2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Blog

  • Academic Advising and Registration

    Yamasaki Building, First Floor, Ext. 7672
    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 A.M.- 4:30 P.M.

    The College for Creative Studies believes that academic advising is a developmental process that assists students in the clarification of life, education, and career goals. Academic Advisors assist students in the development of educational plans and provide direction to help them achieve their goals.

    The Academic Advising and Registration Office provides a variety of services including assistance with course selection, student registration, guidance, and assistance with registration forms and procedures, referrals to the Center for Tutoring and Writing, providing course equivalency guides for local colleges, resolution of transfer credit issues, documenting student absences, processing Mobility Program applications, etc. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their assigned Academic Advisor each semester to ensure that they are taking the required courses for graduation as they strive to attain their personal and educational goals.

    Academic Advisors are responsible for ensuring that students are making satisfactory progress toward their degree. The Academic Advisors annually review the Academic Evaluations of all students. Students who are identified as not making satisfactory progress toward their degree will receive a letter from the Academic Advising and Registration Office indicating that an “advising hold” has been placed on their record and that they must make an appointment with their assigned advisor to address the issue(s). Students with an “advising hold” will not be allowed to register for the upcoming semester until the issue(s) have been resolved.

    Incoming students are registered by their Academic Advisor in their first semester. In the second semester and onward, students may register online via WebAdvisor or Student Planning or with their Academic Advisor. Students are able to check grades, search for classes, register online, add/drop classes, and pay tuition online. Faculty can view advisees, check current class rosters, and view class schedules. Enrolled students will receive a username and password for access to the Self-Service system.

  • A Brief History

    For more than a century, the College for Creative Studies (CCS) has distinguished itself as one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the world. The current College traces its heritage back to 1906 when a group of local civic leaders, inspired by the English Arts and Crafts movement, formed the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts. The Society’s mission was to keep the ideals of beauty and craftsmanship alive in what was rapidly becoming an industrialized world. At their original location on Farmer Street, Society members began teaching informal classes in basic design, drawing, and woodcarving. In 1911, they opened a gallery where students, as well as prominent modern artists, displayed and sold their work.

    As Detroit’s creative community continued to take root, the Society recognized the need to expand. They moved to a larger location on Watson Street (1916), and10 years later became one of the first arts and crafts organizations to offer a formal, four-year program in Art (1926). Within a year, the Art School of the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts grew to an enrollment of 280 students.

    Much of the school’s success was attributed to its close integration of rigorous courses with the progression of the art and design movements and world-class, contemporary exhibitions—a tradition that continues to prevail. In addition to hiring talented, local artists and designers, the school sought renowned painters, sculptors, and craftspeople from around the world to teach courses. In 1933, the Society’s gallery garnered national media attention as one of the first art institutions to recognize the automobile as an art form. This was around the same time that programs in industrial design and commercial art were introduced to the school’s curriculum.

    The school relocated for a third time in 1958 to its current location near the city’s cultural center. The move provided students with more convenient access to the Detroit Institute of Arts’ impressive collection. All classes and offices were initially housed in the Arts & Crafts building designed by Minoru Yamasaki.

    In 1962, the school officially became a college when the Michigan Department of Education authorized the institution to offer a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design. Eight years later, the College was awarded the right to provide degrees in all of its major programs. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) granted original accreditation in 1972, and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) granted regional accreditation in 1977.

    The next four decades brought about several improvements and significant changes to the campus. In 1975, construction of the architectural award-winning Kresge-Ford Building was completed, and the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts changed its name to the Center for Creative Studies—College of Art and Design. The school acquired an apartment building adjacent to campus (the Art Centre building) in 1988 that serves as the main dormitory on campus and the building that formerly housed Detroit’s African American Museum of History in 1997 that was later transformed into the Academic Resource Center (now the Manoogian Visual Resource Center), which contains the Center Galleries and library. A parking structure was added to the campus in 1999, and in the fall of 2001, the College inaugurated the Walter B. Ford II building for design and technology-driven disciplines. The donation to fund this project was the largest ever given to an art college at the time. That year, two historic homes on the northern side of campus were also renovated to accommodate administration and admissions offices.

    The year 2001 brought about a milestone critical to the future of the school. Results of a research study led to the Board of Trustees’ decision to change the school’s name to the College for Creative Studies (CCS) to more clearly communicate its identity as an accredited, degree-granting “college.”

    The Josephine F. Ford Sculpture Garden was added in the fall of 2005 to provide a gathering place for the campus community, and in 2007, the College renovated another home on historic Ferry Street to house the Institutional Advancement and Human Resources offices. In 2008, CCS embarked on its most significant project to date—a $145 million redevelopment of the 760,000 sq. ft. historic Argonaut Building (formerly General Motors first research and design studio). Located in Detroit’s New Center district (about a mile from the original Walter and Josephine Ford Campus), the building serves as the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education.

    The Taubman Center is home to the College’s five undergraduate design departments, graduate degree programs in design and transportation design and the Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies, an art and design charter school for middle and high school students. This site has enabled CCS to expand its curriculum to include new areas of the creative industries, improve facilities for all of its departments and connect with the local community through the Design Core Detroit. It represents the College’s commitment toward accelerating metro Detroit’s transition to an innovation-based economy by renewing the infrastructure of an important urban neighborhood; attracting, developing and retaining talent in the creative industries; spurring research in sustainable product development; and creating jobs and new business opportunities. The original Ford campus continues to house arts and crafts disciplines as well as the majority of administrative offices.

    The College’s legacy has contributed to its recognition as an international leader in art and design education. In 2007, Bloomberg Business Week listed CCS among the top design schools in the world. The college now enrolls more than 1,400 students seeking undergraduate degrees across twelve majors and four graduate degrees. CCS also offers non-credit courses in the visual arts through its Precollege and Continuing Studies programs and annually provides over 4,000 high-risk Detroit youth with art and design education through the Community Arts Partnerships programs.

    A century of tradition shaped by some of the most brilliant minds in the world has culminated in a truly unsurpassed institution of higher learning—a community where the creative spirit is free to soar.

  • Mission Statement

    The College for Creative Studies nurtures the creativity that is vital to the enrichment of modern culture. The College educates visual artists and designers, knowledgeable in varied fields, who will be leaders in creative professions that shape society and advance economic growth. The College fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, embrace their responsibilities as citizens of diverse local and global communities, and learn throughout their lives. The College engages in community service by offering opportunities for artistic enrichment and opening career pathways to talented individuals of all ages.

  • Resources and Policies for Veterans

    We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the contributions you have made to our country while serving in the Armed Forces. The College for Creative Studies is committed to our veterans and their eligible dependents. While transitioning back into civilian and college life, let us help you with many of the opportunities and challenges that you may face, including:

    • The VA educational benefits application process
    • Academic advising and course selection
    • Planning a program of study in accordance with CCS and VA policies and guidelines
    • Submission of enrollment certification paperwork
    • Information about scholarships offered to veterans and service members
    • Connections to College resources: Registration, Tutoring, Wellness Center and Career Services
    • Special recognition during the CCS Commencement Ceremony

    At the service member’s request, we will also:

    • Act as a liaison between the veteran and the VA
    • Serve as a point of contact for additional referrals and resources

    Veterans Educational Benefits

    Eligibility for benefits is determined solely by the Veterans Administration.

    Tuition Payments

    Tuition payments are sent directly to CCS for Chapter 31 (Vocational Rehabilitation) and Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill & Yellow Ribbon). Please keep in mind if your Chapter 33 benefits are less than 100% you are responsible for the remaining balance. Under all other programs, students receive funds from the VA and are responsible for paying their own tuition.

    Enrollment Verification

    If you are claiming benefits under Chapters 30, 1606, or 1607, you must verify your enrollment on the last calendar day of each month. Verification can be made online through WAVE at www.gibill.va.gov or by phone through the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) at 1-877-823-2378.

    Monthly Housing Allowance

    If eligible, the monthly housing allowance is paid directly to you. Students receiving benefits under Chapter 33 must be enrolled more than half-time (6 credit hours) to receive the housing allowance.

    Book Stipend

    If eligible, the book stipend (this includes art supplies) is paid directly to you. The stipend is based on your enrollment and is paid once per term ($41.67 per credit hour up to $1000/year).

    Yellow Ribbon Program

    CCS participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program) is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008. This program allows institutions of higher learning (degree granting institutions) in the United States to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the VA to fund tuition expenses that exceed either the annual maximum cap for private institutions or the resident tuition and fees for a public institution.

    New Students

    1. Complete the Application for VA Education Benefits online at va.gov. If you do not have access to apply online, call 1-888-442-4551 and request that an application be sent to you.
    2. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) will be issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs to the applicant/student showing approval to pursue an education program. This will include the remaining entitlement for the student and the eligibility dates.
    3. If you are eligible for VA benefits, submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the VA School Certifying Official’s (SCO) office before the start of your first semester at CCS either by mail, email or dropping it off in person. The SCO’s office is located in the Academic Advising and Registration Office on the first floor of the Yamasaki Building.

    New Students applying for Veteran benefits for the first time, need to:

    Transferring VA Benefits

    If you have used your VA benefits at another institution, you will need to transfer your VA benefits:

    1. Complete Form 22-1995 Request for Change of Program or Place of Training – visit VA Forms website.
    2. Submit your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to the VA School Certifying Official’s (SCO) office before the start of your first semester at CCS either by mail, email or dropping it off in person. The SCO’s office is located in the Academic Advising and Registration Office on the first floor of the Yamasaki Building.

    All VA Students

    All VA Students need to:

    1. Complete the Request for VA Enrollment Certification once you have register for classes. This form will need to be completed each semester you wish to receive VA benefits. Bring completed form to the VA School Certifying Official (SCO) located in the Academic Advising and Registration Office in the Yamasaki Building.
    2. Notify the SCO of all changes of address, majors and withdrawals from courses.

    Additional Information for VA students

    The SCO monitors your academic progress and notifies the VA Regional Office of any withdrawals from classes or other changes in your status. Class attendance and completion is required for students receiving VA benefits. The VA only pays for courses a student completes. Lack of attendance or completion of any course could affect your benefits and create a debt with the VA.

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be notified of any student who is placed on probation or suspended from CCS.

    The Department of Veteran Affairs will pay for a student to repeat a course if the original grade received was a 0.0 or if the grade received does not meet the minimum requirement for graduation.

    The College’s refund policy for tuition and fees for students who drop a course(s) or withdraw from the College can be found in CCS Policy Database.

    Veterans receiving assistance under Chapter 31 or 33 will not incur any penalties, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities, or the requirement that a covered individual borrow additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA.

    Questions regarding veteran and military assistance may be directed to the VA School Certifying Official, Thomas Turoczi, tturoczi@ccsdetroit.edu or via phone at 313-664-7832.

  • 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.

  • Application Procedures for Financial Aid

    Fill out the FAFSA

    Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for need-based financial aid. The form is available through the U.S. Department of Education website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

    The recommended filing deadline to ensure eligibility for all programs is March 1st. Note that the FAFSA must be signed by the student and parent (if required) to be considered submitted. The financial aid cycle favors those students who file in a timely fashion and complete the required documentation early. CCS’ Title IV school code is 006771.

    CCS strongly advises students file the FAFSA by the recommended date even if they are uncertain of their plans for the upcoming year to ensure they can receive funding in all programs they qualify for if they do attend.

    Most students are considered a dependent of their parents for purposes of financial aid and will be required to provide their parent’s financial information and signature on the FAFSA. To determine if you are considered a dependent of your parents for purposes of financial aid, visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/filling-out/dependency

    Complete Verification

    In some cases additional documentation may be needed to confirm information provided on the FAFSA is accurate. 30% of all applicants are randomly selected for verification, or you may be selected due to an individual item that needs to be resolved.

    Requested documentation must be received before financial aid can be processed and applied to the student’s account.

    Documentation requests are sent via email to the student’s CCS email address. If additional documentation is requested it should be provided to Financial Aid as soon as possible, but no later than six weeks before the end of the enrollment period. If you have questions about the documentation or the due date, contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss.

    Award Notifications

    Once the FAFSA is completed and any additional documentation requested has been provided to the Financial Aid Office students will receive a Financial Aid Notification detailing the amounts and types of aid they are eligible for. Incoming students receive paper notification in the mail and are required to complete and return a copy to the Financial Aid Office. Returning students receive email notification their funding has been calculated and are able to view and accept their awards on WebAdvisor.

    Loan Programs

    Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan Program

    A federal loan program available to students who have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to assist students and families with the costs of education. The government guarantees the loans, so no co-signer or credit check is necessary. The amounts that can be received for both subsidized and unsubsidized loans are set by the government based on the student’s grade level and financial need. The amounts listed on your Financial Aid Notification letter reflect your specific eligibility. Repayment begins six months after graduation, upon enrollment of less than half-time or upon withdrawal from the College. More information can be found under the Financial Aid section of the Campus Offices site.

    Federal Parent PLUS Loan Program

    The federal Parent PLUS loan is intended to assist parents in paying for their children’s education or, more often, to supplement the financial aid received by their student. This is a supplemental loan based on a credit application. Repayment generally begins 60 days after the final disbursement. For most families, this means March of the academic year. However, once your loan has been disbursed you may request that repayment be deferred during periods while your student is enrolled at least half-time (6.0 credits). More information can be found under the Financial Aid section of the Campus Offices site.

    Alternative/Supplemental Loan Program

    Students who require funding beyond what grants, scholarships, and federal Subsidized/ Unsubsidized loans provide may want to consider applying for a supplemental loan to cover the remaining tuition balance and/or costs for indirect expenses like transportation, living expenses, or books & supplies. Alternative loans are private supplemental loans offered by various lenders. They are meant to function as a supplement to the grants, scholarships, and Direct Loans you receive. Visit the Financial Aid section of the Campus Offices site for more information on Alternative/Private Loans.

    Required Steps for Federal Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans

    In addition to officially accepting the loans on the award notification letter or WebAdvisor, students borrowing Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loan funds at CCS for the first time will be required to complete a Subsidized/Unsubsidized Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling before their funds can be processed. These steps should be completed as soon as possible, but no later than one week before the end of the enrollment period. Students must be currently enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) to be eligible for their loans. The Mastery Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling can be found at https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action

    Students who initially decline their loans can accept them later as long as they are still enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) and all necessary paper work is completed at least one week before the end of the enrollment period.

    Refunds

    Students who borrow or receive aid in excess of the charges owed to CCS will receive a refund check for the overage from the Business Services Office. These funds can and must be used only to pay indirect educational costs, including books & supplies, housing, food, transportation, child care and personal expenses (such as laundry & toiletries).

    Loans are disbursed on a schedule determined by a student’s grade level and can be affected depending on when a student completed the various forms of paper work required. Assuming all paper work was completed in a timely manner, refunds for juniors and seniors are available the second Friday of the semester, sophomores and returning freshman the third Friday of the semester and first-time freshman the fourth Friday of the semester.

    Satisfactory Academic Progress and Financial Aid

    Students who receive financial aid must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as determined by the College for Creative Studies in accordance with federal regulations. Financial aid recipients are required to be in good academic standing and to maintain SAP toward their degree requirements for each semester in which they are enrolled.

    The standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) measure a student’s academic progress using both qualitative and quantitative measurements. These measurements include a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement, a Course Completion Rate requirement, and a Maximum Time frame requirement. The standards apply to all federal and state financial aid programs administered by the College’s Office of Financial Aid.

    SAP is evaluated at the end of each term (Fall, Winter, and Summer). Federal regulations require the College to evaluate all students for SAP regardless of whether or not they receive financial aid. SAP is evaluated based on the student’s cumulative academic record.

    Students who do not meet SAP standards will be placed on academic warning for one semester. Students are eligible to receive financial aid during the academic warning semester. If at the end of that semester both markers of SAP have not been achieved, the student will be suspended and any future financial aid disbursements terminated.

  • Tuition Refund Insurance

    Students will be charged and automatically enrolled in a Tuition Refund Insurance Plan each semester. Subject to the program terms and conditions, if a student withdraws from all classes due to a personal injury, sickness, or mental illness, the Tuition Refund Insurance Plan will cover the following:

    Injury and Sickness Withdrawals

    75% of the insured term tuition and fees, less any refund or credit due you from the college, will be refunded provided your physical condition is certified by a licensed physician and forces you to completely withdraw from all classes for the balance of the term.

    Mental Health Withdrawals

    75% of the insured term tuition and fees, less any refund or credit due you from the college, will be refunded provided your medical condition is certified by a licensed physician and you have completely withdrawn from all classes for a condition whose diagnosis is found in the DSM-V Manual.

    In both cases, a “complete withdrawal” from the college is required. This means the student has given written notice that due to an injury or sickness he/she will not be able to complete the term and will not receive any academic credit. A written statement from a doctor certifying the injury or sickness and college verification is required. All mental health withdrawals will be classified in accordance with the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual DSM-V.

    For more information regarding the Plan please go to:

    https://www.tuitionprotection.com/collegeforcreativestudies

    Tuition Refund Insurance – Opt Out

    To opt out of the tuition refund insurance you must go to the following website and complete the Waiver Form.

    https://www.tuitionprotection.com/collegeforcreativestudies

  • Record Retention

    The following chart lists the record retention requirements for various areas of the College. The Record Retention Committee is responsible for reviewing this information on an annual basis and updating as needed.

    Reviewed and Updated: April 2025

    Data/DocumentsMinimum Retention Time
    Academic Advising and Registration
    Academic action authorizations (dismissal, etc.)7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Academic records (including demographic info and transcripts)Permanent
    Advanced placement & other placement tests7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Applications for graduation1 year after graduation ro date of last attendance
    Applications for readmission7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Audit authorizations1 year after date submitted
    Changes of course (add/drop)1 year after date submitted
    Change of grade formsPermanent
    Class lists (original grade sheets)Permanent
    Class schedules (students)1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Correspondence, relevant7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Credit by exam reports/scores (CLEP, PEP)7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Credit/no credit approvals (audit, pass/fail etc.)1 year after date submitted
    Curriculum change form7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Degree audit records7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Enrollment verifications1 year after verification
    Fee assessment forms7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    FERPA documentsSee FERPA schedule – permanet record retention
    Grade reports (registrar’s copies)1 year after date submitted
    Graduation authorizations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Graduattion ListsPermanent
    Hold or encumbrance authorizations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Military records7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Name change authorizations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Pass/fail requests1 year after date submitted
    Personal data information forms1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Placement test records/scores7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Registration forms1 year after date submitted
    Teacher certificationsPermanent
    Transcript requests (student)1 year after date submitted
    Transfer credit evaluations7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Veterans Administration3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Withdrawal authorizations2 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Admissions Office
    Acceptance letters – International Students3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Admissions decision and scholarship data1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Advanced Placement Records1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Application data for admission1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Entrance exams/test scores (ACT, SAT, TOEFL)1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Letters of Recommendation1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Recruitment materialsMay dispose of materials after enrollment
    Other test scores1 year after graduation or date of last attendance
    Scholarship letters – International Students3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Transcripts – high schools7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Transcripts – international high schools and colleges7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Transcripts – other colleges7 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Argonaut Building/Argo-Business Services
    Closing Document Binders (agreements with financing sources, Articles of Incorporation of all entities, other corporate papers37 years
    Contractor Contracts (all signed contracts during the construction/renovation phases)37 years
    Draw Packages (Contractor Invoices, legal invoices, payments, paper & electronic)37 years
    IRS Tax Returns (returns filed for all entities)37 years
    Reporting Documents (Statements, officer certificates, other reporting documents necessary for compliance with bonds, loan and tax credit requirements, paper & electronic)37 years
    Business Services
    Accounts Payable/Receivables (cash reports, month-end reports, bank reconciliation, consolidated reports)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Accounts Payable/Receivables (year-end reports)Permanent
    Bond (compliance reports, bank statements)Permanent
    Bookstore (price list keep indefinitely for textbooks)Permanent
    Cancelled Checks (relating to expenditures)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Expense Records (travel & expense reports, American Express, Mastercard)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Fixed Assets/Depreciation Schedule (inventory listing of furniture, equipment, computers, etc)Permanent
    Internal Revenue Tax Returns, other returns (returns submitted on our behalf by auditors, sales & usage tax report)Permanent
    Leasing AgreementsPermanent
    Official budget and revisions (approved budget, draft worksheets, electronic documents)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Purchase Orders (purchase req’s submitted by departments, original PO used for materials)7 years (fiscal year) from date of creation
    Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Data/Documents (FERPA)
    Request for formal hearingsPermanent
    Requests & diclosures of personally identifiable infoPermanent
    Student requests for nondisclosures of directory infoUntil terminated by student or parent
    Student statements on content of records regarding hearing panel discussionsPermanent
    Student’s written consent for records disclosureUntil terminated by student or parent
    Waivers for rights of accessUntil terminated by student or parent
    Written decision of hearing panelsPermanent
    Financial Aid Office
    Financial Aid documents3 years after annual audit has been accepted by DOE
    Financial aid assistance records3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Social security certifications3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Human Resources
    Background Check7 years after employee termination
    Disciplinary Records7 years after employee termination
    Drug Test Results7 years after employee termination
    Employee and Faculty HandbooksPermanent
    Employee Applications7 years after employee termination
    Employee Benefit Election Forms7 years after employee termination
    Employee Benefit Plan Information6 years after filing or 1 year after plan termination whichever is longer
    Employee Offer Letter7 years after employee termination
    Employee Unemployment Insurance Information7 years after employee termination
    Employee Workers Compensation Information7 years after employee termination
    Employment Records7 years after employee termination
    ERISA Plan Descriptions and Related Documents7 years after filing
    FMLA Related Documents7 years after employee termination
    Form 55006 years after date of filing
    HR PoliciesWhile current + 3 years
    I-9 Documents1 year after termination or 3 years after date of hire (which ever is later
    Interview Evaluation and Assessment Results7 years after employee termination
    Job Applications (Hires)7 years after employee termination
    Job Applications (Non Hires)1 year from date application is received – 3 years if interviewed
    Job DescriptionsPermanent
    Performance Evaluations7 years after employee termination
    Personnel Files7 years after employee termination
    Summary Plan Descriptions, Annual Reports, Summary Annual Reports6 years after date of filing
    Institutional Advancement
    Advancement Events / Receptions etc. InformationWhen administrative value ends, records may be destroyed
    Alumni RecordsPermanent
    Annual Reports (endowment, scholarship, etc)7 years
    Biographical records (prospects & donors)Permanent
    Cash and non-cash gift records7 years
    Donor documentation7 years after expenditure of the gift or donation
    Gift / Pledge Records7 years hard copies, electronic permanently
    Gift acknowledgement letters7 years
    Gift Ageements (scholarship, sponsored project, etc.)Permanent
    Gift batch records7 years
    Revenue Records Contributions, Grant and Non Gift Records – all documents supporting the transaction such as donor correspondence except for credit card information7 years hard copies, electronic permanently
    Office of Civil Rights
    Hate, bias, and discrimination complaintsPermanent
    Title IX Case recordsPermanent
    Office of Global Engagement
    Academic records of enrollemnt3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Addresses of student for duration of program3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Admissions acceptance letter3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Appication to the college and supporting adm requirements3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Concurrent Enrollment documents3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Copy of 1-943 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Copy of employment authorization card3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Curricular Practical Training authorizations3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    F1, F2, J1 & J2 Visa copies3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Financial and support documents for initial I203 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    I-20s issued3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    ISSO forms3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Passport Information3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Program extension approval documents3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Reduced Course load authorization documents3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    STEM OPT I983 Trainging plan3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Termination reasons3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Transcripts3 Years after graduation| OPT/ STEM OPT dates or last attendance
    Office of Partnerships
    Agreements (Sponsored Projects, Design Sprints, Competitions)7 years
    External Partner Contact Information (NEON)Ongoing
    For Credit Internship Paperwork3 years
    Events Records (attendance, post event surveys)3 years
    Portoflio Site (hire.ccsdetroit.edu includes student portfolio1 year after graduation/alumni continued inclusion if requested
    Precollege and Continuing Studies
    Articulation Agreements/MOUs7 years
    Camp DocsWhen administrative value ends, records may be destroyed
    Non-Colleague Outreach Agreements and Program Details3 years
    Precollege and Continuing Studies Catalog5 years
    Publications, Statistical Data/Documents and Institutional Reports
    CatalogsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Commencement ProgramsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Degree StatisticsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Enrollment StatisticsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Grade StatisticsPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Schedule of ClassesPermanent (digital and/or paper)
    Student Affairs
    ADA records3 years after graduation or date of last attendance
    Disciplinary action recordsPermanent
    Emotional Support Animal recordsPrior academic year retained
    Housing Application dataPrior academic year retained
    Housing charge recordsPrior academic year retained
    Housing withdrawal recordsPrior academic year retained
    Meal plan contractsPrior academic year retained
    Medical records3 years after graduation or date of last attendance

  • 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.