Student Services
CCCA employs individuals dedicated to serving the student body and graduates. The student services department works collaboratively with students, instructors, and administration to create a positive learning community. The Student Services Coordinator (SSC) acts as a liaison to staff and faculty on behalf of the student. The SSC also provides services through student advising and transitional service activities. Advising consists of attendance tracking, mid-term advising meetings, and tutoring services to provide students with a supportive learning environment. Transitional service activities include assistance with housing, transportation, and part-time employment.
Housing
CCCA does not provide on-campus housing. The student services office assists out-of-area students in connecting with others looking for housing and roommates by providing them with information on various housing options in the Grand Rapids area. A list of private residential opportunities is provided upon request.
Orientation Day
Each program session begins with an Orientation Day. This day’s primary goal is to focus on the idea of community and is designed to introduce incoming students to one another and the CCCA faculty and staff. Formal and informal sessions are held throughout the day to give information about life as a student at CCCA. This session is mandatory for student participation.
Student Handbook
Students in each cohort are given a Student Handbook that addresses many topics. The Student Handbook works in conjunction with the Academic Catalog to inform students and parents of the school’s policies and procedures. Students are encouraged to thoroughly read through both documents familiarizing themselves with the school’s policies and procedures.
Special Lectureships
The CCCA lectures are special interactions with producers, directors, actors, writers and other industry professionals of local, regional and national renown to encourage and enhance various CCCA courses and Christian attitudes and values.
General Student Development
CCCA has numerous resources that aid in the general development of the student body. Some of these resources include:
• The 24 Hour Film Festival – facilitated by the CCCA Alumni Board and open to the entire filmmaking community. This annual competition gives students an inside look at this high-energy festival.
• Writers’ Room – a writers’ room for students and area screenwriters. Writers’ workshop their current work in roundtable discussions that act as a sounding board for ideas.
• Light Clubs – CCCA provides information regarding extra-curricular filmmaking groups that focus on cinematography and lighting.
Compass College of Cinematic Arts’ benefits do not end with graduation.
Our internship program places students on feature films. While working on these projects, the school encourages the students to display a humble demeanor and a rock-solid work ethic that impresses the professionals with whom the interns work and sets CCCA students apart from those of other schools. By displaying their impressive technical knowledge and a willingness to serve, CCCA interns have cultivated highly respected reputations with professional mentors, often providing the solid foundation for a successful launch into the industry. Other post graduate opportunities include the Resident Artist positions, available to select individuals, for guiding alumni through the process of starting up a small business or working freelance.
Facilities
Parking – Students should plan for parking charges to begin in January 2012. The college will inform student of parking costs and options during the first term.
Resource Area – Students interested in learning more can visit CCCA’ resource area for movies, books, and scripts. Students have the opportunity to check out from a large assortment of films and TV episodes on DVD, scripts, and books.
Computers and Wireless Network – Wireless Internet service is available in all areas of the College, plus students may use available Mac computers. Contact the office for the wireless code. Computer use is limited by availability and current class schedule; contact an instructor for further information.
Equipment Usage – All CCCA students have access to the school’s equipment for various projects and assignments. Students are permitted to check out equipment with the SSC and are responsible for its maintenance and safe return. All equipment is kept in-house and is available for matriculating students. Students who wish to use this service must fill out an equipment-use form available from the Student Services Coordinator. The student is responsible for damage or loss deductible fee if damage or loss occurs while the equipment is checked out to the student.
Copier and Printer – A network printer is available for student use in printing and copying. A user code will be assigned to each student for use with the printer and copier. A charge of 10 cents per page will be assessed to the student’s account for printer/copier usage above 50 sheets per term. Please contact the office for assistance using the copier.
Break Room and Kitchenette – Students have access to the College’s break room and kitchenette facilities. Students may use the dishes in the kitchen but must to clean up after themselves. Washed dishes should be placed in the drying rack. A refrigerator is available for use. Please discard any old food or beverages.
Vending Machines – Soda vending machines stocked with Coca-Cola products, water, and juice is located near the break area. A snack vending machine is also available. Empty pop cans need to be disposed of in the large brown boxes in the break room area.
Trash and Recycle – Trash bins, paper and can recycle containers are located throughout the facility. Be sure to put trash and empty cans in the proper places.
Class Hours
Classes currently meet Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The student is in class no less than 25 hours per week with dedicated hours to homework and projects over and above class time. This accelerated pace is rigorous. On occasion, some classes may require that a student invest time in activities outside of the classroom. These are announced well in advance, allowing the student time to arrange their attendance. Class hours are subject to change at the discretion of the school.
School Cancellations
In case of inclement weather, cancellations are posted on the local news stations. Classes are canceled if a tornado watch or warning goes into effect within one (1) hour of the start of class.
Annual Security Report
The Campus Security Act (Public Law 102-26) requires postsecondary institutions to annually disclose the number of instances in which certain specific types of crimes have occurred in any building or on any property owned or controlled by this institution which is used for activities related to the educational purpose of the institution and/or any building or property owned or controlled by student organizations recognized by this institution.
In compliance with that law, CCCA prepares and individually notifies current students, staff, faculty, and prospective students of the Annual Security Report each September by email and/or standard mail. The Annual Disclosure of Crime Statistics report is prepared by the Student Services Coordinator who contacts the Grand Rapids Police Department for statistics and then records those statistics. This report details any instances of murder, negligent and non-negligent manslaughter, forcible and non-forcible sex offenses, robbery, aggravated assault, motor vehicle theft, arson, liquor & drug law arrests, and liquor & drug law violations referred for disciplinary action as well as any of the above that may be considered a hate crime. The report also details the College’s security procedures and regulations and may be obtained at any time from the Student Services Coordinator.
Reporting a Crime
CCCA does not employ campus security personnel; however, all students and employees are required to report any crime or emergency to the Student Services Coordinator promptly. If a student or employee wishes to report a crime on a voluntary or confidential basis, the SSC is prepared to record and report the crime, but not the name of the informant. The student or employee may, in order to maintain confidentiality, submit the information in writing to the SSC without signature. If the student wishes not to maintain confidentiality, the student should contact the SSC who in turn contacts the nearest supervisor to report criminal actions or emergencies to the appropriate agency by calling 9-1-1.
Please note that any emergency that requires immediate attention should not be waited upon to report to the SSC but rather contact the appropriate agency by calling 9-1-1.
Timely Warning
CCCA makes timely warnings to the campus community of crimes reported or other incidents that pose the potential for danger to students or employees. Depending on the nature of the incident, the following procedures are followed:
• An incident presenting imminent danger or injury, such as a robbery, assault, fire or natural disaster
o 9-1-1 will be called immediately and all affected students, faculty and administrative staff will be evacuated from the building or escorted to a safe location by the Student Services Coordinator or senior administrative staff.
• An incident presenting the possibility of future danger
o Students, faculty and administrative staff will be notified, verbally and by email, of the incident and advised of the caution that individuals should take in protecting themselves.
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