Category: Policies and Procedures

Student Handbook

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.

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements for Graduate Students

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility for Federal Direct Loans is determined by an analysis of family resources calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive Federal Direct Loans from the College, students must:

  1. Be accepted for enrollment in a graduate degree program.
  2. Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  3. Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  4. Be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours (for Direct Loans).
  5. Have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent.
  6. Not owe a refund on previous Title IV funds received or be in default on any federal student loan.

For more information, visit studentaid.gov.

CCS also awards scholarships based on merit. Students may qualify for these scholarships based on the strength of their admission application and required documents at the time of admittance to the College. No additional application is required for these scholarships.

Students receiving tuition assistance from their employers will have their tuition scholarship reduced accordingly.

Duration of Eligibility

Full-time students may receive financial aid for a maximum of three years (six semesters) of full-time awards. Half-time students are eligible for a maximum of six years (12 semesters) of half-time awards. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

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.

Undergraduate Admissions Requirements

Application Requirements

Application Form
Enter general personal and educational information. There is no fee associated with the CCS Undergraduate application. If you choose to submit your portfolio on ccs.slideroom.com, Slideroom will require $10US.

Portfolio
Upload 8-12 pieces of your original visual artwork to ccs.slideroom.com or get a one-on-one review with a CCS representative. Five drawings from imagination or observation are required for the following majors: Entertainment Arts: Animation, Entertainment Arts: Concept Design, Entertainment Arts: Game, Illustration, Transpiration Design. Works from all visual mediums can be submitted.

High School or College Transcript(s)
Email or request an electronic version of your current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) to the CCS Admissions office.

High school students who have attended more than one high school: Submit a transcript that details all four years of enrollment or a transcript from each school attended.

Homeschooled applicants: Submit a detailed transcript that includes student’s full name, address, dates and detail of courses completed, grades earned and the signature of the person who oversaw the education plan and created the document. If any coursework was completed at a college or high school, a transcript from that institution must be submitted as well.

Transfer applicants: Submit transcripts from all previously attended colleges if they want to transfer previously-earned credit.

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 high school, secondary or college program(s).

Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from high school, a GED test transcript, or the equivalent international education level, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.

Test Blind for Domestic Applicants
Starting with applications for semesters in 2020, CCS will not require a standardized test (ACT or SAT) score. If a Test Score is submitted it will not be used to influence admission or scholarship. While CCS is committed to admitting students who have proven potential to succeed in our programs, our historical data indicates that Test Scores do not consistently identify that potential.

English Language Test Score for International Applicants
International applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit one of the following English language test scores: TOEFL, IELTS, DuolingoEnglish Test, SAT or ACT. The test requirement may be waived if the primary language of instruction at their secondary school or college is English.

Letters of Recommendation and Artists Statements are not required.

If an applicant for admission to the College has been admitted to the same academic level four times in the past, but has never completed attendance through the first semester Add/Drop period of any admitted Start Term, the fifth and following applications for admission will be denied.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

Chosen and Legal Name

The College for Creative Studies recognizes the importance of accommodating members of the institution regarding the use of an individual’s legal or chosen name, while remaining in compliance with federal and legal obligations. There are various reasons students, faculty and staff may choose to use a name to identify themselves that differs from their legal name. It is the policy of the College to use a chosen name (if requested) within CCS systems where a legal name is not absolutely necessary. The use of a chosen name does not automatically change the legal name in College systems/records. Proper documentation is required for students, staff or faculty members that wish to change their legal name.

Definitions

Legal Name – a name, also commonly known as a given name, that appears on the state issued ID card, driver’s license, passport, social security card, birth certificate, and immigration documents.  Documentation (marriage license, court order, divorce decree, etc) is required to change a legal name. A legal name change will result in a comprehensive change in the individual’s records.

Chosen Name – a first name that you may choose to be called. It is different from your legal first name and no legal documentation is required. A chosen name, also known as preferred name, is generally used by individuals who choose to use:

Legal Name Policy

CCS must always maintain a record of students’ and employees’ legal name and are used where required within CCS records/systems (i.e., Human Resource records, Financial Aid documents, student conduct records, medical/insurance records, academic transcripts, etc). A legal name will continue to appear within institution records for reasons related to conducting institutional business, technology limitations or if required by law. Legal name change requests will be approved based on submission of legal evidence indicating the name change.  All requests must be verified with Information Technology Services through the approving office, to update CCS systems.

Chosen Name Policy

A chosen name will appear in select institutional systems, records, or documents in which a legal name is not required. To assure accurate identification, the legal last name will appear along with the chosen first name whenever possible. CCS reserves the right to remove or deny the chosen first name if used inappropriately. This includes, but is not limited to, names using foul or inappropriate language, names submitted to avoid a legal obligation, fraud, and names used to create misrepresentation.  A chosen name that includes numbers or symbols will not be recognized. Each individual may request one chosen first name change during each twelve month period.  An Individual may request to revert back to their legal name at any time. Historical notes in systems may not be updated to reflect the change. 

A chosen name can appear on CCS ID cards and email, among other approved areas if requested. All requests must be verified with Information Technology Services through the approving office, to update CCS systems.

For the purpose of F-1 and J-1 student visa status, the legal name must be used on I-20s and DDS-2019s. An individual’s legal name is what appears on the passport.

Under FERPA, a student’s chosen name or legal name may be disclosed as directory information (unless a request to withhold is on file to prevent disclosure, see FERPA Policy). The Chosen name will be used as first preference.

Note: Parents/families that have access to your personal CCS accounts, will be able to see the same information accessed by a student or employee. It is recommended that personal accounts and login information is not shared with anyone (including family).

Procedures for Chosen Name Requests and Legal Name Changes

Procedures for chosen and legal names may vary. Individuals interested in updating personal records should contact the appropriate office directly related to their status of enrollment or employment. 

Chosen & Legal Name Display Areas: 

The below chart indicates where chosen and legal names will appear in CCS records and documents, along with the affiliated campus office*. 

If a chosen name is requested, it will display on all items in the “Chosen Name” column. 

The Legal Name will always appear within records listed in the “Legal Name” column.

*Changes to a name (chosen or legal) may take 2 to 3 business days to update across campus systems.

“The college will continue to review the section below to adhere to policy updates and institutional changes that impact the use of Chosen and Legal Names.”

Academic Advising & registration Office (aARO)

Last Updated: 07/30/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Academic EvaluationTranscripts (Official, Unofficial, and CE)
Registration ConfirmationEnrollment Verifications
Class ScheduleSubpoenas
Graduation Reports
Academic Standing (probation/suspension)
Diplomas
Commencement line-up name cards
Commencement Program
Deposit Reports
Course & Attendance Rosters
Student Email*
* All student records (UG, MFA, TC, Guest Students and non credit records)

Academic Affairs

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Dean’s/President’s list/lettersAcademic Honesty Records/notifications
Review week schedules for departmentsImre Molnar Award letters
Mentor or other Departmental student listsAward of Academic Excellence – Graduate Studies
Student Affairs Monthly Reports

admissions

Last Updated: 08/17/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Transfer Credit EvaluationsAcceptance Letters
Admissions EmailMerit Scholarship Award letters
Text messagesMailed documents

International admissions

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Individual communication (email & text)Admissions documents & reports
Institutional communication

Business Services/Payroll<br><em>Students, faculty & Staff</em>

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Tuition Billing
Checks
Pay Stubs
W2’s
All payroll systems/reports
Receipts

Campus Safety

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
CCS ID cards

Career Development

Last Updated: 08/13/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
College Central Network (formerly Job Book)
Display/exhibition, Career Dev. recruiting events (or showcase)

Financial aid

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Individual Email communicationFinancial Aid Award letters
Mailed correspondence
Correspondence with Department of Education
Loan records
Pell Grant records
Enrollment records

Human resources

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Employee/Phone DirectoryIRS forms
CCS Employee ID cardBenefits
CCS Employee email*Retirement
Employee hire records
Work-Study hire records
Tuition remission records
Employee fee waivers (credit and non-credit)
*IT updates systems, but does not handle the initial requests for changes. Updates by office requests.

Information technology

Last Updated: 08/11/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
CCS email address*
Access Manager*
Self-Service – student*
Self-Service – staff*
WebAdvisor for Faculty*
Phone Directory*
*IT updates systems, but does not handle the initial requests for changes. Updates by office requests.

International Student Services Office (ISSO)<br>International Students

Last Updated: 08/10/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Registration Confirmations (AARO printed)Registration Confirmations (ISSO printed)
Degree AuditsSEVIS
Immigration documents

Office for Institutional Equity & Inclusion

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Title IX records

student affairs<br>Student Life<br>Housing<br>Wellness Center<br>Nurse

Last Updated: 07/31/20

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
On-Campus housing rostersMeal Plans
Roommate assignmentsMedical & Insurance Records
OrientationStudent Disability Services Records
Disability Accommodation NotificationsStudent Conduct Records
Student Elections
Student Organization Representatives

compliance reporting for Internal & external auditing processes

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required

compliance Reporting Requirements As Mandated By Authorized Entities Of The U.S. Government

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required

Compliance Reporting Requirements AS Mandated By The State OF Michigan

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required

compliance with Subpoenas

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
use of Legal name as required

alumni Office

Chosen Name
(if requested)
Displays on:		Legal Name
will display:
Tax receipts & gift agreements

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:

MajorEmphasis Area Options
Advertising DesignAdvertising or Copywriting
Craft & Material StudiesCeramics, Glass, Fiber & Textiles or Metalsmithing/Jewelry
Fashion Fashion Design or Fashion Accessories
Entertainment ArtsAnimation, 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.