Code of Student Conduct

The Code of Student Conduct is in place to ensure students are aware of the behavior expected of them as members of the CCS community. The purpose of this Code is to create an environment that fosters civility, personal responsibility, and mutual respect of others and their differences.

Any student who commits a violation of the Code of Student Conduct is subject to disciplinary sanction, up to and including dismissal from CCS. The following actions/behaviors shall constitute violations of the Code of Student Conduct:

  1. Violating published CCS policies, rules, or regulations including, but not limited to, the policies on nondiscrimination, sexual harassment, smoking, drugs/controlled substance and alcohol.
  2. Violating federal, state or local laws on CCS premises or while in attendance at CCS sponsored, approved, or supervised events/programs or committing off-campus violations of federal, state or local law that adversely affect CCS, the pursuit of its objectives and/or a CCS community member (defined as, but not limited to: administrators, faculty, staff, students, guests, visitors, vendors or contractors).
  3. Committing acts of sexual assault (stranger, date, or acquaintance rape), or other forms of coerced sexual activity.
  4. Engaging in acts of physical abuse and/or actions that intimidate, harass, threaten, coerce, or otherwise endanger the health and safety of one’s self or another.
  5. Engaging in disorderly conduct or fighting, which is defined to include, but is not limited to, behaviors which are viewed as intoxicated, lewd, indecent, obscene, slanderous or threatening to others.
  6. Interrupting or disturbing the day-to-day academic and operational functions of CCS or committing intentional acts that obstruct, disrupt, or physically interfere with the use of CCS premises, buildings, or passages.
  7. Possessing, duplicating, or using keys/IDs to any CCS building or facility without authorization by appropriate CCS officials or committing an act of unauthorized entry into or use of CCS buildings or facilities by use of key, ID card or force.
  8. Engaging or participating in acts of unauthorized possession, use, removal, defacing, tampering, damage, or destruction of CCS owned or leased property, equipment, computer programs, or materials, or that of any CCS community member.
  9. Posting, affixing, or otherwise attaching unauthorized written or printed messages or materials, e.g. posters, signs, handbills, brochures, or pamphlets. Posting, affixing, or otherwise attaching authorized afore mentioned materials on or in unauthorized places including but not limited to trees, shrubbery, sidewalks, buildings, and lawn areas without permission from the appropriate CCS official.
  10. Engaging or participating in unauthorized possession or use of explosives, firearms, dangerous weapons, or other hazardous objects or substances. Weapons, explosives, and other hazardous objects or substances covered by this regulation shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
    • all handguns, rifles, and shotguns;
    • all longbows, crossbows, and arrows;
    • all knives having a blade length of three inches or more that are not solely used for the purpose of creating art or for the preparation and eating of meals;
    • all BB guns, pellet guns, air/CO2 guns, blow guns, paint guns, splat balls and altered toy guns;
    • all fireworks;
    • all explosives, laboratory chemicals, dangerous compounds, gunpowder, firearm ammunition, and flammable petroleum fuels;
    • any martial arts weapons, e.g., numb chucks and throwing stars;
    • any substance that is considered poisonous:
    • any item used as a weapon in the commission of a crime; and
    • any operative animal trap or other device that is used to ensnare animals.
  11. Committing acts of arson, creating a fire hazard, or possessing or using, for purposes other than academic, inflammable materials or hazardous substances on CCS property, or failing to properly store, use, clean-up and dispose of hazardous substances that have been approved for academic use.
  12. Committing acts that endanger the property of CCS (including but not limited to altering or misusing any firefighting equipment, safety equipment, or emergency device).
  13. Making false reports of a fire, bomb threat, or other dangerous condition; failing to report a fire, or interfering with the response of CCS or municipal officials to emergency calls.
  14. Failing to comply with the directions of CCS officials acting in the performance of their duties and/or failing to positively identify oneself to a CCS official when requested to do so. The preferred form of identification shall be a current, valid CCS identification card.
  15. Aiding and abetting another person in committing an act that violates the Code of Student Conduct.
  16. Committing acts of dishonesty including but not limited to the following:
    • engaging or participating in cheating, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty (students committing acts of academic dishonesty are also subject to academic sanctions).
    • furnishing false information to any CCS official/office or outside source regarding CCS or a CCS community member.
    • forging, altering, or misusing any CCS document, record, or instrument of identification.
    • tampering with the election of any CCS-recognized student organization.
    • attempting to represent CCS, any recognized student organization, or any official CCS group without the explicit prior consent of the officials of that group.
  17. Gambling on CCS property or engaging in unauthorized canvassing or solicitation.
  18. Engaging in acts of theft, misuse or abuse of the CCS computer network, including but not limited to:
    • unauthorized entry into a file, to use, read, or change its contents.
    • unauthorized transfer, deletion or storage of a file(s).
    • unauthorized use of another person’s login/password.
    • use of computing facilities/networks to interfere with the work of another.
    • use of computing facilities/networks to send inappropriate or obscene messages.
    • use of computing facilities/networks to interfere with the normal operation of CCS.
  19. Possessing, distributing or being under the influence of cannabis (marijuana) or any State or Federally controlled substance except as expressly permitted by law.
  20. Possessing, distributing or being under the influence alcohol except as expressly permitted by law and CCS policy.
  21. Engaging or participating in abuse of the campus judicial system, including but not limited to:
    • falsifying or misrepresenting information before a CCS official.
    • disrupting or interfering with the orderly conduct of a judicial proceeding.
    • instituting a judicial complaint knowingly without cause.
    • attempting to discourage an individual’s proper participation in, or use of, the judicial proceeding.
    • attempting to influence the impartiality of a CCS official prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.
    • harassing (verbal or physical) and/or intimidating a CCS official prior to, during, and/or after a judicial proceeding.
    • failing to comply with the sanction(s) imposed under the Code of Student Conduct.
    • influencing or attempting to influence another person to commit an abuse of the campus judicial system.
  22. Planning, directing, or committing acts of hazing, defined as any activity which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of an individual or subjects an individual to ridicule, embarrassment, or unlawful activity for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in, an officially or unofficially recognized group or organization.
  23. Committing violations of rules and regulations duly established and promulgated by other CCS departments.
  24. Desktop (non-portable) vaporizers are not permitted to be used inside CCS Academic Facilities or Residence Halls. Portable vaporizers are permitted to be used in common areas of the building provided that the do not create a distraction or nuisance to the educational environment or other CCS community members.
  25. The deletion or destruction of digital files, another student’s artwork or college property is prohibited. Students must refrain from altering work that does not belong to them, regardless of the date the piece was created or location.

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.

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

Attendance

Regular class attendance is essential for learning and academic success. Students are expected to attend all class meetings, on time and for the full duration, and be prepared to work on that day’s assignment. Faculty are responsible for establishing an attendance policy for each of their classes and for outlining that policy on the course syllabus. Students are responsible for knowing the attendance policy for their class and adhering to those requirements. Exceptions to an instructor’s attendance policy should be discussed with that instructor.

CCS Students using veterans’ benefits will have attendance monitored throughout the semester for reporting purposes to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

Related Forms

ABSENCE EXPLANATION FORM

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.