2018-2019 COLLEGE catalog This catalog reflects the best information available as of June, 2018. All statements concerning fees, financial aid, course offerings, programs of study, admissions criteria and graduation requirements are subject to change without notice or obligation. Students are advised to inquire within the appropriate office concerning any changes. Villa Maria College does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, disability, sex, sexual orientation, domestic violence victim status, marital status, veteran status, military status, predisposed genetic carrier status and any other characteristics or protected status recognized by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to admissions, all terms and conditions of employment, and any other aspect regarding the conduct of College programs and activities. table of contents About the College ................................................................................................ 4 Accreditations ....................................................................................................... 5 HEGIS Codes ........................................................................................................ 5 Academic Calendar ............................................................................................... 6 Admissions ............................................................................................................ 7 Basic Financial Information ................................................................................... 12 Financial Aid Information .................................................................................... 15 Academic Information .........................................................................................25 Student Rights and Responsibilities ....................................................................43 Student Services ..................................................................................................45 Student Clubs and Organizations .......................................................................49 Campus Resources ..............................................................................................51 Programs of Study ...............................................................................................50 Art Department .................................................................................................. 54 Animation ............................................................................................................54 Digital Filmmaking ..............................................................................................57 Fashion Design and Merchandising ....................................................................59 Fine Arts ..............................................................................................................61 Graphic Design ....................................................................................................63 Integrated Arts ....................................................................................................67 Interior Design .................................................................................................... 70 Historic Preservation ...........................................................................................74 Photography ........................................................................................................75 Liberal Arts and Professional Studies Department ............................................ 79 Business Administration ..................................................................................... 79 Creative Writing and Literature ......................................................................... 85 Digital Media and Communication .................................................................... 88 Liberal Arts ..........................................................................................................90 Occupational Therapy Assistant .........................................................................91 Physical Therapist Assistant ............................................................................... 94 Psychology ......................................................................................................... 97 Music Department ............................................................................................ 101 Music ................................................................................................................ 101 Music Industry .................................................................................................. 104 Courses of Instruction ...................................................................................... 106 Course Descriptions .........................................................................................108 Course Categories ........................................................................................... 163 Administration and Faculty Directory .............................................................. 169 Compliances and Accreditations ..................................................................... 175 Campus Map .................................................................................................... 177 about the college Mission Villa Maria College, founded by the Felician Sisters, provides students a rigorous and enriching educational experience. Offering academic programs with a broad core curriculum, the College transforms and empowers students to realize their intellectual, professional, creative and spiritual potential. Inspired by a welcoming Catholic tradition and a dynamic Franciscan spirit, Villa Maria College offers individual attention and fosters compassion, justice, peace, respect for human dignity and a commitment to service. Vision Villa Maria College will be the premier student-centered college in Western New York, characterized by an unyielding commitment to serving the needs of individual learners, with: • Cutting edge pedagogy guiding and empowering students through individual pathways to academic success; • Compassionate and caring faculty members who nurture emerging talent; • Robust student life experiences fusing academics and student life into a vibrant whole; • Opportunities for the personal development of life skills that help students realize their full potential as human beings; • Prudent fiscal management and stewardship in support of a Felician Franciscan environment and student- centered atmosphere. History Villa Maria College was founded by the Congregation of Sisters of St. Felix (Felician Sisters) as a teacher-training center for its sisters in the education apostolate. The congregation, founded by Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska in Poland, is a Franciscan community dedicated to providing education, social service, and health care to the poor and needy. The congregation’s mission spread to America and one of the provinces was established in Buffalo, New York. Mother Mary Annette Guzowski, Provincial Superior of the Buffalo province, together with the congregation, founded Villa Maria College in 1961. The College was established as an affiliate of the Catholic University of America. In 1961, a provisional charter was secured from the Board of Regents of the State of New York to grant Associate in Arts (A.A.) and Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees to women religious. In 1965, the charter was renewed and extended to include lay women who wished to pursue an associate degree. In 1968, the College was granted an Absolute Charter and was recognized as a co-educational institution. In 1974, the Associate in Science (A.S.) degree was added. In 1972, the College became fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Reaffirmation was received in 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1999, 2003 and 2008. In 2005, the Absolute Charter was amended for the College to offer its first baccalaureate degree. Villa Maria College is a member of the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities. Villa Maria College is a Felician Franciscan Sponsored Ministry. Accreditations Villa Maria College is chartered by the Board of Regents of The University of the State of New York. It is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, t: 267.284.5600. The Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and The Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The College’s degree programs are registered by the New York State Education Department, Office of Higher Education, Room 977, Education Building Annex, Albany, NY 12234, t: 518.474.1551. 4 | COLLEGE CATALOG VILLA MARIA COLLEGE accreditations The Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Physical Therapist Assistant at Villa Maria College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE),1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; e-mail: [email protected]; website: http://www.capteonline.org. The Occupational Therapy Assistant program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery