Statement and Policy Statement on Freedom of Artistic Expression The Institute believes in freedom of artistic expression. Artistic freedom is vital to both the cultural and political health of our society. It is essential in a democracy that values and protects the rights of the individual to espouse his or her beliefs. The Institute’s responsibility for and dedication to securing the conditions in which freedom of artistic expression can flourish extends to all forms of artistic expression, including fine arts, design, literature, and performance. The opportunity to display or perform works of art at the Institute is made available through several academic processes and procedures in which faculty members, students, and other duly appointed individuals exercise their best professional judgment. Among these procedures are selection of gallery shows by the Gallery Committee, selection of artwork for student shows by selected appointed outside jurors, or performances/displays as part of an approved curriculum. Such authorized displays or performances, no matter how unpopular the work might be, must be unhindered and free from coercion. Members of the Institute community and guests must reflect in their actions a respect for the right to communicated ideas artistically, and must refrain from any act that would cause that right to be abridged. At the same time, the Institute recognizes that the right of artists to exhibit or perform does not preclude the right of others to take exception to particular works of art. However, this later right must be exercised in ways that do not prevent a work of art from being seen and must not involve any form of intimidation, defacement, or physical violence. The Institute rejects the claim of any outside individual or agency of the right to dictate the appropriateness or acceptability of the display or performance of any work of art in its facilities or as part of its educational programs.
Non-Discrimination Policy It is the policy of the Cleveland Institute of Art, in accordance with the provisions set forth by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendment Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and other federal regulations, not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disabilities, in employment practices, administration of educational policies, admission, scholarship and loan programs, and other college-administered programs and activities.
Physical Challenges The Institute’s buildings and facilities are equipped to accommodate students, faculty, staff, and visitors with physical handicaps. However, the Institute is not a barrier-free campus. Students with special needs or concerns should contact the Office of Academic Services. Visitors should contact the Facilities Management and Safety Office. http://www.cia.edu/academicResources/ registrarsOffice.php?action=calendar
Assessment The Cleveland Institute of Art, like other colleges and universities, is required by its accrediting associations to evaluate the success of its curriculum on a regular basis; this process is called “assessment.” During your career here at the Institute you will participate in a variety of assessment activities. You will probably encounter your first assessment activity during new student orientation, and your BFA exhibition will be your last assessment point as a student. There are other times in your college career (and as a CIA graduate) when you will be part of the Institute’s on- going assessment program. Your participation will be very helpful in ensuring that CIA’s programs and services meet your needs and those of future students. Assessment looks at student work as part of the evaluation of the Institute’s education program. Assessment in no way affects your grades, and there is no way to prepare for assessment tests or reviews. The faculty uses this information to evaluate the courses they teach and their departments, and to make any
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changes indicated by the assessment information. Learning is a two-way process. Through your academic and studio classes, you will learn from your faculty. Through the assessment process, the faculty will learn how well our curriculum is working and how it might be improved.
Course Expectations Course Syllabi At the beginning of each course, you will receive a syllabus that contains attendance policies, the course description, schedule of topics to be covered, assignments, expected outcomes, grading guidelines, behavioral expectations, materials needed, and other information about the faculty member and course that provide a full picture of the course and its requirements. The syllabus may be distributed by paper or electronically and will be conveyed during the first meeting of the class. You should expect that faculty will conduct their class in accordance with the published course information. In addition, the Office of Academic Affairs maintains a file of all course syllabi.
Course Attendance It is in your best interest to attend all sessions of the classes in which you are registered and to attend all associated lecture programs and meetings. Your progress as an artist depends not only on completion of assignments but also on full participation in dialogue with studio and academic classes. Each faculty member has discretion in taking attendance and penalizing habitual absences or tardiness, and will advise the class about what will be considered acceptable attendance for the purpose of grading. More than three weeks of class absences may result in failure. Four weeks of absences will result in failure. You must notify your faculty member if you will miss a class, and Academic Services if you will miss more than one class. If you have a problem with missed classes, meet with an Academic Services staff member to discuss your options. Individual faculty members may require written documentation of your illness or injury. Note that Student Health Services (SHS) does not provide documentation for class excuses.