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.
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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).
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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.
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Military Tuition Assistance
Military tuition assistance (TA) is a benefit that is paid to eligible members and veterans of the United States military branches. TA is not a loan and will not need to be repaid as long as the student enrolls in and attends class. When a student withdraws (officially or unofficially), they may no longer be eligible for the entire amount of the TA awarded. The College for Creative Studies Business Services staff will work with the Academic Advising and Registration Office to calculate the amount that is to be returned based on the following criteria:
- Number of days completed divided by the total days of the course will equal the percentage earned
- For “Official” withdraws: The date of withdrawal will be used as the last date of attendance
- For “Unofficial” withdraws: CCS will conclude the last date of attendance as the last date of activity within the course taken.
In compliance with the Department of Defense policy, CCS will return unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the course regardless of the reason for withdrawal.
For military deployment or reactivation: if you are unable to complete your current semester due to deployment or reactivation, contact the VA School Certifying Official in the Academic Advising and Registration Office immediately. Students will need to supply official proof of military deployment or reactivation and will be advised to complete a Tuition Appeal Form.
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Disbursement of Financial Aid/Refunds
The main award year consists of two semesters (Fall and Winter) for a total of 31 weeks. Awards are credited to student accounts at the beginning of each semester and are based on full-time status (12 credits or more). Awards will be adjusted for students attending less than full-time based on their actual semester enrollment. Students must be enrolled at least half-time (six credits) to receive most kinds of financial aid.
Students whose total financial aid is greater than the charges owed to the school will receive a refund for the overage. Refunds for for all borrowers at CCS will be processed the week before each semester is set to begin. If your financial aid funds and/or supplemental loans are in excess tuition and housing charges owed to CCS, the Cashier’s office will issue a refund check to you for the overage. It is important to remember that financial aid is disbursed on a per semester basis, so if you have taken out an additional $5000 for the year, you will receive $2500 during the fall semester, and $2500 during the winter semester. Refund checks are printed in the Cashier’s office every Friday. You may also set up Direct Deposit for your refund through the Business Office.
ALL STUDENTS entitled to a refund should expect the refund within first the 1-2 weeks of the start of the semester.
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AICAD Exchange
CCS students benefit from the cooperative programs and built-in access to leading art schools that are members of the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD). By sharing resources and facilities, AICAD colleges offer educational opportunities that, taken together, are without parallel in professional arts education. Through the AICAD Exchange Program, qualified students at one AICAD school can spend a semester at another participating AICAD school without additional cost or loss of credit. In addition to the 42 full member schools in the US & Canada within the network, AICAD has three long-standing International Affiliate schools in Japan, Ireland and Israel. Through the International Affiliate program, AICAD has broadened its membership and enhanced the dialogue at the Executive level, which in turn brings greater global opportunity to the students of all AICAD schools.
Application deadlines are March 15 for the fall semester and October 1 for the winter semester.
Students should contact Tom Turoczi in the Academic Advising and Registration Office at 313.664.7832 for more information on these programs.
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Accreditation
The College for Creative Studies is a nonprofit, private college authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees.
CCS is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), CCS’ institutional accreditation body. HLC evaluates educational institutions in terms of mission and HLC criteria and is one of six regional accrediting commissions.
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Academic Probation and Suspension – Undergraduate Students
Academic progress is monitored at the end of each semester. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 to be considered in good academic standing.
If a student has less than a cumulative 2.0 GPA, he/she/they is placed on academic probation for a period of one semester. If the student fails to achieve a 2.0 cumulative grade point average at the end of the academic probation semester, he or she is suspended from the College.**
Grade Point Average Requirement For Art Education Majors
In the Art Education program it is the student’s responsibility to maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.50 at the end of each term. Additionally, teacher candidates must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.70 in Art Education courses. Only grades of “C” or better will be accepted in required art education courses. If a student receives a grade of “C-” or below they must retake the course to obtain a grade of “C” or better. Students not meeting the Art Ed GPA requirements should meet with the Chair and the appropriate instructor to evaluate progress and identify areas for support. Additionally, the Center for Tutoring and Writing is available for all students seeking assistance with any course content. The higher grade is always recorded for purposes of calculating cumulative GPA.
Notification of Unsatisfactory Academic Progress
Students who do not meet the College’s academic standards will be notified, by the Registrar, in writing via a letter sent to the preferred address on file. This letter will provide information about the requirements for students placed on academic probation or the process for readmission if the student has been suspended from the College.
Academic Probation Policy
Students, who fail to meet the 2.0 cumulative grade point average requirement, are placed on academic probation for one semester. Students on academic probation will be restricted to a credit load of 12-13* hours and will be required to follow an Academic Success Plan. Students who do not exit academic probation status at the end of the subsequent semester will be suspended from the College**. Students who meet the 2.0 Cumulative GPA requirement the subsequent semester, are returned to “good academic standing”.
*Exceptions to credit load restrictions will be determined upon review.
Academic Suspension Policy
Students suspended for failing to meet the cumulative GPA requirements, must adhere to the “academic suspension restrictions”. Students on academic suspension have the option to appeal by submitting an application for readmission to the Academic Advising & Registration Office (see full details under Appeal Process for Readmission).
Students suspended for disciplinary reasons or who have exhausted appeal submissions, will not be considered for reinstatement through an academic appeal process.
Academic Suspension Restrictions
Students on Academic Suspension are restricted from the following as long as the suspension status is active:
- Registration of any CCS Course(s), including non-credit and/or continuing education courses.
- Use of Campus facilities. Students with “I” grades and previous approved campus access, will need to contact the assigning Instructor to confirm alternative options for assignment completion (outside of CCS facility use).
- Living in or maintaining CCS Housing and/or Meal Plans. Contracts will be canceled or deactivated until the suspension status is resolved. The CCS Housing Office will confirm all exit and cancellation procedures.
- Student Aid may be discontinued and loan repayments may be required after 6 months away from college. The Financial Aid Office will verify Student Aid status and requirements.
- Veteran, dependents and/or GI Bill benefits will not be certified. VA Certifying Official will confirm additional requirements.
**Academic Suspension Exceptions:
Students who do not obtain the minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA, but have achieved the following at the end of the probation semester, may be granted “Continued Academic Probation” by the Registrar’s Office for displaying substantial improvement:
- successfully completed 67% of attempted credits in the probation semester (and)
- obtained a semester GPA of 2.0 or higher at the end of the probation semester.
**Students granted “Continued Academic Probation” must also confirm status of Financial Aid eligibility before choosing to enroll in the approved semester. Satisfactory Academic Progress (including cumulative GPA requirements) is evaluated to determine Financial Aid.
Students granted “Continued Academic Probation” will be required to follow the probation policy requirements for an additional semester. Students who do not meet the cumulative GPA requirements at the end of the semester, are suspended from the college.
Appeal Process for Academic Suspension
Students who have been confirmed and notified of their suspension may appeal their “academic suspension” from the College by submitting the following to the Academic Advising & Registration Office:
- Submit Application for Readmission:
- For readmission to a Winter term, must reapply by October 31 deadline
- For readmission to a Fall term, must reapply by July 31 deadline
- Submit Explanation of Suspension
- Pay $50 Readmission Fee
Appeals should be based on circumstances beyond the student’s control such as, injury or illness, death of a relative, or other special circumstances. The appeal must explain the failure to make satisfactory progress and what has changed that will allow satisfactory progress in the future (address the problems that led to the academic suspension and put forth the case outlining success upon returning to CCS). This information must be provided in the “Student Explanation” section of the Application for Readmission.
The faculty Academic Performance Committee will review appeal submissions during the next academic semester. After the review is completed, students will receive a letter from the Registrar’s Office, on behalf of the Academic Performance Committee, stating the outcome of the appeal hearing.
Appeal Approved
A student who successfully appeals the status of suspension and whose appeal is granted will be placed on “Continued Academic Probation” and will be required to follow all standard probation requirements in addition to requirements outlined by the Academic Performance Committee. Academic Progress is reviewed again at the end of the Continued Academic Probation semester, in which the student must meet the academic standards.
If a student fails to meet the academic standards after the appealed suspension, the student is returned to the status of suspension indefinitely and dismissed from the college.