Author: Nadine Ashton

Imaging Center

The Imaging Center (IC) provides a variety of print services to the CCS community. It is located on the 6th floor of the Taubman Center in room 631.

The IC’s regular hours are Monday – Thursday from 8am to 10pm and Friday from 8am to 3pm. There are extended weekend hours during midterms and finals, which are posted on Blackboard and on the CCS information monitors.

The Imaging Center has two Canon production laser printers, which include basic copying & scanning services, two Epson wide-format printers, and two Epson sheet-feed inkjet printers. In addition, the IC also offers draft quality wide-format printing on an Epson plotter printer. On the Canon laser printer, the IC can print up to 13” x 19” and use 110 lb. card stock. The Imaging Center also provides various plastic coil and wire binding services. Students can provide their own laser paper to print at a low-cost rate; they must bring the paper in its original packaging so that the IC has all of the accurate information on paper type.

Students must bring files to the IC that are print-ready and on a flash drive. The Imaging Center will accept files from staff and faculty through fillable online forms that can be found on the “Imaging Center” link within the “Campus Offices” page on the CCS Blackboard website. Services are available at a discounted price for staff and faculty. If color prints or posters are being charged to a department, an 8-digit budget code number is required in order for the job to be processed. The appropriate account number can be obtained from your Program Manager.

When using the inkjet printers, we strongly encourage students to create test strips or hard proofs prior to submitting their final print job. These test strips are free. Students can also use a Soft Proofing station located in the 24-hour lab to preview their print job with our laser and inkjet color profiles on a calibrated monitor.

For faculty teaching a sponsored project course, or any other course that will require large-scale printing, please contact the Imaging Center within the first few weeks of the semester with information on what type and how much printing is needed to complete the project and any major due dates. In order to set up a student print budget, the Imaging Center will need a current class roster.

Black and white copying is available for faculty (self-serve) in the adjunct faculty office space located on the 2nd floor of the Kresge-Ford building, room C205.

For more information, click the “Imaging Center” link within the “Campus Offices” page on Blackboard. The Imaging Center can be also contacted at (313) 664-1507 or by emailing ic@collegeforcreativestudies.edu.

Safety in Studio Areas

Toxic materials, toxic vapors and gasses and dangerous machinery are among the potential health hazards encountered by the studio artist. Students are urged to (1) familiarize themselves with possible health hazards in the areas in which they are working and (2) utilize all available techniques and equipment to minimize hazards. In some areas the use of respirators or safety goggles is required by CCS.

Pregnant women, persons with respiratory problems and persons placed under physical restrictions by their physicians must make their condition known to instructors as soon as courses begin or at the onset of their condition. If for some reason, you are having difficulties with an instructor regarding your health status, discuss the issue with your Department Chair or the Dean of Undergraduate Studies.

December Commencement Exhibition

Students graduating in December are required to show one piece of work (or a set of work that is hung together, such as a triptych), reviewed and approved by the appropriate Department Chair, in the December Commencement Exhibition. The December Commencement Exhibition Artwork Approval Form is available through the Academic Advising and Registration Office and must be submitted by the due date offered on the form. December graduates may also show their work in the May Student Exhibition. Under certain circumstances, Department Chairs may waive participation for students who have fulfilled all graduation requirements as outlined in the course catalog.

Exhibitions

Reason for Policy

As an educational institution dedicated to nurturing the highest level of creativity both inside the classroom and out, College for Creative Studies (CCS) wholeheartedly supports the ability of students, faculty, staff, and invited guests to display their work on campus and other venues as may be appropriate. This policy provides guidelines for review, display, oversight, and other considerations of work exhibited under the College’s auspices to ensure, among other things, safety, security, suitability, and the right to freedom of expression.

Scope

The CCS Exhibition Policy is administered by the Faculty Advisory Committee of the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs in consultation with the College administration. It is guided by the College’s Statement on Freedom of Expression, which holds that the free exploration, display, and exchange of ideas is fundamental to a democratic society, even, and perhaps especially, those that are considered controversial. At the same time, it recognizes that the right to free expression requires an ethical responsibility on the part of those who create these works, and their educators (as applicable), to consider where they may be displayed and with respect for the audiences who may encounter them. This exhibition policy specifically addresses those venues dedicated for the display of creative work, both on campus and off, sanctioned by the College. It does not bind CCS to sanction expressions carried out in situations beyond its control.

Guiding Principles

The presentation of creative work is fundamental to the educational mission of the College in fostering and promoting research, development, creation, and promulgation of knowledge in the arts and culture among its various and diverse audiences. The specific method and process by which work comes to be displayed under the auspices of College may differ, depending on the venue and the function. However, all work presented to the public under the College’s auspices is curated, which is to say that it undergoes a process overseen by the appropriate staff (i.e., full-time faculty, gallery directors, and/or other staff with the requisite authority) to ensure its suitability for display. The specific procedures and responsibilities for the various exhibition spaces and presentation activities are detailed in the “Venues” section that follows. The College retains the authority to make the final determination on which works are displayed, how they are displayed, and where they are displayed at College-sanctioned venues and special exhibitions.

Venues and Programs

The College has many spaces where creative work may be displayed. These include formally curated spaces as well as those that are improvised, temporary, or less deliberate. In each case, the purpose of the work being displayed and the audience that may encounter it must be taken into account.

Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs

CCS has a number of venues and programs organized under the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs. Below are the specific spaces and programs administered by the Office, as well as the procedures and responsibilities for each:

  • CCS Center Galleries: A curated space that presents a range of changing, high-quality exhibitions of local, regional, and international contemporary art and design, as well as public programs. The gallery accepts proposals from the CCS community and other constituents. Exhibitions are selected and scheduled by the Director of the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs in consultation with the Faculty Advisory Committee. Located in the Manoogian Visual Resources Center.
  • Alumni and Faculty Hall: Devoted to exhibitions featuring CCS alumni, faculty, and staff, who may propose them or be invited by the Director of the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs. Exhibitions are selected and scheduled by the Director of the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs in consultation with the Faculty Advisory Committee. Located in the MVRC in the hallway next to CCS Center Galleries.
  • Permanent Collection Gallery (also known as the Student Showcase): Dedicated to exhibitions of the College’s permanent collection. Located in the hallway off the rear entrance to MVRC.
  • Permanent Student Exhibition: Rotating exhibition of work by current CCS students from all undergraduate departments. Work is selected by the Department Chairs. Located in the MVRC near the front entrance.
  • U245 Student Gallery: A student-run exhibition space dedicated to the display of current CCS student work from all departments. Work is selected from a call for proposals by the student gallery manager in consultation with the U245 Faculty Advisor. Located on the first floor of the Art Centre Building.
  • The Valade Family Gallery: A venue for art in all of its multitudinous forms intended to foster dialogue among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community at large on a variety of issues of contemporary art and design. This space is particularly dedicated to supporting the educational mission of the College’s academic departments and offers a combination of curated and proposed exhibitions as determined by the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs in consultation with the Faculty Advisory Committee. Located on the first floor of the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education (TC)
  • Garfield Windows: Highlights a range of work by CCS students and alumni in reproduction form for the benefit of the public to help raise awareness of the College and promote its activities. Installation of work is overseen by the Director of the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs and the Marketing Department. The windows are located on the first floor of the Garfield Building on Woodward Avenue.
  • Woodward Lecture Series: This visiting speaker series has attracted over 100 renowned artists, critics, and scholars to Detroit since 1998. In addition to public lectures, Woodward Lecturers directly engage with CCS students through critiques and round-table discussions, fostering a greater understanding of and appreciation for contemporary art and culture. Lecturers are curated by the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs in collaboration with the Faculty Advisory Committee.

Office of Academic Affairs

The Office of Academic Affairs oversees a number of activities to support its pedagogical mission for the benefit of students, faculty, staff, and, where appropriate, the public.

  • Classrooms/Studios: The College recognizes classrooms and studios as laboratories for investigation of a broad range of issues to further students’ creative development. Ideas presented in these spaces may be in the process of formation and subject to critique by peers, faculty, and other advisors. As such, work in process may find expression in these spaces that might need to be refined or discussed prior to being presented to the broader public. The College recognizes the right and the need for students to conduct investigations that may make some uncomfortable. At the same time, the College calls upon all concerned to exhibit respect for one another in their presentation and discussion of this work.
  • Hubs/Hallways: CCS has a number of spaces outside of classrooms that are thresholds between areas devoted to instruction and experimentation and those where the public has access and therefore may encounter the work of students in progress. The chair and faculty of each department select the work that is displayed in these areas. Judgment should be used on what to display in these areas for any period of time.
  • Toyota Lecture Series: Established through an endowment gift from Toyota Motor Company, the series brings prominent designers, critics, entrepreneurs, and scholars in all fields of design to speak at CCS. In addition to public lectures, the Toyota Lecture Series directly engages with CCS students through critiques, roundtable discussions, and workshops. Speakers are selected through a call for nominations, which are reviewed and approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.
  • Special lectures, workshops, and residencies: From time to time, special lectures and workshops presented by visiting artists and designers and other onsite activities may take place where work is presented and discussed. These activities may be in a single department or include multiple departments and may or may not be open to the public depending on the specific circumstance. These activities are approved by the Department Chair(s).

Special Exhibitions

The College regularly presents a variety of special exhibitions of student work in support of its educational mission, as well to showcase that work for the benefit of the public. Faculty and staff also exhibit their work at various venues on campus and off as part of their professional practice.

  • Annual CCS Student Exhibition: Opening the day after Spring Commencement, the Annual Student Exhibition showcases work by undergraduate and graduate students in all majors, including Foundation and Liberal Arts. The chair and faculty of each department are responsible for determining all work that is to be included in the Student Exhibition in that department’s section and overseeing its installation. See the Appendix: CCS Annual Student Exhibition Jury Procedures by Department for specific department guidelines. The exhibition is located at the Taubman Center, floors 8-11.
  • Winter Commencement Student Exhibition: All students graduating in December are given the opportunity to exhibit in the Annual CCS Student Exhibition. However, they are also given an opportunity to exhibit a more limited sampling of their work on the evening of December Commencement. Seniors wishing to exhibit in the Winter Commencement Exhibition must apply to the Department Chair by the due date and follow the procedures as set forth in the Appendix. The exhibition is located at the Taubman Center, Knight Gallery.
  • North American International Auto Show: Each January, CCS sponsors a booth at the North American International Auto Show to showcase the work of students in the Transportation Design Department and raise awareness among industry peers, the general public, and prospective students of the College as a global leader in design education. Work for the display is chosen by the Department Chair, the Provost, and the President. Location: Cobo Hall.
  • Other (student, faculty, staff): From time to time, students, faculty, and staff participate in exhibitions, presentations, and other activities at a wide range of venues, including museums, galleries, symposia, and more. Some, such as the Art Practice Department “One Night Stand,” are done under the College’s auspices whereas others, such as participation in a juried exhibition at a commercial gallery, are not. Presentations undertaken to represent the College are covered by this Exhibition Policy and the College’s Statement on the Freedom of Expression. Those undertaken independently are not. The College respects the right of students, faculty, and staff to put their creative expressions in the public domain, with the understanding that they may not reflect the views of the College, and CCS will not be held liable for their reception.

Environmental Concerns at CCS Venues

  • Traffic Flow: No artwork is allowed to block access to exits or entrances in any way.
  • Physical Hazard: Any installation must be secured in such a way that no one can be injured. Nothing must be allowed to fall down, tip over, or spill. No work is allowed to hang from water or electrical pipes.
  • Air Quality: To protect members of the public have allergies, asthma, or are otherwise chemically sensitive. Displays should not give off dust, fumes, vapors, scents, etc., that maybe toxic or an irritant.
  • Electrical: Electrical wiring needs to be of an appropriate gauge. Equipment must be protected from overheating. Use only heavy duty extension cords, and do not string extension cords together.
  • Technology: Exhibitions incorporating technology must be approved by the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs in consultation with the CCS Department of Information Technology Services. In the case of the CCS Annual Student Exhibition, all requests for technological support must be submitted through the respective department and approved by the Office of Information Technology Services. Student are not allowed to provide their own technology without prior written approval.
  • Perishable Items, live plants, live animals, body fluids: Some items (perishable or not) may only be used within limited constraints and must be approved by the proper College authorities. Situations that breed disease, foul odors, or insects will not be allowed.
  • Fire Hazards: Flammable or combustible material must be protect from ignition.
  • Graffiti/Vandalism: CCS supports a broad range of opportunities for expression for students, faculty, and staff to express their creative vision through exhibitions, performances, and other programs that may engage the broader community on and off campus. While some forms of graffiti have gained recognition as a viable form of creative expression, the College considers defacement of public or private property to be vandalism, not artwork. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to seek the appropriate permission to create works of art in the public realm. Those who commit vandalism on or off campus are subject to disciplinary action, which can range from remediation of the site and/or paying for damages up to dismissal. In addition to discipline by the College, individuals committing acts of vandalism may be subject to civil legal action by property owners and criminal prosecution for their actions.

Liability

The College assumes no responsibility for student work displayed in College venues or special exhibitions. Special exhibitions at CCS Center Galleries and the Valade Family Gallery and the CCS Permanent Collection may be covered by the College’s liability insurance policy. See the Director of the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs for conditions that may apply.

Departmental Policies

Each department at CCS has established procedures for the display of work under their individual auspices. These procedures must be consistent with the principles and procedures detailed in this document. See the Appendix: CCS Annual Student Exhibition Jury Procedures by Department for specific department guidelines. The College retains the right to supersede departmental policies if it is deemed to be in its best interest to do so.

Freedom of Expression

The mission of the College for Creative Studies asserts that we embrace excellence, ethical action, and social responsibility in all aspects in the practice of art, design, and scholarship. To adequately support this mission, CCS must preserve freedom of expression in all its forms. Freedom of expression is essential to basic human dignity. It ensures that members of the CCS community (students, faculty, staff and guests invited by the College) are at liberty to develop their creative abilities to the fullest extent.

CCS supports the rights of its community members to research and create using all forms of expression. It supports the right to express one’s views publicly as well as privately at venues and in activities both on and off campus.

The CCS community recognizes that creative expression by its very nature may be provocative. To encourage healthy debate, members of the CCS community and guests must demonstrate respect for the right of others to express views which they find disagreeable or offensive. Likewise members of the CCS community must be sensitive to the various audiences who may encounter their work.

That being said, CCS also notes that this freedom is not absolute. In certain circumstances, the institution may restrict expression, for example, that violates the law, is harassing or defamatory, invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or does not meet curatorial standards. Moreover, the institution may reasonably regulate the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the College.

Faculty Led International Courses

All students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher can participate in faculty-led international courses during the summer months. Courses include travel to a range of countries and course content, working with well-known artists and designers, visiting studios and museums, studying at a local institution, and being immersed in local art and culture. For more information on these programs, please contact the International Student Services office.

Student Organizations

A variety of activities are generated by interested groups of students in coordination with the Office of Student Affairs. Students are also encouraged to form new clubs and organizations. Check bulletin boards for information on student organization activities and meetings. Current student organizations range from academically related groups to social organizations to special interest groups.

Students who are interested in forming a new group are encouraged to do so. To start a group you need to fill out a Student Organization Application form in the Office of Student Affairs. You need to have at least four members and an advisor. The advisor may either be a faculty member or an administrator who is familiar with the type of group created and its needs. Once the group is registered with the Office of Student Affairs, you will be able to reserve meeting space, request funding and gain other assistance from the Office of Student Affairs.

Wireless Access

CCS provides wireless access throughout the Ford Campus and the Taubman Center. No one should create new wireless access points either through wireless hubs/routers or personal cellular devices. Exception: CCS does not currently provide wireless access in the Art Centre Building. Personal hubs are acceptable there, but care must be taken to configure them correctly. Please contact the technology helpdesk at 313-664-7818 or at http://helpdesk.collegeforcreativestudies.edu with questions.

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

Building Policies

Art Centre Building (ACB) and Taubman Center (TC)

ACB/TC Residents

Every ACB/TC Resident is required to show their ID when entering the ACB/TC.

Guests of ACB/TC Residents

Guests must have a valid ID (driver’s license) and sign in at the front desk. Residents must either be accompanying the guest or come down to the lobby to escort them into the building.

CCS Employees and Students Visiting Offices

Every CCS community member should present their CCS ID to the front desk receptionist every time they enter the ACB/TC.

Guests/Customers Visiting Offices

Guests/Customers visiting offices in the ACB must be escorted into the ACB by an employee with a valid CCS ID.

Wendell Ford Auditorium

  • No food or beverages are allowed
  • Reservations through the Executive Office are required

ADM Boardroom / Ford Campus

  • Reservations through the Executive Office are required
  • Can be used only for College business
  • Cover tables when serving food (i.e. table cloth, placemats)
  • Use hot mats under heated dishes (available in kitchen)
  • Use coasters on tables under beverages (available in room)
  • Clean up and place tables/chairs in meeting room set-up (see diagram on Blackboard)

Flyers and Other Postings

  • Must be approved for posting
  • Only posted in approved locations
  • Approval is obtained from the Office of Student Affairs
  • An office representative will check the posting, then stamp & date
  • Approved areas: bulletin boards, showcases, fabric walls in buildings
  • All items hung in an inappropriate location (windows, doors, vending machines, clocks, elevators, painted surfaces) or that are not approved for posting will be removed and discarded.

Computer Labs

  • CCS ID must be visible at all times.
  • Treat lab proctors and lab equipment with respect; any failure to do so will result in a loss of lab privileges.
  • Absolutely no food or drinks in the labs. This applies to instructors as well as students.
  • Maintain overall cleanliness.
  • Detrimental use of lab computer equipment, AV lab equipment, or production studio equipment will not be tolerated:
    • Illegal/pirated/pornographic files/software, or programs that allow such material.
    • Pilfering lab hardware/software.
    • Willfully damaging equipment, jamming or ripping out connections.
  • No excessive printing.
  • Questions about using various software applications should be directed to an instructor.
  • Students are solely responsible for backing up their own files.

Photography Labs

Open to photo majors, CE students, and students who have passed the Materials & Processes-Photography course.

Labs are not available for general use during scheduled class times. Check the posted schedule, outside the chairs office, for open lab hours.

A current CCS ID is required to check out equipment. CE students may use a valid drivers license or other official identification to borrow equipment. All borrowed equipment must be returned the same day.

Senior Studios

  • No sofas, lounge chairs, mattresses or oversized chairs are allowed in
    studios.
  • No sleeping in studios.
  • After 11:00 PM, for safety reasons, you must notify Campus Safety.
  • Must wear CCS ID on outermost garment for identification purposes.
  • No hazardous materials can be stored in studios.

All Shops

(Wood, Metal, Foundry, Model Shop, 3-D Shop, Sculpture, Jewelry, Glass, Ceramics, Weaving, CNC/Milling, Sandblasting)
Two persons in shop at all times.

No working on College holidays.

Mandatory safety glasses to be worn at all times while working in any shops (This is to improve personal safety and maintain within guidelines of MIOSHA). For better hygiene, we suggest purchasing your own pair. Glasses may be purchased at the CCS Bookstore.

Respirators must be used and worn in any of the spray-booths or other marked areas on campus. You must supply your own respirator.

Hours for student access will be posted near the doors before the start of each semester and will reflect hourly changes associated with holidays and breaks.

Shop staff can work the following hours:
Mon. – Fri. 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sat. 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sun. 6:00 AM – 2:00 AM

Work Study students are only allowed to work the following times:
Mon. – Fri. 8:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
Sat. 9:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
Sun. 9:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight

Employees must pass test on equipment usage before after-hour access will be granted and their name added to approved list.

Only those employees on approved list are allowed in offices after building hours and for safety reasons they must check in and out with Campus Security.

Violation of policies or department rules will result in losing the privilege of using College equipment and facilities.