policies
ArtCenter policies exist primarily for the protection and safety of global program participants. We expect all participants to read, understand, and adhere to ArtCenter policies, guidelines, and contractual documents whether on campus or away. ArtCenter reserves the right to add, modify, or remove a policy at any time. Cancellation policies and the Participation Agreement are also available in your ArtCenter Away Portal.
GLOBAL PROGRAMS POLICIES
Should a student decide to cancel enrollment in any Global Program for which he or she applied and was accepted, the student must immediately notify in writing the College’s Global Programs Office. ArtCenter is not responsible for costs paid directly by the student, including, but not limited to, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, insurance, housing, and transportation costs.
It is the student’s responsibility to complete a Leave of Absence form (if all courses are being dropped) or a Course Drop form (if only the study away course(s) is being dropped) to submit to Enrollment Services as necessary for the term. The date of withdrawal shall be the date of receipt of the appropriate forms by Enrollment Services. The student is required to follow existing ArtCenter policies for Leave of Absence and Course Drop.
Withdrawal Prior to the Start of the Program: Program Fee is non-refundable after the program's commitment deadline
Non-Refundable Program Fee: If a student withdraws from a Global Program at any time after formally indicating Commitment in the Global Programs portal, the full Program Fee will be owed. The Program Fee becomes non-refundable at the time of the program's commitment deadline.
Tuition: While the Program Fee is non-refundable, the student is eligible for a tuition refund for the course or full-term program withdrawal according to ArtCenter’s Tuition Forgiveness Policy below:
Withdrawal After the Start of the Program
If a student withdraws from a study away program during the first five weeks of the program, he or she is eligible for a refund of ArtCenter tuition payments based on the College’s Tuition Forgiveness Policy below.
Tuition
Prior to start of program 100%
Week 1-- 100%
(with a $500 late withdrawal fee)
Week 2-- 80%
Week 3-- 60%
Week 4-- 40%
Week 5-- 20%
Week 6-- 0%
If an on-site or study away course is scheduled in its entirety during the break period, the course is considered to be completed and credit units are granted towards the total scheduled load of the following term. If during the time of the course, a student chooses to withdraw for any reason, tuition forgiveness for the remainder of the course will be prorated accordingly. To align with the above Tuition Forgiveness Policy for a full 14-week term, students will not be eligible for tuition forgiveness after 43 percent of the course has been completed.
Withdrawal Due to Medical Reasons and Psychological Leave Policy
Students who experience a medical emergency may be granted an immediate withdrawal from the Global Program following consultation among the faculty team leader, the Assistant Provost of Global Programs, and the Associate Provost for Student Affairs (or designee). Immediate arrangements will be made for care of the student with the assistance of the College’s international medical insurance program as necessary. Any refund of tuition and expenses will be subject to the College’s Medical and Psychological Leave Policy.
Program Dismissal
A student who is suspended or dismissed from a Global Program, or who withdraws while under investigation for violation of the Student Code of Conduct will not have their tuition payments refunded. The student will also still owe the entire Program Fee, and ArtCenter will not be responsible for any costs paid directly by the student, including, but not limited to, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, insurance, housing, and transportation costs.
General Program Cancellation
Student safety is of critical importance. The College reserves the right to cancel any exchange or study away program in a location that becomes considered unsafe by Global Programs team and ArtCenter leadership. ArtCenter Global Programs regularly reviews information provided by the U.S. Department of State and monitors other sources, such as announcements from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for information about the locations where ArtCenter students are or will be studying.
Should a program cancellation become necessary for safety reasons, an emergency, pandemic, or for other reasons beyond the College’s control prior to student departure, every effort will be made to refund all recoverable costs to participants. The time of program cancellation will determine the actual recoverable costs. The Global Programs team will work to notify students of a potential program cancellation as soon as it is known, so that other academic options may be considered as a back-up.
Should a program cancellation become necessary for safety reasons, an emergency, pandemic, or for other reasons beyond the College’s control, after students have arrived overseas, every effort will be made to refund recoverable costs to the participants. Additionally, the Global Programs office and academic departments will make every effort to facilitate students’ competition of the academic work from the program and, depending on the circumstances, possibly earn the intended academic credit. Whether or not academic credit is possible depends largely on the particular program, the circumstances of the academic work of the program, and the length of time remaining in the program after the official cancellation date. The Financial Aid office will review program cancellations on a case-by-case basis for students who are receiving financial aid.
In the event of program cancellation, ArtCenter is not responsible for any costs paid directly by the student, including, but not limited to, passport and visa fees, vaccinations, insurance, housing, and airfare/transportation costs. In addition, payments made either by ArtCenter or the student directly to a partner institution or any third-party provider are often unrecoverable and cannot be refunded or reimbursed.
Because full refunds are often not possible, students should consider purchasing supplemental trip cancellation insurance. This is at an additional cost and is not a program inclusion. Travelers have the option to purchase additional "Cancel/Interrupt For Any Reason" (CFAR/IFAR) coverage through Cultural Insurance Services International’s (CISI) partner, Travel Insured International, to supplement the existing CISI coverage provided through ArtCenter. This coverage can help protect students’ financial investment under eligible circumstances. Students are encouraged to compare policies.
REGISTRATION PROCESS + TIMELINE
Once you have been accepted into a Global Program, whether a 3-unit course or 12-18 unit full-term program, you will be given access to register for the restricted course(s) at your normally scheduled registration appointment time. You must clear any holds on your account before you can register. Neither Enrollment Services nor the Global Programs Office are responsible for following up on delayed registrations due to holds.
If you are participating in an ArtCenter Exchange Program, you will register for a designated placeholder course at ArtCenter for the term you will be away. After your exchange institution transcript is received and processed, the placeholder course will be replaced with courses taken abroad, and the appropriate transfer credit will be applied to your ArtCenter record. This process will be informed by departmental approval of your courses. Grades earned at the exchange institution do not factor into the ArtCenter GPA and will be applied to the ArtCenter record as Pass/No Pass. Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that your transcript is received by the Global Programs office.
If you are participating in an Individualized Program, you will submit a Leave of Absence form for the term you will be away and register in a designated placeholder course at ArtCenter. This placeholder course will maintain your ArtCenter enrollment and facilitate the use of state/federal financial aid, if you are eligible. After your program transcript is received and processed, the placeholder course will be replaced with courses taken abroad, and the appropriate transfer credit will be applied to your ArtCenter record. This process will be informed by departmental approval of your courses. Grades earned on the study abroad program do not factor into the ArtCenter GPA and will be applied to the ArtCenter record as Pass/No Pass. Note: It is your responsibility to ensure that your transcript is received by the Global Programs office.
ACADEMIC STANDING
Students must remain in good academic standing during the term prior to their study abroad experience. Students not in good academic standing may be disqualified from participation. Students on academic probation or suspension may not participate in study abroad.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
ArtCenter policies exist primarily for the protection and safety of participants. We expect all participants to read, understand, and adhere to ArtCenter policies, guidelines, and contractual documents whether on campus or away. ArtCenter reserves the right to add, modify, or remove a policy at any time.
ArtCenter regards all students as responsible individuals who have the same obligations as others to observe the laws of the United States and the local and national laws of the host country. The College does not regard itself or its students as being above the law in any way. In addition, as members of an academic community, students assume rights and responsibilities inherent to the nature of that community and bear a responsibility to preserve an appropriate collegiate environment.
Students who participate in an ArtCenter Global Program are enrolled at ArtCenter and are subject to the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct to the same extent that they would be if studying on campus. Any student who engages in conduct that violates the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to review and sanctions, including, where appropriate, dismissal from the program.
Prohibited Conduct
Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to the following:
Violations of the Student Code of Conduct, Academic and Creative Integrity Policy, and other ArtCenter college policies.
Alcohol and Other Drug Policy
ArtCenter does not encourage the use of alcohol or condone drinking patterns or behaviors that are detrimental to the health and welfare of the individual, the ArtCenter community, or the community at large. Alcohol may be consumed, but not abused, by students who are of legal age in their host countries. Students who choose to consume alcohol do so with the knowledge that they remain responsible for their actions at all times. ArtCenter prohibits the use of alcohol that is illegal in the host country and prohibits the distribution of alcohol to students who are not of legal drinking age in their host countries. ArtCenter will impose serious sanctions against any student who commits an alcohol infraction, including drunkenness or any abuse of alcohol.
ArtCenter study away programs have a zero tolerance policy for purchase, possession, use, or distribution of any drugs considered to be illicit or illegal. Any violations will be grounds for dismissal. Students are further cautioned that the possession of drugs is often dealt with harshly by local, host-country law enforcement and neither the College nor the U.S. Embassy can obtain release from jail.
The use of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol are seriously detrimental to one’s health and well-being. ArtCenter urges students involved with either to obtain the necessary assistance from medical professionals and counselors. Please contact the Center for the Student Experience for referrals priors to departure or utilize CISI to locate treatment and assistance locations at the program site.
Guest Policy
To maintain the academic, cultural, and logistical integrity of any study program, students are prohibited from inviting any guests to participate on an Art Center faculty-led study away program, including staying overnight in program accommodations, whether paying or not. If participating in an exchange program, guest privileges are subject to the partner institution’s policies (e.g., residence hall policies).
GLOBAL PROGRAMS DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES
Given the nature and function of Global Programs, participant adherence to policies, procedures, and directives is crucial. The paragraphs below set forth the procedure for resolving alleged violations of this Code.
Should there be an allegation of a violation of any ArtCenter policy, faculty of the ArtCenter Global Program may conduct investigations and hold hearings for conduct matters that occur abroad. Faculty may consult with the Assistant Provost of Global Programs, Associate Director of Student Conduct, or the Associate Dean of Students/Director of the Center for Student Experience throughout the process. At the discretion of the Associate Dean of Students/Director of the Center for Student Experience (or designee) and in consultation with the faculty, the Associate Dean of Students/Director of the Center for Student Experience (or designee) may assume jurisdiction for, and render a decision on, any cases involving students studying off-campus.
Student Conduct Meetings
The purpose of student conduct meetings is to review allegations and evidence of ArtCenter policy violations and decide whether it was more likely than not that the violation occurred.
Meetings are conducted to ensure the students are offered due process in reviewing of the case. More specifically, accused students will have their due process rights respected by being provided with notice of the alleged wrongdoing and an opportunity to respond to the allegations in a fair proceeding before a neutral decision-maker.
3. The Faculty will notify the student in writing of the sanction and will send a copy of the sanction letter to the Center to Student of Experience to be placed in the student’s conduct file.
1. The Faculty will investigate to determine whether sufficient evidence supports the allegations. The Faculty member will resolve most cases through a student conduct meeting between the student and the Faculty member. At their discretion, the Faculty member shall determine whether there was sufficient evidence that the student engaged in prohibited conduct as outlined in this Code and what sanctions should be applied.
2. Students who do not respond to the request for a student conduct meeting may have their case determined in their absence.
3. The Faculty will notify the student in writing of the sanction and will send a copy of the sanction letter to the Center to Student of Experience to be placed in the student’s conduct file.
4. The Center for Student Experience holds concurrent jurisdiction and make take further action upon the student’s return to the College.
In cases where a suspension of expulsion has been issued the case will be reviewed by the Student Conduct Hearing Board per the guidelines in the Student Code of Conduct.
Appeals
A student may appeal a determination by the Faculty or Hearing Board based upon at least one of these four criteria:
3. In the exercise of reasonable diligence, new relevant evidence that could not have been produced at the hearing is available.
1. The sanction is grossly disproportionate to the offense.
2. The Code procedures were not followed, resulting in significant prejudice to the student.
3. In the exercise of reasonable diligence, new relevant evidence that could not have been produced at the hearing is available.
4. The decision is not supported by evidence.
All requests for appeals must be in writing, setting forth the basis for the appeal with specificity. Appeals must be delivered to the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students, with a copy to the Faculty member, within five business days of the date that the student received the written determination of the sanction from the Faculty member or Hearing Board.
The Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students will review the Faculty member’s summary of the testimony, findings of fact, decision and the recommended sanction, the student’s disciplinary history, and the student’s written statement.
The Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students may request either the Faculty member or the student submit, in writing, additional information. They may also ask the student and the Faculty member to clarify testimony from the hearing.
The Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students may affirm, reduce, or increase the sanctions and will notify the student in writing.
Standard of Review
The Faculty member, the Hearing Board, or the Vice President of Student Affairs/Dean of Students shall decide based on the Preponderance of Evidence.
Sanctions
The Student Code of Conduct includes a list of possible sanctions. Other sanctions include suspension from program-related activities, removal from housing, dismissal from the program, and denial of participation in future Global Program opportunities.
Sexual Misconduct
ArtCenter College of Design (“ArtCenter” or “the College”) is committed to maintaining an inclusive community that is supportive of students and employees in all of its programs and activities. Part of this commitment is providing an educational and working environment that is free of sexual misconduct in accordance with Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972 (“Title IX”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (“Title VII”), which prohibits sex discrimination in employment; and the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (“SAVE Act”), Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”), and the Clery Act.
To ensure compliance with these and other federal and state laws and regulations, and to affirm its commitment to promoting the goals of fairness and equity in all aspects of employment and education, ArtCenter has developed a Sexual Misconduct Policy (“Policy”), which applies to all students, faculty, and staff. The Policy defines the College’s administrative policies and procedures designed to provide a prompt, fair and impartial process to address alleged sexual misconduct or alleged retaliation for reporting or supporting the reporting of sexual misconduct.
ArtCenter also exercises jurisdiction over conduct occurring in a building or facility owned or controlled by an officially recognized student organization, conduct that is subject to ArtCenter’s disciplinary authority, and any external conduct that has an impact on the downstream or in-program effects, whether or not the conduct occurred outside ArtCenter’s education program or outside the United States.
Jurisdiction
ArtCenter exercises jurisdiction under its Sexual Misconduct Policy in connection with all academic, educational, co-curricular, extracurricular, and other programs and activities of the College, whether those programs or activities take place at ArtCenter’s Hillside or South campus, at a designated satellite studio, or at another location if these programs are sponsored by ArtCenter or are under ArtCenter’s control.
ArtCenter also exercises jurisdiction over conduct occurring in a building or facility owned or controlled by an officially recognized student organization, conduct that is subject to ArtCenter’s disciplinary authority, and any external conduct that has an impact on the downstream or in-program effects, whether or not the conduct occurred outside ArtCenter’s education program or outside the United States.
The Sexual Misconduct Policy can be applied to the effects of off-campus misconduct that effectively deprive someone of access to ArtCenter’s educational program or employment. The College may also extend jurisdiction to off-campus and/or to online conduct when the Title IX Coordinator determines that the conduct affects a substantial College interest, such as a situation that is detrimental to the educational interests or mission of the College.
Procedures for Filing Complaints
Students can report any incident of sexual misconduct with your faculty leader or report it directly to the Title IX office at titleix@artcenter.edu. More information on Title IX Policies, Procedures and Reporting Options can be found at ArtCenter.edu/Title-IX. If you believe that you have experienced sexual misconduct and would like to seek medical treatment immediately, contact your travel insurance provider, CISI (for exchange and faculty-led programs), to locate the closest hospital for medical treatment: 1.609.986.1234 (collect outside the U.S.)Email: medservices@assistamerica.com.
PROGRAM HOUSING
Students are required to live in established program housing when it is provided by the College or host institution. The College finds housing partners and accommodations with consideration for cost, health, safety, security, and educational needs of the students and the specific Global Program.
Housing information will be solicited from students prior to departure; however, the College cannot guarantee compliance with individual requests and preferences. If a student has a disability that requires reasonable accommodations, the student needs to advise the Center for the Student Experience as soon as possible, upon notification of acceptance, for arrangements to be made. (See also Students with Disabilities section).
Should a housing conflict arise, the College encourages students to bring it to the attention of the faculty leader of the Global Programs Office so that they may assist in resolving it.
Students will be responsible for housing damages, lost keys, and any other fees incurred during their stay. The Global Programs Office will notify students of these additional charges that will be applied to the student’s account.
If a program does not provide housing, the student will accept all associated risks, be solely responsible for all expenses and arrangements related to housing and be required to provide the Global Programs Office with the address and contact information of where they will be residing.
TRANSPORTATION POLICY
Traffic-related accidents are the leading cause of student injuries and deaths while abroad. Students are prohibited from driving motor vehicles (including but not limited to scooters, motorbikes, motorcycles, and cars) while participating in an ArtCenter Global Program outside of the U.S. unless they possess a valid driver’s license and driver’s insurance in the host country. Students should obey all local vehicle and pedestrian laws and use public transit whenever that option exists and is safe. A student’s personal liability coverage takes precedence over ArtCenter liability coverage should a motor vehicle be used.
Exceptions to this policy may be considered based on the content of the program curriculum, associate field trips, and supervised projects. All such considerations must be discussed with the academic department and the Global Programs Office in advance.