General Institutional Information
*The Title IX Act (1964) was passed to end discrimination in various fields based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in the areas of employment and public accommodation.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Art Academy of Cincinnati is committed to policies of equal opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or gender expression, age, or disability, veteran’s status, as protected by law, in all educational programs and activities, admission of students, advertisements, and conditions of employment. This policy is consistent with relevant governmental statutes and regulations, including those pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Students who have learning disabilities should contact the Dean of Student Services for assistance. Questions concerning Title IX may be referred to the Dean of Student Services who is the Art Academy’s Title IX coordinator.
• Privacy of student records – Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Services for students with disabilities
• Student body diversity
• Gramm–Leach–Bliley (GLB) Act & Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act -Information Security and Identity Theft Prevention Plan
• Bachelor of Fine Arts
• Master of Arts in Art Education
• Instructional Facilities
• Faculty
• Credit Hour Policy and Procedure
• Transfer of Credit Policy
• Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy
• MAAE Transfer Credit Policy
• Accreditation, Approval and Licensure of Institution
• Copyright Infringement / AI – Policies and Sanctions
• Student Technology Policy
• Student Activities
• Career Services
• Retention and Graduation Rates (NCES)
• Retention and Graduation Rates – Undergraduate 2013-2025
• Retention and Graduation Rates – Graduate 2014-2025
• AAC Enrollment Profile (NCES)
• AAC SNAAP 2022 Survey Results
• AAC General Information (NCES)
• AAC Admissions (NCES)
• AAC Enrollment (NCES)
• Graduation Rate by Gender and Ethnicity 2010-2018
• AAC Enrollment Profile (NCES)
College Employee Profile (May 2024)
• 97 employees
• 51.5% full time
• 48.5% part time
• 10.3% (10) administrators
• 54.6% (53) faculty
• 45.3% (44) staff
• 0.8% (8) Community Educations instructors
Complaint Policy and Procedure
Art Academy of Cincinnati Student Complaint Policy and Procedures
The Art Academy of Cincinnati (“AAC”) is committed to fostering an educational environment in which student concerns are addressed fairly, promptly, and equitably. Students are encouraged to first utilize the Academy’s internal grievance and complaint procedures whenever appropriate, as many concerns can be resolved through the institution’s established processes.
External Student Complaint Policy and Procedures
Nothing in the Academy’s policies limits a student’s right to file a complaint with an appropriate external agency. Students may submit complaints to the following organizations, as applicable.
Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE)
Students have the right to file a complaint with the Ohio Department of Higher Education regarding matters within the Department’s jurisdiction. Information regarding the complaint process, eligibility requirements, and instructions for submitting a complaint is available at:
Ohio Department of Higher Education – Student Complaints
https://highered.ohio.gov/students/current-college-students/student-complaints
Submit an Ohio Department of Higher Education Student Complaint
https://highered.ohio.gov/students/current-college-students/student-complaints/submit-complaint
Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
The Art Academy of Cincinnati is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Students who believe the Academy is not meeting the HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation and other accreditation requirements may submit a complaint directly to the Higher Learning Commission. The HLC reviews complaints that raise concerns regarding an institution’s compliance with its accreditation requirements. The HLC complaint process does not adjudicate individual disputes or provide individual remedies. Information about the Higher Learning Commission’s complaint process and instructions for filing a complaint is available at:
Higher Learning Commission – File a Complaint Against an Institution
https://www.hlcommission.org/for-students/file-a-complaint-against-an-institution/
The availability of these external complaint processes does not preclude students from utilizing the Academy’s internal complaint and grievance procedures. Students are encouraged to seek resolution through the Academy’s established procedures before pursuing an external complaint whenever appropriate. However, students retain the right to contact the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Higher Learning Commission, or any other governmental or accrediting agency authorized to receive complaints at any time.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Notice
Art Academy of Cincinnati | 2026-27
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program.PDF
This notice explains the Art Academy of Cincinnati’s standards for alcohol and drugs, the consequences of violations, health risks, and ways to get help. It applies to students and employees on AAC property and during AAC activities, including off-campus activities. AAC provides this notice under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and 34 CFR Part 86.
Standards of conduct
AAC prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of controlled substances and alcohol on AAC property or as part of an AAC activity. Students must follow the Alcohol and Drug Policy and Code of Student Conduct in the current Academic Catalog. Employees must also follow the Drug Free Workplace and Substance Abuse policy in the Employee Handbook.
AAC does not permit marijuana to be possessed, consumed, or dispensed on its premises or at AAC events, including marijuana that an adult may otherwise possess under Ohio law or medical marijuana. Ohio’s legalization does not override AAC’s campus rule. AAC does not permit students to enter its premises or attend AAC events while inebriated. Employees may not perform work while impaired in a way that compromises safety or their duties.
AAC holds an Ohio liquor permit. With AAC approval, alcohol may be served at exhibitions, receptions and other AAC events in locations and circumstances covered by the permit. Alcohol brought into AAC facilities by others requires prior case-by-case approval. The contracted bartender required by the current Academic Catalog manages service, checks valid proof of age, and refuses service to anyone under 21, intoxicated or presenting questionable identification. AAC may sell or otherwise provide alcohol only as its permit and Ohio law allow. No person under 21 may receive or consume alcohol at an AAC event, including where an exception to Ohio’s underage alcohol law might otherwise apply. Alcohol service outside the licensed area requires any applicable separate authorization.
For employees, the handbook also prohibits alcohol, marijuana (including medical marijuana), illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia on AAC premises, in AAC vehicles, and wherever an employee is performing job duties. An employee may consume alcohol at a College function only when and where management specifically authorizes it, and consumption must be responsible. Employees may not report to or remain at work under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal drugs, or of medication used contrary to a physician’s instructions. The handbook addresses drug and alcohol testing and requires employees to report medication that may impair safe job performance to a supervisor or HR.
Prescription and nonprescription medicines must be used lawfully and as directed. Possessing another person’s prescription, distributing medication without authorization, or misusing a drug or product is prohibited. Housing agreements, studio rules and event requirements may impose additional restrictions.
Legal sanctions in Ohio
A violation may be prosecuted in addition to AAC discipline. The following are examples, not a complete penalty schedule. The result depends on the substance, amount, age, location, prior convictions and facts of the case. Cincinnati or other local rules may also apply to particular locations and events.
Alcohol
Ohio generally bars people under 21 from buying, possessing or consuming beer or intoxicating liquor. Underage possession or consumption under Ohio RC § 4301.69(E)(1) is a third-degree misdemeanor; selling or furnishing alcohol to an underage person under § 4301.69(A) carries a fine of $500 to $1,000 and may carry up to six months in jail. The law contains limited exceptions; AAC’s event policy remains stricter. Ohio RC § 4301.22 also prohibits permit holders and their agents from furnishing alcohol to an intoxicated person. Ohio restricts open containers in public places and vehicles, subject to exceptions, and prohibits operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. OVI can bring jail or prison, fines, license suspension and other penalties.
Controlled substances and marijuana
Ohio RC § 2925.11 prohibits unauthorized possession or use of controlled substances; § 2925.03 prohibits trafficking. Consequences range from misdemeanors to serious felonies with potential prison terms, depending on the drug and amount. Ohio allows regulated marijuana activity for adults 21 and older, but prohibits adult-use marijuana possession or use by people under 21 and limits where marijuana may be smoked or vaporized. AAC’s marijuana prohibition applies regardless of an adult’s eligibility under Ohio law.
Art Academy of Cincinnati | Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Notice 1
Federal law
Under 21 USC § 844, a first federal simple-possession conviction may carry up to one year of imprisonment, a minimum $1,000 fine, or both; repeat convictions have higher mandatory minimum penalties. Federal manufacture and distribution offenses under 21 USC § 841 can carry much longer prison terms and larger fines, depending on the drug, quantity, injury and criminal history. Marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law. Property forfeiture and other consequences may apply in some cases.
Health Risks
Alcohol impairs attention, judgment and coordination and raises the risk of injury, violence and alcohol poisoning. Heavy or prolonged use can cause dependence, liver and heart disease and several cancers. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and sometimes requires medical care.
Opioids, including fentanyl, can slow or stop breathing and cause fatal overdose. Sedatives and alcohol taken together increase overdose risk. Stimulants may cause dangerous changes in heart rate or blood pressure, anxiety or psychosis. Cannabis can impair memory, coordination and driving and can worsen anxiety or cause dependence for some people. Misuse of prescription medicines carries many of the same risks as illicit drugs; counterfeit pills can contain unexpected substances. Combining substances makes effects less predictable and can increase overdose risk.
If someone is unconscious, breathing slowly, or may have overdosed, call 911 immediately. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988. Do not leave the person alone while waiting for help.
Counseling, treatment and recovery
Students may contact AAC Student Affairs at 513-562-6260 to ask about counseling and wellness resources and referrals. AAC’s Employee Handbook describes a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal concerns. Employees may contact Human Resources through the main number, 513-562-6262, for EAP information and referrals.
Community options include the Center for Addiction Treatment in Cincinnati (513-381-6672) for assessment, detoxification and treatment, and FindTreatment.gov for a confidential treatment locator. For immediate emotional support or substance use concerns, call or text 988. If there is imminent danger or a suspected overdose, call 911. Treatment cost and insurance coverage vary by provider.
AAC disciplinary action
AAC will impose appropriate disciplinary sanctions for violations of its standards of conduct, consistent with law and its applicable student or employee procedures. AAC may also refer suspected criminal conduct to law enforcement.
For students, sanctions may include a warning, loss of privileges, restitution, a fine where authorized by the Student Code, probation, an educational or treatment program, suspension or expulsion. The Student Code describes the process and appeal rights. Student organizations may also face action under applicable AAC rules.
For employees, the Employee Handbook states that a violation of its Drug Free Workplace and Substance Abuse policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination, and may have legal consequences. Refusal to take a lawfully requested test, failure to provide a specimen within a reasonable time, or interference with a test can also lead to discipline up to and including termination. AAC determines corrective or disciplinary action under its employee policies and applicable law.
Where to find the full policy
The 2026-27 AAC Academic Catalog contains the Alcohol and Drug Policy, Substance Abuse Education resources,
Code of Student Conduct and student disciplinary procedures. The Employee Handbook contains the Employee Assistance Program in §5.4 and the workplace drug, alcohol and discipline policies in §§7.2-7.4; employees may request the handbook or policy information from Human Resources. AAC reviews its prevention program every two years and makes the review available as required by federal regulation.
Sources and current policy
Legal references checked September 25, 2026.
AAC Employee Handbook, sections 5.4 and 7.2-7.4 | |||
Art Academy of Cincinnati | Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Notice
