ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

(800) 351-3450, extension 8652

The primary purpose of the Academic Affairs department is to provide our students market-driven and competency-based academic programs that prepare them for entry-level employment and career advancement in their chosen fields. This purpose is achieved through students' commitment to take an active role in learning and the learning-centered instruction delivered by faculty members with appropriate educational credentials and professional experience.

We believe that our students come to us with a stated career goal and commit themselves to take responsibility for their own education. We also believe that our faculty and staff care for student success and strive to do their best to provide quality education and service that helps students achieve their educational goals at The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago.

The Academic Affairs department is headed by the Dean of Academic Affairs, the chief academic officer of the College. Under the leadership of the Dean of Academic Affairs, the Academic Department Directors, the Faculties, the Registrar, Director of Library Services, Director of Transitional Studies, Transfer Credit Coordinator, Director of Assessment, and other staff, the Academic Affairs team works to establish the major goals for the department and develop policies, procedures, and processes to achieve those goals.

The academic programs fall into academic departments, each headed by an academic department director. Under the leadership of the Academic Department Directors, the Faculties of the various departments work as a team to ensure the currency of the program curriculum and establish educational outcomes and objectives for their respective programs.

The Academic Directors are responsible for the following areas:

Culinary Arts
Fashion Design
Fashion Marketing & Management and Advertising
Foundational Studies
General Education
Interior Design
Media Arts & Animation, Game Art & Design, Digital Film & Video, and Visual Effects & Motion Graphics
Transitional Studies
Visual Communications and Interactive Media Design

Education Support & Service Units:

Learning Resource Center/Library
Registrar's Office
Transfer Credit Coordinator
Academic Learning Center

top

The Library

Circulation Desk 312-777-8730
Reference Desk 312-777-8725

Library Hours

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 am - 9:30 pm
Friday: 7:30 am - 6:30 pm
Saturday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sundays/holidays/breaks: Closed

Library Policies

Valid Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago college I.D. required for all checkouts
Fines imposed for late materials
No food or drink or in the Library
Library is designated as a quiet study space
Check out period 2 weeks with some exceptions

Library Resources

Collection

Over 30,000 books, DVDs, CDs and other resources
Broad scope of general and specialized online databases
Digital image database containing 85,000 stock photographs
Extensive sound effects library
Online software tutorial service for most software used in classes
Maya software training DVDs
Motion clip collection
Forecasting resources for fashion and interiors

Library Technology

Mac and PC workstations with software used in courses with a very few exceptions
Scanners
Wireless laptops for Library use with most commonly used software
Color and black and white printers
Copiers, copy card dispenser

Library Facility

Ample tables and workspace is available for projects and research
Carrels and soft seating available

top

Academic Learning Center

312-777-8663

General Education faculty and peer tutors provide tutoring in the Academic Learning Center. They will work with you individually and in small group sessions. They can help you pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and provide direction and personal assistance.

There are no additional charges for Tutoring services. Tutoring is available in reading, writing, mathematics, science, humanities and social & behavioral sciences

Students who need tutoring in their core classes (major field of study) may contact each individual instructor or their Academic Director.

Students with special needs may contact the Counselor, Suzana Flores, sflores@aii.edu, 312-777-8616 in the Student Affairs Office to discuss accommodations.

For questions about the Academic Learning Center, contact:

Marlene Atkins, Director of Transitional Studies, mfatkins@aii.edu, 312-777-8663.

top

Walk-in Tutoring

Monday – Thursday: 8 am – 6 pm
Friday: 8am – 2pm

top

Grading

Grade Point Computation

The grading system incorporates letter grades and codes that have the following numeric equivalence and definitions:

Letter Grades	Equivalent Grade Points
A	4.0
A-	3.7
B+	3.4
B	3.0
B-	2.7
C+	2.4
C	2.0
C-	1.7
D+	1.4
D	1.0
F	0.0

Other Letter Codes

TR (or K) – External Transfer Credit
P – Proficiency Credit by Exam or Portfolio
S – Suspension from Course
W – Withdrawal from Course (first nine weeks)
WF – Withdrawal from Course
I – Incomplete
U – Unofficial Transcript

Quarterly Grade Point Average

The quarterly grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the total grade points earned for all courses attempted in the quarter by the total credits attempted in that quarter. The quarterly GPA is reported each quarter.

Cumulative Grade Point Average

The cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is computed by dividing the total grade points earned for all courses attempted at The Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago by the total credits attempted. (Transfer and advanced placement credits do not count towards the CGPA.) The resulting CGPA is expressed as a whole number and a tenth, e.g., 2.5, 3.2. The school uses a 4.0 scale to assign grade points.

Enrollment status

Full-time: Enrolled in 12-18 credit hours or more in an academic quarter.
Half-time: Enrolled in 6-8 credit hours in an academic quarter.
Less than half-time: Enrolled in 3 or 4 credit hours in an academic quarter.
Full-load - degree programs: Full-time course load schedule for a particular program averages 16 credits.
Academic Year: Three eleven-week quarters and 36 quarter credit hours in which the student is enrolled.
First-Year Student: Students who are enrolled in their first three quarters or have not been granted 36 or more transfer credits.
Second-Year Student: Students who are enrolled in their fourth through sixth quarter or have accumulated 36 or more credits.
Third-Year Student: Students who are enrolled in their seventh through ninth quarter or have accumulated 90 or more credits.
Fourth-Year Student: Students who are enrolled in their tenth through twelfth quarter or have accumulated 144 or more credits.

top

Academic Honor Designation

Criteria for Honors Designation

To promote academic excellence and to recognize exemplary academic achievement, the following honors designations will be issued on a term basis and upon graduation.

Term Honors Designation (at the completion of a quarter or semester) – Students who enroll for and complete 12 credits or more and meets the following criteria may receive the corresponding designation.

Term GPA	Honors Designation
4.0	President’s Honor Roll
3.7-3.9	Dean’s Honor Roll
3.5-3.6	Honor Roll

Honor Designation at Graduation – Students who achieve a CGPA of 3.5 or better are designated as Honor Graduates.

Transitional studies classes are not considered when evaluating honors designations.

top

Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAPP)

Undergraduate Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Applicable to every student enrolled in diploma and undergraduate degree programs, the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy ensures that students make satisfactory progress towards successful completion of their academic programs. The evaluation points and milestones contained in the policy are meant to identify problems for which actions of early intervention and/or remediation can be taken. Most critical to this policy is a student’s ability to enroll in and complete courses on a consistent manner. This ability is measured in two ways: cumulative grade-point-average (CGPA); and incremental completion rate (ICR). Failure to complete courses successfully for any reason may negatively affect academic progress. Failing courses or withdrawing from courses could result in the loss of financial aid. In order for a student to graduate, the minimum requirements are a CGPA of 2.0, and completion of the program in no more than 150% of total program credits.

top

Milestones and Evaluation Points for Satisfactory Academic Progress

Diploma Programs

At the end of first quarter, students must achieve a CGPA of 1.0 and an ICR of 33.33%. Anything below these milestones will result in probation.

At the end of second quarter, students must attain a CGPA of 1.0 and an ICR of 33.33%. Anything below these milestones will result in dismissal.

At the end of second quarter, students with a CGPA under 1.5, but at least 1.0 and/or an ICR below 50%, but at least 33.33% will be placed on probation.

At the end of fourth quarter, and every quarter thereafter, students must attain a CGPA of 2.0 and an ICR of 66.67%. Anything below these milestones will result in dismissal.

Students may not attempt more than 150% of the credits in their programs; anything in excess of 150% of the credits will result in dismissal.

Degree Programs

At the end of second quarter, students must achieve a CGPA of 1.0 and an ICR of 33.33%. Anything below these milestones will result in probation.

At the end of third quarter, students must attain a CGPA of 1.0 and an ICR of 33.33%. Anything below these milestones will result in dismissal.

At the end of third quarter, students with a CGPA under 1.5, but at least 1.0 and/or an ICR below 50%, but at least 33.33% will be placed on probation.

At the end of sixth quarter, and every second quarter thereafter, students must accomplish a CGPA of 2.0 and an ICR of 66.67%. Anything below these milestones will result in dismissal.

Students may not attempt more than 150% of the credits in their programs; anything in excess of 150% of the credits will result in dismissal.

top

Transitional Studies

Transitional Studies Courses are based on the results of the academic placement test. Like any course, students must successfully complete such courses in order to progress in the program. Transitional studies course credits do not count towards the total number of credits for graduation nor do they count in the CGPA; however, they do count in determining the maximum time frame and the incremental completion rate. Transitional studies courses may be individually attempted no more than three times. Failing or withdrawing from a transitional studies course three times will result in dismissal.

Appeal Process

The process to appeal requires the student to request the opportunity to appeal a dismissal in writing; the reason for the appeal must be the result of mitigating circumstances; and documentation supporting a claim of mitigating circumstances must be provided.

If a student appeals and is denied the appeal, he or she must remain out of school until one year after the quarter in which the appeal was denied. The student can then request an additional appeal for reinstatement, but would have to demonstrate accomplishments or changes that show a degree of college readiness that reliably predict success.

Transferring to another Art Institute

Students wishing to transfer from one Art Institute to another may do so only if they are in good standing at the sending school. Any student dismissed for academic progress cannot transfer to another Art Institute until he or she has been reinstated at the sending school and is deemed to be making satisfactory academic progress.

Changes in Program

Students are allowed one change in program and must be making satisfactory academic progress at the time a request is made to change programs.

top

Office of the Registrar

The Registrar's Office is responsible for the maintenance of all student educational files and the process of registration. Quarterly student registration takes place week 7 of each quarter. In order to register for classes students must access their student web account. A login and password are required for access to be granted. The Registrar's office is available to assist students with this information.

Much course, instructor and classroom scheduling takes place in the short period between registration and the start of classes. Therefore, it is very important that every student register on time. Students who register late will be subject to delays in the scheduling process and to course selection on a space available basis.

Course Cut-Off Date

All students must be cleared to sit in class by the first day of the second week of the quarter. If the student is not cleared for class prior to the course cut-off date, the student will not be allowed to start the quarter.

Add/Drop Period

Any course that is added or dropped from the student’s schedule must be processed by the Registrar’s Office prior to the end of the designated add/drop period. After add/drop a student is charged for all classes for which he/she is registered. The add/drop period is printed on the back of the student’s official schedule. The add/drop period is the first Monday through the Monday of week two of each quarter.

If you need to inquire about any of the following, please contact the Registrar's Office.
Name and address changes
Major changes
Adding or dropping classes
Withdrawing from classes
Transcript requests
Verification of enrollment
Grade processing
Graduation requirements/processes
Registration
Transfer of Credits
Add/Drop from Course Form (Week 1)
Withdraw from a Course Form (Until End of Week 9)
Withdraw from School Form
Change of Major Paperwork
Student Email and Password Resets
Registration Packets and Course Schedules

top

Transfer Credit Policies and Procedures

The following guidelines are to be followed by The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago prospective students interested in submitting a request for transfer credit.

To receive transfer credit for courses taken before entering Illinois Institute of Art or for achievement on AP and CLEP examinations, students must submit official sealed transcripts, preferably prior to the start of classes but no later than the fifth week of the student’s first quarter at the Illinois Institute of Art. Transfer credit requested after the fifth week of the student’s first quarter will be reviewed only under exceptional circumstances and may only be accepted with the approval of the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Computer Literacy proficiency exams and portfolio reviews for credit must be completed by the end of the first week of enrollment.

With written approval in advance by their Department Director and Dean of Academic Affairs, students may enroll in one college course per quarter at another school while enrolled full-time at the Illinois Institute of Art.

Program and Attendance Status Change

Once enrolled, a student is assumed to be in continuous enrollment and attendance, and to be making satisfactory progress until graduation. The student who alters this academic progression in any manner is considered to be making a “status change” which will require approval or understanding in advance of the changes. Students who wish to request an academic or registration status change as noted above must refer to the Registrar’s Office for procedural details.

top

Student Right to Know Act

The Student Right to Know Act requires the annual distribution of The Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago’s graduation/completion rate to all students. According to regulations published by the Department of Education based on the Student Right-to-Know Act, the graduation/completion rates for first-time, full-time students who entered the College in 2000 and who graduated/completed within 150 percent of the normal time to complete the program is 40%.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (“FERPA”) sets out requirements designed to afford students certain rights with respect to their education records. In addition, it puts limits on what information The Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago may disclose to third parties without receiving prior written consent from the student.

Procedures to Inspect Records

Students have the right under FERPA to inspect and review their education records. A student who wishes to inspect and review his/her records should submit a written request to the Dean of Academic Affairs or the Director of Administrative and Financial Services. The request should identify as precisely as possible the records the student wishes to inspect. If the requested records are subject to inspection and review by the student, arrangements for access will be made within a reasonable period of time but in no case more than 45 days after the request was made, and the student will be notified of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school may require the presence of a school official during the inspection and review of a student’s records.

Certain limitations exist on a student’s right to inspect and review their own education records. Those limitations include, for example, the following: (i) financial information submitted by parents; (ii) confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files prior to January 1, 1975; (iii) confidential letters and recommendations placed in their files after January 1, 1975 to which the student has waived his or her right to inspect and review and that are related to the student’s admission, application for employment or job placement, or receipt of honors. In addition, the term “education record” does not include certain types of records such as, by way of example, records of instructional, supervisory, administrative, and certain educational personnel who are in the sole possession of the maker thereof, and are not accessible or revealed to any other individual except a substitute.

When a record contains personally identifiable information about more than one student, the student may inspect and review only the information that relates to him/her personally.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

Student Right to File FERPA Complaint

A student has the right to file a complaint with the United States Department of Education concerning alleged failures by The Illinois Institute of Art–Chicago to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the governmental office that administers FERPA is:

Family Policy Compliance Office
United States Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20202-4605

top