undergraduate Students
Class level is determined at the time of admission and at the end of each subsequent semester during which the student is enrolled based on the number of credits earned. Degree-seeking students are classified as follows:
For students following the 2024/2025 catalog year (or later):
- Freshmen up to 29.5 credits completed or in progress
- Sophomores 30 – 59.5 credits completed or in progress
- Juniors 60 – 89.5 credits completed or in progress
- Seniors 90 or more credits completed or in progress
For students following the 2023/2024 catalog year (or prior):
- Freshmen up to 29.5 credits completed or in progress
- Sophomores 30 – 62.5 credits completed or in progress
- Juniors 63 – 92.5 credits completed or in progress
- Seniors 93 or more credits completed or in progress
All students, regardless of catalog year, will be eligible for assigned priority registration following the class levels defined for the 2024/2025 guidelines.
Financial Aid eligibility will factor in a student’s current assigned catalog year to determine class level.
Graduate Students
Class level is determined at the time of admission and at the end of each subsequent semester during which the student is enrolled based on the number of credits earned. Degree-seeking students are classified as follows:
- First Year up to 29.5 credits completed or in progress
- Second Year 30 – 60 credits completed or in progress
Tuition Withdrawal and Refunds
WITHDRAWAL AND REFUNDS
| Deadline | Refund |
| Through the 6th business day of classes (for Fall) | 100% refunded |
| Through the 7th business day of classes (for Winter) | 100% refunded |
| Through the 10th business day of classes | 80% refunded |
| Through the 15th business day of classes | 60% refunded |
| Through the 20th business day of classes | 40% refunded |
Summer WITHDRAWAL AND REFUNDS
| Deadline | Refund |
| Through the 8th business day of classes | 100% refunded |
| Through the 15th business day of classes | 50% refunded |
There is no refund for classes dropped after the 20th business day of classes. Students who have not paid the full tuition and who withdraw from classes are obligated to pay for the dropped classes as follows:
After the 20th business day of classes, tuition for the dropped classes must be paid in full.
The Federal Refund policy will apply to those students who receive Title IV financial aid.
Student Responsibilities/Restrictions (holds)
Students are responsible for taking care of their financial obligations to the College. This includes full payment of tuition and fees, returning library books and materials, returning department equipment and materials and settling all bookstore charges and unpaid parking violations. Students who do not fulfill these obligations will be restricted from receiving certain services. Registrations, grade reports or graduation requests will not be processed for any student who has restrictions (holds) on their record.