Q: Is your school accredited?
A: Yes. The Art Institute of Dallas is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, Telephone Number 404-679-4501) to award Associate of Applied Arts, Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees.
Q: Are my credits transferable?
A: We can't give you any assurance that your credits will transfer to another school because it is always up to the school to which you transfer to determine whether credits you earned at another school will be accepted. If you decide to transfer to another school within The Art Institutes system, not all of the credits you earn at our school may be transferable into that other school's program because programs offered by one school within the system won't be identical in every respect to similar programs at another school within the system. The Art Institute of Dallas does not imply, promise or guarantee the transfer of credits.
Q: If I relocate, will I be able to transfer to another Art Institute?
A: It is the policy of each school in The Art Institutes system to accept transfer students from other schools within the system. However, programs offered by one school will not be identical to similar programs at another Art Institute due to differences imposed by state law, use of different instructional models and local employer needs. Not all of the credits you earn at The Art Institute of Dallas may be transferable into that school's program. As soon as you anticipate transferring to another Art Institutes system school, you should consult with your Dean of Education. You must also be in good standing at the school from which you are transferring.
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Q: How do I find out whether my credits will transfer to another Art Institute?
A: As soon as you anticipate transferring to another school in the Art Institutes system, you should consult with your Dean of Education.
Q: What is the minimum grade for a course that may transfer to another Art Institutes' school?
A: A "C" or better. Anything less would put the student's academic standing in jeopardy and affect graduation requirements. This policy is one shared by the great majority of colleges and universities, as well.
Q: Is there a residency requirement connected with transferring?
A: Yes. It is necessary to complete at least the final 25% of your course work at the Art Institute where you receive your degree.
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Q: Will all General Education credits transfer to another Art Institute?
A: Due to differences imposed by state, licensing and accreditation boards, we cannot guarantee this.
Q: Can I complete my associate's degree at this Art Institute and then transfer into a bachelor's degree program at another Art Institute?
A: You certainly can do that. However, be aware that the status of your transfer credits is determined by the receiving institution. As soon as you anticipate transferring to another Art Institute system school, you should consult with your Dean of Education.
Q: Will there be equipment available at the school when I need it?
A: Our class size is small compared to most schools. Our labs are designed for one-on-one use in classes. In some cases, we work in teams to maximize labs or individual equipment. The Art Institute cannot guarantee hands-on usage beyond what is called for in the curriculum. As you would expect, equipment does break down from time to time. However, we have staff in our labs to make the repairs and keep the downtime to a minimum.
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Q: Why do I have to take the ASSET test?
A: The ASSET test measures reading, language and math literacy. A student's success in college programs can be partially attributed to their basic skill level. Skills most often identified by employers as critical to an entry-level job and for career growth include ability to read and follow directions, ability to communicate in writing and verbally, and ability to do computations in career-based applications such as preparing a project budget. While creativity and specific art, design or culinary talent is important, so are the skills necessary to function in life.
Q: Who is considered an international student?
A: For the purpose of being admitted to an Art Institutes school, international students are so designated by their need for nonimmigrant visa classification. Legal permanent residents of the United States, residents of U.S. territories, and naturalized citizens are not considered international students.
Q: Is The Art Institute of Dallas recognized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service?
A: Yes, The Art Institute of Dallas has been approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services to enroll F-1 or M-1 students. This approval means that The Art Institute of Dallas can issue the Form I-20 to nonimmigrant students who seek to become F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant aliens and who attend school here.
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Q: What are the admission requirements for international students?
A: International students follow all the same basic application procedures that domestic students follow. In addition, students whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Those students in need of a nonimmigrant student visa (F-1 or M-1) are also required to demonstrate their ability to meet all the costs associated with their education and living in the United States.
Q: Are there any special applications for international students?
A: No. International students complete the same basic application as domestic students. However, international students are required to complete a few additional forms in order to demonstrate English language proficiency and nonimmigrant visa status.
Q: How can I get an I/20 Form?
A: The Art Institute of Dallas must comply with all the federal regulations that govern the issuance of I-20 forms to nonimmigrant students. The federal government requires that each school authorized to issue I-20 forms appoint special individuals to prepare I-20 forms. These individuals are called Designated School Officials (DSO). The International Student Advisor (ISA) here at The Art Institute of Dallas is our school's designated school official. The ISA will determine what documents you need to submit before the school can issue you an I-20 form. Usually, international students in need of an I-20 form must submit to the school a completed application and enrollment agreement, official transcripts, proof of financial support, and proof of English language proficiency. Depending upon your individual circumstances, it might be necessary for you to submit additional documentation. The I-20 form cannot be issued until after you have been accepted for admission to the school.
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Q: Are there special resources for international students?
A: Yes. That International Student Advisor helps international students to understand and comply with all federal regulations required by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. The International Student Advisor also provides assistance with orientation to the campus and life in the United States. The International Student Advisor is available to provide ongoing assistance throughout the student's entire enrollment at The Art Institute of Dallas.
Q: If I do not have valid nonimmigrant status (if I am an illegal alien), can I attend school?
A: The legal status of an alien not in F or M nonimmigrant status is a matter between the alien and the INS. This statement means that if you are not in valid F or M nonimmigrant status at the time you wish to attend The Art Institute of Dallas, it is still possible for you to enroll. However, The Art Institute of Dallas cannot assure you that you will be able to remain in the United States to continue attendance. Also, students not in valid F-1 or M-1 status will receive none of the benefits that are usually granted to students in lawful F-1 or M-1 status.
Q: Can The Art Institute of Dallas help me change my nonimmigrant status from that of a visitor to that of a student?
A: The Art Institute of Dallas has no role in either establishing facts or evaluating the validity of any criteria that support a request for a change of nonimmigrant status from that of a tourist to that of a student. The school's responsibility is limited to issuance of Form I-20, to establish to the satisfaction of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services that a student qualifies for enrollment in an F-1 or M-1 educational program so designated by Homeland Security.
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Q: Can international students work while they study at an Art Institutes school?
A: The federal regulations that constrain nonimmigrant students with regard to their ability to accept employment anytime before, during, or after study in a U.S. educational institution are vast and complex. The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services does afford non-immigrant students in valid F-1 status (M-1 students are excluded) the opportunity to work on campus, provided that they are maintaining status. Whether or not you specifically could work on campus is dependent upon your nonimmigrant status and whether or not there are on-campus jobs for which you would qualify. After enrolling at The Art Institute of Dallas, you need to consult the International Student Advisor to determine your eligibility.
Q: Can The Art Institute of Dallas help me get a job with an American company after I graduate?
A: Opportunities for the employment of nonimmigrant aliens in the United States are severely limited by federal regulations imposed by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services. Attendance at an Art Institutes system school or subsequent graduation from any Art Institutes system school does not constitute eligibility for employment in the United States. You are urged to consult with your own legal counsel regarding eligibility for employment authorization following graduation.