Academic policies

Academic Progress

A written report of grades will be given to students at the end of each completed semester. Grades are assessed by each instructor according to criteria outlined in his or her course syllabus. Major criteria for grading include the evaluation of originality, craftsmanship, presentation, visual impact and project completeness. The final grade for each course includes both a letter grade and assignment of points, as follows:

A+ 4.25 C+ 2.25
A 4.00 C 2.00
A- 3.75 C- 1.75
B+ 3.25 D+ 1.25
B 3.00 D 1.00
B- 2.75 D- 0.75
F 0.00

Letter code:

W=Withdrawal
P=Credit—no grade
T=Transfer credit

(W) Withdrawal indicates a student has dropped or discontinued a course during a scheduled semester. Courses failed due to academics or attendance are not eligible for a (W) grade. Courses designated with a (W) code are assigned no credit and must be repeated to graduate.

Class withdrawal

A student may withdraw from a class during the first four weeks of a semester if they are not currently failing the course (either academically or from lack of required attendance). If the student has failed a course, that failure will be recorded on the transcript. Refund policies apply when a student has withdrawn from the entire program. Students who withdraw from a class or classes will not be given a refund or credit after an enrollment agreement has been signed and classes have commenced. Students who withdraw from a class or classes may increase their program length or require additional credits be taken above the full time semester load. Students who change major(s) may not have the option of maintaining a full time schedule, or completing the program in the typical 36 month completion time. All classes listed in the program grid must be successfully completed in order to qualify for graduation consideration.

(P) Indicates a passing-level grade in a course that does not use letter grades.

(T) Indicates a course in which credits have been transferred from another college or university.

An incomplete grade is recorded only at mid-term and only if the student has done satisfactory work in a course and cannot complete all assignments before midterm because of illness or other serious problems beyond the student’s control. NCA does not record incomplete grades for final semester grades.

Students may appeal a grade by submitting a written request to the Academic Advisor no more than 60 days after the end of the term. Appeals are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Review Board

This Board consists of the President or Academic Advisor, appointed faculty, and other individuals deemed appropriate for the situation who may be invited to provide specific information when it is deemed to be in the best interest of both the student and the school. The President or Academic Advisor has the discretionary authority to handle each student’s academic situation in the best interest of all concerned.

Advising

Administrative staff is available by appointment for student advising regarding finance, academic progress, attendance, and scheduling. The Student Advisor or Academic Advisor is available to discuss personal and school related concerns.

Artwork

Due to the nature of education, all artwork is a collective effort with student and instructor participation. The school reserves the right to choose quality individual works for display, advertising, and promotion.

Attendance

Students are required to attend all classes in which they are enrolled. A strong attendance record demonstrates a professional attitude and a commitment to one’s goals. Students are allowed to miss 20% of a 15 week class. The following is an example:

4hr/15 wk course =12 hrs max absence allowed
2hr/15 wk course = 6 hrs max absence allowed
4hr/7.5 wk course = 6 hrs max absence allowed
1 hr/15 wk course = 3 hrs max absence allowed
3 hr/15 wk course = 9 hrs max absence allowed

These hours are considered excused absences. Although a student can miss this time for any reason, NCA recommends students use the allowed absences for illness, health­care appointments, family emergencies, etc. Students may not miss more than 20% of a class. After missing more than the maximum allowed hours in a class, a student will receive a failing (F) grade and will be required to repeat the class at additional cost. Arriving to class late or leaving class early is considered an absence and is counted towards the allowed absence per class, i.e., if a student is 10 minutes late or leaves 10 minutes early this time will be counted as part of the student’s accumulated absences. At the instructors’ discretion, students may be marked absent if they attempt to attend classes without required books and supplies. Students will be warned of attendance noncompliance by the instructor verbally after the second absence, in writing after the third absence. If regularly scheduled classes are cancelled because of extreme conditions, lectures and demonstrations will be made up by the instructor in future class meetings.

Attendance Waiver

Under certain extreme circumstances students may request an attendance waiver from the Academic Advisor. These waivers would excuse absences above and beyond the maximum allowed absence (as listed previously). Waivers are only granted in the case of: hospitalization, serious medical issues, birth of a child, or death in the family. Documentation may be required. Waivers are valid only for the period specified by them and must be submitted no more than 10 business days after the student returns to school. Students who receive a waiver must make up waived time that extends beyond the allowed absence on campus before the end of the semester. If the student fails to complete this make up time they will be placed on attendance probation. Students are still responsible for all assignments, lectures, and tests given in class. If a student receives a waiver for the last two weeks of a semester and is unable to submit required final projects and assignments, they may be given an extended project deadline. All extensions must be approved by the Academic Advisor and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Certification

All students must be certified after their fifth semester. Students submit examples of their work as designated by their program, internship information, and an essay reestablishing their academic and professional goals. The process is designed to affirm the student’s strengths, and weaknesses, and focus the student’s attention on graduation and post-graduation goals. Students who do not complete certification will not be eligible for graduation.

Changes

All courses, content, curriculum, instructor assignments, class sequencing, class scheduling, policies and procedures, program length, tuition and fees, and program schedules are subject to change at the discretion of Northwest College of Art.

Computer Lab

NCA has two computer labs available for student use. Schedules are posted on the lab doors. Files on the computers and the server may be deleted every week. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their work has been backed up. Abuse of hardware technology as outlined in the student conduct policy, using computers and printers for personal (non-school related) work, and eating or drinking in the labs is strictly prohibited. Students who violate computer lab rules will be subject to the student conduct policy and may be fined $25 dollars per offense and banned from lab use.

Daily Schedule

A full time student typically attends 6 classes over three, four or five days in the week. A class will typically meet once per week, and can be scheduled at 8am–10, 8am–12, 10am–12, 1–3pm, 1–5pm or 3–5pm. Schedules vary from semester to semester. Full-time, three, four day per week schedules are not guaranteed for part-time, transfer, reapplying, or extended program students.

Dismissal

A student may be dismissed by Northwest College of Art for the following:

  1. Conduct or attitude that, in the mind of NCA, is detrimental to the school or the well-being of others.
  2. Failure to attend classes for a period of 30 days without school notification of withdrawal or attendance waiver.
  3. Failure to comply with any NCA policies, rules and regulations including but not limited to policies on attendance, harassment, satisfactory progress, student conduct, student grievances and payment of tuition and fees when due.

Dismissal means the student will be dismissed from Northwest College of Art immediately. The student will not be allowed to continue their education and may not return to the college for any reason. In the event of suspension or termination, the College will not be held responsible for the remaining portion of the course of instruction. The College will institute the appropriate refund policy based on the terminated student’s last date of attendance.

Enrollment Policy Of Nondiscrimination

Northwest College of Art, as an educational organization and employer, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic background, sexual orientation, age, sex, national origin, marital, veteran, or handicapped status. This commitment is made by Northwest College of Art and is required by federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

Faculty

Faculty members are practicing professionals and hold M.F.A., M.A., B.A., B.F.A. degrees or may be non-degree practicing professionals with ACCSCT approval. Faculty members are responsible for instruction, curriculum development, and evaluation of student academic and artistic progress. Faculty assignments are subject to change.

Family Educational Rights And Privacy Act

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. These rights include:

  1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the College receives a request for access. Students should submit to NCA Academic Advisor, a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The Academic Advisor will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The student does not have the right to inspect the financial information submitted by parents or guardians. •The college is not required to provide copies of records unless, for reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for the student to personally review the records. The College charges a fee of $1.00 per page for copies.
  2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes is inaccurate. The student may ask the College to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate by writing to NCA Academic Advisor, and clearly identifying the part of the record they want changed, and specifying why it is inaccurate. If the College decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the College will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her 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. After the hearing, if the college still decides not to amend the record, the student has the right to place a statement with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.
  3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.• One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the College in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel and health staff); a person or company with whom the College has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. •FERPA also authorizes disclosure without consent to:
    • Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes;
    • Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student;
    • Organizations conducting certain studies for or on behalf of the school;
    • Accrediting organizations;
    • To comply with judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena; and

    Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies; The college may disclose, without consent, “directory” information such as a student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, honors and awards, and dates of attendance. The student has the right to prohibit the College from releasing any or all of the above information provided the College has a written request to do so in its files at the time the information is requested. Please address these requests to the Registrar.

  4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Northwest College of Art 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 20202-5920

Governing Structure Of The School

The school administrative staff assumes the responsibility for the daily schedules, meetings, recording procedures, and day-to-day school operations, including admissions, finance, personnel, recruitment, student services, and facilities.

  • President / Director: Craig Freeman
  • Finance Director: Kim Perigard
  • Registrar: John Pawley, Jr.
  • Curriculum & Academic Advisor: Julius Finley
  • Student Advisor: Dan Dunlap
  • Financial Aid Officer: Heidi Townsend
  • Admissions/Placement Representative: Matt Reilly
  • Admissions Coordinator: Betsy Schairer
  • Admissions Representative: Mark Stoddard
  • Admissions Representative: Robyn Feller
  • IT Administrator: Skye Carlson
  • Maintenance: Dan Rothrock

Graduation Requirements

Northwest College of Art will award a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (B.F.A.) in Visual Communication with majors in Design, Fine Art or Multimedia, providing the following graduation requirements are met:

  1. Successfully complete all courses within the scheduled program.
  2. Successfully complete the certification process.
  3. Fulfill all financial obligations to the college within 15 days prior to the last day of classes.
  4. Attend an exit interview in the financial aid department (if applicable.)
  5. Take part in all placement activities.
  6. Prior to graduation, maintain satisfactory progress and attendance.
  7. Participate in a graduate-portfolio review and be approved by the review committee

Graduate portfolios must be submitted by the designated deadline. Resubmission may be necessary. Graduate portfolios will be evaluated on originality, craftsmanship, visual impact, professional status, placement potential, and completeness. Following the evaluation, suggestions for continued development, statements of deficiency and areas of improvements will be issued by the committee. Final acceptance of the portfolio hinges upon the judgment of this committee. Students who do not pass the portfolio review must rework and resubmit their portfolio until it is approved by the committee to be eligible for graduation. Students may not participate in a graduation ceremony until all graduation requirements have been met.

Guests

Students should notify the administration of any guests planning to enter the campus. Approved guests are not allowed in class, but may wait for the student in the college lounge. Guests are not allowed to use NCA equipment or resources. Animals are not allowed on campus unless needed to assist individuals with disabilities.

Harassment

Northwest College of Art strives to provide an educational environment that is pleasant, professional, and free from intimidation, hostility, and other offenses which might interfere with the educational process. Any discrimination or harassment is strictly prohibited and any indication of harassment or sexual harassment should be immediately reported to the Administration.

Housing

A list of housing options, including roommate assistance, is available through the financial aid department. NCA does not guarantee housing arrangements. Housing is plentiful within the area.

Make Up Work

Students will be required to make up all assignments, exams, or other work missed as a result of any absence at the discretion of the instructor. The instructor may assign additional outside make-up work if deemed necessary or lower a student’s grade due to absences.

Parking

Students may park in the NCA parking lot during normal school hours or during NCA after hour events. Vehicles left in the parking lot after 5:30pm may be towed at the owner’s expense. All vehicles must be registered with the Maintenance Department and display a valid parking permit prior to parking in the NCA parking lot. Parking permits are $10 and must be purchased prior to the start of each semester. Vehicles without a valid parking permit will receive a parking violation. Each parking violation is $10. Students may appeal a parking violation in writing to the Maintenance Department no later than 10 business days after the violation date of issue.

Placement Assistance

Northwest College of Art maintains a placement assistance service for all NCA graduates. The program curriculum provides information on portfolio preparation, presentation techniques and business practices. Placement assistance is designed to help prepare the student for employment opportunities. The placement representative contacts a variety of industry leaders for potential employment and attempts to match employment opportunities with the talents and needs of the NCA graduate. Placement assistance is available to students for 2 years after graduation. NCA does not guarantee job placement.

Power Tools

Students are not allowed to use personal power tools such as saws, drills, welders, etc. on campus.

Program Length

Students who begin their program in September 2008 and beyond

The B.F.A. degree program in Visual Communicatiois typically 36 months (9 semesters). The program length may not exceed 54 months. The program length is not guaranteed and may be lengthened for various reasons including, but not limited to, class failure, suspension, program changes, course reduction or withdrawal. The program is considered a full time program.

NCA is a year round college with three 15-week semesters per 12 months.

September—December
January—April
May—August

Students who interrupt the program at any time will be considered a withdrawal from the program and must reapply. The program must be completed within 1.5 times the normal 36 month program length to comply with the satisfactory progress policy. The program grid is intended to give you an ideal schedule and broad overview of the curriculum. Course names, titles, sequencing, prerequisites, credit value, content, instructor assignment, and or scheduling are subject to change.

Students who began their program prior to September 2008 The B.F.A. degree program in Visual Communication is typically 32 months (8 semesters) for one major or 36 months (9 semesters) for two majors. The program length may not exceed 1.5 times the normal program length. The program length is not guaranteed and may be lengthened for various reasons including, but not limited to, class failure, suspension, program changes, course reduction or withdrawal. The program is considered a full time program. The program is considered a full time program.

NCA is a year round college with three 15-week semesters per 12 months.

September—December
January—April
May—August

Students who interrupt the program at any time will be considered a withdrawal from the program and must reapply. The program must be completed within 1.5 times the normal 32 month program length to comply with the satisfactory progress policy. The program grid is intended to give you an ideal schedule and broad overview of the curriculum. Course names, titles, sequencing, prerequisites, credit value, content, instructor assignment, and or scheduling is subject to change.

Program Majors

Students who begin their program in September 2008 and beyond

The foundation courses (semester 1–4) for all majors are identical. Upper division courses (semester 5–9) include classes specific to the individual majors. Students will complete two majors in the Visual Communications program. For specific classes included in each program, please refer to the appropriate program grid. Visual Communications major declaration will occur during the 3rd semester after the student has met and discussed their goals with an Advisor. Students must complete all classes in their double major choice before becoming eligible for graduation. Students who change their majors may not have the option of maintaining a full time schedule, or completing the program in the typical 36 month completion time.

Students who began their program prior to September 2008

The foundation courses (semester 1–4) for all majors are identical. Upper division courses (semester 5–8 or 9) include classes specific to the individual majors. Students have the option of completing a single major or double major schedule. Major declaration will occur during the 3rd semester after the student has met and discussed their goals with an Advisor. Students must complete all classes in their single or double major choice before becoming eligible for graduation. Double major students who drop a major may not have the option of reducing their program length or maintaining a full time schedule.

Readmission

Students who have withdrawn or have been terminated from Northwest College of Art may apply for readmission providing all financial obligations to the college have been met. A readmission fee of $50 and tuition deposit of $150 are required. Current tuition and fees will apply.

Satisfactory Progress

In order to be considered to be making satisfactory progress towards a degree, a student must both maintain specified grade averages and proceed through the course at a specific minimum pace. For determining satisfactory progress, each course is broken down into evaluation periods. An evaluation period equals one semester. The following information outlines NCA’s academic progress requirements for all students including financial aid recipients.

Academic Progress for a 134 Semester Credit, double major Program

Credits
Attempted		 Credits
Completed		 Overall
GPA
15 10 2
30 20 2
45 30 2
60 40 2
75 50 2
90 60 2
105 70 2
120 80 2
135 90 2
150 100 2
165 110 2
180 120 2
201 134 2

Required Grades

At the end of each evaluation period, the student’s cumulative GPA will be determined. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required each semester. Failure to maintain this average may result in dismissal from NCA. The institution’s grading policies can be found in the catalog. Grades of A,B,C,D and P are counted as successfully completed credits. Grades of F, W do not count as successfully completed credits. Students will also receive a written notification of grades at the mid-point of each semester.

If the student has less than the average specified in the chart based upon the number of evaluation periods of attendance, he/she will be placed on probation for a period of one evaluation period and will be notified in writing. During the probationary period, the student may receive any financial aid due, but if the student fails to achieve the required average at the end of the next evaluation period, financial aid will be terminated.

Required Completion Rate

In addition to maintaining the grades specified earlier, students must be progressing toward completion of the program within a specified timeframe. In order to meet these minimums, a student must successfully complete at least two-thirds of the credit hours attempted. A student must also be progressing through the program at a rate that would allow completion at no more than 1.5 times the normal program length of 134 credit hours as outlined in the chart. Transfer credits will be included as credit hours attempted.

A student’s completion rate is measured at the end of the evaluation period. If the student has not completed two-thirds of the cumulative credit hours attempted to date, the student will be placed on probation. If at the end of the next evaluation period, the student has not raised the completion rate to two-thirds of the cumulative credit hours attempted, the student will be terminated.

Students placed on probation must successfully complete two-thirds of the credits attempted with a grade of A,B,C,D or P in order to be reinstated in good standing and continue receiving financial aid.

Class Repetitions, Incompletes, and Withdrawals

When a student repeats a course, both grades received will be used in the calculation of the cumulative grade point average. Each class will be included as an attempted class. Incomplete or “I” grades are recorded only at mid-term and only if the student has done satisfactory work in a class and cannot complete all assignments before mid-point because of illness or other serious problems beyond the student’s control. NCA does not record incomplete grades for final semester grades. The student must complete all required work by the end of the semester in order to receive a letter grade. If the required work is not completed by the end of the semester, a failing grade of “F” will replace the “I” grade.

Mitigating Circumstances and Leaves of Absence

The Academic Advisor may waive interim satisfactory progress standards for circumstances of poor health, family crises, or other significant occurrence outside the control of the student. These circumstances must be documented, and the student must demonstrate that the circumstances had an adverse impact on the student’s satisfactory progress in the academic program. No waivers will be provided for graduation requirements. Northwest College of Art does not grant leaves of absences. A student will be counted as a drop for periods of non-enrollment. The student must follow the current admission requirements outlined in the catalog for readmission to the program.

Pass/Fail

A “P” grade is for a class that does not receive a letter grade but has been successfully completed. A grade of “F” is for a class that has not been completed successfully.

Application of Standards

These satisfactory progress standards apply to all part time and full time students. Readmission and Change of Curriculum Students who have been dismissed for lack of satisfactory progress may apply to be readmitted to the College in the same curriculum. Re-admitted students will be enrolled for a probationary period upon reentry. With respect to financial aid, a student must complete that evaluation period with at least a “C” (2.0) average before financial aid awards will be made. This procedure applies only to dismissals caused by lack of satisfactory progress and only when a student is reentering the same curriculum. It does not apply to voluntary withdrawals. A student must complete that evaluation period with at least a 2.0 average or be terminated from the program. This procedure applies only to dismissals caused by lack of satisfactory progress and only when a student is re­entering the same curriculum. It does not apply to voluntary withdrawals.

A student who changes his/her educational objectives by entering a new curriculum will have only the grades for those courses credited to the new curriculum considered in the cumulative average. However, for purposes of determining whether the student has completed a course in the maximum allowable timeframe, the time spent in the previous program will not be considered.

A readmission fee of $50 and a tuition deposit of $150.00 is required. Reentering students will be charged at the current tuition rates being charged newly entering students.

Appeal Process

A student may appeal the determination of satisfactory progress to the Academic Advisor based upon extenuating circumstances. In such cases, the Academic Advisor may determine that the student is making satisfactory progress towards the degree despite the failure to conform within the normal timeframe or minimum grade averages. Occasionally, unusual circumstances will arise that will warrant the extension of a student’s probation. The Academic Advisor will have the authority under these circumstances, to extend the student’s probation period provided it does not extend beyond the next incremental period.

Solomon Amendment

This amendment requires NCA make the following directory information available to military recruiting offices: Name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, level of education, academic major, degrees received, and educational institution most recently enrolled. Students are advised that they have the right to prohibit the College from disbursing this information by providing a written request to the Registrar’s office. This request must be in the student’s academic file prior to the military’s request to provide data.

Student Complaint / Grievance Procedure

All grievances must comply with the following. Students who do not follow these steps will be considered in violation of school rules and regulations.

  1. Students must represent themselves and should not rely on others to speak for them or take the right of self representation away from others. Grievances must be in the name of the individual involved and not part of others’ grievances or a “petition” of grievances. The language used should be professional and respectful.
  2. The student should deliver a completed NCA grievance form to the Academic Advisor. Forms are available in the administration office. The grievance will be reviewed and a response forwarded to the student in a timely manner. The Academic Advisor may request a meeting to review the grievance and invite others to be present at the meeting if he feels it is necessary. The Academic Advisor’s decision/resolution in the matter is final.
  3. If a student still does not feel that the school has adequately addressed a complaint or concern, the student may consider the following:
    1. Schools accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology must have a procedure and operational plan for handling student complaints. If a student completes the above action and does not feel that the school has adequately addressed the complaint or concern, the student may consider contacting the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). All complaints considered by the Commission must be in written form, with permission from the complainant(s) for the Commission to forward a copy of the complaint to the school for a response. The complainant(s) will be kept informed as to the status of the complaint was well as the final resolution by the Commission.

Please direct all inquires to:

Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT)
2101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 302
Arlington, Virginia 22201
(703) 247-4212

A copy of the Commission’s complaint form is available at the school and may be obtained by contacting the Registrar.

Student Conduct

The following is a list of behaviors that violate the student conduct policy. Students who violate these policies may be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, warning, probation, suspension, dismissal, restitution and/or discretionary discipline (as described below) in accordance with the seriousness of the act.

  1. Violation of any NCA policies, rules or regulations.
  2. Violation of federal, state or local laws on college property, or at any college sponsored event or function.
  3. Assault, battery, or any other form of physical abuse of a student or NCA employee.
  4. Acts of discrimination, disrespect, excessive anger, overly aggressive behavior, verbal abuse or harassment toward a student or NCA employee.
  5. Coercion or intimidation of a student or NCA employee. Threats to a student or NCA employee by any means of communication.
  6. Fighting and / or endangering any person or any college property.
  7. Violation of college safety regulations, including but not limited to, tampering with fire safety and/or fire fighting equipment, tampering with security equipment, setting fires, failure to exit during a fire drill, turning in false fire alarms or bomb threats.
  8. Possession, sale, distribution, or use of illegal or controlled substances, drug or drug paraphernalia on college property, or at any college sponsored event or function.
  9. Possession, sale, distribution or use of alcohol on college property, or at any college sponsored event or function.
  10. Possession, sale, or distribution of guns, knives, explosives, dangerous chemicals, or any other instrument used with the intent to harm on college property, or at any college sponsored event or function.
  11. Unauthorized entry or use of college facilities.
  12. Stealing.
  13. Excessive absence, excused or unexcused.
  14. Written or visual plagiarism, cheating, tests or artwork submitted that are falsely credited.
  15. Altering, defacing or destruction of school property or personal property of others.
  16. Abuse of technology including, but not limited to:
    1. Unauthorized downloading and illegal use of copyrighted materials in violation of law.
    2. Theft or abuse of computer, software, or e-mail information.
    3. Unauthorized entry into a file for any purpose.
    4. Use of computing facilities to interfere with normal operation of
    5. the college’s computing system.
  17. Non-professional appearance or attire.
  18. Solicitation of other students, including, but not limited to handing out inappropriate material, leaving or posting information without prior approval.
  19. Disruption of classes, lectures, critiques, college assemblies or other related college activities. If a student is charged with a violation of federal, state or local laws or regulations occurring away from the College, disciplinary action may be instituted when the college has a reasonable belief that the health, safety or welfare of any Northwest College of Art student or employee is threatened.

Procedure:

Any member of the Northwest College of Art community may file charges against any student for violation of provisions of this code. Charges shall be prepared in writing and directed to the Academic Advisor of Northwest College of Art. Any charges should be submitted as soon as reasonably possible after the event takes place, preferably within five (5) academic days. The student may be placed on suspension pending commencement of disciplinary action.

Any student charged with a violation will be informed of the charges and of the time, date and place of a hearing between the student and the Academic Advisor. If the Academic Advisor is unavailable, the President will take his place. The notice shall be sent to the student’s last known address shown on College records. It is the student’s responsibility to have his/her current address on file with the College. After a review of the evidence and interview with the student(s) involved in the case, the Academic Advisor may take any of the following actions:

  1. terminate the proceeding, exonerating the student or student(s);
  2. dismiss the case;
  3. impose disciplinary action

The student will be notified in writing of the determination made by the Academic Advisor within ten (10) business days of the proceedings. Appeals contesting any disciplinary action may be made by the student involved (see right of appeal).

Disciplinary actions:

Northwest College of Art is dedicated to a professional and orderly educational process and will uphold and protect a positive learning atmosphere. The following disciplinary actions may be imposed, depending upon the seriousness of the violation(s) of the student code of conduct outlined above. This list is considered a general guideline. Some sanctions may be omitted, and other sanctions not listed may be used. The college reserves the right to impose the most severe sanction if circumstances warrant it.

  1. Warning: a written advising form outlining the violation will be placed in the student’s academic file.
  2. Probation: used for repeated violations or a specific violation of a serious nature. The Academic Advisor shall decide the terms of probation. If the Academic Advisor is unavailable, the President will take his place.
  3. Suspension: the student will be denied access to the college for a pre-determined period of time. The student may not attend classes, participate in college functions, use college facilities or enter the college campus. The student may be able to return to school once specified conditions for readmission are met. The Academic Advisor shall decide the length of the suspension and the conditions for return. If the Academic Advisor is unavailable, the President will take his place. In the event of a suspension, the college will not be held responsible for the remaining portion of the course of instruction. The college will institute the appropriate refund policy based on the terminated student’s last date of attendance.
  4. Dismissal: the student will be dismissed from Northwest College of Art immediately. The student will not be allowed to continue their education and may not return to the college for any reason. In the event of dismissal, the College will not be held responsible for the remaining portion of the course of instruction. The College will institute the appropriate refund policy based on the terminated student’s last date of attendance.
  5. Restitution: compensation for loss or damage to property leased, owned or controlled by the College.
  6. Discretionary Discipline: the student will be required to attend counseling, complete an educational service, or have restricted privileges.

Right of appeal:

Any student who has been suspended or terminated has the right to appeal within 10 NCA business days. The appeal must be in written form and addressed to the Academic Advisor of the college. The Academic Advisor shall form an Academic Review Board consisting of one instructor (not directly involved in the suspension or termination action), one staff member and the Academic Advisor, who shall act as chairperson of the appeal panel. The panel shall convene within thirty (30) days of notification of the appeal and the decision of the panel shall be final. Should the decision be to terminate the student from classes, the tuition refund policy will be used to determine any refund that may be due.

Teacher Certification

Teaching art at private art schools, art colleges, arts organizations and public schools are a few of the choices available to individuals interested in a career in art education. The requirements for employment in this field vary. In addition to a college degree these educational institutions may also require teaching or professional work experience and some (such as public school districts) may require teacher certification.

Those individuals wishing to pursue a Washington State Teacher Certification (grades K-12) must understand that the State certification regulations require an individual complete a bachelors degree program from a regionally accredited institution. In order to successfully prepare our students for the design, fine art, and multimedia professions, Northwest College of Art has chosen to maintain accreditation with The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT). ACCSCT is one of many accreditation bodies available to colleges today. However, since ACCSCT is not a part of the regional accreditation organization, individuals who complete the B.F.A. degree program from our college will not be eligible to apply for Teacher Certification in Washington State.

Individuals who consider transferring from NCA to a regionally accredited institution should investigate the receiving institution’s transfer credit policy. Since no two programs are the same, NCA cannot guarantee the transfer of credits—this is solely up to the receiving school. For more information on teaching certification requirements in the state of Washington visit the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction web site at www.k12.wa.us. Individuals wanting to teach in other states should contact that state’s Department of Education for information on teacher certification requirements.

Transcripts

The college will issue a transcript to the student at the end of each semester. Students who are no longer attending the college must complete a transcript request form and will be charged a $5 fee for each transcript requested. If an individual has outstanding tuition or fees, outstanding library materials, or other college property, the college will hold the transcript until the balance is paid in full or the library materials and, or property are returned. Students who wish to have transcripts sent to parents or others must complete an Information Release Form with the Registrar’s office.

Transfer Credit

Credit that has been successfully completed at other US accredited institutions (including Running Start credits) may be transferred to Northwest College of Art if transfer situations meet the following:

  1. Studio art classes must have been completed within the last 10 years. (There is no time limit on general education classes).
  2. Classes must be comparable with NCA classes.
  3. Class grade is a C+ or above.
  4. Applicant can demonstrate appropriate skill.
  5. Transfer class credit is equal to or above NCA class credit.

Official transcript of grades and course outlines must be presented no later than July 15th for evaluation. Transfer credit will not be granted after the July 15th deadline. A portfolio evaluation may be required.

No more than 50% of the program may transfer. Transferring credit may reduce program length, however reduction is not guaranteed. Transferring credit may require the student to drop to a part time status at certain times during the program. Credit is not available for life experience. Standard High school courses other than AP or Running Start classes do not apply. Advanced Placement (AP) credits taken in high school and evaluated by The College Board will be evaluated for transfer credit based on the following requirements.

Studio Art

  1. Score of 5
  2. NCA faculty review of AP portfolio to determine what class the credits will be transferred for i.e. Drawing, Color/Form, Design, Sculpture etc. Faculty reserves the right to interview the student before transfer is approved.

Art History

  1. Score of 5
  2. This class will be transferred for Art Introduction— the first semester class in the Art History series.

English / Psychology / Environmental Science / Economics

  1. Score of 4–5
  2. AP Course will be transferred for appropriate NCA general education class. NCA faculty reserves the right to inteview the student before transfer is approved.

Transfer Credit From NCA To Another College

Northwest College of Art is not a school that concentrates on preparing students to continue their education in another field or at another school. NCA programs are technical in nature with an emphasis on preparation for entry level arts occupations and therefore may not be transferable to other arts programs. Students interested in transferring credits should check with the receiving institution directly to determine to what extent, if any, credits can be transferred. NCA does not guarantee the transferability of NCA credits.

Veterans Affairs

Northwest College of Art’s academic program of study is approved by a Washington State Approving Agency for enrollment of those eligible for benefits under Title 38 and Title 10, U.S. Code. Veterans and dependents should contact the main office for application and certification information.

The Veterans Coordinator, located in the Administration office, provides assistance to veteran students enrolled at the College. Services provided on campus for veterans are:

  1. =Complete application assistance for VA benefits.
  2. =Information assistance for VA benefits.
  3. =Academic advising throughout the student’s program.

For Veterans minimum standard of progress please refer to the satisfactory progress policy. All students will be given a mid term progress report at week 8–9 and a final transcript after the end of each semester. Benefits are paid directly to the students. Students usually receive their check early in the month for the preceding month. However, students should allow for the initial “start up” and have their own funds to register and pay for books and supplies. For additional information and assistance, contact the Veterans Coordinator, or visit the Veterans Administration web site at www.va.gov.

Program Withdrawal

The withdrawal date for refund computation purposes is the last date of actual attendance by the student. Students must complete a program withdrawal form or contact the College in writing to withdraw. If a student has not attended classes for a period of 30 days without notification of withdrawal, the student will be terminated.

Students who began the program prior to September 2008

Double major students who drop a major may not have the option of reducing their program length or maintaining a full time schedule. All classes listed in the program grid (found in the NCA Catalog attachment A) must be successfully completed in order to qualify for graduation consideration.