Administrative and Finance

Protecting Students Abroad

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this policy is to promote the health, wellness, safety and security of CCS students who participate in CCS Study Abroad Programs. The College requires all CCS administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers working with CCS students in College Sponsored Study Abroad Programs or affiliated Study Abroad Programs (in a CCS contractual relationship) to comply with this policy.

Definitions

Authorized Program Staff: Individuals, paid or unpaid, who interact with, supervise, or otherwise oversee CCS Students in program activities. This includes but is not limited to faculty, staff, volunteers, graduate and undergraduate students, and independent contractors/consultants. The Authorized Program Staff’s roles may include positions as, leaders, instructors, guides, etc. For the purposes of this policy the term “Program Staff” is also assigned this definition. This definition does not include temporary guest speakers, presenters, or other individuals who have no direct contact with Program participants other than short-term activities supervised by Program Staff.
College Facilities: Facilities owned by or under the control of the College including housing and Program space. CCS Property is extended to include any buildings or sites in foreign countries which are used for the purpose of hosting a CCS faculty led and/or CCS affiliated study abroad program. Examples of such property include, studios, housing, and instructional sites.
College Sponsored Programs: Programs that are directly managed by College faculty, staff, and Sponsored Student Organizations on behalf of the College.
Direct Contact: Providing care, supervision, guidance or control of CCS Students or having routine interaction with CCS Students.
Non-College Sponsored Programs: Programs that are not operated on behalf of the College or under the College’s control.
One-on-One Contact: Personal interaction between any Authorized Program Staff and a participant without at least one other Authorized Program Staff, being present.
Program: Programs or activities offered by various academic or administrative units of the College, or by non-College groups affiliated with the College where CCS students are involved. This includes, CCS faulty Led Study Abroad Programs, or Faculty led trips which employ external agencies to administer their programs. This does not include out-side programs that may enroll CCS students.
Program Manager: The person(s) who has primary and direct operational responsibility for managing a Program.
GEO: The Global Engagement Office at CCS

Criminal Background Check Requirement:

All individuals involved with a CCS faculty Led Student Abroad Program whom will have direct contact with CCS students are subject to submit a criminal background check and may be asked to comply with this requirement. The following types of convictions will render an individual ineligible to work or volunteer for the College’s Study Abroad Programs:

Drug distribution activity or felony drug possession
Sexual offenses
Crimes of violence involving physical injury to another person
Child abuse, molestation or other crimes involving child endangerment
Murder
Kidnapping
Any other crime involving moral turpitude

Operational Requirements

The Study Abroad Authorized Program Staff Responsibilities:

Serve as a resource and emergency contact to the group.
Remain with the group for the duration of the trip.
Be the point of contact between the group participants, and College officials as needed.
Be familiar with all College rules and regulations that both individuals, and groups must adhere to including:
Be prepared to respond to emergency and crisis protocol to ensure a safe environment and experience to all students.
Be prepared to adhere to all reporting requirements in regards to crime, behavioral, and sexual assault/violence.
Review program itineraries prior to the trip and discuss any concerns with the organization.
Ensure all participants are enrolled in the CCS Travel Registry prior to travel
Promote, and ensure compliance with mandatory enrollment of all participants in Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance and mandatory natural or political crisis Evacuation Insurance according to the International Travel Policy.
Collect the following information from all participants prior to the trip is scheduled to begin:
- Passport information page copy
- Emergency contact form
- Health insurance and Health information form
- Assumption of Risk Release Form
Make sure a final list of participants, and above mentioned information is sent to the department of Global Engagement (GEO) to be loaded into a mutually accessible database.
Ensure all participants are aware of travel details and trip itinerary in the form of a program handbook.

Program Handbook:

The office/department leading a Study Abroad program must develop and distribute a program handbook to participants. The Global Engagement Office can provide a general template and should be consulted in the content prior to distribution to students.

The Program Handbook must include the following information:

Emergency Procedures: Procedures for notifying the college and the student’s emergency contact, in case of emergency, including medical or behavioral situations.
Student Emergency Contact: Information on the student’s emergency contact on how to reach them during the program.
Student Health Form: Information on the student’s health insurance, proof of travel insurance and specific health concerns that the program leadership should be aware of.
How to prepare for healthy travel- travel health clinic information and CCS Wellness Center contact information
Program Contact Information: Information for the student to share with their personal contacts on how to reach the Program leadership and CCS leadership while abroad.
Program itinerary: This should include the exact location of the participants with corresponding dates, and address. Include information regarding “free” days in which students will travel on their own.
Program rules: Including the CCS student code of conduct and specific cultural expectations, for participants in the program, including the fact that participants must abide by all College regulations and may be removed from the program for violation of such rules.
The Assumption of Risk Form: A basic contract signed by students that reviews the risks, and responsibilities involved with Study Abroad.
A description of the process to be followed if a participant, group leader, or other individual associated with the study abroad program is alleged to have violated College policies or conduct rules of the program, including the process for dismissal and removal from the program.
Title IX policy and reporting requirements: For review by participants, and to reinforce acknowledgement of study abroad program compliance with this policy.
A country profile outlining regionally specific risks, and cultural information to be noted for US travelers
Local US embassy contact information
How to register for the SMART traveler program with the US State Department
Travel Visa requirements for destination
Requirement to enroll in the CCS Travel Registry

Program Leadership Pre-Departure session:

Study Abroad program leadership are required to meet with the International Student Services Office prior to departure to review the following procedures:

International
Travel Policy
Protecting
Students Participating in College Programs or Activities

An understanding agreement will be signed following the meeting and will kept on file with the college.

Student Pre-Departure session:

It is encouraged to hold an in person group meeting prior to departure with the students and leadership to review the handbook information and collect required forms.

Conduct Rules for Program Leadership:

Program Staff should be positive role models and behave in a responsible manner that is consistent with the mission of the College and adhere to the policies in the CCS Staff Handbook.

Program Staff are required to comply with all applicable laws and College policy. Program Staff working in Study Abroad Programs covered by this policy must follow these expectations to avoid conduct that could cause harm or be misinterpreted:

Do not engage in any sexual activity, make sexual comments, tell sexual jokes, or share sexually explicit material with CCS Students or assist in any way to provide access to such materials.
Do not engage or allow CCS Students to engage you in romantic or sexual conversations, or related matters.
Do not touch a CCS Students in a manner that a reasonable person could interpret as inappropriate. Touching should generally only be in the open and in response to the Student’s needs, for a purpose that is consistent with the Program’s mission and culture, or for a clear educational, developmental, or health related purpose (i.e., treatment of an injury). Any resistance from the student should be respected.
Do not use profanity, vulgarity, or harassing language.
Do not be alone with a single student. If One-on-One interaction is required, meet in open, well illuminated spaces or rooms with windows observable by other Program Staff.
Do not meet with students outside of established times for Program activities. If this is required, please include more than one Program Staff.
Do not invite students to your home or other private locations.
Do not provide gifts to students or their families independent of items provided by the Program.
Communication with students must be educational or programmatic in purpose and the content of the communication must be consistent with the mission of the Program and the College.
Do not engage in any abusive conduct of any kind toward, or in the presence of, a student including but not limited to verbal abuse, striking, hitting, punching, poking, spanking, or restraining. If restraint is necessary to protect a student or other student from harm, all incidents must be documented and disclosed to the College Administration.
Do not use, possess or be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs while responsible for a student’s welfare.
Do not provide alcohol or illegal drugs to any students at any time during the study abroad program.
Do not provide medication to a student
Do not possess any type of weapon or explosive device.

Drug and Alcohol Policy:

All members of the CCS community also are governed by laws, regulations, and ordinances established by the state and local municipalities and will be held accountable by law enforcement representatives of those entities for any illegal activity. It is the responsibility of all campus members to be aware of these laws. This includes international laws in host countries in which our staff, and student are traveling on College Sponsored Programs. Faculty cannot provide alcohol to CCS students, regardless of the legal drinking age of the country in which the Study Abroad Program is situated. Study Abroad locations are considered “on-campus” for purposes of this policy.

Reporting Protocols:

Faculty and staff responsible for student’s abroad must
report:
- Sexual assault and misconduct
- Violations of conduct by students, program
  leadership, or affiliated constituents
- Crimes committed to or by programs
  participants, or leadership
- Emergencies
  of any nature

Title IX Coordinator
Dierdre Young
Assistant Dean for Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Institutional Equity and Inclusion
313-664-1489
ddyoung@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

Deputy Title IX Coordinator
Raquel Diroff
Assistant Human Resources Director
Office of Human Resources
313-664-7651
rdiroff@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

For all other reporting:

Information will be given to the appropriate office on campus and/or CCS Crisis Management Team.

Stephanie Koslowski
Director of Global Engagement
Office of Global Engagement (GEO)
Office: +1 (313) 664-7428
skoslowski@ccsdetroit.edu

Dan Long
Dean of Students
Office: +1 (313)-664-7675
Cell: +1 (248)-310-9571
Office of Student Affairs
dlong@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

Conduct Violations and Crime Reporting:

CCS encourages all members of the College for Creative Studies community to engage in accurate and prompt reporting of all crimes to Campus Security and the appropriate law enforcement agencies, when the victim of the crime elects not to, or is unable to, make such a report. While abroad please work within the local law enforcement agencies, and report incidents to the college administration immediately.

Title IX Reporting:

The Title IX reporting responsibilities of CCS Study Abroad Leadership apply while abroad. All College community members are strongly encouraged to report incidents of sexual misconduct to the Title IX Coordinator or any of the reporting resources listed below, by phone, email, or in person.

Behavior violations resulting program expulsion for students:

In the event of an incident/infraction where there is an allegation of a violation of the laws, regulations, and customs of the host country, community, institution or program or a violation of the CCS College Code of Conduct, but does not cause immediate danger to others, the following procedures will apply:

Student Behavioral Procedure:

1. VERBAL NOTIFICATION: The faculty member-in-residence or program assistant representing the Office of Academic Affairs (referred to as the “leader or mentor”) will investigate the alleged violation using the resources available to him or her. They will have a frank discussion with the student of expectations and consequences, giving the student an opportunity to respond in person and present any witnesses or ask questions of witnesses, if any, that the complainant has identified.

2. WRITTEN NOTIFICATION: The student will receive a written notification of the expectations and consequences. This is the final warning and any continuation of the undesirable behavior will result in immediate dismissal with no refund academic credit and grade will be awarded according to college policy.

3. DISMISSAL: If, after the facts have been examined and after discussion and authorization from the Office of Academic Affairs, it has been decided to dismiss the student from the program, the student receives written notification of the decision. The student is responsible with all costs incurred due to program dismissal. Upon return to the campus a decision regarding the need for further action will be made.

Behavior violations resulting program expulsion for Staff:

Violations of Staff conduct prior to or during travel will result in immediate removal from the study abroad program and replacement of role by an alternate staff member or potential cancellation of program. The CCS staff handbook, and conduct rules listed in this document policies apply while abroad on a CCS Program.

Emergencies Abroad:

The College has the right to make cancellations, substitutions or changes in case of emergency or changed conditions in the destination country or region. In the case of serious emergency situations, the Program Leadership is responsible for taking immediate care of participants, and notifying the college. The college will utilize its internal Emergency Procedures, and Crisis Management Team as they apply to study abroad, notify all emergency contacts of students and staff, the US Embassy, and other organizations that may aid in securing the safety of our program participants. Students and Program Leadership should take care to ensure their immediate needs and safety and then contact College immediately.

Lost Passports:

You will have to replace the passport before returning to the United States. Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. Ask to speak to the Consular Section to report your passport lost or stolen. If you have been the victim of a serious crime, be sure to tell a consular officer about it as soon as possible so they can provide appropriate assistance. If you are scheduled to leave the foreign country shortly, please provide our consular staff with the details of your travel.

Missing student Policy:

If a student becomes detached from the program group or simply disappears for more than 24 hours, the Program Leadership is required to notify the College Administration. Program leadership must notify the Global Engagement Office, who will notify Campus Safety, and the Office of Student Affairs immediately.

The following information will be collected:

Contact Information and relationship to the missing student.
Name and vital information about the student reported to be out of contact.
The date, time, and location the missing student was last seen.
The general routine or habits of the suspected missing person including any recent changes in behavior or demeanor.
The missing student’s cell phone number.

Once a report has been made that a student is missing, Campus Safety and the Office of Student Affairs will work together to investigate the situation.

Notifications:

CCS leadership will notify the local US
Embassy.
CCS leadership will notify the student’s
emergency contact.
No social media outlets should be utilized to
communicate.
Program Leaders are encouraged to manage the
student group appropriately to ensure that communications to media outlets,
social media, and outside sources are restricted.
CCS leadership will communicate to all media
and outside sources.

Mandatory Emergency Insurance:

Students and staff are required to purchase emergency medical and travel insurance that covers the duration of their trip. The insurance policy should include repatriation and evacuation coverage in cases if health emergencies, or death. The emergency insurance policy should also cover travel costs for family members in cases where the participants cannot leave the country in cases of hospitalization.

Evacuation Insurance

In addition to international health insurance for employees and students who travel abroad, we also require evacuation insurance due to natural disasters or political unrest.

SMART traveler enrollment:

https://step.state.gov/

CCS encourages students to enroll in the SMART program prior to college sponsored trips abroad. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Receive
important information from the Embassy about safety conditions in your
destination country, helping you make informed decisions about your travel
plans.
Help
the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency, whether natural disaster, civil
unrest, or family emergency.
Help
family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.

For questions or input on this policy please contact the International Student Services Office.

Related Policies:

International Travel

I. Introduction

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 (defined below) are responsible for informing travelers of this international travel policy and for facilitating compliance for individuals where appropriate.

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

II. Definitions

This section defines four terms used in this document: Travel Abroad, CCS Managed or Organized travel, CCS Related Travel, and Group Travel Abroad.

Travel Abroad: destinations outside the Fifty States of the United States of America and the District of Columbia. Travel to U.S. territories (including American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the United States Minor Outlying Islands) and journeys on the High Seas are also considered travel abroad.
CCS Managed or Organized Travel: An international experience managed or organized by a CCS department/office, faculty or staff member. Managed and organized includes: creating, funding, instructing, or approving the experience, or coordinating the applications and selection of participants.
CCS Related Travel: is defined in terms of two traveler roles:

CCS Faculty or Staff

Faculty or staff members who are traveling abroad within the context of their job responsibilities are considered to be on CCS Related Travel. If faculty or staff members receive CCS funds or CCS managed funds for travel or if they are representing CCS even if funded by an international partner or third-party entity, they are considered to be on CCS Related Travel. While a trip might include personal activities outside of the traveler’s job responsibilities, if the primary purpose is work-related the trip is CCS Related Travel.

Student

Participants in Travel Abroad can include both individuals enrolled as students at CCS, but also individuals not enrolled as CCS students who participate in a CCS program; such persons are designated Students within this policy. A person traveling in a Student participant role who meets one or more of the following criteria is on CCS Related Travel:

Receives CCS academic credit for the experience.
- Travels on a program or trip that is CCS Managed or Organized.
- Travels on a program or trip organized by Student Affairs or a program or trip that is formally sanctioned by a CCS department or office as a Sponsored Event.
- Receives funding from CCS or receives funds managed by CCS for their travel.

Group
Travel Abroad:
a cohort of CCS student participants with similar program experience
dates, itinerary, related activities at the destination, and identical or
related accommodations, for whom an organizer or leader is assuming some
responsibility. There is significant interdependence of participants within the
cohort.

III. Policy

A. CCS International Travel Registry

The CCS International Travel Registry is a confidential and secure database for maintaining key travel information for faculty, staff and students traveling abroad. The Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs are responsible for the overall management of the CCS International Travel Registry.

The CCS International Travel Registry is the official source of traveler information for locating and communicating with travelers, responding to emergencies, and managing media and public relations during critical incidents abroad. It also serves as the central source of travel abroad data for institutional reporting.

All faculty, staff, and students traveling abroad for CCS Related Travel must register their travel in the CCS International Travel Registry before the expected departure date. Whenever possible, travelers are expected to update the registration, including travel dates, destinations, and on-site contact information, if updated information becomes available.

Individual travelers are responsible for verifying their travel registration through either self-registration or coordination with their sponsoring units. Departments/Offices sponsoring CCS Related Travel are responsible for informing travelers of this travel registration requirement.

The travel registry can be accessed at:

Student Travel Registry

Staff Travel Registry

B. Travel Abroad Health Insurance

All students, staff and faculty traveling abroad for CCS or affiliated with CCS are required to have travel abroad health insurance coverage from the College’s authorized vendor, regardless of whether the Student traveler has other health care coverage. Student travelers are responsible for verifying travel abroad health insurance coverage either through self-enrollment or coordination with their sponsoring units. Group leaders are responsible for informing their students and participants of this insurance requirement.

*CCS will accept the following plans

C. Emergency Evacuation Insurance and Support

All Students, Faculty and Staff traveling abroad for or affiliated with CCS must carry insurance that covers emergency evacuation due to political unrest or natural disaster.

The college may evacuate or cancel travel at any time before, or during a program due to emergency situations. In making the decision to evacuate a person or group, the Office of Global Engagement consults the Travel Risk Committee. Evacuation support relies on CCS faculty, staff, and students to register their travel.

Students who remain in-country after being advised to evacuate will not be eligible for college funding or academic credit related to the travel experience and may be subject to disciplinary action.

*The plans outlined above carry evacuation insurance. Please inquire when enrolling to be certain the additional coverage is added.

D. High Risk Destination Travel

The College will conduct reviews and designate locations as High Risk Destinations.

The Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services (students) or the employee’s Vice President will make the final determination on this designation, upon consultation with the Travel Risk Committee. This designation may occur at any time before, or during an international trip. The College will not approve CCS related travel to destinations where health, safety, or security risks are determined to be significant and require unusual caution and risk mitigation strategies. For example, travel to destinations experiencing serious outbreaks of infectious disease, war or violent civil unrest. Students may not travel for or affiliated with CCS to destinations that are under a High Risk designation.

To submit an appeal for travel to these destinations, please follow the separate policy for Student Travel to High Risk Destinations or Employee Travel to High Risk Destinations.

E. Incident Reporting Requirements

While traveling abroad affiliated with CCS, individuals should promptly report conduct that may violate College policies including: TITLE IX, student or staff conduct violations, or crimes. Individuals are encouraged to report incidents that may violate criminal law to both the College and to local law enforcement. These processes are not mutually exclusive.

Related Policies

Study Abroad Policy
Roles and Responsibilities for Faculty Led Study Abroad Programs Guideline
Faculty Led Study Abroad Program Approval Policy and Procedure
Protecting CCS Students Studying Abroad
High Risk Destination Travel Policy
Reporting Criminal and other Serious Incidents
Chaperone Policy
Title IX

Privacy Notice

Prospective Students, Applicants, and Enrolled Students

College for Creative Studies (CCS) understands that storing and tracking personal information is a sensitive topic, and it is committed to safeguarding privacy. CCS collects and processes certain types of personal information from prospective students, applicants, and enrolled students and their families in connection with its programs in the United States. This privacy notice explains what information is collected, how it is used, and how the College safeguards the information. You should contact the Registrar (kladucer@collegeforcreativestudies.edu) with any questions or concerns regarding this notice.

Whose Information Is Collected?

CCS collects information about prospective students, applicants and enrolled students in its programs (referred to herein collectively as “students”) , as well as their family members or guardians.

What Information Is Collected?

CCS collects:

Contact information for students and their family members or guardians, including names, titles, telephone numbers, email, and home addresses;
Demographic information for students, including race, ethnicity, date of birth, citizenship status, birthplace, veteran status, information about family, marital status, and gender;
Academic information for students, including information about school or college, grades, transcripts, coursework, study abroad, contacts with Blackboard per course enrolled, and judicial sanctions;
Information and recommendations from faculty or advisors concerning students’ performance and suitability for a particular program;
Information about students’ abilities and interests, including information used for housing and roommate placements and for identifying potential internship and other experiences and opportunities; this may include language ability, interests, skills, preferred work environment, strengths and weaknesses, prior employment experience, and the like;
Financial information of students and their families for students who seek a grant, loan or scholarship to help pay for the program, including social security numbers;
Information about students’ individual health conditions or needs, including physical or mental health conditions, treatment or prescriptions, allergies, limitations or necessary accommodations, dietary restrictions, and the like;
Information about students’ disciplinary history at secondary school or a previous institution of higher education or at the College, including any actual or potential violation of the Code of Student Conduct by a matriculated student or directed towards such matriculated student. Those types of incidents may require the College to collect sensitive information about the student, including about sexual orientation or sexual activities, use of drugs or alcohol, or religious or philosophical beliefs or issues.
Via FAFSA, information about students’ income, assets, household size, citizenship information, limited information about drug related convictions, and confirmation of selective service registration;
Information about students’ career interests;
Information about students’ post-graduation career choices, address, email address, employment, and educational pursuits;
Information about students’ eligibility for federal loans, past and current;
Information about students’ participation in student government or official student organizations;
When students and their families make payments to the university, payment information;
For applicants to graduate programs, criminal history and information about past military service.
For international students, travel documents, including passport and visa information, and the like; and
For students taking online courses, IP addresses.

Why Is Personal Information Collected?

CCS is an institution of higher education that provides a variety of programming for students. To provide a meaningful, engaging and safe experience, CCS must collect personal information about students in its programs to permit the College to develop and administer academic programs, facilitate internships and other experiences, identify and provide housing arrangements, help students budget and pay for the programs, assess and provide any necessary accommodations for academic or living conditions, and to help students ensure a healthy and safe experience.

It is necessary for CCS to collect each piece of personal information identified above to perform the contract to provide and support CCS’ programs. Students cannot be admitted into CCS without providing contact information, academic information described above, and the College cannot assess whether to award a grant or scholarship without the financial information described above. It is highly unlikely that the College can place students in an internship program without the information about abilities and interests described below. Students may decline to provide information about health conditions or any need for accommodations, but in that event the College will not be able to make accommodations and may require students to sign a waiver regarding health issues. Students enrolled in CCS programs are bound to follow the College’s Code of Student Conduct and the College’s Sexual Misconduct Policy. The College will investigate and document all allegations of violations of those policies.

How Is Information Collected?

Information is collected through a variety of sources, including:

Student-provided information through CCS online applications or request for information form, or in response to questions posed by CCS staff;
Information from a student’s secondary school or previous institution of higher education;
College Board, ACT, Educational Testing Service, International English Language Testing System, and other similar third parties, which provide information to CCS and other colleges and universities at the student’s request;
U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs and other government agencies; and
Existing CCS student educational records.

How is Collected Information Used?

Collected information is used only for purposes of CCS operating its programs, including facilitating the educational experience and safety of students in the programs.

Who has Access to Collected Information?

CCS faculty and staff;
Third-parties who provide services to CCS or to students, pursuant to a contract with CCS;
Federal, state and local government agencies, as required by applicable law;
If a student will participate in an internship facilitated by CCS, the internship providers, as applicable; and
Certain kinds of information may be disclosed to third parties or made available publicly pursuant to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

How is Information Stored and Secured?

CCS uses College-managed, secure information technology systems to store electronic personal information, including systems that permit creating shared spaces that are accessible by CCS faculty and staff. CCS employs appropriate administrative, technical and physical security measures to protect paper or other physical records that contain personal information, including locked offices and file cabinets. CCS uses encrypted SecureMail for Restricted Use information that is subject to the College’s Data Protection Standards.

How Long Is Information Saved?

CCS maintains records as specified in its Record Retention Policy.

Correcting Information

Students who are or have been in attendance at CCS may request changes to their educational records or restrict the information disclosed as directory information as provided by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Other Rights

Under the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you may have the right to access personal data that we store and process about you, and to request correction of that information if it is inaccurate. If the GDPR applies, you may also have the right to request deletion of certain personal data; ask that we restrict our use of the data; or object to automated decision-making using your data. Access includes, where applicable, the ability to download your personal data in a commonly-used format.

Please note we may not be able to grant your request in all circumstances, including when it would adversely affect the rights and freedoms of others.

Concerns?

If you have questions or concerns about the use of your personal data please contact the CCS Registrar at kladucer@collegeforcreativestudies.edu or contact the Academic Advising and Registration Office at 201 E. Kirby, Detroit, MI 48202.

Updates to this Notice

The College may change this Privacy Notice from time to time. If the College makes any significant changes in the way it treats your personal information, the updated notice will be posted on the College’s website through the Policy Database.

Smoking

State and local laws prohibit smoking in all parts of College buildings. City ordinance prohibits smoking within 15 feet of any building entrance.

In the interest of providing a safe and healthy environment for all staff, faculty, students and visitors, and in accordance with the Michigan Clean Indoor Act and the City of Detroit Smoking Pollution Control Ordinance, smoking is prohibited in all CCS buildings and within 15 feet of all building entrances and air intakes.

Enforcement of Policy

The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, consideration and cooperation of smokers and non-smokers. Students are encouraged to ask offending smokers to stop smoking. Any student smoking in a non-smoking area must immediately stop upon being requested to do so. Failure to do so will result in formal disciplinary action as outlined below.

Complaints

Complaints regarding the smoking of faculty and staff should be made to the Department Chair, the employee’s immediate supervisor or the Director of Human Resources. Complaints regarding students smoking should be made to the Director of Student Life.

Disciplinary Action

All student complaints should be made in writing to the Dean of Students. The Dean of Students will notify the student in writing that a complaint has been issued. A second offense will result in a $50 fine. A third offense will result in a $100 fine. Further violations will be subject to CCS disciplinary policies, up to and including expulsion.

Students wishing to contest the above may do so in writing to the Office of Student Affairs. Evidence of non-violation should be attached.

College Purchasing

A purchase order is a promise to pay for goods and services that is sent to a vendor in order to process an order before payment is received. A purchase order MUST be used to procure goods and services unless prior authorization has been obtained from the office of the Vice President of Finance/CFO or is travel and entertainment related. Any purchases made by an employee without prior authorization may not be reimbursed!

Mastercards are available and provided to employees for the purpose of charging legitimate travel and entertainment expenses to the College. Cardholders should not use the corporate credit cards to circumvent the Colleges purchasing function by charging for other than approved travel-related expenses unless previously approved by the VP of Finance/CFO. Authorization to obtain a card must be through the VP of Finance/CFO. Although the card is issued in an individual’s name, it should be considered College property. Complete details and more information may be obtained through the Business Services department.

The purchase requisition form is available on the public directory in the Business Services folder and on the office’s campus office page. This is an electronic form.

Credit Application

Credit applications are available from Business Services. It may be necessary to send a credit application to a new vendor so a PO will be accepted. If a new vendor requires the completion of their credit application, please contact the Business Services Department.

Tax-Exempt

CCS is a non-profit organization and is tax-exempt. The College’s tax-exempt ID # is available from Business Services, as well as a tax-exempt letter. Business Services can provide a copy of a W-9 form, the Request for Taxpayer Identification and Certification if necessary.

Field Trips

From time to time, a faculty member will want to take a group of students on a field trip. All students must sign a waiver of liability form covering the trip. These forms may be obtained from the Office of Student Life or from the Program Manager. Once completed, two copies of the liability waiver should be made; the original is kept in the department and the copy taken on the trip with the chaperone. Faculty are responsible for providing a digital version of all field trip release forms to their Program Manager at least 24 hours before the scheduled field trip. Whether traveling locally or long distance, transportation should be organized through a reputable carrier. If traveling by motor vehicle, it is preferable to hire a bus or van, with a properly licensed driver. In this case, the company providing transportation must furnish proof of current insurance. It is not permissible for faculty to use personal vehicles to transport students nor may faculty solicit students to transport other students.

Out-of-town accommodations must be made at reputable establishments. Reservations should be confirmed in writing, and if the hotel insists on a contract being signed, it must be reviewed and signed for CCS by the Vice President of Finance/CFO.

Funding for field trips comes from the involved students and the department; if additional funding is required, the faculty may submit student or faculty development requests to the Office of Academic Affairs after receiving approval from the Department Chair. All monies due from students for a given trip must be paid to CCS before leaving on the trip, with no exceptions. The Business Office will handle paying the bills and issuing travel advances to the faculty members. Subsequent to the trip, proper accounting, including all appropriate receipts, must be made of all funds expended. The forms to be used in this accounting may be obtained from the Business Office.

Related Policy

Chaperone Policy

Severe Weather

CCS’s policy is to keep the school open during periods of inclement weather, if at all possible. We realize there are times when the College may remain open and you feel it is unsafe for you to attempt to come in. If this occurs, please call and leave a message for your supervisor as soon as possible. Administrative staff will be required to take Paid Time Off (PTO) for days they are unable to come in. Faculty should make every attempt to reschedule any classes that are cancelled due to bad weather. If a class is unable to be rescheduled, it is up to the faculty member to ensure that any missing coursework is covered.

In the event it is necessary to close due to severe weather conditions or any other emergency, the following procedures for notification are followed:

The decision to close or cancel Day Classes will be made by 6:00 a.m. and to cancel Evening Classes will be made by 2:00 p.m.
Closings and class cancellations will be announced through Campus Emergency Alert Program via e-mail or text alerts.
Updates can be found on CCS’s website (www.collegeforcreativestudies.edu), CCS social channels and to local radio/TV stations.

Business Services

The Business Office is located in the Yamasaki Building, main floor. Please make sure to have your CCS ID.

Business Services Training Manual.

Travel and Entertainment

The travel and entertainment policy is intended to establish and communicate equitable standards and effective procedures for administering and controlling travel and entertainment expenses, and ensure consistent and fair treatment of all employees who travel on CCS business.

CCS recognizes that the effective conduct of the College’s activities will require employees to travel from time to time on behalf of CCS. It is therefore the policy of the College to reimburse employees for all expenses that are necessary, and incurred, when traveling on authorized College business.

Reason for Policy

This policy is to establish and communicate equitable standards and effective procedures for administering and controlling travel and entertainment expenses, and ensure consistent and fair treatment of all employees who travel on CCS business. This policy’s purpose is:

To provide guidance to employees, and those with authority to approve expense reports, on travel and entertainment expenditures incurred on behalf of CCS
To ensure compliance with legal and internal control requirements
To identify reimbursable and non-reimbursable expenses
To clarify employee responsibility for controlling and reporting travel and entertainment expenses.

Rationale

CCS’s Travel and Entertainment expense guidelines are based on generally accepted business practices and IRS regulations which describe those expenses that a business or an individual may legally deduct from gross income when paying Federal taxes. In addition, certain procedures and practices have been included to maintain good internal accounting controls.

Procedures

For each trip an employee takes, an expense report must be completed, approved and submitted to Business Services within ten business days of completion of the trip. Expense reports must contain a detailed description of all business expenses and appropriate receipts, to include airline boarding passes and/or a copy of the travel itinerary. Receipts are normally provided for airfare, hotel, and car rental. If not provided, you should request a receipt for meals, taxi, parking and miscellaneous items. Acceptable receipts must be original and itemized.

General

CCS wishes that its employees who are required to travel, do so in reasonable comfort. Employees are expected to exercise good judgment in distinguishing between reasonable comfort and extravagance. Employees are expected to:

exercise discretion and good judgment with respect to expenses
check for accuracy of bills prior to payment
report all expenses and advancements promptly and accurately with required documentation
if plans change and the employee does not make a trip, return all advanced funds to Business Services immediately
reference the list of recommended local restaurants and hotels on Blackboard for local meetings
plan travel in advance to insure lowest cost
research arriving one day before and/or staying one day later on trips if that may be less expensive and time effective (considering work schedules, air fare, hotel, and meals)
provide documentation for all advance cost quotes for air fare, hotel, car rental, and taxi/limo service vs mileage/parking.

Travel Guidelines

(effective May 1, 2009, all travel must be pre-approved by an officer of the College)

Air

All employees will travel the most economical fare available at all times. Reservations should provide the most economical airfare within a two hour window of requested departure and arrival times (one hour before or after requested departure and one hour before or after requested arrival). Airfare change or upgrade fees are allowable only if necessary due to College business, and approved in writing by reporting officer. Reporting officers have some discretion to approve seat only upgrades on flights over four (4) hours. Trip Protector insurance is not an allowable expense except for international travel and only with reporting officer approval. Employees are allowed one (1) piece of checked luggage on domestic flights.

Automobile

Employees must obtain prior approval from their supervisor before using personal vehicles for business trips when doing so would be more economical and time effective than traveling by air. Personal vehicle mileage will be reimbursed per the current IRS limits, which are subject to change annually, and may not exceed the cost of the most economical air fare. For evaluation purposes, employees must confirm airfare rates at the time they register or plan their trip. Personal vehicle mileage allowance covers the cost of gasoline, oil, and wear and tear of the automobile. Employees using personal vehicles must have a current Motor Vehicle Record file in Human Resources. If two or more employees are attending the same event, it is recommended that they make every effort to carpool.

Cash Advance

A cash advance may be approved for legitimate business purposes and in cases of emergency. A cash advance must be requested and approved no later than five working days in advance of any planned travel. A cash advance may not be requested prior to ten business days before the start of any planned travel. A cash advance may be used only by the person requesting it and approved for the cash advance. Cash advance balances must be cleared with a personal check or cash submitted with the expense report within ten business days of completion of the trip. Petty cash advances must be cleared with Business Services within five business days.

Car Rental

With many promotional programs constantly changing, the least expensive car should be reserved unless there is a business necessity to upgrade. Travelers should decline Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Personal Accident Insurance. This coverage is provided through our College policy. Rental cars need to be re-fueled prior to drop off to avoid the refueling and service charges.

Frequent Flyer

Frequent Flyer bonus programs and usage credits awarded by airlines, car rental agencies or hotels shall be assigned to the employee. CCS considers this a perquisite well earned by the employee. However, the employee must still travel at the lowest possible rate.

Family

Spouse or family members may accompany employees on trips, with approval from your immediate supervisor. When a spouse, companion or family travel with an employee, their travel must be accounted for, and paid for separately. The College will pay for a standard room, no upgrades. Any additional charges for spouse, companion, or family sharing a room is the employee’s responsibility. Employees must separate all expenses associated with spouse, companion, or family members, with no incremental expenses to the College.

Hotel

Reservations will be made at moderately priced establishments that will be comfortable, but not extravagant. Travelers should insure that the rate charged matches the rate on the itinerary. “No-show” bills are incurred when “guaranteed” hotel reservations are not used and have not been canceled. It is the responsibility of the traveler to cancel hotel rooms which become unnecessary due to changes in travel plans. The cancellation can be made through the travel agency or with the hotel directly. In either case, the traveler should obtain a cancellation number. Room change or upgrade fees are allowable only if necessary due to College business and approved in writing by a reporting officer. Personal upgrades and changes are not reimbursable.

Local Transportation

Employees are expected to use their own transportation when traveling to/from home and/or CCS campus to Metro Airport or other local sites. CCS or the employee’s home, whichever is less mileage, is considered the home base for local trips. Mileage will be reimbursed from the home base to the local site. Limousine services (e.g. Checker, Metro Cars) are not to be used when traveling to/from CCS or the employee’s home and Metro Airport unless the cost is less than the cost for mileage and airport parking. Employees are expected to use the most economical ground transportation when traveling to and from airports and hotels while out of town. Taxi, rental car, bus, and van are all acceptable. Travelers should always ask if the hotel at which they are staying provides a shuttle service to and from the airport.

Meals

While traveling, employees should eat at moderately priced restaurants. The actual cost of meals, including tips, incurred while traveling on CCS business is reimbursable. Up to twenty (20%) percent of the meal cost is the maximum tip in the U. S. The tip or “service” is often included in the meal cost at certain restaurants. Alcoholic beverages are limited to one (1) per person with any meal. Employees are expected to exercise discretion and good judgement with respect to meals, alcoholic beverages and tipping.

Parking

Discounted parking rates are available at lots around Detroit Metropolitan Airport. These lots provide parking for about one half the cost of parking at airport lots. All of these lots provide 24/7 shuttle service to all terminals. Online coupons for one day free parking are available at their websites. Discounted parking is available at these lots:

Employees should not park in Detroit Metropolitan Airport lots and valet parking is not allowed as it is approximately twice the cost of long-term lots.

Telephone

Telephone and Internet access from hotel rooms should be used only as necessary and with discretion. Personal phone calls should be limited to one call per day, except for emergencies or special circumstances. Cell phones and pre-paid calling cards are low-cost options.

International Travel

Employees on international travel should always use their credit card and not cash for expenses. Credit card use insures charges are processed at the current exchange rate on the day the charges were incurred. This eliminates the need to research the exchange rate when the expense report is processed.

Entertainment

Entertainment is defined in this policy as limited to entertainment when traveling on College business. Employees will be reimbursed for the actual cost of entertainment, when such expenses have been determined reasonable and beneficial to the College. Entertainment must conform to current tax and legal requirements. Discretion must be used as to levels of entertainment. Unreasonable entertainment expenses will not be reimbursed. When an employee pays the expense of any other person who is not an employee of the College, the expenses of all persons in attendance, including CCS employees, are to be listed on the expense report and itemized receipt. Spouses or partners expenses are not eligible for reimbursement, unless approved in advance by a reporting officer.

Expenses not Authorized

The following is given as a guide, and not necessarily a complete list, of expenses that are not reimbursable:

alcoholic beverages not part of a meal, with discretion allowed for College officers to approve appropriate entertainment
alcoholic beverages in excess of one (1) per person at any meal
alcoholic beverages at department meeting or events
tobacco products
minibar expenses
snack food
personal care (spas, medication – laundry is allowed up to a maximum of $50 for domestic trips longer than 7 days and for international travel)
personal entertainment (movies in hotels or on flights)
personal items (books, dvds, newspapers, magazines, maps, personal care items, souvenirs, etc.)
parking or traffic tickets
rental car GPS charges, unless approved in advance by a reporting officer.
airline or travel insurance; Trip Protector insurance except for
international travel with officer pre-approval
valet parking at airports
ATM fees
gifts to employees or departments

Exceptions

In unusual business circumstances, actual expenses that are incurred, and that are not covered by this policy, are subject to approval and/or adjustment by the Vice President of Finance or the President.

Federal Income Tax Regulations and Compliance

Employee’s will appreciate that, if the Travel and Entertainment Policy is to work to everyone’s best interest, each employee must be responsible for supporting and complying with it in both spirit and letter. To meet IRS requirements, travel and entertainment expenses must adhere to the following conditions:

the expenditure must be shown to be ordinary and necessary in the course of business
original, itemized receipts, no photocopies, must be submitted
- credit card statements or non-itemized receipts are not acceptable
- credit card receipts with only a total amount are not reimbursable
- ATM receipts for cash are not acceptable
the expenditure must actually be incurred, and supported with exact and detailed records, verifying the names, amount, date and location, business purpose and business relationship of the person entertained (name, company, title)
name, title and company affiliation of those present
employees must account for all travel expenditures by submitting a complete and accurate Expense Report within 10 business days after the completion of a trip or business event
incomplete reports and those lacking receipts, approvals, or other required documentation, will be returned, delaying reimbursement
no reimbursement will be made for expenses incurred in violation of the Travel and Entertainment Policy
Expense Reports will be monitored and audited on a regular basis to ensure adherence to the provisions of the Travel and Entertainment Policy
non-compliance may result in disciplinary action

Approvals

The Internal Revenue Code specifically states that an individual may not approve his/her own expense report. Immediate supervisors must approve cash advances, expense reports, and travel related expenses charged to the College Corporate American Express and Master Card of employees reporting to them. Additionally, Deans and Vice Presidents must approve cash advances, expense reports, and Corporate American Express and Master Card charges for faculty and staff in their division. It is the responsibility of the approving individual to determine if the advance and expense was:

ordinary and necessary for the benefit of the College and within budget;
properly substantiated to meet CCS policy.
The Expense Report will be further reviewed and approved by Business Services, for conformance to both College policy and IRS regulations. All Expense Reports over $1,000 will require approval by the Administration and Finance division. Individual expenses not approved will be returned and be the responsibility of the employee. The employee will be required to complete and resubmit a new Travel and Expense Report.