Category: Academics

Academics

International Travel

The College for Creative Studies (CCS) is committed to developing global partnerships, increasing international diversity on campus, and providing international study opportunities for students.

The College and the individual travelers have a responsibility for promoting health, safety, and security while traveling abroad. This policy defines institutional requirements that promote safety during international travel.

Individual travelers are responsible for compliance with this international travel policy. Academic departments and College offices sponsoring CCS Related Travel are responsible for informing travelers of this international travel policy and for facilitating compliance for individuals where appropriate.

The International Travel Policy outlines the College’s requirements for CCS related travel abroad.

Intellectual Property Rights

The College for Creative Studies (“the College” or “CCS”) is committed to nurturing students’ creative and intellectual abilities. This is best done in an environment that encourages exploration and experimentation and in which artistic and academic freedom is respected and protected. As artists, designers, writers, and scholars, the College’s faculty and students continually produce creative works in the course of their academic activities. These works constitute Intellectual Property (“IP”). It is important that the rights to ownership and use of this Intellectual Property are understood by all members of the CCS community and by those members of the public who support their work. This policy explains those rights. It proceeds from the basic principles that the College’s primary responsibility is the education of its students and not the commercialization of their work, and those creators should in general retain intellectual property rights in their works subject to reasonable use rights held by various members of the CCS community. The policy is intended to promote innovation and excellence in educational and artistic pursuits, encourage the best educational experiences for students, allow faculty and students to reap the benefits of their own creativity, and enable the College to celebrate the work of its faculty and students in order to promote the College to its varied constituencies.

Please see the Intellectual Property Policy in the CCS Policy Database for further detail.

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is meant to provide fair and equitable treatment of the disabled through non-discriminatory practices and reasonable accommodations.

The ADA protects people who are disabled – defined as anyone with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities. The law protects both job applicants and employees.

CCS supports and follows the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Michigan law, as stated in the law. The institution’s ADA policy is available on the CCS Policy Database.

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.

Study Abroad

To be eligible for all study abroad opportunities, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and written permission from the Department Chair. Study Abroad for an academic semester or year abroad requires that a four-year BFA student be at the junior level or in the first semester of the senior year, or that a 3-year BA student be in their fourth or fifth semester. Graduate students should meet with their Chair to determine the best semester to participate in a study abroad opportunity. Participation in one of the summer faculty-led programs is open to all students, regardless of year. 

Study abroad during the final semester at CCS is not permitted. For more information, please see the Study Abroad page on the College’s learning management system.

Students must meet with the Director of the Global Engagement Office and their Department Chair and follow host school deadlines for nominations and applications.

Students must:

  • Complete the Study Abroad Approval Form and Packet and submit to the International Student Services Office (ISSO)
  • Comply with the CCS International Travel Policy requirements
  • Attend a pre-departure Informational Meeting with the ISSO

All forms are available from the Global Engagement Office. The GEO is located on the 2nd Floor of the Yamasaki.

Undergraduate Student Readmission

Students returning to CCS after an absence of more than two consecutive academic years or students who seek readmission after suspension must complete the Application for Readmission. This application along with a $50 nonrefundable readmission fee should be submitted to the Academic Advising and Registration Office at least two months prior to the start of the semester the student wishes to attend. Official transcripts with final grades from other institutions attended during the absence from CCS should be included with the readmission application.

Readmitted students must meet the program and graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Studio courses older than seven years at the time of readmission cannot be used toward the degree, except with prior written approval from the Department Chair and Director of Academic Advising and Registration. The Department Chair must review and approve studio courses completed prior to the seven-year limit or taken at another college during the absence from CCS. This approval will be based on the student’s ability to demonstrate current curriculum proficiency as evidenced by a review of a current portfolio. The cumulative grade point average for all readmitted students includes all CCS grades, regardless of how much time elapsed between enrollments.

Students who have left for mandatory military service are able to resume studies at CCS without completing the readmission application for up to three academic years from the time of their withdrawal.

Procedure

Readmission for students in good standing:

Readmission for Students in Good Standing: Students, who left CCS in good academic standing with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher, should complete the Application for Readmission and attach the $50 Readmission Fee. Students will be notified via mail when their application has been processed.

Readmission after academic suspension:

Students applying for readmission after academic suspension, must complete the Application for Readmission, attach the $50 Readmission Fee, and address the problems that led to the academic suspension and put forth the case for the student’s success upon returning to CCS. This information should be provided in the “Student Explanation” section of the Application for Readmission. The Committee on Academic Performance will review appeals for readmission after academic suspension. If approved, the student’s academic standing would carry the status of “Continued Academic Warning.”

Readmission after suspension related to conduct:

Students applying for readmission after suspension related to conduct must complete the Application for Readmission, attach the $50 Readmission Fee, and include any relevant information that will build a case for the student’s success upon returning to CCS. This information should be provided in the “Student Explanation” section of the readmission application. The Dean of Students will review appeals for readmission after a conduct suspension.

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. This application along with a $50 nonrefundable readmission fee must be submitted to the Academic Advising and Registration Office at least two months prior to the start of the semester the student wishes to attend. Official transcripts with final grades from other institutions attended during the absence from CCS must be included with the readmission application.

Readmitted students must meet the program and graduation requirements in effect at the time of readmission. Studio courses older than seven years at the time of readmission cannot be used toward the degree, except with prior written approval from the Department Chair and Director of Academic Advising. The Department Chair must review and approve studio courses completed prior to the seven-year limit or taken at another college during the absence from CCS. This approval will be based on the student’s ability to demonstrate current curriculum proficiency as evidenced by review of a current portfolio. The cumulative grade point average for all re-admitted students includes all CCS grades, regardless of how much time elapsed between enrollments. Students, who have left for mandatory military service, are not required to apply for readmission to the College for up to three academic years from the time of their withdrawal.

Readmission for Graduate Students in Good Standing

Graduate students, who left CCS in good academic standing with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, must complete the Application for Readmission and attach the $50 Readmission Fee. Students will be notified via email when their application has been processed.

Readmission after academic suspension

Graduate students applying for readmission after academic suspension, must complete the Application for Readmission, attach the $50 Readmission Fee, and address the problems that led to the academic suspension and put forth the case for their success upon returning to CCS. This information must be provided in the “Student Explanation” section of the Application for Readmission. The Committee on Academic Performance will review appeals for readmission after academic suspension. If approved, the student’s academic standing would carry the status of “Continued Academic Warning.”

Readmission after suspension related to conduct

Graduate students applying for readmission after suspension related to conduct, must complete the Application for Readmission, attach the $50 Readmission Fee, and include any relevant information that will build a case for the student’s success upon returning to CCS. This information must be provided in the “Student Explanation” section of the readmission application. The Dean of Students will review appeals for readmission after a conduct suspension.

Grading

Grading is based on performance in coursework, growth in ability, and professionalism. A continuous record of all grades throughout a student’s enrollment is kept in the Academic Advising and Registration Office. Final grade reports are available on the College’s learning management system the week after classes end.  Faculty must enter midterm and final grades into Canvas.

CCS uses the following grading system:

Undergraduate Grading Scale

GradeRatingGPADescription
AExcellent4.00grade point
A-3.70grade point
B+3.30grade point
BGood3.00grade point
B-2.70grade point
C+2.30grade point
CAverage2.00grade point
C-1.70grade point
D+1.30grade point
DPoor1.00grade point
D-0.70grade point
FFailing0.00grade point
NCNo Credit0.00no grade point value
PPassing0.00no grade point value
IIncomplete0.00no grade point value
IPIn Progress0.00no grade point value
WWithdrawal0.00second through fourth week of class
WNWithdrawal0.00after fourth week of class
WF*Withdrawal0.00stopped attending course without official withdrawal

Graduate Grading Scale

GradeRatingGPADescription
AExcellent4.00grade point
A-3.70grade point
B+3.30grade point
BGood3.00grade point
B-2.70grade point
C+2.30grade point
CBelow Graduate2.00grade point (minimum required standard)
FFailing0.00grade point
IPIn Progress0.00no grade point value
NCNo Credit0.00no grade point value
WWithdrawal0.00second through fourth week of class
WNWithdrawal0.00after fourth week of class
WF*Withdrawal0.00stopped attending course without official withdrawal

Mentor Program

The College for Creative Studies recognizes mentorship as an essential component of student success, professional development, and community building. Each degree offering academic department will establish a mentorship model that supports students’ academic, creative, and professional growth while reflecting the unique needs of its discipline.

Departments are responsible for designing mentorship experiences that foster meaningful connections between students, faculty, peers, alumni, and industry professionals throughout the student experience. Mentorship is intended to provide developmental guidance, professional exposure, and support for student growth. Mentorship relationships do not replace academic advising, counseling, student support services, or other institutional processes. Participation in mentorship activities does not guarantee academic outcomes, internships, employment opportunities, or professional advancement.

Department Responsibilities

Each department shall develop a mentorship structure that:

  • Supports students’ transition into the college and their chosen program.
  • Encourages engagement with faculty, peers, and the broader creative community.
  • Provides opportunities for academic guidance, personal growth, and career development.
  • Connects upper-level students with external professionals, alumni, or industry partners when appropriate.
  • Promotes networking, portfolio development, professional practice, and preparation for internships and employment.

Departments may use individual mentoring, group activities, peer mentoring, industry engagement, workshops, critiques, or other formats that best support their educational goals.

Faculty Responsibilities

Full-time faculty are required to participate in departmental mentorship activities as assigned by the Department Chair or Program leadership maintaining consistency with departmental workload expectations and institutional policies. Faculty participating in mentorship activities are expected to follow College policies regarding student privacy, reporting obligations, and professional conduct.

Faculty mentorship responsibilities may include:

  • Supporting student academic and creative development.
  • Encouraging engagement within the department and college community.
  • Assisting students in identifying strengths, setting goals, and navigating program requirements.
  • Facilitating opportunities for collaboration and peer connection.
  • Referring students to appropriate campus resources when additional support is needed . Mentors who become aware of concerns involving student health, safety, harassment, discrimination, threats of harm, or other matters requiring institutional intervention shall follow applicable College reporting procedures and refer students to appropriate resources.


Specific mentoring assignments and formats may vary by department and academic level.

Professional and Alumni Mentorship

Departments are encouraged to establish partnerships with alumni and industry professionals to provide students with exposure to contemporary professional practice.

Professional mentors may assist students by:

  • Sharing insights into creative practice and career pathways.
  • Reviewing student work and portfolios.
  • Providing constructive feedback and industry perspective.
  • Offering guidance related to internships, networking, interviewing, and employment preparation.
  • Supporting students’ understanding of professional expectations and workplace culture.

Departments may determine the timing, duration, and frequency of these relationships based on program objectives and student readiness.

Program Flexibility

The structure and implementation of mentorship activities will vary across departments. While the College supports consistency in the goals of mentorship, individual programs have the flexibility to design experiences that align with their curriculum, discipline, and student population.

Departments are encouraged to regularly review and assess their mentorship model to ensure it continues to meet student needs and advances institutional goals.

Institutional Mentoring Goals:

  • Foster a sense of belonging and connection within the college community.
  • Support students’ transition into their academic program and encourage engagement with campus resources and activities.
  • Help students identify personal strengths, establish goals, and reflect on their academic and professional development.
  • Provide constructive feedback that supports continuous improvement and creative growth.
  • Connect students with diverse perspectives through interactions with faculty, peers, alumni, and industry professionals.
  • Build professional confidence through exposure to career pathways, workplace expectations, networking opportunities, and portfolio development.
  • Prepare graduates to successfully transition from education into professional practice and continued career development.

Mentor Assignment and Management

Students can find their assigned CCS Academic Advisors and Mentors listed in their Self-Service/Student Planning accounts

Faculty mentor assignments are coordinated by the Program Manager of each academic department. Mentors are assigned from the department’s full-time faculty and are intended to provide students with academic guidance, professional development support, and mentorship throughout their academic program.

Incoming Students

  • New students are assigned a faculty mentor by the Program Manager prior to or at the beginning of their first academic term.
  • Mentor assignments are reviewed annually to ensure equitable distribution of mentoring responsibilities among eligible full-time faculty.

Current Students

  • Students will remain assigned to a faculty mentor within their major department throughout their enrollment unless a reassignment is warranted.
  • Program Managers are responsible for updating mentor assignments when a student changes majors or when other academic or administrative circumstances require reassignment.
  • Mentor assignment rosters should be reviewed at least annually and updated as needed to reflect faculty availability, program changes, and student enrollment.

Faculty Eligibility

  • Faculty mentor assignments are limited to full-time faculty members.
  • Students will be assigned to a faculty mentor within their declared major department whenever possible.

Student Requests for Mentor Changes
Students may request a change to their assigned faculty mentor by submitting a request to the Program Manager. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the student’s rationale, faculty workload, and the availability of appropriate mentors. Approval of mentor change requests is at the discretion of the Program Manager in consultation with the Department Chair, when appropriate.