Author: Nadine Ashton

Audio Visual Services

Audio Visual Services provides equipment check-out and support for faculty, staff, and students. In addition, Audio Visual Services manages the reservations for and supports the Stage, Photography studio area and Wendell W. Anderson Jr. Auditorium and supports academic events on campus. The Audio Visual Services Center is located on the first floor of the WBFII Building, room W109. You may contact the Center on the Ford Campus at 313.664.7647.

Through Audio Visual Services, faculty may request equipment such as cameras, projectors, tablets, and DVD/TV carts for class purposes. The Center also has cables and adapters available for loan. All staff/faculty are required to pick up reserved equipment (with the exception of TV carts, which are generally delivered to your class). Equipment is limited, so please submit all audio/visual requests at least two (2) weeks in advance to ensure that the equipment you need is available. Rental is free for faculty and staff; daily rentals are free for students, but students are charged a fee for any equipment returned late. Faculty may also make reservations for using the sound or video editing suites, and the Stages located in the WBFII Building. Reservations can be made in the Audio Visual Services Center or by emailing avc@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

Checkout

  • AVC / Photo equipment checkouts are free for current CCS students, staff, and faculty.
  • Patrons must present a current CCS ID in order to check out equipment. No ID = No Checkout.
  • Equipment can only be checked out in person and only during checkout desk hours. All checkouts are video recorded and monitored.
  • Students may keep equipment for no more than 72 hours for each check out and renew the items up to three times if not reserved.
  • Students can check out equipment over spring break and Thanksgiving break.
  • Students cannot check out equipment between semesters.
  • To ensure student supply, Staff and Faculty can only check out equipment for 24 hours during the active winter and fall semesters.
  • The patron is fully responsible for the care and safeguard of all equipment that they check out.
  • The patron must pay close attention to all items being checked out to them. Read and sign the check out agreement to avoid mistakes.
  • The patron must check for equipment damage before they take it. Test and report any faulty equipment and return it immediately.
  • The centers do not supply AA, AAA, or 9V batteries or media cards. We are not responsible for damage to your card by our equipment.

Reservations

  • Equipment can be reserved two weeks prior to pick up. Patrons may reserve in person, by phone or email.
  • AVC/ Photo staff is not responsible for miscommunication during phone in reservations or voicemail.
  • A reservation confirmation email will be sent to the patron.
  • Patrons are responsible for ensuring the information is correct on the reservation confirmation email.
  • Reserved equipment will only be held for 30 minutes after your initial reservation. After 30 minutes, equipment not picked up will be available for normal checkout by other patrons.
  • Equipment may be held longer for patrons who call to inform of a late pick up.
  • The patron who reserved the equipment must pick up equipment.
  • Consecutive reservation “No shows” (more than 3 times) may result in the semester suspension of check out privileges.

Returns

  • All equipment must be returned on time.
  • All equipment must be returned in the condition in which it was checked out (cords wrapped, cases packed neatly and clean).
  • A $20.00 fee will be charged if AVC/Photo staff has to repack a disheveled equipment case or clean the returned equipment.
  • It is encouraged that the patron stays and observes the AVC/Photo staff while they check in the returned equipment.
  • Someone other than patron who checked the equipment out may return equipment but the patron is still responsible for the condition of the returned equipment and any fees associated with a late return.

Late fees, fines, and suspensions

  • Students, Staff, and Faculty are subject to late fines and replacement fees.
  • Emails are sent by the system to notify the patron of due equipment and overdue equipment (Read your system emails).
  • Late fees begin to accumulate 30 minutes after items become overdue.
  • Overdue fees accrue by the hour, including up to 5 hours after the checkout center closes.
  • Different equipment items have different fine rates. Fines for individual items are calculated independently up to $5.00 per hour.
  • Equipment overdue by more than 24 hours will result in accumulated fines and the suspension of checkout privileges.
    24 hours late = 2 week suspension plus fines
    48 hours late = 3 week suspension plus fines
  • A late return that adversely affects another student’s reservation and project will result in an automatic 4-week suspension.
  • Equipment overdue by 72 hours will result in a replacement fee, and indefinite suspension of check out privileges. Students will have a hold placed on their academic account. Staff’s and Faculty’s superiors will be notified.
  • Equipment overdue by one week will be considered stolen by the patron. A police report and arrest warrant will be issued.
  • Overdue fines may be forgiven due to a patron involved in a automotive accident, injury requiring hospitalization, or death.
  • Lost, stolen, or damaged equipment will result in a mandatory, non-negotiable, full replacement or repair charge.
  • An official police report must be submitted for stolen equipment or we will assume that you, the patron, stole the equipment.
  • Consecutive overdue returns and late fees may result in the semester suspension of check out privileges.
  • Threatening or rude conduct toward any AVC/Photo checkout employee will result in the permanent loss of your check out privileges.
  • Fines may be paid with a SmArt card in the AVC or with other forms of currency at the CCS business office.
  • Only the Equipment Checkout supervisor or Manager can override policy terms.

ITS_AVC CONTRACT

Unauthorized File Sharing

Please review the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 addressing combating the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials, particularly by file sharing applications. Unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials by any means, including peer-to-peer file sharing, may subject an individual to civil and criminal liabilities in addition to violating CCS internal policies.

Summary of Civil and Criminal Penalties for Violation of Federal Copyright Laws

Student Advocate

The Student Advocate position was created to provide students a consistent, centralized point of contact for questions, concerns and/or problems they may be experiencing on campus. The position is not intended to eliminate standard office and academic procedures elsewhere on campus, more to provide a supplemental resource for students. The Student Advocate’s primary rule is to ensure that policies are enforced fairly and that students are fully informed of what is being done and why.

The Student Advocate will:

  • Assist students in accomplishing the expeditious resolution of their problems and concerns.
  • Provide confidential and informal assistance to students.
  • Advocate for fairness.
  • Act as a source of information and referral.

Many of the student concerns that are anticipated being heard by the Student Advocate are listed below. Examples of student concerns brought to the attention of the Student Advocate include:

Facility issues:

  • Environmental safety issues within classrooms/labs
  • Campus safety
  • A problem with a particular faculty or staff member
  • Office hours not accommodating to student needs

Student-to-student issues:

  • Harassment
  • Vandalism of work
  • Suspicion of theft

Financial issues:

  • Questions or concerns about College policies
  • Personal issues or concerns (may or may not directly relate to the College)
  • Academic issues or concerns

Nondiscrimination

Notice of Nondiscrimination

The College for Creative Studies subscribes to the principle of equal opportunity in its employment, admissions, educational practices, scholarship and loan programs and other school-administered programs, and strives to provide an educational environment and workplace free from unlawful harassment or discrimination. Discrimination, including harassment, because of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, physical attributes, marital or familial status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law is strictly prohibited.  

Questions, comments, and reports about harassment or discrimination based on any of these characteristics can be directed to one of the following administrators:

Assistant Dean for Institutional Equity and Inclusion and Title IX Coordinator Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Taubman Center, 9th Floor
460 W. Baltimore Ave.
Detroit, MI 48202 313-664-1489
diversity@collegeforcreativestudies.edu or ddyoung@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

Human Resources
Director Office of Human Resources
201 E. Kirby
Detroit, MI 48202
313-664-7651
rdiroff@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

Further inquiries can be directed to:
The Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
U.S. Department of Education
1-800-421-3481

Related federal and state laws:

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act affords students the certain rights with respect to their educational records.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords eligible students certain rights with respect to their education records. (An “eligible student” under FERPA is a student who is 18 years of age or older or who attends a postsecondary institution at any age.) These rights include:

1.  The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the College for Creative Studies (CCS) receives a request for access. A student should submit to the Registrar, a written request that identifies the record(s) the student wishes to inspect.  The Registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the school official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.

2.  The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

A student who wishes to ask CCS to amend a record should write the Registrar, clearly identifying the part of the record the student wants changed and specify why it should be changed.

If CCS decides not to amend the record as requested, the Registrar will notify the student in writing of the decision and the student’s right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3.  The right to provide written consent before CCS discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in § 99.31 of the FERPA regulations. Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the student, § 99.32 of FERPA regulations requires the institution to record the disclosure. Eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A postsecondary institution may disclose PII from the education records without obtaining prior written consent of the student —

  • To other school officials, including faculty, within CCS whom the College has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes Board of Trustees, a student serving on an official committee, contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in § 99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) – (a)(1)(i)(B)(3) are met. (§ 99.31(a)(1))
  • To officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of § 99.34. (§ 99.31(a)(2))
  • To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as a State postsecondary authority that is responsible for supervising the university’s State-supported education programs. Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf. (§§ 99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
  • In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§ 99.31(a)(4))
  • To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a) develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve instruction. (§ 99.31(a)(6))
  • To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§ 99.31(a)(7))
  • To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§ 99.31(a)(8))
  • To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§ 99.31(a)(9))
  • To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to § 99.36. (§ 99.31(a)(10))
  • To a victim of an alleged perpetrator of a crime of violence or a non-forcible sex offense, subject to the requirements of § 99.39. The disclosure may only include the final results of the disciplinary proceeding with respect to that alleged crime or offense, regardless of the finding. (§ 99.31(a)(13))
  • Information the school has designated as “directory information” under § 99.37. (§ 99.31(a)(11)).  CCS defines the following as “directory information:”
  • Name
  • Dates of Attendance
  • Graduation Date
  • Major/Academic Program
  • Degrees, honors, and awards received

4.  The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by CCS to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC 20202

Information for Dual Enrolled High School Students

A student attending a postsecondary institution – at any age – the rights under FERPA have transferred to the student. However, in a situation where a student is enrolled in both a high school and a postsecondary institution, the two schools may exchange information on that student. If the student is under 18, the parents still retain the rights under FERPA at the high school and may inspect and review any records sent by the postsecondary institution to the high school.

Student Information Release Authorization

To release PII to a parent, another individual, or organization, the Student Information Release Authorization must be completed and signed. This form is available in the Academic Advising and Registration Office (AARO).

Request to Withhold Release of Directory Information

To request to withhold the release of directory information, the Request to Withhold Release of Directory Information must be completed and signed. This form is available in the Academic Advising and Registration Office (AARO).

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. It is CCS’s policy not to discriminate against any qualified employee or applicant with regard to any terms or conditions of employment because of such individual’s disability or perceived disability so long as the employee can perform the essential functions of the job.  In addition, CCS provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability in accordance with the ADA and other applicable laws, except where such an accommodation is unreasonable or would create an undue hardship on CCS.  Reasonable accommodation may also be provided to pregnant employees, even where they do not qualify as disabled under the ADA or state law.

Employees with a disability who believe they need a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job should contact Human Resources.  Requests for accommodation should be made as soon as possible after the need is known.  Under Michigan law, the request for reasonable accommodation must be made in writing within 182 days of knowing of the need for such accommodation.

Employees who believe they or another employee have been treated in violation of this policy should follow the reporting procedure set forth above in the College’s Policy on Equal Opportunity, Discrimination and Harassment.