Academics – Student Handbook

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.
ISSO: The International Student Services 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 International Student Services (ISSO) to be loaded into a mutually accessible database. Program Staff should also carry this information with them on the trip as both hard, and digital copies.
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 International Student Services 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.

Katherine Campbell
Director of International Student Services
Office of International Student Services (ISSO)
Office: +1 (31)3-664-7448
Cell: +1 (313)-920-1296
kcampbell@collegeforcreativestudies.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 International Student Services 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:

Departmental Review Attendance

The academic programs at CCS are designed to challenge students, prepare them for careers in the visual arts and design, and provide them with opportunities to express their ideas through visual and verbal presentations. At least once each academic year, students are expected to participate in a departmental review. Students who do not attend the review at the scheduled date and time and have circumstances the are beyond their control, should immediately contact the department. Documentation regarding the circumstances may be required from the student. The department will reschedule the review at a time mutually agreeable for the department and student. Students who do not attend their scheduled review and do not make arrangements with the department to reschedule are ineligible to register for the next semester. If a student has registered, he, she, or they will be removed from the registered courses. A departmental hold will be placed on the student’s record until the matter is resolved with the department.

Student Travel to High Risk Destinations

College for Creative Studies (CCS) is committed to developing a wide variety of international study opportunities for students; however, the College recognizes that situations exist in which the risks of travel may outweigh the advantages of the international experiences. The Global Engagement Office (GEO) monitors information relevant to the safety of international student travel destinations from official sources as well as from our partners and colleagues abroad. All international travel involving students, must be discussed with the Director of GEO prior to finalizing travel arrangements. The Director of GEO will research travel advisories. The College reserves the right to cancel or alter any program when, based on a review of relevant information and resources, we determine that the security or health of students may be threatened.

Statement of Policy:

Destinations (countries, states, or cities) with travel advisory levels 2, 3 or 4 from the United States Department of State (DOS) or under an active travel advisory from the World Health Organization (WHO) and/or Centers for Disease Control (CDC) may be determined to be high-risk travel destinations. All international CCS-related student travel to any such destination requires approval from the High Risk Travel Committee (HRTC); travel to destinations with a level 3 or 4 DOS advisory requires approval from the HRTC and approval by the College’s leadership. A High Risk designation may also be given to countries or regions with a rating of a 4 or 5 (on a scale of 1-5) by the College’s third party travel security firm.

For the purposes of this policy “international CCS-related student travel” is travel promoted or organized by CCS that benefits the student’s academic program (i.e., study abroad, faculty-led study abroad, student exchange, internships); travel done on behalf of CCS; travel that is part of a CCS sponsored program; or, travel using funds processed through CCS. Personal student travel is not covered by this policy.

Advisory Level & Source	Required	Decision/Approval Authority
DOS Level 1 – exercise normal precautions	Submit travel plan to Director of ISSO	Director of GEO approves
DOS Level 2 – exercise increased precautions	Submit travel plan to Director of GEO	HRTC approves or consults with College Leadership to finalize decision
WHO/CDC alert or advisory	Receive approval for HRTC
DOS Level 3 – reconsider travel	Submit travel plan to Director of ISSO	If approved by HRTC, must also be approved by College Leadership
DOS Level 4 – do not travel	Full HRTC review

Members of High Risk Travel Committee (HRTC):

Director of International Student Services
Associate Provost
Dean of Students
Director of Campus Safety
Director of Business Services

Process to Request Permission to Travel to a High Risk Destination

Any student, student group, or faculty/staff member leading a student group that would like to participate in an international travel activity to a location determined to be high risk, must seek approval through the CCS High Risk Travel Committee. Depending on the nature of the international student travel, other members of the CCS community may also be asked to participate in the analysis, when appropriate.

The request for permission to travel to a high risk destination should be sent to the Director of Global Engagement and must include the following:

The student or the leader of a group of students must complete the Request for Exception to Travel Restrictions form.
A signed Addendum (for each participant) to the CCS Assumption of Risk form that acknowledges the additional risk of the travel destination. (provided by ISSO)
Proof of comprehensive medical insurance coverage and appropriate vaccinations if health risk is present. (Students/faculty)The CCS HRTC will review the request to travel and if approved, will forward the request along with the rationale for approval to CCS College Leadership who will make the final decision if the travel is to a destination with a DOS Level 3 or 4 warning.

Approved travel will have a mandatory pre-departure orientation provided by GEO. Approvals are for a particular program in a specific location. Approvals for repeated programs are valid for the academic year provided that there is no significant change in the programming or risk level for the location. Even after approval, if the situation deteriorates or the DOS significantly changes its advisory, permission to travel may be revoked at the discretion of the College Leadership.

If the permission to travel is denied, the GEO will assist the student(s) in planning alternative travel. If the student(s) travel despite the denial:

Any travel to the denied destination will be considered personal travel;
No logistical support will be provided from the GEO to travel to denied destinations;
No funds processed through CCS may be used for this travel;
No academic credit may be granted for activity conducted at the destination whether concurrent with the program or after return;
Students’ enrollment at CCS may be terminated for the duration of the travel.

Request for Exception to Travel Restrictions_3.2.2020 Download

Study Abroad

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

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

Students must meet with the Director of International Student Services and their Department Chair no later than April 1 for fall or October 1 for winter.

Students must:

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

All forms are available from the office of International Student Services. The ISSO is located on the 2nd Floor of the Yamasaki.

Judicial Process

Purpose

CCS has established these regulations regarding standards of conduct in order to protect its educational mission, provide for the orderly conduct of its activities and safeguard the interests of the CCS community. These regulations are intended to give students general notice of prohibited conduct and are not designed to define misconduct in all-inclusive terms. All students, regardless of their status in the CCS community, shall be afforded the rights and privileges of due process when accused of violations of this Code.

Judicial Officers

The Assistant Dean of Students (ADS) retains the ultimate responsibility for the administration of this system. The ADS or his/her designee expressly retains final authority to determine the following:
a. jurisdiction of any judicial meetings in any given case where ambiguity exists.
b. whether a violation of this Code shall be adjudicated by a judicial meeting.
c. whether a violation or serious criminal act, occurring off campus, shall be adjudicated by the CCS judicial system.
d. how violations of this Code are to be adjudicated at the end of the academic year and during the summer session.

The ADS, or his/her designee, will review judicial complaints for violations that occur outside of student housing. If the potential sanction based on either the violation or the student’s current judicial standing warrants possibly being suspended or dismissed from the College the case will be adjudicated in conjunction with the Assistant Vice President of Campus Life.

The Residence Life professional staff will review judicial complaints for violations that occur within student housing. If the potential sanction based on either the violation or the student’s current judicial standing warrants possibly being removed from student housing, the case will be referred to the ASD.

Judicial officers are responsible for reviewing the information surrounding an alleged violation. This may include interviewing witnesses, the accused student(s), visiting the site of the alleged violation and reviewing Campus Safety information.

General Provisions

CCS reserves the right to amend any provision herein at any time in accordance with established CCS procedures. Communication of any changes will be made to the CCS community in an appropriate and timely fashion.

This judicial system shall apply to conduct that occurs on CCS property (all land, buildings, facilities or other property in the possession of or owned, used or controlled by CCS, including adjacent streets and sidewalks) and to conduct that occurs elsewhere during the course of a CCS function. Actions not committed on CCS property may also be subject to judicial action if the offense adversely affects CCS and/or the pursuit of its objectives.

When behavior in classrooms is determined to be disruptive by instructors, the instructor can remove the student from the remainder of the class. The disruptive behavior is then to be reported to the ASD for follow up. If the disruptive behavior continues, or is of a nature that warrants removal from the class, the student could be disciplinarily withdrawn from the class.

The actions of a student organization involved in CCS-related activities or CCS-sponsored activities that are in violation of CCS regulations may result in disciplinary action against the organization as well as the students involved.

Students may be accountable to both civil authorities and to CCS for acts that constitute violations of the law and the Code of Student Conduct. Disciplinary action at CCS will normally occur pending criminal proceedings and will not be subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the same incident have been dismissed or reduced.

Inappropriate behavior that may have been influenced by a student’s mental state (regardless of the ultimate evaluation) or use of drugs or alcoholic beverages shall not in any way limit the responsibility of the student for the consequences of his or her action.

Ultimately the judicial officer must decide if the student is responsible for the alleged violation. In cases where the evidence is not 100% clear, the judicial officer’s decision will fall in the direction in which there is a preponderance (51%) of evidence. Students being charged with a violation of the Code of Conduct will have the opportunity presented to them to speak on their behalf. In the event that a student fails to participate in the judicial process, the case may be heard in their absence. Efforts to accommodate class schedule and extenuating circumstances will be made by all CCS personnel.

Sanctions

In recommending or determining a sanction, a judicial officer shall consider all relevant factors, including the nature of the offense, the severity of any damage, injury or harm resulting from the offense, the student’s current demeanor and the student’s past disciplinary record, if any. Sanctions include, but are not limited to:

Warning
Disciplinary Probation
Disciplinary Withdrawal from class(es)
Suspension
Dismissal (permanent expulsion)
Community Service Hours
Removal from Student Housing if applicable
Educational Project

Interim Sanctions

For alleged violations of this Code, interim sanctions may be imposed, however, only when there is reason to believe that the student poses a substantial threat of harm to others, damaging CCS property, or will disrupt the stability and continuance of normal CCS operations and functions. Interim sanctions are temporary actions that will be enforced only until such time as a formal judicial decision can be made. The required formal meeting shall be provided within a reasonable length of time, which, unless extenuating circumstances are present, shall be held no later than 10 business days from the date the student was notified of the alleged violations and interim sanctions. Interim sanctions cannot be appealed prior to the required formal student judicial meeting.

Reports of Alleged Violations

If an alleged violation takes place, the report should be filed with the Office of Student Affairs. Any student, faculty member or staff member may report an alleged violation by a student or student group/organization to the Office of Student Affairs. Reports should be in writing.

CCS may file appropriate charges against students accused of violating the Code of Student Conduct. Such charges shall be filed no later than 30 days after the discovery of the alleged violation and the identity of the student(s) involved. If a student has withdrawn or withdraws after the filing of such charges, either (1) a judicial hold will be placed on their student account which will restrict their ability to register for future classes and the student notified that disciplinary action may be required prior to the judicial hold being removed, or (2) CCS will proceed to take disciplinary action under the provisions of the Code.

Judicial Meetings

Upon the filing of charges, CCS may schedule a judicial meeting with the accused
student(s) at which the nature of and the responsibility for the alleged offense are discussed. The judicial officer conducting the judicial meeting may withdraw any charge deemed to be without basis. Written notice of the judicial charges and meeting time will be sent to the accused student.

If an accused student fails to appear at a scheduled judicial meeting following proper written notification, the designated judicial officer may review the evidence in support of the charges and render a decision. Findings and sanctions, if applicable, will be based on the evidence and not on the accused student’s failure to appear.

Appeal Process

A student found in violation of the Code of Student Conduct may appeal the findings and/or sanctions. A letter of appeal must be submitted in writing to the judicial officer who handled their case within 5 business days from the date of the student’s receipt of the official decision. The judicial officer will forward the appeal letter to the next administrative level for review, with the exception of the Provost who serves as the highest ranking judicial officer. Failure to appeal within the allotted time will render the original decision final and conclusive.

The imposition of sanctions will be deferred pending appellate proceedings. The administrator reviewing the appeal will examine the judicial file, conduct interviews as deemed necessary and render a decision regarding the appeal within 5 business days, in writing.

Disciplinary Files and Records

The Office of Student Affairs shall maintain disciplinary records for no longer than 5 years, except in cases of suspension and expulsion. Such information shall be maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Disciplinary records shall be made available to judicial officers and other CCS officials as necessary.

Students may arrange to review their own disciplinary records by contacting the Office of Student Affairs. Disciplinary proceedings shall be confidential.

With the exception of cases involving suspension and dismissal, disciplinary records will be destroyed not later than 5 years after a student’s graduation or last recorded semester of attendance at CCS.

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.

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 Global Engagement office.

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