2022–2023 Student Handbook and Course Catalog

2022–2023 Student Handbook

and Course Catalog

Seattle Campus

Published January 21, 2022

Updated October 17, 2022

Contents

Welcome from the Head of School .................................................................................................................... 3

Authorization ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Statement of Institutional Philosophy ................................................................................................................ 4

AIE Mission ........................................................................................................................................................ 4

Contact .............................................................................................................................................................. 4

School Certifying Officials .................................................................................................................................. 4

Faculty and Staff ................................................................................................................................................ 5

Facilities ............................................................................................................................................................ 6

Classes ............................................................................................................................................................... 6

Rights and Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................. 7

College Learning Outcomes................................................................................................................................ 8

Admission Requirements and Procedures .......................................................................................................... 9

Policies ............................................................................................................................................................ 11

Computer Use Limitations ............................................................................................................................... 20

AIE Network Use Policy .................................................................................................................................... 21

AIE Intellectual Property (IP) Policy for Students .............................................................................................. 22

Complaints and Grievances .............................................................................................................................. 23

Student Grievance Procedure .......................................................................................................................... 24

Counseling ....................................................................................................................................................... 24

General Information ........................................................................................................................................ 24

Attendance ...................................................................................................................................................... 27

FERPA Policy..................................................................................................................................................... 31

Graduation Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 32

Tuition and Fees .............................................................................................................................................. 32

Payment Plans and Debt Collection .................................................................................................................. 33

Refund Policy ...................................................................................................................................................

AIE Title IV Refund Policy ................................................................................................................................. 36

Veterans Benefits Transition Policy .................................................................................................................. 38

AIE Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy ............................................................................................. 39

Prior Learning Assessment ............................................................................................................................... 40

Assessment...................................................................................................................................................... 43

Assessment Appeal Policy ................................................................................................................................ 44

International Students ..................................................................................................................................... 45

Refund Policy for International Students .......................................................................................................... 46

Program Descriptions ...................................................................................................................................... 49

Advanced Diploma – Game Programming ................................................................................................... 49

Advanced Diploma – Game Art and Animation............................................................................................ 55

Advanced Diploma – Game Design and Production ..................................................................................... 62

Advanced Diploma – 3D Animation and Visual Effects ................................................................................. 69

Cancellation/Withdrawal Form ........................................................................................................................ 76

Student Signature Page .................................................................................................................................... 77

2022–2023 Calendar ........................................................................................................................................ 78

Welcome from the Head of School

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) offers certificate and diploma programs to train its students to

become employable as a computer programmer, graphic artist, or visual effects engineer in a variety of

settings. Our graduates work developing video games, social and casual web-based games, film special effects,

virtual reality applications, massively multiplayer hosting solutions, serious gaming simulations, military

simulations, and applications for medicine and industry. We welcome you to our community and encourage

you to enjoy your time participating in our educational experience. We have dedicated immense research into

developing our courses with professional and industry guidance for decades and hope that you take away from

them the skills and knowledge that will guide you on your educational journey and chosen career path.

Catalog certified as true and correct for content and policy.

Ursula Frank

Head of School, Seattle Campus

Dated: January 11, 2022

Authorization

AIE Seattle is licensed under Chapter 28C.10 RCW. Inquiries or complaints regarding this private vocational

school may be made to:

Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board

128 - 10th Avenue SW

PO Box 43105, Olympia, Washington 98504

wtecb@wtb.wa.gov

Telephone: 360-709-4600 fax: (360) 586-5862 web: wtb.wa.gov

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment is accredited by the

Commission of the Council on Occupational Education

7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350

Telephone: 770-396-3898 / FAX: 770-396-3790, web: www.council.org.

Selected programs of study at AIE are approved by the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board’s

State Approving Agency (WTECB/SAA) for enrollment of those eligible to receive benefits under Title 38 and

Title 10, USC.

AIE will limit student enrollment to 85% veteran enrollment for each separately approved educational or vocational

objective. If a veteran wishes to enroll in a program that has already reached the 85% cap, he or she may do that but will

not be eligible for VA funding. Chapter 35 and 31 students may still enroll even if the 85 percent has been realized.

Statement of Institutional Philosophy

Established in 1996 by John and Vicki De Margheriti, the Academy of Interactive Entertainment is recognized as

Australia’s peak non-profit Registered Training Organization for the Australian video games, 3D animation and

related industries. As such, it is our goal to bring our expertise and development skills to the United States to

facilitate the development of qualified programmers, engineers, and artists at both the vocational and

academic levels for the ever-expanding American market. Specializing in 3D computer graphics, games

programming, game design, film, and media, AIE provides real pathways to employment via training approved

by industry and delivered by industry-experienced teachers. AIE has close ties with many leading industry

players and has won several awards for excellence in educational development and delivery. All AIE full-time

certificate and diploma programs are accredited and recognized through the Australian Qualifications

Framework. AIE has four campuses in Australia (Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, and Sydney), as well as two

campuses in the United States (Seattle, WA and Lafayette, LA). AIE is nationally accredited in the United States

by the Council on Occupational Education, is approved to accept federal financial aid from the U.S. Department

of Education, is approved to accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill® by the Department of Defense and is approved to

accept international students by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Our commitment to our students is to offer courses that are topical, challenging and help successful students

to be able to quickly enter the industry. AIE staff is here to make your learning experience enjoyable and

productive. Please do not hesitate to talk to us if there is anything we can do to assist you with your studies.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about

education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at

https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

AIE Mission

AIE trains students for employment and career opportunities in 3D animation, game development and

related fields through the provision of world class education as well as acting as a catalyst to build these

industries.

Contact

Academy of Interactive Entertainment

305 Harrison Street, Suite 405

Seattle, WA 98109

Phone: 206-428-6350

seattle.aie.edu/

School Certifying Officials

Name and Position

Phone

Ursula Frank – Head of School, Seattle Campus

[email protected]

(206) 686-0136

Romi Kanda – Controller

romi.kanda@aie.edu

(206) 397-8635

Jessica Rueda – Financial Aid Administrator

jessica.rueda@aie.edu

(206) 428-6351

Faculty and Staff

Administration

Ursula Frank – Head of School, Seattle Campus

[email protected]

(206) 686-0136

Krystle Cruz – Student Services Coordinator

krystle.cruz@aie.edu

(206) 428-6350

Bethany Hays – Events Officer

bethany.hays@aie.edu

(206) 428-6350

Kate Kruse – Events and Administrative Officer

kate.kruse@aie.edu

(206) 428-6350

Ya-Ya Fairley

[email protected]

(206)428-6350

AIE USA Administration

Romi Kanda – Controller

romi.kanda@aie.edu

(206) 397-8635

Jessica Rueda – Financial Aid Administrator

jessica.rueda@aie.edu

(206) 428-6351

Teaching Faculty

Terry Nguyen

Game Programming

Advanced Diploma of Game Development Specializing in Game Programming from the

Academy of Interactive Entertainment at Seattle, Washington; Legacy Award winner at

AIE; six years’ experience of contracting and independent game development.

Andy Romine

Game Art and Animation;

3D Animation and VFX

Bachelor of Communication Arts with emphasis in Film and Television Production from

the University of Memphis; Character VFX Artist with Digital Domain and with

Dreamworks Animation.

Aaron Roxby

Game Design & Production

Fifteen years’ experience in the game industry including MMORPG, Casual Puzzle, RPG,

Hidden Object, Card Game, Simulation, and Interactive Fiction genres; veteran of

companies including Blizzard Entertainment, Disney Interactive, Zynga, ArenaNet, and

Big Fish Games; has developed games in the United States, India, Czech Republic, and

Ukraine.

Gavin Looker

Game Design & Production

Bachelor's Degree in Interactive Game Design and Development from the Savannah

College or Art and Design. After graduation Gavin worked as a journalist for

theGamer.com, and spent 2 years as a Programmer and Narrative Designer for Epoch

Games.

Robert Rood

Game Programming

Freelance C# Developer/Technical Artist focusing on Cross-Platform Virtual Reality

Development in Unity; three years’ experience teaching Game Development using C#

and Unity to students from US, Netherlands, Mexico, and China; co-organizer for the

Seattle Unity User Group; former Academy of Interactive Entertainment Advisory

Board Member.

Sean Welch

Game Art and Animation

3D Animation and VFX

A former Freeskier turned filmmaker, Sean made his way into visual effects and 3D

motion design after falling in love with the process of making ski and snowboard films.

He launched his own freelancing business for VFX & 3D Motion Design and has since

worked for a variety of clients, including Microsoft, Kiazer Permanente, and the US

Marine Corps. As well as a few dozen short films and privet clients, Sean has touched

just about every aspect of the digital artistic process.

Harry Teasley

Game Art and Animation

Bachelor of Fine Arts from Maryland Institute College of Art; 25+ year game industry

veteran Production Artist and Art Director with Microprose, Midway Home

Entertainment, Valve, Turbine, and Wizards of the Coast.

Facilities

AIE Seattle operates in a series of suites in the historic Armory Building, which was constructed in 1939 to serve

as a munitions warehouse prior to World War II. Currently it serves as a central hub for the Seattle Center

campus, sitting in the shadow of the Space Needle near the Museum of Popular Culture and the Chihuly Glass

Museum. The Armory Building is home to schools, theatre companies, and eateries, as well as being a terminus

for the Seattle Monorail.

AIE’s campus totals four dedicated classrooms, each equipped with state-of-the-art computers, software, and

peripheral hardware (e.g., drawing tablets, VR development kits, and game consoles). There is a library for

student use, as well as breakout space in the meeting room. Offices for Seattle faculty and staff are onsite, and

those for AIE USA financial staff are only a few blocks away at Queen Anne Square. All AIE facilities are ADA

compliant.

Classes

Classes are taught on a studio model, emulating the industry workplace environment, with project-based

assessment against industry skills standards and criteria. Learning and practice are integrated and take place in

the same space, so transitions between theory and practice are unhindered.

AIE strives to maintain a student–teacher ratio of 25:1. Classes that grow larger than that ratio will see the

addition of ancillary instructors to assist the primary teacher.

Rights and Responsibilities

As an AIE student, you have rights and responsibilities as outlined below:

Students have the right:

• To a course of study that meets current

educational standards of presentation,

content, and organization.

• To have work assessed against the prescribed

criteria, in a manner that is prompt and

helpful.

• To be treated with respect, in a non-

discriminatory way.

• To appeal against any assessment and on any

grievance.

• To have personal information secured from all

but those authorized to access it.

• To information which will assist in the choice

and management of the program.

• To accurate information about assessment

requirements and criteria.

• To a safe work environment.

• To a positive and helpful learning

environment.

• To have access to academic counseling.

• To have work assessed and feedback provided

as quickly as possible.

• To be kept informed of teacher availability for

consultation or any other matter that affects

study. Teachers can be available through face-

to-face contact either in class or by

appointment, telephone, email, and Skype.

• To be given information about assessment

requirements and due dates by the end of

second week of study.

It is the student’s responsibility:

• To practice effective time management that

prioritizes education.

• To self-evaluate work before submission.

• To treat others with respect

• To raise and discuss issues which affect their

academic progress.

• To respect the personal information of others.

• To accept a high degree of responsibility for

the management of their own learning.

• To familiarize themselves with the assessment

requirements and to seek clarification where

necessary.

• To ensure that the work submitted for

assessment is their own work.

• To adhere to occupational health and safety

regulations.

• To contribute constructively to the learning of

others.

• To take good care of the work environment

and equipment.

• To practice good hygiene, self-care, and

appropriate workplace dress.

• To adhere to all regulations and agreements

regarding nondisclosure, network, and

intellectual property.

• To ensure that tuition fees are paid on time

according to the invoice and/or repayment

contract.

• To be familiar with the policies and

procedures contained within this Student

Handbook.

• To make sure to check emails, intranet, and

bulletin boards regularly.

• To ensure AIE has up-to-date contact

information.

College Learning Outcomes

Academy of Interactive Entertainment students, faculty, staff, and administration are committed to the

employability of our graduates. We promote the knowledge, habits and skills leading to success in a diverse,

technological, and information-driven society.

Collaboration

• Interact ethically in diverse and complex situations.

• Communicate successfully across cultures.

• Value own and others’ individuality.

• Use honest and ethical behavior in all actions.

• Work together with colleagues in an efficient, supportive, and productive manner.

• Organize and work in team structures to undertake and complete projects.

Communication

• Demonstrate speaking, listening, and writing skills effectively.

• Analyze and respond to the needs of clients with sensitivity.

• Utilize lines of communication to convey information effectively.

Performance

• Demonstrate job-specific technical skills for entry level employment.

• Meet industry-specific skills standards and professional quality standards.

• Monitor one’s own performance to achieve professional standards.

Problem Solving

• Apply decision-making strategies.

• Use multiple resources to gather information to solve problems.

• Reflect on and improve one’s own performance.

Responsibility

• Assume responsibility for assigned tasks.

• Assume responsibility for supporting a team as a member of the team.

• Take responsibility for own learning.

Admission Requirements and Procedures

Admissions Policy

AIE has a liberal admissions policy; the college is committed to giving every qualified student who is interested in

a career in digital media the chance to receive a quality education.

Application

To apply for an AIE course, a completed official application form, accompanied by supplemental materials

listed below, must be submitted to the AIE campus by the priority closing date for applications. Check the

website (seattle.aie.edu) to allow time to gather the materials you need to apply. AIE staff will process the

application forms and select applicants to be interviewed. Should the campus reach capacity, subsequent

priority application dates will be cancelled, so early application is encouraged.

Application Process

1. Complete an application form and supplemental materials.

1. Put together a portfolio of your work.

2. Complete an Administrative Interview and Portfolio Review.

3. Admission Decision.

4. If offered Acceptance, complete Enrollment forms.

In addition to your application, you will need to submit the following supplemental materials (Please submit

copies, as submitted materials will not be returned.):

• High school diploma OR GED certificate—if a high school senior, provide most recent transcripts

• 250-word personal statement as outlined on the application (optional but strongly encouraged)

• For more information about the application process, to download an application form, or complete an

application form online, go to: http://aie.edu/studentinformation/applications/

Portfolio Requirements for Game Programming

Game Programming Portfolios from applicants who have done previous programming work should include

actual code samples as well as compiled working applications. Past portfolios have included IOS/

Windows/Android mobile applications, game engine mods such as: Visual Basic/Studio projects, and various

other examples. We will accept either digital (email, DropBox, Flash Drive, etc.) or physical portfolios.

Good grades in math, physics, information technology, and other computer-related classes are useful indicators

of an aptitude to learn how to program and may be used in lieu of a portfolio of actual programming examples

for individuals with no previous experience. Potential students should demonstrate a passion for programming,

a willingness to learn directly from the industry, and an aptitude for problem solving. Please contact AIE

directly with questions.

Portfolio Requirements for Game Art and Animation

The Game Art and Animation portfolio should demonstrate the aptitude to visually communicate. Applicants

should provide 5-15 examples of their work, with at least one drawing from life (still, gesture, environment,

etc.) Past portfolios have included oil paintings, gesture drawings, still life drawings, poster designs, short

animations, sculptures, concept art, character, level designs, and many more media.

The work chosen for the portfolio should be the applicant’s best examples. The Portfolio Review will be based

on the creative process from concept to presentation. We will accept either digital (email, DropBox, Flash

Drive, etc.) or physical copies. Please contact AIE directly with questions.

Portfolio Requirements for 3D Animation and Visual Effects

The portfolio for 3D Animation and VFX should contain evidence of creative ability. Applicants who have

explored animation and/or visual effects should provide their best examples. Applicants who have a strong

interest in the area, but do not have previous experience, should use the portfolio to demonstrate their ability

to imagine and realize a creative piece of work in media that they are more familiar with.

All applicants should provide at least one drawing from life (still, gesture, environment, etc.). Portfolios can

include short animations, gesture drawings, poster designs, sculptures, concept art and character designs. We

will ask you about your creative process from concept to presentation during the portfolio review. We will

accept either digital (email, DropBox, Flash Drive, etc.) or physical copies. Please contact AIE directly with

questions.

Portfolio Requirements for Game Design and Production

A design portfolio should include any design work the applicant has done. It does not matter if it is a design for

a game, a chair, a car, an electric toothpaste opener; it is all relevant! The key is speaking to the process used

to reach that design goal. The act of solo design is one thing but communicating one’s ideas to others is

another. Showing AIE any written work the applicant has done in the past, be it instructional, informative, or

entertaining would be advantageous. Equally, admissions staff will consider an applicant's overall grades,

including writing courses, art courses, computer science courses, and math courses, plus any game related

training.

Interview

Selected applicants will be contacted to schedule an administrative interview and portfolio review. Applicants

will be instructed on what to bring and where to go. It is important that applicants bring all necessary materials

at the time of their interview, as failure to do so may delay the enrollment process.

Enrollment

Accepted students must complete the enrollment form and remit enrollment fee (tuition deposit) to enrolled

officially. All enrollment forms MUST be received by AIE and a payment plan in place before the beginning of

the course.

Policies

Privacy

In accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 in Australia and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

as amended (FERPA) in the USA, it is AIE’s policy to ensure the privacy of all staff, students and third parties.

Any confidential information obtained by AIE and committees, individuals or organizations acting on its behalf

will be safeguarded by secure storage and accessed only by designated persons.

No information will be disclosed to a third party without the written consent of the client or student, except as

required under the standards for Registered Training Organizations or by law. Details provided may be checked

with or supplied to other authorized agencies; for example, the Integrated Postsecondary Data System (IPEDS)

in the USA, or the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard

(AVETMISS) for external reporting purposes. By request, through the Head of School or designee, students

and/or clients can access their personal records.

AIE will try to make sure that the copyright laws are understood for the protection of students and the school.

The reproduction of software onto removable media or other locations is not permitted by law. A breach of

Students should ask their instructor if they have any doubts about the legality of what they are doing.

Academic Support

Students requiring additional academic support should first approach the instructor, who may refer the issue to

the Head of School or designee. Support will be given on an individual basis and may involve suggestions or

referral to an agency recommended by AIE.

Non-Discriminatory Policy

AIE is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for students, potential students, employees, and

visitors. As such, AIE does not discriminate in administering its educational policies, admissions policies,

scholarships, loans and any other programs or activities administered by AIE based on, but not limited to, the

following: class; sex; gender identification/expression; sexual identification/expression; national origin;

religion; race; color; creed; ethnic origin; veteran/military status; the presence of any sensory, mental or

physical disability; education; age; domestic/marital status; or any other perceived differences. AIE encourages

individuals from all backgrounds to be themselves and feel welcome at our campuses and at AIE-sponsored

events.

Please contact Ursula Frank, Head of School at ursula.frank@aie.edu with any questions regarding this policy.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Students with Specific Needs

AIE actively promotes equity in access to, and participation in, vocational education and training in accordance

with US federal and state policies. AIE is committed to equal opportunity for all students.

AIE applies the principle of “reasonable accommodation” in providing support for students of equity groups. In

some cases, AIE can make flexible arrangements so that students are not disadvantaged. These might include

special places in a course, curriculum modification or alternative assessment arrangements. Students are

responsible for informing their instructor or specific needs. AIE will assist you if we know your needs. Please

help us to help you by giving us the information.

Procedurally, any student in need of any accommodation should speak directly with the Student Services

Coordinator, who will document the accommodation fully and inform faculty and staff as appropriate to ensure

that implementation is smooth and confidential. The Head of School will also check in with the student no less

than quarterly to ensure that accommodations are working successfully.

Access and Equity

AIE is committed to access and equity for all students. It is not only a staff responsibility but also the

responsibility of our whole learning community to make sure that no student is discriminated against because

of race, color, origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious beliefs and/or any other

circumstance, characteristic, appearance, or belief.

Vaccination Policy

Beginning July 2021, in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with Washington State

Governor emergency proclamation 20-12 for institutions of higher education, the Academy of Interactive

Entertainment will require all staff and students to be vaccinated while on campus. Students are welcome to

provide a medical or religious waiver to this requirement by contacting the Head of School at

ursula[email protected]

Recruitment Policy

AIE does not and will not provide any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or

indirectly on success in securing enrollment or financial aid to any persons or entities engaged in any student

recruiting or admissions activities or in making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance.

Harassment

Nothing in this policy prevents the student from contacting the Workforce Board at 360-709-4600 at any time

with a concern or complaint. Students may contact the Council on Occupational Education at 800-917-2081.

It is the policy of AIE to provide a workplace free of harassment and to uphold relevant federal and Washington

State legislation. All students/staff are expected to fully comply with this policy. Harassment is offensive,

belittling, or threatening behavior directed at an individual or group. Harassment is behavior that is

unwelcome, unsolicited, usually unreciprocated, and usually (but not always) repeated. Harassment is often

focused on the sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, cultural or racial background or disability of the

individual or group. For harassment to occur there does not have to be an intention to offend or harass.

Moreover, harassing behavior may be of a minor nature. Individual incidents may seem too trivial to warrant

attention, or the person subjected to harassment may seem unaffected. However, where the behavior

continues over a period and it is not addressed, such behavior can undermine the standard of conduct.

Examples of harassing behavior include:

• Offensive physical contact, derogatory language, or intimidating actions

• Insulting or threatening gestures or language (overt or implied), or continual and unwarranted shouting

• Unjustified and unnecessary comments about a person’s work or capacity for work

• Openly displayed pictures, posters, graffiti, or written materials which might be offensive to some

• Phone calls or messages on electronic mail or computer networks which are threatening, abusive or

offensive to students/staff

• Sexual harassment, which can consist of any of the following:

− Unwelcome comments about a person’s sex life or physical appearance

− Suggestive behavior such as leering or ogling

− Unnecessary familiarity such as deliberately brushing up against a person

− Sexual jokes, offensive telephone calls, photographs, reading matter, or objects

− Displaying sexually suggestive digital content in any way

− Sexual propositions or continual requests for dates

− Physical contact such as touching or fondling

− Indecent assault or rape (which is also a criminal offense).

AIE recognizes that in any area of human interaction, the boundaries of what constitutes harassment may vary

from one individual to another. In addition, individuals may have different boundaries for different

relationships. Each student/staff member is responsible for recognizing and respecting the boundaries set by

others. Students who believe they are being harassed should talk to an instructor or other AIE staff member

immediately.

Communication of Harassment Policy to Students

AIE’s Harassment Policy is communicated to students by:

• Publishing the policy in the Student Handbook, which is published online and ensuring that each

student receives a digital copy

• Bringing students’ attention to the policy

• Publishing a summary of the policy on noticeboards, including contact officers.

Contact Officers

Ursula Frank, Head of School

(206) 686-0136 (direct line)

The Head of School will also serve as the primary point of contact for any complaints or violations that would

be covered under the Title IX regulations.

Procedures for Resolving Harassment Complaints

5. If a student believes he or she has been or is being harassed, that student should report the

circumstances to the appropriate contact officer (see Contact Officers section above).

6. The contact officer will carefully follow the established process as laid out in the Policy Documents

Manual. Full details of this process are available from the harassment officers.

7. If the allegation regards the contact officer or the Head of School, students should contact any other

Department Head (another US Head of School or the CEO). All staff members can assist in this.

Violence Against Women

The Violence Against Women Act of 2013 requires inclusion of information on this topic in our handbook and

student orientation. AIE is committed to maintaining an environment supportive of its primary education

missions and free of exploitation and intimidation for everyone. It will not tolerate sexual assault or other

forms of non-consensual sexual activity. This policy is applicable to students, faculty, and staff regardless of

gender. AIE enforces this policy through internal disciplinary and grievance procedures and encouragement of

external prosecution through the appropriate local law enforcement officials.

Sex offenses covered under this policy include any sexual act directed against another person forcibly or against

that person’s will where the victim is incapable of giving consent due to his/her youth or temporary or

permanent mental or physical incapacity.

Victims of sex offenses are encouraged to report the offense as soon as possible after the incident. The Head of

School or designee can provide information regarding assistance, resources, and options for action available to

the victim. In addition, victims of sex offenses are reminded of their right to report the matter directly to local

law enforcement officials.

Complaints against enrolled students or school employees will be forwarded to the Head of School or designee

for resolution. Sanctions that may be imposed against students or employees found guilty of sex offenses

defined under the policy are varied and include, without limitation, suspension, or termination from the school

for students, suspension, or termination of employment for employees and referral of the matter to local law

enforcement officials.

The Realities of Rape

In 2014, the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics report on Rape and Sexual Assault Among

College-Age Females, 1995–2013 indicated that:

• For both college students and nonstudents, the offender was known to the victim in about 80% of rape

and sexual assault victimizations.

• Most (51%) student rape and sexual assault victimizations occurred while the victim was pursuing

leisure activities away from home, compared to nonstudents who were engaged in other activities at

home (50%) when the victimization occurred.

• The offender had a weapon in about 1 in 10 rape and sexual assault victimizations against both

students and nonstudents.

• Rape and sexual assault victimizations of students (80%) were more likely than nonstudent

victimizations (67%) to go unreported to police.

What is Date Rape?

Date rape, also known as acquaintance rape, is sexual assault—the unlawful, possibly violent sexual behavior

that includes unwanted touching of another person’s vagina, penis, or buttocks, or forced penetration of a

genital or anal opening with an object.

Date rape is forced sex, even if the attacker knows the victim and even if the attacker and the victim have had

sex before. The force can be verbal or physical. Some acquaintance rapists use emotional coercion as well as

physical force. Forcing someone to have sex against his/her will, even if the attacker knows the person, is still

rape and it is still a crime.

Victims can be male, female, gay, straight, or bisexual. Regardless of poor communication, mixed signals or

body language that contradicts the spoken word, forced sexual conduct or intercourse with a non-consenting

acquaintance is date rape, and it is a crime.

How Does it Happen?

Some causes are sexual stereotyping:

• Although things are changing, society still frequently encourages men to be competitive and aggressive

and teaches women to be passive and avoid confrontation

• Men say they misunderstand a women’s words and actions—the excuse, “She said no, but meant yes.”

• Some people—men and women alike—still believe that it is okay for a man to demand sex if he takes a

woman out or buys her gifts, and that it is not rape if he forces sex on a woman who previously had sex

with him or other men.

• Women also feel that if they have previously had sex with a boyfriend who later forces them to have

sex against their will, it may not be considered rape.

Preventing Date Rape

• Be clear with dates or people in your life about what, if any, sexual behavior you are comfortable with

and keep talking as you get deeper into a relationship.

• Do not use alcohol or drugs—they decrease your ability to take care of yourself and make sensible

decisions and clouds your judgement and understanding of what the other person wants.

• Trust your gut feelings, if a place or the way your date acts makes you nervous or uneasy, leave. Always

take enough money for a cab fare.

• Check out a first date or blind date with friends. Meet in and go to public places. Take public

transportation or drive your own car.

• Leave social events with friends, not with someone you just met or do not know well.

• Always watch your drink and never leave it unattended. Do not accept beverages from someone you

do not know and trust.

• Forcing a person to have sex against their will is rape, a violent crime with serious consequences.

• Accept a person’s decision when they say “no.” Do not see it as a challenge.

• Ask yourself how sexual stereotypes affect your attitudes and actions toward others.

• Get help if you see anyone who appears to be in a situation where they are vulnerable.

• If a person is drunk and you have sex with them against their will/without clear consent, it is still rape.

• Seek counseling or a support group to help you if you feel violent or aggressive toward others.

If Date Rape Happens to You

• Remember that rape is rape. You are not to blame. Know that action against the rapist can prevent

others from becoming victims.

• Get help immediately. Phone the police, a friend, a rape crisis center, a relative. Do not isolate yourself,

do not feel guilty or ashamed, and do not try to ignore it. It is a crime that should be reported.

• Get medical attention as soon as possible. Do not shower, wash, douche, or change your clothes.

Valuable evidence could be destroyed.

• Get counseling to help you through the recovery process. Rape is a traumatic experience and trained

counselors can make recovery easier and quicker.

• If you think you have been sexually assaulted under the influence of a date rape drug, get medical help

immediately. Try not to urinate before providing any urine samples. If possible, collect any containers

from which you drank.

Occupational Health and Safety

AIE implements and maintains OSHA standards within our working and training environments in accordance

with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1991 and the Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice

2008 as legislated by the OSHA (http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/regional/reg6/ldeq_final.html

AIE aims to provide its students with a safe and healthy study environment. The student’s responsibility is to

know and follow “common sense” and all posted safety and fire regulations and utilize safety equipment

properly to protect themselves and fellow students from inconvenience or serious injury. It is every student’s

duty to report any unsafe conditions and defective working tools or equipment to the instructor or a staff

member. All accidents, no matter how small, should be immediately reported to the instructor or a staff

member.

Management/Teacher Action

To ensure that accidents and injury are avoided, staff shall ensure that:

• Work is not assigned which is hazardous or located in a hazardous area until all steps have been taken

to provide for the safety of the student.

• All students have received proper instruction and are familiar with pertinent health and safety rules

and regulations.

• Work areas are frequently examined to ascertain that the work environment is safe, and the

employees are working in a safe manner.

• All health and safety deficiencies are corrected immediately and are not repeated.

• Accidents are investigated and corrective action is initiated where necessary.

Student Health and Safety Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of all AIE students to uphold the AIE’s accident and injury prevention efforts. Students

are expected to participate actively in developing an awareness of safety and observing all established

precautionary measures.

Reporting Injuries

All injuries, irrespective of their nature, are to be reported immediately to the Head of School, who will help

decide the best action to be taken.

Accident Investigation

A completed Accident Investigation form must be returned to the Head of School as soon as possible so that

any necessary corrective actions can be implemented as soon as practicable. Forms are available from the

Administration Office. Should an accident occur in a classroom, the teacher of record is responsible to ensure

that an accident form is completed.

Affirmative Action Policy

AIE practices equal employment opportunities for all administrative, faculty and staff positions, and

encourages the practice in the recruitment and registration of students. AIE deems equal employment

opportunities to the employment of individuals without consideration of race, color, sex, religious creed,

marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or age. AIE

does not require genetic information from applicants or employees, or otherwise discriminate against any

person in employment conditions based on genetic information. Additionally, AIE will not unlawfully

discriminate against persons with a prior criminal conviction. Equal opportunity is the purpose and goal of

affirmative action.

Code of Conduct

Nothing in this policy prevents the student from contacting the Workforce Board at 360-709-4600 at any time

with a concern or complaint. Students may contact the Council on Occupational Education at 800-917-2081.

Students are always expected to behave appropriately while participating in AIE classes. In cases other than

harassment (as covered under ‘Harassment’ above), students can be dismissed from classes for inappropriate

behavior if the instructor determines that their behavior is disruptive and/or inappropriate to the classroom

environment and is detrimental to the well-being of the educational process of the class. The student, if

dismissed from the class, can file a request with the Head of School for readmission and the request will go

before the Discipline Committee of the school for advisement. The Discipline Committee is composed of one

faculty member and one administrative staff member. Both positions cycle annually. A written evaluation of

the teacher’s report on the dismissal will be sent to the student along with a decision on the appeal. All

decisions of the disciplinary committee are final.

AIE is a Drug-Free Zone

AIE-USA is a drug-free work environment. Substance abuse means the use or possession of any drug in a

manner prohibited by law. It also means the use of alcohol or any legal drug in a manner that an individual’s

performance is impaired beyond normal function. Any infraction of this policy is not tolerated, and any student

found in violation of this policy will be brought before the Disciplinary Committee and could be expelled.

Washington State Laws Regarding Minors in Possession (MIP) and Use

• Persons under the age of 21 may not acquire, possess, nor consume alcohol. Nor may other persons

furnish alcohol to anyone under 21 or permit underage consumption on premises within their control.

Penalty: Maximum $500 fine, 2 months’ imprisonment, or both.

• Persons under 21 may not be in a public place or in a vehicle in public while exhibiting the effects of

having consumed alcohol. A public place includes city streets and any buildings and grounds used for

school purposes. Penalty: Maximum $500 fine, 2 months’ imprisonment, or both.

• Persons under 21 may not purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol. Penalty: Maximum $1,000 fine, 90

days imprisonment or both.

• Alcohol may not be opened or consumed in a public place. Penalty: Maximum $1,000 fine.

• It is unlawful to manufacture, deliver, or possess an illicit drug. Penalty: Maximum $10,000 fine, 5 years

imprisonment, or both.

• It is unlawful to possess or use drug paraphernalia for purposes relating to the manufacture, delivery,

possession, or use of an illicit drug. Penalty: Minimum $250 fine and not less than 24 hours in jail.

Washington State Laws Regarding Driving

• Any minor in a possession (alcohol or drug) offense will result in loss of a driver’s license for one year

(1st offense) or for two years (2nd offense).

• Under age 21, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a .02–.07 BAC has the following penalties:

− 1st Offense: 90-day license suspension, maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine.

− 2nd Offense: License revoked until age 21 or at least 1 year, maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000

fine.

• Any age Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a BAC of .08 or higher has the following penalties:

− 1st Offense: 90-day license suspension, 1-day jail or 15-day electronic home monitoring, fines

$8,125, possible ignition interlock.

− 2nd Offense: License revoked for minimum of two years, minimum 30 days in jail and 60 days

electronic home monitoring, fines $8,125, possible five-year ignition interlock.

Washington State Law Regarding False Identification

• Possession of a false identification card is a misdemeanor. Penalty: Minimum $250 fine and 25 hours

community service.

Washington State Drug Laws (RCW 69.50)

The following is a partial list of illicit drugs considered to be controlled substances by the State of Washington:

Narcotics (opium and cocaine, and all drugs extracted, derived, or synthesized from opium and cocaine,

including crack cocaine and heroin); Methamphetamine; Barbiturates; and Hallucinogenic Substances (LSD,

peyote, mescaline, psilocybin, PCP).

• State Penalties for Illegal Sale of Controlled Substances: The illegal sale of any controlled

substance is

punishable by up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine, or both.

• State Penalties for Illegal Manufacture or Delivery of Controlled Substances: Schedule I or II Narcotics

or flunitrazepam – Up to 10 years in prison, $25,000 to $100,000 fine, or both. Any other controlled

substances under Schedule I, II, III, IV or V, except flunitrazepam - Up to 5 years in prison, $10,000 fine,

or both.

• State Penalties for Possession of Controlled Substances: Possession of any controlled substance is

punishable by up to 5 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

• More severe penalties are provided for persons convicted of providing controlled substances to minors,

to repeat offenses and to offenses on or near schools or parks.

Special Note Regarding Marijuana: Marijuana remains illegal for minors (persons under 21 years of age) to

possess, sell, or use and is illegal to possess for a person of any age in amounts over 28.3 grams.

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and policies concerning marijuana at AIE remain unchanged. It is

illegal to produce, distribute, or use marijuana on school property, during school-sponsored activities, or to be

under its influence while in class.

Federal Drug Laws

The possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs is prohibited by federal law. Strict penalties are provided for

drug convictions, including mandatory prison terms for many offenses. The following information, although not

complete, is an overview of federal penalties for first convictions. All penalties are doubled for any subsequent

drug conviction.

• Denial of Federal Benefits (21 USC §862): A federal drug conviction may result in the loss of federal

benefits, including school loans, grants, contracts, and licenses. Federal drug trafficking convictions

may result in denial of federal benefits for up to five years for a first conviction, 10 years for a second

conviction, and permanent denial of federal benefits for a third conviction. Federal drug convictions for

possession may result in denial of federal benefits for up to one year for a first conviction and up to five

years for subsequent convictions.

• Forfeiture of Personal Property and Real Estate (21 USC §853): Any person convicted of a federal

drug offense punishable by more than one year in prison shall forfeit to the United States any personal

or real property related to the violation, including houses, cars, and other personal belongings. A

warrant of seizure may be issued, and property seized at the time an individual is arrested on charges

that may result in forfeiture.

• Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties (21 USC §841): Penalties for federal drug trafficking convictions

vary according to the quantity of the controlled substance involved in the transaction. The following list

is a sample of the range and severity of federal penalties imposed for first convictions. Penalties for

subsequent convictions are twice as severe. If death or serious bodily injury results from the use of a

controlled substance that has been illegally distributed, the person convicted on federal charges of

distributing the substance faces a prison term of not less than 20 years, but not more than life, and

fines ranging up to $8 million. Persons convicted on federal charges of drug trafficking within 1,000 feet

of a university (21 USC §860) face penalties of prison terms and fines which are twice as high as the

regular penalties for the offense, with a mandatory prison sentence of at least one year.

• Federal Drug Possession Penalties (21 USC §844): Persons convicted on federal charges of possessing

any controlled substance face penalties of up to one year in prison and a minimum fine of $1,000, or

both. Second convictions are punishable by not less than 15 days but not more than two years in prison

and a minimum fine of $2,500. Subsequent convictions are punishable by not less than 90 days but not

more than three years in prison and a minimum fine of $5,000. Special sentencing provisions for

possession of crack cocaine impose a mandatory prison term of not less than five years but not more

than 20 years and a minimum fine of $1,000, or both, if:

− It is a first conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 5 grams

− It is a second conviction and the amount of crack possessed exceeds 3 grams

− It is a third or subsequent crack conviction and the amount exceeds 1 gram.

Civil penalties of up to $10,000 may also be imposed for possession of small amounts of controlled substances,

whether criminal prosecution is pursued. Special sentencing provisions for possession of Flunitrazepam

(Rohypnol, “roofies” or “roaches”) impose a prison term of not more than 3 years, a fine up to $5,000, or both.

Additional federal sanctions may also apply including forfeiture of vehicles used to transport controlled

substances, denial of federal benefits including student loans, grants, and contracts and denial or revocation of

certain federal licenses and benefits.

Weapons

The possession or use of firearms, knives (except non-spring pocketknives with blades less than 3.5 inches),

other weapons, explosives or fireworks of any kind are prohibited on school property and during any school

activity. The school reserves the right to inspect all items brought onto the school premises. Possession or use

of a firearm, knife (except non-spring pocketknife with a blade less than 3.5 inches), other weapon, explosive or

firework on school premises or during any school activity will result in the student’s immediate termination

from the school.

Personal Property

AIE expressly disclaims all liability and responsibility of every kind and nature whatsoever for any loss, theft,

damage, destruction, or other casualty to any personal property of any kind owned by any student, visitor or

other. Students are advised and warned they must personally take full and complete responsibility for

safekeeping of all their property on school premises and during any school activities.

Computer Use Limitations

• Loading of any software program of any description onto an AIE computer without permission.

• Playing computer games at inappropriate times.

• Inappropriate use of the Internet, including the unauthorized download of copyrighted material.

• Use of the Internet/computers for obscene or offensive material.

• Changing the configuration of any computer other than the screen resolution, sound, and volume.

• Modifying or interfering with the hardware of any computer, including opening the case.

• Unplugging the computer, monitor, or speakers for any reason.

• Removing keyboards, mice, or other equipment for use with personal laptops etc.

Failure to comply with these regulations may result in suspension or expulsion from the course.

AIE Network Use Policy

All network and computer access is controlled and monitored by teachers and AIE’s IT Department. As

computers are shared between students, and to reduce the risk of virus or spyware infection, students must

not install any software unless explicitly cleared by the Instructor or the IT Manager.

Each student has the responsibility to keep his or her work safe by following the back-up procedures as

directed by the instructor and the IT Manager. The classroom computers are not backed up. If the computer

needs to be rebuilt or replaced, or if a teacher or another student using the computer deletes another

student’s files, all data on the computer will be lost. Students should take home regular backups of their

coursework for safekeeping.

Full-time students are each allocated 1 GB of personal storage space on the network server. That drive is

backed up weekly, and in most cases can be recovered in the event of a server failure. Reports on drive usage

are generated on a regular basis. If a student has gone over the limit, the student must remove the excess data

immediately. If the student does not comply, the IT Manager will delete files until it is under the limit. Students

are encouraged to use a USB flash drive or similar device for personal storage and backup.

The instructor will discuss the proper use of other network drives. Students should not place files on these

drives unless the instructor gives permission. All storage on AIE computers and network are only to be used for

course-related material. Personal files should be kept on personal media such as a USB flash drive. AIE

computers and network must not be used in any manner that would be discriminatory, harassing, or obscene,

or for any other purpose that is illegal, against AIE policy, or not in AIE’s best interests. Students should keep

their passwords safe and log out when not at a computer. Do not log in using the username or password of

another student or a staff member, or otherwise attempt to impersonate another student or staff member for

any purpose. Any sort of “hacking,” “cracking” or otherwise attempting to bypass or compromise the security

of the AIE computers or network is absolutely forbidden. AIE will implement full disciplinary measures against

any student found to be involved in such activity, up to and including expulsion.

Do not use any area of the AIE network or computers for illegal, offensive, or copyright-infringing material. This

includes (but is not limited to) mp3 files, pornography (including soft porn, pin-up model pictures, and

cartoons), movies, animations, TV shows, illegal software (warez, appz, cracks, keygens), offensive or violent

web videos, or other material that is not otherwise directly related to AIE coursework. This type of material will

be immediately removed, the offense will be logged, and repeat offenders will be disciplined. Potentially

offensive material that is course-related must be approved by the Instructor before storing it on AIE computers

or the network, and if it is approved it must be clearly labeled. Each student must respect the rights of all AIE

students and staff to study and work in a non-hostile environment. Use of the AIE network, internet access, or

equipment for any type of harassing behavior will be subject to disciplinary action.

From time to time, at the instructor’s discretion, students may be able to use classroom computers for limited

Internet access. However, usage is logged and monitored. If students download inappropriate material, their

Internet access will be revoked. Students must use the Internet only for web browsing. Other uses are strictly

forbidden, including (but not limited to) peer-to-peer file sharing (P2P) and streaming radio or video.

Downloading legitimate coursework related files is allowed, but before downloading any files over 50MB

students must get permission from their instructor or the IT staff member.

AIE Intellectual Property (IP) Policy for Students

1. AIE recognizes the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) to the computer game development and 3D digital

industries and the value of that IP. In this Policy, “student” means a person enrolled as a student of AIE in the

Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development or, the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media.

2. IP refers to a group of rights arising out of human intellect and that is recognized under American law

and can be bought, sold, and licensed. IP includes patents, copyright, trademarks, design rights, and

confidential information.

3. This policy regulates and provides guidance in relation to IP created by students.

4. Each student will create IP, such as:

a) Copyright (e.g., source and object code, 3D models, textures and animations)

b) Patents (i.e., inventions)

c) Confidential information (e.g., know-how and trade secrets, game design documents, technical

design documents, business plans).

5. Copyright is a particularly important element of the work developed by students as the code, design,

graphics, music, and other elements of a game will generally attract copyright protection.

6. Several students will likely create IP for a project. The commercialization of IP that has several different

owners can give rise to practical and legal difficulties. IP can be most effectively commercialized if its

ownership can be easily identified, and that IP is properly managed. This should ideally be done

through one central entity.

7. AIE aims to have a system that ensures that the IP created by students is captured and consolidated under

one owner (AIE). This IP can then be transferred by AIE to a business run by graduates who wish to continue

to commercialize the work they have developed, or to a cohort of AIE graduates who wish to publish the

title as an indie studio. This approach reduces the risk of claims by other students that they own any of that

IP. Without this structure in place, graduate businesses could face real risks of IP claims from other students.

8. Although AIE has the expertise to assist with the commercialization and management of the IP that is

created by AIE students, AIE will not itself seek to commercialize any of this IP.

9. The objective of this Policy is to establish mechanisms for the identification, protection, management,

and commercialization of IP created by students. This will assist:

a) The attraction of industry and government funding

b) The generation of financial returns for businesses of AIE graduates or student indie studios

c) The ability for graduates of AIE’s Advanced Diploma Program to benefit as much as possible

from the IP they create.

10. Accordingly, AIE requires students to sign an assignment agreement, assigning IP they create in their

second year of the Advanced Diploma of Professional Game Development or the Advanced Diploma of

Screen and Media. It is not a condition of attendance that a student sign such an assignment, but if

they do not then AIE will not:

a) Permit any project they have worked on to be commercialized, due to the risk of IP claims later

against the business commercializing that IP from students that may have contributed to the IP

being used, but that have not previously assigned that IP.

11. The American Copyright Act (http://www.copyright.gov/title17/) also provides for the protection of the

“moral rights” of the author (i.e., creator) of a copyright work. These “moral rights” are the rights of

the author to be recognized as the author of a work, the right for authorship not to be attributed to

someone else and the right to object to the derogatory treatment of a work. These personal rights

cannot be assigned or licensed and can only be waived. While AIE will endeavor to attribute authorship

wherever commercially practicable, AIE requires a waiver of the moral rights of each student, and their

consent to the infringement of their moral rights, to simplify the commercialization of the IP.

12. Following the assignment of the IP to AIE by a student, AIE still permits that student to use any of that

IP within their portfolio, solely for promoting their skills and talent.

13. Each student must:

a) Disclose to AIE on a regular basis details of all IP created by that student

b) Treat all this IP as confidential information and not publicly disclose it without AIE’s prior

written consent (this is particularly important if a patent might be able to be applied for in

relation to this IP).

14. Where IP created by a student:

a) forms part of a project

b) forms part of a project but a decision has been made by participants not to commercialize that

IP, then AIE will, upon written request, arrange for that IP to be transferred back to the

student(s) that created it at no cost.

15. This Policy may only be waived or modified with the prior written approval of the CEO of AIE.

16. This Policy forms part of the terms and conditions of each student’s enrollment at AIE, or in any course

or program of study conducted by or on behalf of AIE.

Complaints and Grievances

Nothing in this policy prevents the student from contacting the Workforce Board at 360-709-4600 or the

Council on Occupational Education at 800-917-2081 at any time with a concern or complaint.

The AIE is committed to continuous improvement of its programs, courses, teaching methods and

administration. Students are invited to contact the Administration Office to make suggestions for

improvement. AIE’s policy of handling complaints is based on the following:

Principles

• Feedback on performance provides an opportunity for AIE to improve its service to its students.

• Staff, students, and community members are encouraged to comment on any aspects of AIE’s

performance to ensure continuous improvement and resolve difficulties.

• Staff and students have rights and responsibilities that are integral to the resolution of any problems.

• Complaints are taken seriously by staff at every level and every effort should be made to resolve

identified problems as soon as feedback is received and to ensure that the problem does not reoccur.

Process

First, feedback and complaints are best given directly to the party or AIE staff member responsible for the

subject of the complaint. If the problem is not resolved or it is not in the students’ best interest to direct their

feedback or complaint to the party or staff member responsible for the subject of the complaint, it will be

referred to the Head of School for investigation and options for resolution.

If a student has exhausted all possible avenues within AIE without resolving the problem, he or she may choose

to file complaints with the Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board at 360-709-4600

or workforce@wtb.wa.gov, or the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education; 7840 Roswell Road,

Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350; Telephone: 770-396-3898; www.council.org.

Student Grievance Procedure

Any student grievance will be first raised verbally or in writing with their classroom teacher whenever possible.

If this does not lead to a resolution the student finds appropriate, the student can bring the grievance to the

Head of School. The Head of School will meet with the student within a reasonable amount of time to discuss

the situation and the possible resolutions and document the grievance.

Students have one year following their last date of attendance to file a complaint of grievance with AIE.

If the outcome of the grievance with the Head of School remains unsatisfactory with the student, the student

may contact the Washington Workforce Training & Education Coordinating Board at 360-709-4600 or

workforce@wtb.wa.gov, or the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education; 7840 Roswell Road,

Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350; Telephone: 770-396-3898; www.council.org.

The Head of School will also serve as the primary point of contact for any complaints or violations that would

be covered under the Title IX regulations.

Should the student’s grievance directly involve the Head of School at his or her campus, the student can report

the issue to the US Controller, or directly to the AIE CEO.

Counseling

AIE can help arrange access to appropriate counseling support for all students. In the first instance, students

should contact the Head of School or Student Services Coordinator.

Free Emergency Counseling is available through the Crisis Clinic at 866-4CRISIS (866-427-4747).

General Information

School Physical Facilities

AIE Seattle is located on the 4th floor of the Armory Building on the campus of the Seattle Center. The school

facilities are ADA compliant and have elevator access.

Withdrawal

Students may withdraw from a course or module at any time; however, they may only be eligible for a REFUND

in circumstances outlined by the Refund Policy. Students must complete the Course Withdrawal Form (in this

Handbook’s appendix or contact Student Services) in accordance with terms outlined in the Refund Policy, or

they will be liable for the total amount of their invoice. A copy of the refund policy is available in this Student

Handbook and Catalog.

Enrollment for Year 2

Students who have not successfully completed all assessments in Year 1 of their program may not enroll in

Year 2. Students who have not paid the tuition for Year 1 will not be eligible to enroll in Year 2 unless an

approved payment plan is in place.

Re-Enrollment

Students who withdraw from a program will need to reapply. Depending on curriculum changes, they may have

to repeat assessments.

Assessment Details

Course syllabi, assignments and assessment methods will be provided to you by your teacher within the first

two weeks of study and are available on the student portal.

Requests for Extensions

Requests for extensions on assignments and assessments must be directed to and approved by your instructor.

Requests must be made in writing and must be made at least one week prior to the due date of the assignment

or assessment. Relevant evidence should accompany the request.

Student Services

Student Services provides services to all diploma-seeking students to support their academic, professional, and

personal development. The Student Handbook provides information on the services and procedures including:

• Teacher Assistants

• Alumni Services

• Campus Life

• Housing

• Parking/Transportation

• Career Development Assistance

• Counseling Services

• Student Activities & Organization

• Graduation

• New Student Orientation.

The sections below briefly detail some of the services provided by Student Services.

Teaching Assistants

Teaching Assistants are advanced AIE students or graduates with a proven skillset and the appropriate

temperament for teaching. TAs serve as supplemental instructors, providing guidance and assistance to groups

and individuals. Students are encouraged to make full use of any TAs who may be assigned to their class. TA

numbers are determined by class loads and other factors as determined by the Head of School. Students

interested in becoming TAs should speak first with their instructors and then with the Head of School about the

application process.

Career Development Assistance

Advice on career options is available to enrolled diploma-seeking students. AIE employs an Industry Relations

specialist who works to establish relationships with prospective employers on an ongoing basis. Industry

Relations will offer resume and job-hunting workshops to supplement career education found in the curriculum.

AIE uses an email mailing list to post current job openings in the industry and provides placement services in

the form of internships that may be available. Placement assistance continues beyond graduation as these

services are extended to alumni. Please note that employment upon graduation is not guaranteed, nor is AIE

obligated to secure employment on behalf of students.

Disability Support Services

AIE strives to ensure that all students are provided with an equal opportunity to participate in the Institute’s

programs, courses, and activities. As outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Americans

with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, AIE will

provide reasonable accommodations.

Housing

AIE Seattle does not provide on-campus housing due to our public location in central Seattle.

Below is a list of resources to help you in your search for housing and transportation in the area. Please note

that AIE is not affiliated with these organizations; links provided are meant to be for information only.

If you are an enrolled incoming student, and you are interested in finding housing and or an AIE classmate to be

your roommate, please contact Student Services. We will provide you options and facilitate a forum for you to

contact other students and pursue housing together.

Table 1: Resources to find suitable housing and roommates during your studies at AIE.

Classified Advertising

Rental Information

• The Seattle Times

• The Stranger

• The Daily – University of Washington’s

newspaper

• Craigslist – Seattle

• Zillow (rentals)

• Seattle Rentals

• Move.com

• aPodments – Calhoun Properties

• Seattle Apartment Finders

• PadMapper

• Hotpads

Access to Records

Students have access to their personal and academic records through AIE Administration Office. All relevant

forms are available from AIE Administration Office.

Student records are maintained for a minimum of 50 (fifty) years at a secure offsite location.

Transcripts

Students may request copies of their transcripts during normal business hours from Student Services.

Attendance

Table 2: 2022–2023 class schedule.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Class of

2023

9:00 am to 6:00 pm 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 9:00 am to 2:00 pm No class No class

Class of

2024

No class No class 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm 9:00 am to 6:00 pm 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Class times include one hour scheduled for lunch from 1:00pm to 2:00pm (or at the discretion of the

instructor).

Students should note that they will maintain this schedule for the duration of their program at AIE.

AIE requires students to attend classes regularly and for the full class period. Students who do not attend as

scheduled miss vital information and interaction with instructors and other students. Most importantly, they

do not accrue the full 1800 clock hours required for graduation.

Absenteeism affects teamwork and causes other poor work habits. Attendance is taken by the classroom

teacher and by students “clocking in” at the front desk or via the ESS mobile app.

All absences must be communicated to AIE immediately or in advance when possible. Contact the Student

Services Coordinator at krystle.cruz@aie.edu or (206) 428-6350 and your instructor to communicate any

absence. Absences that are not communicated on the day of occurrence are counted as unexcused and

attendance must be made-up.

Excused absences are defined by the Head of School and are limited to a personal illness or injury, a severe

illness or death of an immediate family member and recognized religious holidays. Any request for an excused

absence must be approved by the Head of School.

Please provide a note from your doctor should you need to miss more than three days of school due to illness.

AIE policy allows for 10% excused absences per semester or Financial Aid disbursement period. Absences

exceeding the limit, regardless of reason, must be made up to receive credit.

Make Up Attendance Policy

The make-up policy affords students the opportunity to make up assessments that they have missed. Students

who missed an assessment must make up the assessment upon returning to the school to satisfy the

requirement curriculum. The student is responsible for arranging with their instructor a time to make up the

assessment. Missed assessments will not be counted until the time that they are made up.

Payment Periods

Table 3: Payment periods.

Hours Per Semester

Excused Absence Hours Allowed

Semester 1

450

Semester 2

450

Semester 3

450

Semester 4

450

All unexcused absences and excused absences exceeding the semester limit must be made up. Teacher

supervision is required for clock-hours to count toward Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Any student

accruing more than 21 hours of unexcused absences or excused absences more than the allowable limit will be

required to action a clock hours make-up plan. If hours are not made-up in a reasonable amount of time, the

student may not graduate with the rest of the class, may be dropped from the course, and financial aid funds

may be returned to the Department of Education.

To receive academic credit for an assessment, students must attend no less than 75% of the class time

scheduled for that assessment period. Failure to meet the 75% attendance mark automatically results in a mark

of Not Yet Competent regardless of submitted work. An appeal for that Not Yet Competent score can be made

directly to the Head of School as recorded in the Assessment Appeal Policy found in this Handbook.

Students whose overall attendance percentage drops below the required 90% for Satisfactory Academic

Progress (SAP) are required to meet with the Student Services Coordinator and the Head of School with a

written plan to meet the required 90% mark within one month.

After that one month, if the attendance percentage is still below 90%, the student will be placed on academic

probation. The student will meet with the Student Services Coordinator and the Head of School and will have

two additional weeks to raise the attendance percentage above the required 90% mark.

After that probation period, if the attendance percentage is still below 90%, the student will be disenrolled

from the program. The student retains the right to appeal this termination to the Head of School, who may

grant a probation extension of up to two final weeks based on the student’s extenuating circumstances.

Any student who misses two consecutive full weeks of instruction for any reason will be dropped

automatically from both the financial aid program and from the class. Any student who finds that he or she is

in, or expects to be in, such a situation should meet with the Head of School to discuss options, such as

requesting a personal Leave of Absence.

Tardiness

Any student who is more than 15 minutes late is considered tardy and should refrain from disrupting any

lectures or presentations that have already begun. Attendance is taken in 15-minute intervals and will be

rounded up in favor of the student’s positive attendance. Students must inform instructors and Student

Services of anticipated absences or tardiness.

Patterns of chronic tardiness will be addressed by your instructor who will meet with the student to help

create a solution with the student.

Leave of Absence

At times, major life disruptions occur, making it difficult to attend classes. In such cases, a Leave of Absence for

up to six weeks is an option for students.

If a student has a life event that will prevent them from attending school for more than two weeks (resulting in

an automatic drop from the program—see above) that student should contact Student Services right away to

see if a Leave of Absence is warranted. Students should understand that a long leave of absence may require

that an academic year be repeated to successfully graduate the course.

Religious Exemption

AIE will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable religious accommodations to students who have

sincerely held religious practices or beliefs that conflict with a scheduled course/program requirement.

Students requesting a religious accommodation should make the request, in writing, directly to their instructor

with as much advance notice as possible. Being absent from class or other educational responsibilities does not

excuse students from keeping up with any information shared or expectations set during the missed class.

Students are responsible for obtaining materials and information provided during any class missed. The student

shall work with the instructor to determine a schedule for making up missed work.

Examples of religious accommodations may include rescheduling of an exam or giving a make-up exam for the

student in question; altering the time of a student’s presentation; allowing extra-credit assignments to

substitute for missed class work or arranging for an increased flexibility in assignment due dates; and releasing

a graduate assistant from teaching or research responsibilities on a given day.

Interruptions and Readmission Policy

AIE policy requires that a program be completed within 150% of its scheduled time. AIE's Advanced Diploma

programs are scheduled for two years, therefore all programs must be completed within three years from the

initial start date.

If a student withdraws from an AIE program at any point in an academic year, he or she will restart that

program from the beginning of that year upon readmission. It is not possible to restart the program at the

point it was dropped.

If the gap between withdrawing from the program and restarting is greater than one year, the student cannot

meet the 150% mark and will be required to restart the entire program from the beginning of year one.

Tuition collection for withdrawals will follow the policies in the Enrollment Contract and this Handbook.

Students seeking readmission after an absence will have their tuition determined on a case-by-case basis with

the Head of School.

If the above conditions are met, any student who wishes to return to AIE after an absence may apply to do so

by completing an application. Official transcripts from all institutions attended since last attending AIE, and

other official documentation for specific circumstances as requested below:

Medical Withdrawals and Readmission

A physician’s statement must be included, and it must indicate that the applicant is ready to resume his or her

studies. Additionally, it should describe any special needs the student may require upon returning to school.

Interruptions and Readmission after Academic Dismissal

A statement explaining how time away from the school was spent, why the student wishes to return, and how

the student plans to be successful by returning should be submitted as part of the application for readmission.

Interruptions and Readmission after Disciplinary Action

Applicants should include a formal appeal for the Head of School to review along with their application for

readmission. Applicants previously withdrawn for disciplinary reasons must receive clearance from the Head of

School to return.

Interruptions and Readmission for Personal Reasons

There are usually no impediments to returning to the school if there is space available; however, an academic

plan may need to be developed with the student’s instructor upon re-enrollment, and students requesting

readmission after an extended period must meet with their instructor to determine the viability of completing

their program.

Interruptions and Readmission after Non-Payment of an Account

Outstanding accounts must first be settled before applying for readmission. Once settled, the policy for

readmission follows the same guidelines listed under Readmission for Personal Reasons. If a tuition account has

been sent to a third-party collection agency, and that agency has been paid in full, AIE considers the debt

discharged.

Interruptions and Readmission after Military Service

In compliance with Section 487 of the Higher Education Opportunity Act, any student whose absence from the

school is required by reason of service in the uniformed services shall be entitled to readmission to the school if

the student (or an appropriate officer of the Armed Forces or official of the Department of Defense) gives

advance written or verbal notice of such service to the Head of School. This is provided that the cumulative

length of the absence and of all previous absences from the school, by reason of service in the uniformed

services, does not exceed five years, and, except as otherwise provided in this section, the student submits a

notification of intent to re-enroll in the school.

Re-entrance after Dismissal

A student reapplying will be considered for re-entry based on standard enrollment requirements. Additionally,

faculty advice is taken into consideration as a final condition of re-entry.

Official Holidays / School Calendar

Please see the AIE Calendar at the end of this Handbook.

ID Badge Policy

AIE students are required to utilize their ID badge for attendance and tracking of clock attained using ID access

card technology. The ID card reader is located at the front desk area and is under camera surveillance.

Please observe the following procedures regarding ID badges:

• If an ID badge is lost or stolen, it must be reported to AIE immediately by contacting Students Services.

• ID badges must be surrendered to AIE Administration upon academic completion or termination.

• Under no circumstance may students allow anyone to use their badges for any reason. Violations of

this policy constitute serious academic malfeasance and may result in expulsion from the college.

• ID badges must always be in the student’s possession while on school property. Badges may be replaced

free of charge only if it stops working and there is no visible damage. A $25 fee applies to replace broken or

misplaced badges. To request a replacement badge, contact Student Services.

Course Expectations

The programs are full time. AIE’s classroom environment simulates industry experience. All students are therefore

expected to act as responsible industry professionals would in terms of attendance, communication, teamwork,

and meeting deadlines. In several modules, students will be directly assessed in these “soft skill” areas.

If students are hired for work that requires commitment during class hours, AIE is not required to rearrange

class activities or access time. AIE must maintain educational standards, including assessment standards. This

reflects conditions in the industry; clients expect work to be up to standards and on time. Not attending for

whatever reason means that fellow team members do not get full support. AIE understands that problems may

arise with military requirements or ROTC needs, etc., and will accommodate students with these obligations.

If a student anticipates any problems, it is best to negotiate time off BEFORE taking it and discuss issues as they

arise with the instructor, the Head of School or designee.

FERPA Policy

Release of Students’ Directory Information

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974 protects the privacy of students’ education

records. However, the following information is considered public or directory information and may be released

to anyone unless a student informs the Head of School that he, she, or they do/does not wish any information

released:

• Name

• Primary telephone number

• School email address

• Field of study

• Dates of attendance

• Diploma and awards received

• Enrollment status

• Course for which a student is registered each semester

• Educational institutions attended.

Voter Registration

AIE is happy to assist any students with voter registration. Please see the Student Services Coordinator for

assistance. Washington State residents can register to vote online through the Washington Secretary of State.

Graduation Requirements

The following are the three requirements that must be meet before the student is eligible for graduation.

1. The student must have received 100% on all assessments and able to demonstrate competence on all

skills tested in the assessments for their chosen field of study.

2. The student must have settled all financial obligations and debits with AIE before graduation day.

3. The student must have accumulated the total number of clock hours outlined by their chosen track of

study before graduation day. These hours can be accumulated by adding total hours of actual

attendance to total excused hours to total make-up hours over the two years in attendance at AIE.

There are no exceptions to these requirements; however, if you need to discuss a specific situation, please feel

free to contact your Head of School.

Tuition and Fees

(International students, please refer to International Student Section later in this handbook.)

Current Tuition

For all Advanced Diploma programs, an enrollment fee of $100 applies toward the tuition of $23,450 for 2022–

2023; and that cohort’s tuition for 2023–2024 remains $23,450. Students are expected to supply their own

transportation to and from the course. Students are not required to purchase any software; however, if a

student wishes to pursue completion of assignments at home, they will be required to supply software as

appropriate for the completion of course content.

Applying for Financial Aid

AIE is fully accredited by the Department of Education to disburse Title IV financial aid. Any current or

prospective student who wishes to explore financial aid can contact the Financial Aid Officer. The Financial Aid

Officer will provide complete information about loans, grants, and scholarships available to AIE students. The

process begins by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://fafsa.ed.gov/

Payment Plans and Debt Collection

This section provides information to students about payment plans and debt collection at AIE. It is a simplified

version of the complete US Debt Collection Procedures which are available by request from the Head of School.

For tuition balances, AIE accepts a variety of payment sources, including:

• Credit cards, cash, checks

• Federal Financial Aid—Direct Loans

• State specific programs such as GET, TOPS, DSHS, etc.

• And internal payment plans when necessary.

Course Fee Payment Plan

All students will sign a payment plan, outlining their scheduled payments and acknowledging the debt. These

are to be signed prior to class commencement. Any missing signatures must be collected no later than

orientation day unless otherwise approved. No student can begin class for an academic year until an

approved payment plan is in place.

The Enrollment form is used to disclose the amount owed by the student for each year attended. Additionally,

the Internal Payment Plan is used to determine the source of funding as desired by the student, and the level

and timing at which tuition payments will be made by the student. The Plan may be updated, depending on

funding sources.

Federal Financial Aid payments will be established based on guidelines provided by the Department of

Education, but all other payments must follow the established schedule when possible and are the

responsibility of the student.

Where the student wishes to pay the out-of-pocket amount by instalments, payments must be made by

automatic payments. The ACH form must be completed by the student before commencement of class. This

requirement can only be waived by the Head of School under exceptional circumstances.

Missed Payments:

When one payment is missed: All payments are due on the 1st of the month and are considered late after the

15th of the month. If a payment is missed, the student will be contacted by AIE staff with a reminder to make

the payment. Automatic payments are not considered late if they are received by the end of the month as

scheduled.

When more than one payment is missed: The student will be contacted by the Head of School to discuss the

tuition balance. The Head of School will decide a course of action that could include, but is not limited to,

actions from renegotiating the payment plan up to exclusion from class until payment is made.

Continued non-payment could result in the tuition account being turned over to an external debt collection

agency.

Graduates, Withdrawals, and Drops

Open balances: When dropped students and/or graduates have an open balance at time of departure, the

school will continue collection efforts following the same procedures as mentioned above. If payments are not

received for over 90 days, and no payment arrangements have been made, any open balance may be sent to

an external collection agency.

Issuance of academic records: The school will NOT issue a Diploma or provide academic transcripts directly to

the graduate until his or her qualification has been conferred. Conferring the Diploma requires the student

financial account to be paid in full, and that all academic requirements have been met.

Graduate in Good Standing: A graduate who is in good standing on his or her payment arrangement may

request a copy of his or her transcript be sent to a potential employer when requested by a potential

employer. The transcript will be sent to the employer directly. However, the Graduate will not receive a copy of

his or her Diploma or Transcript of results until his or her account is paid in full.

Graduate Non-payment: A graduate with an unsatisfied balance, who has not made payments, will not receive

a copy of his or her transcript or Diploma for employment purposes until satisfactory arrangements are in

place. An exception to this policy will be at management’s discretion and when regular payments depend on

such employment.

Return to Title IV: AIE, on behalf of students who have dropped the course prior to meeting the required hours

per disbursement period, or those who have not met Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) will often need to

return funds, on a prorated basis, to the Department of Education. If this creates a student debt balance to AIE,

it is the student’s responsibility to pay this balance in full. If payment arrangements are not reached and

followed within 90 days of such action, any open balance may be sent to an external collection agency and

written off once determined the debt is not collectable. Accounts sent to collection will need to be paid in full

to receive a copy of transcripts and a Diploma. An accepted settlement is considered payment in full.

Refund Policy

1. Refund for Non-Accepted Students

a) AIE collects a $100 deposit from enrolled students only. Any funds collected in advance from

non-accepted students are fully refundable.

2. Student Cancellation

a) AIE will refund all moneys received if the enrollee/applicant cancels within five business days

(excluding Sundays and Holidays) after the day the enrollment agreement is signed or an initial

payment is made, if the enrollee/applicant has not begun classes.

3. Deposit Retention

a) AIE may retain an established enrollment fee equal to ten percent of the total tuition cost, or

one hundred dollars, whichever is less, if the enrollee/applicant cancels after the fifth business

day after signing the enrollment agreement or making an initial payment. An

enrollment/registration fee is any fee charged by the school to process student

enrollment/application and establish a student record system.

4. Refunds for Students who Withdraw on the First Day of Class

a) If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of classes and the student does not

begin classes or withdraws on the first day of classes, AIE retains no more than $100 of the

tuition and fees.

b) Appropriate refunds for a student who does not begin classes are made within 30 calendar days

of the class start date.

5. Refunds for Cancelled or Discontinued Classes

a) Cancelled Classes

o If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a program and AIE

cancels the class, AIE refunds 100% of the tuition and fees collected.

o AIE makes these refunds within 30 calendar days of the planned start date.

b) Discontinued Classes: If instruction in any program is discontinued after training has begun or if

the school moves from one location to another, such that the student is unable to attend at the

new location, it will:

o Provide students pro rata refunds of all tuitions and fees paid, or

o Arrange for comparable training at another public or private vocational school.

Students must accept comparable training in writing.

o The school will notify the agency and students in advance. The notification will be in

writing and will include data required under WAC 490-105-210(3).

6. Refunds for Students Enrolled Prior to Visiting the Institution

a) Students who have not visited the school facility prior to enrollment can withdraw without

penalty within three days following either attendance at a regularly scheduled orientation or

following a tour of the facilities and inspection of the equipment.

7. Terminated Training

a) If the student leaves the program after entering classes, AIE may retain the enrollment fee

established item (3) of this policy, plus a percentage of the total tuition as described in items (8)

(a) and (b) below.

8. Refunds for Withdrawals after Class Commences

a) Refund Policy for Programs Obligating Students for Periods of 12 Months or Less

o The refund policy for students attending AIE who incur a financial obligation for a

period of 12 months or less is as follows:

 During the first 10% of the period of financial obligation, AIE refunds at

least 90% of the tuition;

 After the first 10% of the period of financial obligation and until the end of

the first 25% of the period of obligation, AIE refunds at least 75% of the

tuition;

 After the first 25% of the period of financial obligation and until the end of

the first 50% of the period of obligation, AIE refunds at least 50% of the

tuition; and,

 After the first 50% of the period of financial obligation, AIE may retain all

the tuition.

b) Refund Policy for Programs Obligating Students for Periods Beyond Twelve Months

o For programs exceeding 12 months, which all AIE programs do, AIE will release the

student of the obligation to pay beyond the 12 months if the student withdraws

during the first 12 months and does not intend to attend the program beyond the

first 12 months.

o The calculation of the refund for the unused portion of the first 12 months is based

on section (a) above.

o If the student withdraws during any subsequent period following the first 12 months,

the student’s refund for the unused portion of the tuition applicable to the period of

withdrawal is based on section (a) above.

9. Calculating Refunds

a) When calculating refunds, the official date of a student’s termination is the last day of recorded

attendance:

o When the school receives notice of the student’s intention to discontinue the

program; or,

o When the student is terminated for a violation of a published school policy which

provides for termination; or,

o When a student, without notice, fails to attend classes for thirty days.

10. Refund Period

a) All refunds are made within thirty calendar days of the student’s official termination date.

AIE Title IV Refund Policy

This policy explains how AIE determines the amount of Title IV assistance that students earn if they must

withdraw from AIE. These policies are specified by law and cover Federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct PLUS Loans,

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), and Federal Direct Loans (subsidized and

unsubsidized).

Withdrawal

Students wishing to withdraw from AIE must complete a withdrawal form (available in the Catalog/ Student

Handbook or from AIE Administration) and submit it to the Head of School or designee.

The last date of attendance for students who withdraw from AIE is the date denoted by the student on the

withdrawal form, the date on which a student is terminated for violation of a published school policy which

provides for termination, or when a student fails to attend class for fourteen calendar days without notice. In

this last case, the last day of attendance will be the last date of recorded attendance.

Post-withdrawal disbursements will be calculated with the approved disbursement calculator and provided to

the student in the form of a check.

Return of Title IV Funds

AIE has a specific formula that is used to determine the amount of Title IV assistance a student has earned up

until the point of withdrawal. If the student received (or a parent or AIE received on the student’s behalf) less

than that calculated amount, the student may be able to receive the additional funds. If the student, parent, or

AIE received more than the calculated amount, the excess funds must be returned.

The amount of assistance earned by a student is pro-rated. For example, if the student attends 25% of the clock

hours in the payment period, the student will earn 25% of the assistance he or she was originally scheduled to

receive. If a student completes over 60% of clock hours in a payment period, the student will earn all the

scheduled assistance.

In the case that a student does not receive all earned funds, the student may be due a post-withdrawal

disbursement. If it includes loans, the student may choose to decline those funds to avoid incurring additional

debt. AIE may automatically use all or a portion of the post-withdrawal funds (including any accepted loans) for

any tuition or fees, as contracted with AIE. For any other school-related charges, the student must provide AIE

with explicit permission to use the disbursement. If permission is not given, the funds will be offered to the

student. It may be in the student’s best interest to allow AIE to keep the funds to reduce debt.

In the case that AIE does owe the student a post-withdrawal disbursement, funds must be paid within 45 days

of the withdrawal date, and loan funds must be paid within 180 days of the withdrawal date.

The return of unearned funds is disbursed in the following order:

1. Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan

2. Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan

3. Federal Perkins Loan

4. Federal Parent (Plus) Loan

5. Federal Pell Grant

6. Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grant

7. Other Title IV Assistance

Some Title IV funds the student was scheduled to receive cannot be earned once the student has withdrawn

due to other eligibility requirements. Some program funding, for example, may only be disbursed to students

who have been enrolled for more than 30 days. Students withdrawing before the 30 days have passed will not

be eligible for those specific program funds.

Title IV Future Professionals re-entering within 180 days of the official withdrawal date will resume with

financial aid at the same status as prior to withdrawal.

If a student, parent, or AIE receives excess funds that must be returned, AIE will return a portion of the excess

funds equal to the lesser of the following:

• All institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of the funds, or

• The entire amount of excess funds.

If AIE is not required to return all the excess funds, the student must return the remaining amount. Any loans

must be repaid by the student (or parent for a PLUS Loan) in accordance with the terms of the promissory note.

AIE will return the amount of title IV funds for which it is responsible as soon as possible, but no later than 45

days after the date of the institution’s determination that the student withdrew.

Any amount of unearned grant funds that must be returned by the student is called an overpayment. The

amount of a grant overpayment that must be repaid is equal to half of the received amount. It is the student’s

responsibility to arrange with AIE or with the Department of Education to return any unearned grant funds.

The requirements for returning Title IV funds when a student withdraws are separate from AIE’s institutional

refund policy. A student may still owe funds to AIE to cover unpaid institutional charges, and AIE may still charge

a student for any Title IV funds that AIE is required to return.

Any questions about Title IV funds can be directed to the Federal Student Aid Information Center at

1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users may call 1-800-730-8913. Information may also be found online at

Student Aid on the Web (www.studentaid.ed.gov

Veterans Benefits Transition Policy

AIE is proud to be authorized to accept the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. If you are a veteran or an eligible dependent of a

veteran, AIE’s financial aid office will work with you to understand how your benefits can be applied to your

tuition at AIE.

Policy Statement

In accordance with the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, Section 3679 of Title 38, of the United

States Code, the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE) adheres to the following policy.

The Academy of Interactive Entertainment will allow to attend or participate in a training program any

individual who is entitled to educational benefits under Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (Chapter 31)

or Post 9/11 GI Bill® benefits (Chapter 33) of the Veterans Administration.

AIE will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes, or other

institutional facilities, or the requirement that a student borrow additional funds because of their inability to

meet the financial obligations to the institution resulting from delayed disbursement of funding from Veterans

Administration under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33.

Standard Operating Procedure

1. The student must provide a Certificate of Eligibility verifying entitlement to educational assistance

under Chapter 31 or Chapter 33. The Certificate of Eligibility can also include a Statement of Benefits

(eBenefits) or a VAF28-1905 form for Chapter 31 authorization purposes.

2. The permissible attendance period begins once the Certificate of Eligibility has been received by the

institution AND the student has been certified in VAONCE.

3. The permissible attendance period ends on the earlier of the following dates:

a) The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.

b) Ninety (90) days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees in VAONCE following

the receipt of the Certificate of Eligibility and Statement of Benefits.

AIE Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

This policy applies to all students of AIE, including full-time and part-time students in AIE programs who receive

financial assistance under the Title IV, HEA program.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Standards (1800 hours)

For the purposes of financial aid, a student’s academic progress is evaluated at the end of each payment

period. Payment periods occur after a certain number of clock hours in the program have been completed (see

below). At each evaluation, the student must have achieved “Competent” scorings on all components of all

assessments completed by the end of the payment period to meet SAP standards.

Financial aid payment periods occur every 450 hours.

0–450 hours

451–900 hours

901–1350 hours

1351–1800 hours

Students must complete their educational program in 1800 clock hours of instruction, or four academic

semesters of 450 clock hours each. Students must complete the 1800 hours of instruction at a full-time capacity

(21 hours/week) to finish in two school years. The maximum time frame allowed for students to complete a

program at AIE is 258 weeks.

Students are required to achieve competency at all administered assessments during the program and to

attend at least 90% of the clock hours each payment period. AIE calculates the pace at which the student is

progressing by dividing the cumulative number of hours the student has successfully completed by the

cumulative number of hours the student has attempted.

Additionally, students must meet an attendance rate of no less than 75% during the period of each

assessment to achieve a competent grade.

Regardless of course withdrawals, repetitions, or credit hours transferred from another institution, students

must achieve “Competent” scorings on all components of an assessment to meet SAP.

Financial Aid Warning

Students not meeting SAP during a payment period (semester) will be placed on financial aid warning status.

Students placed on this status are eligible to receive financial aid for only one payment period.

A student placed on financial aid warning status may continue to receive assistance under the Title IV, HEA

programs until the evaluation at the end of the next payment period, at which time the student is required to

meet SAP standards or will become ineligible to receive further assistance.

Financial Aid Probation

Students not meeting SAP standards at the next semester after the financial aid warning status will have their

financial aid terminated.

Students determined to be ineligible for financial aid may appeal to re-establish eligibility. Students may file an

appeal based on the following: death of a relative; injury or illness of the student; other special circumstances

and information that the student must submit regarding the failure to meet SAP standards. In addition, the

appeal must include what has changed in the student’s situation that will allow the student to meet SAP

standards at the next payment period assessment.

If a student’s appeal is approved by AIE, the student will be placed on financial aid probation for one payment

period and will be eligible for their disbursement of financial aid during the probation payment period.

Students failing to meet SAP at the end of a payment period will be notified immediately of any impact on their

Title IV, HEA eligibility.

If a student is not making SAP according to the above policy, AIE will place the student on financial aid

probation and may disburse Title IV, HEA program funds to the student for the subsequent payment period if a)

AIE evaluates that the student is not making satisfactory academic progress; b) the student appeals the

determination; and c) AIE determines that the student should be able to make satisfactory academic progress

during the subsequent payment period and meet SAP standards at the end of that payment period, or AIE

develops an academic plan for the student that, if followed, will ensure that the student is able to meet AIE’s

SAP standards by a specific point in time.

Students on financial aid probation must achieve SAP or satisfactory progress specified on an academic plan at

the next evaluation. Otherwise, students will not receive Title IV, HEA program funds for the subsequent pay

period. In unusual circumstances, students may appeal the next payment period and may be placed on

financial aid probation again. The student may be reinstated to financial aid when AIE creates an educational

plan for the student that will guide the student to meet SAP requirements within a certain amount of time.

Students may appeal termination of Title IV funding no more than two times.

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior learning may be recognized under some circumstances. All students applying for a Prior Learning

Assessment (PLA) must submit a completed PLA application form. AIE will schedule a formal meeting with the

applicant to assess:

• What Units of Competency will be reviewed, per the course guides

• What evidence is to be provided (transcripts, portfolios, etc.) and how that will be delivered

• Clarification of which evidence is for which Unit of Competency

• A cost structure for the PLA process (based upon the number of Units being credited by AIE)

• The time frame for the PLA process.

Applicants requesting PLA for specific modules must provide formal certification of achievement in this field of

study OR submit a portfolio for assessment by AIE staff. The Head of School or designee will assess the work

against competency standards relating to the modules in question and a report of the assessment will be

forwarded to the applicant. Students should be aware that AIE charges a fee of $200 for this PLA assessment

service; however, applicants will be eligible for a 50% refund of that fee should their claim for PLA be

unsuccessful.

If they are successful, the fee will be applied towards the tuition. Some students may be eligible for direct entry

into Year Two of Advanced Diploma study. The Head of School or designee ultimately makes PLA decisions.

Advanced Diploma - Game Programming

For PLA of C/C++ and/or C# to be granted, evidence of formal qualifications may be provided in the form of a

certificate from a local community college or regionally accredited university or an applicable entity, a Diploma

in Information Technology incorporating C/C++/C# programming, a Degree in Computer Science (Programming)

or any other relevant education as determined by the Head of School or designee. Other forms of evidence in

the shape of résumés, testimonials and references may also be considered.

Applicants for Year Two of the Advanced Diploma - Game Programming will be asked to take a test, which will

help the AIE gauge the degree of PLA in C/C++/C# programming skills. The result of this test will be considered

along with the above before PLA is granted. The amount of PLA granted to applicants will determine whether

they are best suited to Year One or Year Two of the Advanced Diploma.

Advanced Diploma - Game Art and Animation

Completion of Certificate IV in Screen & Media from the AIE, equivalent industry experience or equivalent

recognized prior learning is considered equivalent to a PLA for the Year One of the Advanced Diploma - Game

Art and Animation. Evidence of formal qualifications and/or portfolio will need to be provided for assessment

by AIE staff. Other forms of evidence in the shape of résumés, testimonials may also be considered.

Advanced Diploma - 3D Animation and Visual Effects

Completion of the Certificate IV in Screen & Media from the AIE, equivalent industry experience or equivalent

recognized prior learning is considered equivalent to a PLA for the Year One of the Advanced Diploma - 3D

Animation and Visual Effects. Evidence of formal qualifications and/or portfolio will need to be provided for

assessment by AIE staff. Other forms of evidence in the shape of resumes, testimonials and references may

also be considered.

Applications may also be made requesting PLA for specific modules. Staff will assess the work against

competency standards relating to the modules in question and a report of the assessment will be forwarded to

the applicant. This portfolio need not contain graphics created in ZBrush or Maya software for PLA. Other

software packages can be used to demonstrate competency in certain basic modeling/ animation techniques.

Some PLA may also be recognized after perusal of 2D art or design work and interview with the applicant.

Advanced Diploma - Game Design and Production

The Game Design and Production stream incorporates certain elements from both the Art and the

Programming streams. Any PLA for those units of study would match up with the testing and/or portfolio

requirements set forth above. Any other units of study are unlikely to have a PLA option, as those units are

project based and/or team based in ways that are highly specific to the AIE curriculum.

Transfer of Credits from AIE to Other Institutions

Students who wish to leave AIE and transfer their units to other institutions must file a transfer request with

Student Services stating the institution they wish to transfer their units to. The application must also have

attached verification that the student has been accepted to the institution the student is wishing to transfer the

units to.

Decisions concerning the acceptance of credits earned in any course taken at AIE are made at the discretion of

the receiving institution. AIE makes no representation whatsoever concerning the transferability of any credits

earned at the school to any institution other than an AIE campus. It is unlikely that any credits earned at AIE

will be transferrable to or accepted by any institution other than AIE.

Any student considering continuing his or her education at, or transferring to, any institution other than AIE

must not assume that any credits earned in any course taken at the school will be accepted by the receiving

institution. An institution’s accreditation does not guarantee that credits earned at that institution will be

accepted for transfer by any other institution. The student must contact the registrar of the receiving

institution to determine what credits earned at AIE, if any, that institution will accept.

Transfer of Credits within AIE

AIE allows internal transfer of credits within a limited scope. Due to the shared courses of the Advanced

Diploma – Game Art and Animation program and the Advanced Diploma – 3D Animation and Visual Effects

programs, students may transfer between these equivalent programs in the first year of study with faculty and

Head of School permission. In addition, students who have earned a qualification in one of those programs may

be eligible to have their credits transferred should they wish to pursue a qualification in the other program.

Because of the shared content across all AIE campuses, it is possible for a student to transfer to the same

program at another AIE campus. Due to variances between campuses and because of national requirements,

the recognition of prior learning will be at the discretion of the receiving campus. Additionally, international

transfer is subject to visa approval.

Transfer Credit

Due to the specialized instruction, credit earned and/or by examination at other colleges or universities may not

be transferred. However, students with previous training may be eligible for a Recognition of Prior Learning

that might allow them to receive credit for specific AIE assessments.

Articulation Agreements

Credits from a college with an articulation agreement with Academy of Interactive Entertainment will be

accepted and reciprocated. Grades earned will be included in students’ AIE transcripts. Currently, AIE does not

have an articulation agreement with any college.

Credits for Veterans Administration Students

AIE administration reviews transcripts and prior credit for all Veterans Administration students. When possible,

AIE seeks to grant credit through Recognition of Prior Learning (see that section of the Student Handbook and

Catalog) with no fee for that review.

Assessment

AIE students are informed of their academic progress at the end of each unit of study. The assessment model

includes an oral discussion of the learning module and a written record of the achievements for each skill in

that unit. The schedule of assessment varies in that each unit of study takes a different amount of time.

However, the student is given a schedule and the criteria for competency in advance of each unit of study. The

student can check on his or her academic progress with the Student Services Coordinator at any time.

Assessment involves collecting evidence and deciding whether competency has been achieved. These decisions

are made by comparing the student’s performance with a set of standards established through a course

accreditation process that includes industry input.

Competency based assessment is used in all programs. Students will be given a learning and assessment

schedule within the first two weeks of the course. If a student is uncertain about the process after the first

week’s classes, they should ask the instructor for more information. Assessment tools can sometimes be

negotiated to suit the needs of individual learners and the student can discuss different methods of presenting

evidence of competence with the teacher.

Assessment processes are designed to be transparent, relevant, fair, and current. If a student believes that a

final assessment in any module is incorrect, he or she should check with the instructor in case an error has

occurred. If after this meeting, the student wishes to appeal the decision made on the assessment, he or she

should refer to the complete Assessment Appeals Policy in this handbook.

Clock Hour Grading System

Students receive the following additional assessment grades: Competent or Not Yet Competent. AIE is a clock-

hour program. The program is 1800 hours, and there are assessments that need to be passed.

• COMPETENT: Evidence of satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes of all modules.

• NOT YET COMPETENT: Evidence of unsatisfactory achievement of one or more learning outcomes.

Note: This competency criterion is written on the appropriate certificate and/or transcript to assist prospective

employers in identifying additional details on the student’s performance. In that way a student can

demonstrate competency to the employer. Missed and failed assessments will adversely affect the student’s

matriculation and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

How to Achieve Competency

To be awarded a certificate or diploma, a student must successfully complete each unit of competency associated

with the qualification. The student must meet all the assessment criteria for a competency/module to receive a

grade of “Competent.” Students will not be successful if they “get most of it right” or “get more than 50 % of it

right.” Students are successful when they can demonstrate their complete competency. Students are provided with

training and clear ways they can demonstrate their competence as well as a description of exactly what constitutes

“competence” in each unit or module. Students are provided with support to achieve that competence as well.

Before submitting work for assessment, students should check it against all the assessment criteria. It is

recommended that students form teams with other members of the class, and peer review one another’s work

before submission. The minimum grade considered satisfactory at AIE is Competent.

Cheating, Plagiarism and Similar Misconduct

Students are advised that AIE will deem work found to be the result of cheating, plagiarism, or similar

misconduct unacceptable and inadmissible for assessment purposes because it is contrary to the tradition of

respect for knowledge, scholarship, and independent achievements of learners. Plagiarism is serious academic

malfeasance and will result in disciplinary actions up to and including expulsion from the college.

Submitting Work

When students submit work for assessment, teachers decide if all the assessment criteria have been met.

Inevitably, this involves a degree of subjectivity; teachers exercise professional judgment and interpretation in

determining if a student has performed adequately against the criteria. The assessment of student work is

done through a moderation procedure that requires more than one teacher in the assessment process.

Deadlines for Handing in Work

Deadlines are not guidelines. Every assessment item will have a due date. Students are expected to respond to

these deadlines in a professional manner.

Late Submissions of Assessments

Submitting assignments on time is the first rule in an industry-training situation such as ours. However, some

unforeseen events may prevent students from doing this. Students may, up to one week prior to the

submission date, negotiate a submission extension with their teacher. This request must be made in writing

with supporting evidence. In case of a serious illness, medical documentation may be requested. Use the

“Official Extension for Assignment” form obtained from an instructor or AIE Administration Office.

Instructors may grant an extension of up to two weeks.

Assessment Appeal Policy

Purpose

Students are responsible for maintaining standards of academic progress and following procedures established

and made known by their instructors. The purpose of the assessment appeal process is to ensure AIE’s

academic integrity and provide students additional opportunity for success with their academic evaluations.

Appeal Expectations and Conditions

Assessment outcomes assigned by instructors are presumed to be correct. The student is responsible for

knowing and initiating the assessment appeal procedure. It is the right and responsibility of the students to

appeal an assessment to demonstrate their competency in the subject area assessed. The claim of appeal may

be based on one (or more) of the following:

• ERROR: The assessment was tabulated incorrectly (i.e., input or calculation error).

• OTHER: Students who choose this basis of claim must write a further explanation of their reason for

appeal. These reasons must be adequately addressed through the Assessment Appeals Process.

Beginning the Process—Meet with your Instructor

A student must first review the assessment in question with their instructor. It is the responsibility of the

student to demonstrate how the assessment review is inaccurate or how the student plans to improve their

work if an appeal is granted. If there is an error on the part of the instructor and correction cannot be obtained,

the student may then file a formal appeal.

Appeals

All students are expected to meet the first deadline for an assessment. (A late assignment without an approved

extension is automatically marked Not Yet Competent.) The first request for an appeal must be submitted in

writing to the instructor within 48 hours of the original deadline. After meeting with the student, instructors

may allow one extra week to submit a second attempt of the assessment.

If the second deadline submission is determined Not Yet Competent, the student may appeal formally and in

writing to the Head of School for a third (final) attempt. The appeal should include the reasons why this third

attempt will allow a grade of Competent to be achieved. It must be received within 48 hours of the second

deadline and may allow for one extra week to complete the assessment if approved. The Head of School will

meet with the teacher and the student regarding the appeal to determine if the final appeal should be granted.

If the third (final) submission is determined Not Yet Competent, the student will be disenrolled from the

program.

International Students

The Seattle campus of AIE is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students.

International students interested in AIE Seattle should consult the following website regarding the Student

Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) for more information: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/students

Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) for the

Seattle campus: Ursula Frank at ursula.[email protected]

Basic International Student Requirements

Students will require an M-1 visa issued by the US Department of State. The AIE PDSO will assist with this, the

required I-20 form, and all other international paperwork. An F-1 student visa is not allowed for AIE.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores of no less than 25 are required in Listening and Speaking.

AIE and SEVP require that international students present financial evidence of the ability to cover their

educational and living expenses. More details are available from the PDSO.

International Student Fees

International students are invoiced for fees at the beginning of each semester. The first invoice is payable prior

to the beginning of the course and each subsequent invoice will be due within the first 2 weeks of beginning of

semester studies, or by previous arrangement with AIE. For information regarding fees or possible payment

options, please contact the Financial Aid Administrator: Regina Graw-Crockett at [email protected].

For all Advanced Diploma Courses:

An enrollment fee of $100 applies toward tuition. Tuition is $26,100 for 2021–2022. Students are expected to

supply their own transportation to and from the course.

Students are not required to purchase any software; however, if a student wishes to complete assignments at

home, they will be required to supply software as appropriate for the completion of course content.

Refund Policy for International Students

1. REFUND FOR NON-ACCEPTED STUDENTS

a) AIE collects a $100 deposit from enrolled students only. Any funds collected in advance from

non-accepted students are fully refundable.

2. STUDENT CANCELATION

a) AIE will refund all moneys received if the enrollee / applicant cancels within five business days

(excluding Sundays and Holidays) after the day the enrollment agreement is signed or an initial

payment is made, if the enrollee / applicant has not begun classes.

3. DEPOSIT RETENTION

a) AIE may retain an established enrollment fee equal to ten percent of the total tuition cost, or

one hundred dollars, whichever is less, if the enrollee / applicant cancels after the fifth

business day after signing the enrollment agreement or making an initial payment. An

“enrollment / registration” fee is any fee charged by the school to process student enrollment /

application and establish a student record system.

4. REFUNDS FOR STUDENTS WHO WITHDRAW ON OR BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS

a) If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of classes and the student does not begin

classes or withdraws on the first day of classes, AIE retains no more than $100 of the tuition and fees.

b) Appropriate refunds for a student who does not begin classes are made within 30 calendar days

of the start date.

5. REFUNDS FOR CANCELED OR DISCONTINUED CLASSES

a) Cancelled Classes

o If tuition and fees are collected in advance of the start date of a program and AIE

cancels the class, AIE refunds 100% of the tuition and fees collected.

o AIE makes these refunds within 30 calendar days of the planned start date.

b) Discontinued Classes: If instruction in any program is discontinued after training has begun or if

the school moves from one location to another, such that the student is unable to attend at the

new location, it will:

o Provide students pro rata refunds of all tuitions and fees paid, or

o Arrange for comparable training at another public or private vocational school.

Students must accept comparable training in writing.

o The school will notify the agency and students in advance. The notification will be in

writing and will include data required under WAC 490-105-210(3).

6. REFUNDS FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED PRIOR TO VISITING THE INSTITUTION

a) Students who have not visited the school facility prior to enrollment can withdraw without

penalty within three days following either attendance at a regularly scheduled orientation or

following a tour of the facilities and inspection of the equipment.

7. TERMINATED TRAINING

a) If the student leaves the program after entering classes, AIE may retain the enrollment fee

established item (3) of this policy, plus a percentage of the total tuition as described in items (8)

(a) and (b) below.

8. REFUNDS FOR WITHDRAWAL AFTER CLASS COMMENCES

a) Refund Policy for Programs Obligating Students for Periods of 12 Months or Less

o The refund policy for students attending AIE who incur a financial obligation for a

period of 12 months or less is as follows:

 During the first 10% of the period of financial obligation, AIE refunds at

least 90% of the tuition;

 After the first 10% of the period of financial obligation and until the end of

the first 25% of the period of obligation, AIE refunds at least 75% of the

tuition;

 After the first 25% of the period of financial obligation and until the end of

the first 50% of the period of obligation, AIE refunds at least 50% of the

tuition; and,

 After the first 50% of the period of financial obligation, AIE may retain all

the tuition.

b) Refund Policy for Programs Obligating Students for Periods Beyond Twelve Months

o For programs exceeding 12 months, which all AIE programs do, AIE will release the

student of the obligation to pay beyond the 12 months if the student withdraws

during the first 12 months and does not intend to attend the program beyond the

first 12 months.

o The calculation of the refund for the unused portion of the first 12 months is based

on section (a) above.

o If the student withdraws during any subsequent period following the first 12 months,

the student’s refund for the unused portion of the tuition applicable to the period of

withdrawal is based on section (a) above.

9. CALCULATING REFUNDS

a) When calculating refunds, the official date of a student’s termination is the last day of recorded

attendance:

o When the school receives notice of the student’s intention to discontinue the

program; or,

o When the student is terminated for a violation of a published school policy which

provides for termination; or,

o When a student, without notice, fails to attend classes for thirty days.

10. REFUND PERIOD

a) All refunds are made within thirty calendar days of the student’s official termination date.

Attendance and Academic Requirements

AIE is required to report any students failing to comply with either attendance or academic requirements of

their visa to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This includes the following:

• Application for approved leave

• Withdrawal from the course

• Unsatisfactory academic results.

AIE is currently reporting on academic progress.

Credentials

Upon completing the program of your choice, you will receive one of the following certificate-level credentials:

• Advanced Diploma Game Art and Animation

• Advanced Diploma - Game Design and Production

• Advanced Diploma - Game Programming

• Advanced Diploma -- 3D Animation and Visual Effects

Program Descriptions

Advanced Diploma – Game Programming

(1800 hours) (CIP Code 11.0804)

Start Date: August 2023

Estimated Graduation Date: July 2025

The Advanced Diploma was developed in response to industry needs and driven by extensive consultation with

local and international game development studios. The Advanced Diploma is a two-year full-time course,

focused on preparing students to meet or exceed industry expectations to gain employment with a

development studio or to develop their own independent games.

Game programmers drive the game development process. They are responsible for creating development

tools, the underlying framework and the primary mechanics that drive gameplay. As the essential ingredient in

the development process, game programmers are highly valued and in demand.

Program Learning Objectives

Students will:

1. Demonstrate entry-level proficiency using industry standard software, middleware, languages and

version control, such as but not limited to: Visual Studio, Advanced C++, C#, OpenGL, Unity3D, PhysX,

Unreal Engine and Git. (Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

2. Demonstrate appropriate project management skills for entry into the interactive game industry as a

programmer. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

3. Use analytical thinking skills to design, develop and troubleshoot. (Communication, Performance,

Problem Solving, Responsibility)

4. Analyze and interpret user requirements to design and develop appropriate solutions.

(Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

5. Interpret information received from a variety of sources; including reference manuals, the Internet,

computerized help systems and colleagues. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem

Solving)

6. Identify own skills and abilities and develop strategies for effectively using them in group settings.

(Communication, Problem Solving)

7. Initiate and participate in projects requiring teams of diverse individuals. (Collaboration,

Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

8. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. (Communication,

Performance, Responsibility)

9. Prepare an employment portfolio, including: a resume, cover letter, letters of reference, show-reel,

work samples and pitch a concept. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Responsibility)

Year One Subject Descriptions (900 hours)

Health and

Safety in the

Office(10 hours)

This module covers occupational health and safety, specifically in offices and at computer

workstations. It covers the health implications of sedentary work at a computer workstation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Duties and responsibilities.

• Risk Management.

• Identify and assess Occupational Health and Safety risks at computer workstations.

• Recommend and communicate solutions to Occupational Health and Safety Risks.

Introduction to

C++ (105 hours)

You will learn the syntax of C++ and how to program using the most widely used language in the

games industry. An Object-Oriented language, C++, can be used to create applications and

simulations that can be deployed on a range of platforms including Windows, OS X, iOS, Android and

all of the common games consoles. It has influences from multiple languages and has influenced the

design of many others.

Knowledge and Skills

• Learn C++ language syntax and use.

• Understand the development of Software Applications.

Math for Games

(105 hours)

This subject covers the mathematics essential for representing and managing the interactions of

game objects and graphics within continuous spaces. Topics include linear algebra, geometry, and

calculus specifically as they relate to video games. Major concepts include transformations, collision

detection, and rigid body dynamics.

Knowledge and Skills

• Learn fundamental mathematical skills needed for games and simulation programming.

• Knowledge of Vector and Matrix math as they relate to Euclidean spaces.

• Ability to implement basic collision detection and resolution.

• Create redistributable libraries for use in multiple applications.

Code Design and

Data Structures

(105 hours)

Throughout this subject you will learn various software architecture and design techniques that can

be applied to many different programming languages in many different areas of software

engineering. Knowledge and experience in this domain is essential for all programming professionals.

Software engineering is a complicated subject in itself, but there are many techniques and algorithms

that have been developed over the years to make computer programming easier and more

understandable.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain an understanding of the common systems and patterns used in game development.

• Implement various game development algorithms and data structures.

• Implement basic real-time game systems.

Artificial

Intelligence for

Games (105

hours)

This subject introduces many of the core concepts behind the use of Artificial Intelligence in video

games. Decision making techniques such as Finite State Machines and Behavior Trees are explored,

along with locomotion techniques such as Steering Behaviors and Pathfinding techniques for finding

ways around a level.

Knowledge and Skills

• Implement pathfinding algorithms.

• Implement decision making for autonomous agents.

• Learn how to creative competitive A.I. opponents.

Introduction to

C# (135 hours)

Within this subject, you will focus on learning a tools-based development stack. This will involve

getting exposed to new languages and developing intermediate tools, such as a level editor, and

libraries to assist with development.

Knowledge and Skills

• Exposure and practice with an additional industry relevant programming language.

• Discover how to design, implement, and utilize tools to assist in game development.

Cross-Platform

Development

(105 hours)

Within this subject, you will be exposed to a variety of tools curated at the instructor's discretion.

The focus will primarily be on Game Engines and the considerations and techniques necessary to

maximize their utility.

Knowledge and Skills

• Use industry standard tools and APIs for developing games.

• Learn various platform-specific considerations when developing games.

• Begin rapidly prototyping game concepts and ideas.

Production

Planning (40

hours)

During this subject you will learn project management skills and production methodologies while

working with team members. Your team will be writing project documentation, setting schedules,

and contributing to the development process of a potential project. After July 2018, this assessment

will be rolled into Production to allow for a more streamlined approach.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain insights in how a game studio operates on a day-to-day basis.

• Understand how the students work together as a group.

• Improve your ability to outline, define and pitch a game concept.

• Improve your skills at organizing a team and planning a production.

• Learn group communication and record-taking skills and processes.

Minor

Production (190

hours)

Students from various disciplines will work together on a production to gain a better understanding

of the challenges encountered when developing a project. You will learn important lessons from

project pre-production to completion. For students enrolled in or after August 2018, this assessment

has been expanded to include all information previously found in Production Planning to allow for a

more streamlined approach.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain experience with project management tools used within the industry.

• Learn how to analyze features and prioritize tasks based on their value to the project.

• Learn how to evaluate your own performance, other team members’ performance, and your

groups’ performance as a whole.

• Learn how to conduct, analyze and share constructive criticism.

Year Two Subject Descriptions (900 Hours)

Computer

Graphics (150

hours)

This subject is designed to teach you the techniques and algorithms used in modern real-time

rendering and film rendering. You will make use of a modern rendering API, such as OpenGL, to learn

GPU shader programming and the various lighting and rendering pipelines that are commonly used

in the industry today. Other cutting-edge GPU-related technologies are explored.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain an understanding of modern render pipelines on Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

• Industry standard rendering techniques for games, film and simulation.

• Knowledge of procedural content generation techniques.

• Practical skills in GPU shader programming.

Complex Game

Systems (210

hours)

Video games are full of various systems with varying degrees of complexity. In this subject you will

take a look at some of these systems including multithreaded and parallel programming, audio

programming, network programming and automation and testing systems, such as automated build

servers, automated testing and analytics. Topic focus is curated by your instructor.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to implement networking for games and simulations.

• Understand threading and parallel programming techniques.

• Use of audio in game programming.

• Knowledge of various complex systems used in game development.

Physics for

Games (150

hours)

In this subject, you explore physics as it relates to real-time applications and video games. We take a

practical approach to integrating and implementing an advanced physics library to explore various

interactions within the fields of rigid-body and soft-body physics. We’ll focus on practical applications

and the appropriate tools and concepts to solve a variety of problems in game development.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of physics formulas.

• Knowledge of real-time physics techniques.

• Ability to integrate third-party physics libraries.

Proof of

Concept (45

hours)

All disciplines will work together on prototyping game ideas in teams. Once the game idea has been

approved by a panel, the teams will formulize their development plan and start on the pre-

production stage; creating clear outlines and documentation that they will take with them to the

major production. Each team will create a workable prototype, Design Document, Art Bible and

Technical Design Document. After July 2018, this assessment will be rolled into Major Production to

allow for a more streamlined approach. Students who enrolled in August 2017 will still work with

Proof of Concept as described.

Knowledge and Skills

• Learn iterative design processes for refining an idea.

• Learn how to pitch a game concept to an industry panel.

• Know how to incorporate feedback into your game ideas.

• Understand how to identify risks and target markets.

• Learn how to prioritize development tasks.

Major

Production (315

hours)

This subject is the opportunity for students to put all of their art, programming and design skills that

they have gained throughout the course, combined with their project management skills, into a final

project. All streams work together as a continuation of the approved proof of concept, in an

environment that simulates the complete development process. This results in the final delivery of a

polished game or interactive experience which has the potential to be market ready. For students

enrolled in or after August 2018, this assessment has been expanded to include all information

previously found in Proof of Concept to allow for a more streamlined approach. Students who

enrolled in August 2017 will still work with Major Production as described.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate acquired skills in project development from initial conception to completed

product.

• You will learn how to adapt the scope and focus of your project throughout development.

• Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to reflect on your own work and the work of

others in an unbiased manner.

Online

Professional

Portfolio (30

hours)

The aim of this subject is to ensure you have a well-planned and professional looking online portfolio

ready for use when applying for work. In this subject, you will learn about the standards your

portfolio should meet and how to best showcase your work and skills. You’ll then create the online

framework to house your portfolio and upload your work. This subject is an ongoing process which

will run throughout the second year of study. This helps you develop a suite of work which best

showcases your skills and incorporates improvements from feedback.

Knowledge and Skills

• Conduct research and identify promotion opportunities, target audience and audience

requirements.

• Create a competent and accurate strategic plan for meeting your specific goals and

opportunities.

• Identify and utilize available online opportunities and resources, as they relate to marketing

and promotion.

• Understand how to successfully work under a freelance and or contract employment

arrangement.

• Create an engaging and professionally presented portfolio website, which accurately

showcases your skill-set.

• Understand how to create a “Resume”, a "Letter of Introduction" and a "Cover Letter",

which is tailored to a specific position and / or employer.

• Identify and implement key considerations when planning your portfolio and show-reel,

based on your specific goals and on your observations of your competitors.

• Identify and adhere to the industry-accepted standards and conventions, as they apply to

the presentation of portfolios, for show-reels and applications.

• Identify and implement successful practices for positively engaging your relevant online

community to build a strong online presence.

Advanced Diploma – Game Art and Animation

(1800 hours) (CIP Code 11.0803)

Start Date: August 2023

Estimated Graduation Date: July 2025

The Advanced Diploma was developed in response to industry needs and driven by extensive consultation with

local and international game development studios. The Advanced Diploma is a two-year full-time course,

focused on getting students to meet or exceed industry expectations in order to gain employment with a

development studio or to develop their own independent games.

Game artists design the environments, create the characters and craft the vehicles for the games that you love

to play. They can specialize in modeling, texturing, animation and level design. Game art development is a

dynamic medium to showcase creative ability. Students work with other artists and programmers to design

and create their own unique entertainment experiences using cutting-edge game technology.

Program Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Demonstrate entry-level proficiency using industry standard software and resources such as:

• Maya, ZBrush, Photoshop, Mudbox and Unity to design, create and import art assets into game

engines. (Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Demonstrate appropriate project management skills for entry into the interactive game industry as a

game artist. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Use analytical thinking skills to design, develop and troubleshoot. (Communication, Performance,

Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Demonstrate how game art addresses both visual aesthetics and engine/game context functionality.

(Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Analyze and interpret user requirements to design and develop appropriate solutions.

(Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Interpret information received from a variety of sources; including reference manuals, the Internet,

computerized help systems and colleagues. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem

Solving)

• Identify own skills and abilities and develop strategies for effectively using them in group settings.

(Communication, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Initiate and participate in projects requiring teams of diverse individuals (Collaboration,

Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and through a visual

medium. (Communication, Performance, Responsibility)

• Prepare an employment portfolio including a resume, cover letter, letters of reference and show

reel/work samples and pitch a concept. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Responsibility)

Year One Subject Descriptions (900 hours)

Health and Safety

in the Office (10

hours)

This module covers occupational health and safety, specifically in offices and at computer

workstations. It covers the health implications of sedentary work at a computer workstation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Duties and responsibilities.

• Risk Management.

• Identify and assess Occupational Health and Safety risks at computer workstations.

• Recommend and communicate solutions to Occupational Health and Safety Risks.

3D Art Pipeline

(90 hours)

This subject is your introduction and overview of how 3D software is used to generate 3D art assets

and artwork. You will be introduced to the whole process including: concepting, modeling, texturing,

lighting, rendering and presenting 3D art. You’ll work on a project to practice and demonstrate your

new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of a 3D Pipeline including planning, approval and production stages.

• Learn current 3D software used throughout industry.

• Develop multiple modeling techniques.

• An understanding of the use and application of 3D Lighting.

• Understanding of scene rendering for presentation.

• Understand techniques for UV unwrapping a 3D model ready for textures.

• Understanding materials and shaders and how to apply them.

• Introduction to texturing of 3D Models.

Modeling and

Texturing (120

hours)

This subject is focused on advancing your skills in creating and texturing 3D models. Students

interested in games will begin learning to work with game engines and the workflows necessary to

produce engine-ready art. Students interested in screen will focus on high quality rendering to bring

their models to life. Everyone will work on a project to practice and demonstrate their new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Further advancement in modeling techniques.

• UV and alternative UV unwrapping techniques and workflows.

• Advancement in texturing using 3D texturing applications.

• An understanding of modular construction.

• Developing an understanding of materials and texture networks.

Principles of

Animation (45

hours)

In this subject you’ll be introduced to the skills and techniques used to create animation. You’ll learn

the technical side of how 3D animation is created in 3D software packages, as well as learn

fundamental animation principles that make animation appealing to watch. You’ll produce a number

of small, animated pieces as demonstrations of your new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding the importance of weight and timing in animation.

• Develop convincing animation building on core principles (weight, overlap, squash and

stretch, arcs, etc.).

• Practical understanding of animation principles through a variety of rigs.

• Completing a plan and production schedule.

• Producing a final animation that is consistent with the approved planning.

Character Pipeline

(150 hours)

This subject is designed to advance your skills by learning how 3D characters are produced. You’ll

learn how to use sculpting software to create highly detailed models. You’ll learn how these sculpted

characters are used in either games or film. You’ll create a character using the various techniques

covered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain an understanding of what a character artist is and his/her relationship to industry.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of character modeling and disciplines

involved.

• Gain an understanding of story-telling through character design.

• A practical knowledge of figurative proportions and anatomy.

• Creating concept art using various techniques (paint-overs, thumb-nailing etc.).

• Understanding the importance of mesh topology.

• Gain knowledge of UV un-wrapping techniques for organic characters.

• Building fundamental techniques for sculpting characters.

• Gain understanding of rigging characters.

• Setting up shader and material networks.

• Learn the fundamentals of lighting characters and rendering an appealing image.

Character

Animation (120

hours)

This subject will build on the principles developed in the animation subject and advance your skills

further. You will progress with more complex character rigs and, through a better understanding of

body mechanics and acting principles, you will bring the characters to life. You will further combine

all these techniques with audio syncing and emotional expression which will result in a convincing

character animation piece.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to create or source useful and relevant reference material for animation.

• Learn to plan animation for convincing performance.

• Understanding of developing polished animation through passes.

• Develop understanding of body mechanics.

• Create acting performance confidently, including lip-sync and facial animation.

• Ability to critique your own work as well as seek feedback and to improve your work.

• Ability to produce a short polished animation which conveys emotion.

Digital

Lighting and

Compositing (90

hours)

In this subject, you’ll be introduced to the world of visual effects. You’ll learn about the skills and

techniques used to integrate 3D objects into live footage. You’ll work on a project to bring some of

your art into the “real world” as a demonstration of your new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of how to plan a project, seek approvals and produce agreed deliverables.

• An understanding of the impact of color and how it can be applied to improve visual appeal.

• Competency in basic concepts in lighting and composition.

• Knowledge and skills to use digital lighting to simulate real world lighting effects.

• Competency in setting up and utilizing 3D shaders.

• Introductory knowledge and skills in the use of compositing packages.

Storyboards (45

hours)

This subject is designed to advance your skills in understanding the production of larger projects

through pre-production. You’ll learn how to prepare for large projects and develop an understanding

of scripts, storyboards and pipeline management. You will learn how to produce and understand the

direction and composition given within narrative spaces, such as game levels, and how to present

them in a professional manner.

Knowledge and Skills

• Develop core understanding of designing narrative spaces.

• Practical experience in collaborative production.

• Ability to iterate through concepts and respond to feedback.

• Understand how to break down story into a meaningful sequence.

• Understanding of pre-production planning.

Production

Planning (40

hours)

During this subject you will learn project management skills and production methodologies while

working with team members. Your team will be writing project documentation, setting schedules,

and contributing to the development process of a potential project. After July 2018, this assessment

will be rolled into Production to allow for a more streamlined approach.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain insights in how a game studio operates on a day-to-day basis.

• Understand how the students work together as a group.

• Improve your ability to outline, define and pitch a game concept.

• Improve your skills at organizing a team and planning a production.

• Learn group communication and record-taking skills and processes.

Minor Production

(190 hours)

Students from various disciplines will work together on a production to gain a better understanding

of the challenges encountered when developing a project. You will learn important lessons from

project pre-production to completion. For students enrolled in or after August 2018, this assessment

has been expanded to include all information previously found in Production Planning to allow for a

more streamlined approach.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain experience with project management tools used within the industry.

• Learn how to analyze features and prioritize tasks based on their value to the project.

• Learn how to evaluate your own performance, other team members’ performance, and your

groups’ performance as a whole.

• Learn how to conduct, analyze and share constructive criticism.

Year Two Subject Descriptions (900 Hours)

Game Art Pipeline

(60 hours)

This subject is an introduction to the specialization of game art for year two students. It will refresh

knowledge from year one with a focus on expectations of a game artist and real-time workflow. You

will be challenged to adopt industry techniques and focus on preparing high quality assets for game

engines. You will further develop your 3D creative skills while working within different game art

pipelines.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain an understanding of real-time art techniques.

• Knowledge of industry standard production techniques for games.

• Knowledge of major 3rd party game engines.

• Practical skills in real-time content development and optimization.

Game

Environments

(150 hours)

You will work individually or in teams to develop a game level you might be asked to create in a

commercial studio. You will plan, schedule and execute the production of a polished level which is

aimed to showcase your strengths as a real-time environment artist.

An iterative approach to development will be used to refine concepts, grey box and planning,

through to the development of high quality assets. The final project will demonstrate a high level of

creativity and effective workflows and be presented in a real-time game engine.

Knowledge and Skills

• Critical analysis of game level development.

• Plan and schedule tasks.

• Ability to integrate pre-production and concept strategies prior to production.

• Game environment construction and implementation.

• Ability to iterate through the development process and respond to feedback.

• Knowledge of engine implementation processes used in game development.

• Practical understanding of environment workflows and asset management.

Game Characters

(180 hours)

You will design and develop a 3D interactive gameplay model or character for use in a computer

game while carefully considering both the design brief and technical considerations. This subject will

develop more advanced techniques of modeling, texturing, rigging and animation and explore all

aspects of developing a real-time character with approaches ranging from console to mobile game

development.

The final animated character will be presented in a real time engine and demonstrate a deeper

understanding of a full character pipeline and the technical considerations for character-driven

games.

Knowledge and Skills

• Identify and use appropriate modeling and texturing tools.

• Produce and deliver documentation, showing evidence of concepts creation and design

decisions.

• Plan and manage the design process for creating 3D character models according to a design

brief.

• Incorporate the design specifications and create complex 3D character models.

• Knowledge of current game-play hardware and software products.

• Understanding of technical constraints imposed on design and development.

Graphical User

Interface (90

hours)

You will be introduced to the topics and techniques needed to research, plan and create a Graphical

User Interface (GUI) project. You will examine and replicate the workflow involved in implementing a

basic GUI for a real-time project. You can create a standalone project or attach this to either the

game environment or the game character assessment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of workflow and pipelines of GUI in industry, including commonly used

software.

• Knowledge of current trends and best practices relating to GUI.

• Planning and documentation of the design process.

• Basic implementation of GUI to an interactive level or character.

• Reflection and evaluation of the project.

Proof of Concept

(75 hours)

All disciplines will work together on prototyping game ideas in teams. Once the game idea has been

approved by a panel, the teams will formulize their development plan and start on the pre-

production stage; creating clear outlines and documentation that they will take with them to the

major production. Each team will create a workable prototype, Design Document, Art Bible and

Technical Design Document. After July 2018, this assessment will be rolled into Major Production to

allow for a more streamlined approach. Students who enrolled in August 2017 will still work with

Proof of Concept as described.

Knowledge and Skills

• Learn iterative design processes for refining an idea.

• Learn how to pitch a game concept to an industry panel.

• Know how to incorporate feedback into your game ideas.

• Understand how to identify risks and target markets.

• Learn how to prioritize development tasks.

Major Production

(315 hours)

This subject is the opportunity for students to put all their art, programming and design skills that

they have gained throughout the course, combined with their project management skills, into a final

project. All streams work together as a continuation of the approved proof of concept, in an

environment that simulates the complete development process. This results in the final delivery of a

polished game or interactive experience which has the potential to be market ready. For students

enrolled in or after August 2018, this assessment has been expanded to include all information

previously found in Proof of Concept to allow for a more streamlined approach. Students who

enrolled in August 2017 will still work with Major Production as described.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate acquired skills in project development from initial conception to completed

product.

• You will learn how to adapt the scope and focus of your project throughout development.

• Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to reflect on your own work and the work of

others in an unbiased manner.

Online

Professional

Portfolio (30

hours)

The aim of this subject is to ensure you have a well-planned and professional looking online portfolio

ready for use when applying for work. In this subject, you will learn about the standards your

portfolio should meet and how to best showcase your work and skills. You’ll then create the online

framework to house your portfolio and upload your work. This subject is an ongoing process which

will run throughout the second year of study. This helps you develop a suite of work which best

showcases your skills and incorporates improvements from feedback.

Knowledge and Skills

• Conduct research and identify promotion opportunities, target audience and audience

requirements.

• Create a competent and accurate strategic plan for meeting your specific goals and

opportunities.

• Identify and utilize available online opportunities and resources, as they relate to marketing

and promotion.

• Understand how to successfully work under a freelance and or contract employment

arrangement.

• Create an engaging and professionally presented portfolio website, which accurately

showcases your skill-set.

• Understand how to create a “Resume”, a "Letter of Introduction" and a "Cover Letter",

which is tailored to a specific position and / or employer.

• Identify and implement key considerations when planning your portfolio and show-reel,

based on your specific goals and on your observations of your competitors.

• Identify and adhere to the industry-accepted standards and conventions, as they apply to

the presentation of portfolios, for show-reels and applications.

• Identify and implement successful practices for positively engaging your relevant online

community to build a strong online presence.

Advanced Diploma – Game Design and Production

(1800 hours) (CIP Code 50.0411)

Start Date: August 2023

Estimated Graduation Date: July 2025

The Advanced Diploma was developed in response to industry needs and driven by extensive consultation with

local and international game development studios. The Advanced Diploma is a two-year full-time course,

focused on preparing students to meet or exceed industry expectations in order to gain employment with a

development studio or to develop their own independent games.

Game designers and producers are key elements in the game development process. They are responsible for

creating game experience, monitoring the schedule and pipeline, and keeping the team and production on

track. As the prime communicators in the development process, game designers and producers with

demonstrable ability are valued and in demand.

Program Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Demonstrate entry-level proficiency using industry standard software and version control, such as but

not limited to: Maya, Photoshop, Unity 3D, Unreal Engine 4, Twine, GameMaker, Prezi, MS Office

Suite, Playmaker, and both bug tracking and project management software (Project Management,

Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Demonstrate appropriate project management skills for entry into the interactive game or film

industry. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Use analytical thinking skills to design, develop and troubleshoot. (Communication, Performance,

Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Analyze and interpret user desires to design and develop engaging gameplay. (Communication,

Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Interpret information received from a variety of sources; including reference manuals, the Internet,

computerized help systems and colleagues. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem

Solving)

• Identify own skills and abilities and develop strategies for effectively using them in group settings.

(Communication, Problem Solving)

• Initiate and participate in projects requiring teams of diverse individuals. (Collaboration,

Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing. (Communication,

Performance, Responsibility)

• Prepare an employment portfolio, including: a resume, cover letter, letters of reference, show-reel,

work samples and pitch a concept. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Responsibility)

Year One Subject Descriptions (900 hours)

Health and Safety

in the Office (10

hours)

This module covers occupational health and safety, specifically in offices and at computer

workstations. It covers the health implications of sedentary work at a computer workstation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Duties and responsibilities.

• Risk Management.

• Identify and assess Occupational Health and Safety risks at computer workstations.

• Recommend and communicate solutions to Occupational Health and Safety Risks.

Level Design

Fundamentals

(140 hours)

This subject is an introduction to Level Design as well as basic 3D modeling, texturing and lighting.

Learners will get insights into basic design and art principles and learn the necessary industry

standard vocabulary when working with artists. The subject teaches a basic understanding of how

the process behind 3D art works and how to properly estimate time frames for it. It is not only

relevant for the learners own ability to create art, but it also provides a deeper understanding when

communicating in development teams. Learners will gain skills in Autodesk Maya, covering all

relevant topics needed to create basic inanimate 3D objects and environments. We also take a look

at Adobe Photoshop basics. The emphasis of the subject is focused on the development process of

the level design rather than the final art. Gameplay should be taken into account, including

techniques and principles based around conception. The outcome of this subject should be a full

level using created 3D art, textures and lighting while the learner also considered game design

principles.

Knowledge and Skills

• Learn basics of the Digital Art pipeline and its needs and timetables.

• Understand the requirements of art design in gameplay and user experience.

Design

Prototyping

Fundamentals

(140 hours)

This subject is designed to introduce the learner to the fundamental theories of programming and

the general procedures and logic in developing programming code. Building on these basic skills, the

learner will move on to reading, modifying and debugging code in existing projects and eventually

build the knowledge and skills necessary to script (program) game elements in new projects. From

the perspective of a designer, this subject will help the learner gain an appreciation of the role a

programmer has in a game development team, and help the designer gain a better understanding of

the challenges they would encounter when working with programmers. Furthermore, the learner will

become more experienced and be better equipped to deal with coding and scripting issues and

become more self-sufficient when it comes to developing functionality in games and software.

Knowledge and Skills

• Learn basics of the Programming pipeline and its needs and timetables.

• Knowledge and skills to identify and document software bugs.

• Understand the opportunities and limitations when merging art and programming.

Narrative Design

(140 hours)

This subject is designed to teach the learner exactly what story is, how it is utilized in different ways

and how it works in the context of an interactive medium. It is meant to shift general, opinionated

thinking about story structures in games to a more analytical approach to help students create their

own works. It heavily ties into level design and prototyping, which are highly valuable and required to

get learners prepared for work in industry. Furthermore, additional knowledge about the essential

fields of architecture and human psychology are part of this subject, giving learners the basic tools to

become valued in this field. It is a requirement to apply all learned skills to build a grey box prototype

that demonstrates the acquired knowledge of this subject. Learners are encouraged to show

proficiency using narrative techniques specializing in the interactivity of the medium of games,

writing, prototyping including text, sound, lighting, particles and animation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain an understanding of the role of story in an interactive medium.

• Assess story structures analytically in terms of level design and prototyping.

• Produce a working prototype incorporating required narrative elements.

Testing and

Quality Assurance

(100 hours)

In this subject, learners will be working within groups and acting as a Quality Assurance (QA) team to

test software for clients. They will be liaising with clients, identifying issues and items that will

require testing and getting approval from the clients to go ahead and begin testing. Learners will be

involved in taking responsibility for team management, maintaining and creating documentation for

testing plans, and working within their team to accomplish the tasks they have identified in the

client’s testing requirements. Furthermore, learners will be doing research and market analysis on

the products they are testing in order to provide more effective feedback for the clients in regard to

their product and the market the product will be competing in. Finally, learners will be documenting

the outcomes from the product testing and producing effective and detailed reports for the clients.

Knowledge and Skills

• Work with clients to understand the needs and results of testing and quality assurance.

• Document the testing and quality assurance process to industry standards.

• Manage a team of QA testers to achieve the desired results for the client.

Minor Production

(205 hours)

Students from various disciplines will work together on a production to gain a better understanding

of the challenges you encounter when developing a project. You will learn important lessons from

project pre-production and planning to completion while working with artists and programmers. This

includes writing project documentation, setting schedules and budgets, producing assets, testing and

contributing to the development process of a game project. For students enrolled in or after August

2018, this assessment has been expanded to include all information previously found in Production

Planning to allow for a more streamlined approach.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain insights in how a game studio operates on a day-to-day basis.

• Understand how the developers work together as a group.

• Improve your ability to outline, define and pitch a game concept.

• Improve your skills at organizing a team and planning a production.

• Learn group communication and record-taking skills and processes.

• Gain experience with project management tools used within the industry.

• Learn how to analyze features and prioritize tasks based on their value to the project.

• Learn how to evaluate your own performance, other team members’ performance, and your

group’s performance.

• Learn how to conduct, analyze and share constructive criticism.

Year Two Subject Descriptions (900 Hours)

Psychology and

Economies (90

hours)

Psychology & Economies examines the role of psychology in game design, paying particular attention

to its role in the way systems are developed to engage players and in-game economies are devised,

creating feedback loops. The subject will examine the target markets for particular games and the

relationship between them, the psychology of design and the influence of economic systems.

Students will be reviewing and providing valuable feedback on designs based on their understanding

of target markets, and psychological drivers of audiences.

Students will design and prototype an in-game economic system and learn to understand their

connection to the psychological drivers of gameplay. They will also be practicing key design principles

such as iteration, communication, prototyping as well as critiquing and assessing designs. Students

will use what they have learnt in this subject to create a production quality design document.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain knowledge of the desires, motivations, and reactions of game players.

• Understand the relationship between in-game economies and effective gameplay.

• Practice iteration, communication, and effective design documentation.

Time to Make a

Game (120 hours)

In this subject, learners will be creating a playable build of a game prototype based on the technical

design brief provided. This assignment is designed to explore a range of different tools & software.

(Web development, Mobile development and VR development.) All game builds will be accompanied

by a game design document. Learners will have assessed the risks of the project, considered the

timeline and the tools available to them and strategically made decisions based on the schedule that

they will outline. Learners will test and iterate their playable game build to ensure that it meets the

needs of the original vision and satisfies their identified platforms and target audiences.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate an understanding of the full game pipeline from start to finish.

• Test the completed prototype against the original design document.

Designing the

User Experience

(60 hours)

This subject is designed to teach design as a general discipline, pushing learners forward to move

away from opinionated, boxed thinking about games to a more analytical approach towards the

design. Learners are going to look into idea generation techniques to come up with creative and

innovative concepts for a client. They will be organized in groups to interact both as clients and

production team members for another group to gain insights in both worlds. Learners will be

required to take an active part in the assessment process as they have to fulfill dual roles during the

process. Client and team meetings are conducted in a professional manner, including appropriate

documentation. Communication will play a major role for this subject and groups will be assessed for

both roles. The teacher’s role is to observe group work and communication, acting as investor or

producer for teams to make sure production is on track and remains professional and effective.

Although several small tutorials are held, teachers are primarily mentoring the class.

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrate an understanding of the role of analysis in design.

• Practice professional communication from both the client and the production sides.

Production for

Clients (120

hours)

This subject is a solo game project where learners create a playable prototype of a game for a

fictitious client (teacher) accompanied by a Game Design Document (GDD), and a Post-Mortem

document of the project. Students will take the game through various green light processes with

their client and develop the game through Alpha, Beta and Master, implementing user testing and

feedback processes to ensure their project is polished and meets the client requirements. There will

be an emphasis on project scope, scheduling and client meetings. As the level of competency has

developed throughout the course, students should be aiming to utilize all of their skills and strengths

to produce all the required documentation and deliver an engaging playable experience.

Knowledge and Skills

• Practice project management skills for a complete game project.

• Demonstrate an understanding of art pipeline, programming pipeline, user experience,

client needs, and post-mortem analysis.

Proof of Concept

(60 hours)

All disciplines will work together on prototyping game ideas in teams. Once the game idea has been

approved by a panel, the teams will formulize their development plan and start on the pre-

production stage; creating clear outlines and documentation that they will take with them to the

major production. Each team will create a workable prototype, Design Document, Art Bible and

Technical Design Document.

Knowledge and Skills

• Techniques for generating ideas.

• Ability to rapidly prototype game ideas.

• Skills in presenting an idea for critical feedback.

Major Production

(400 hours)

All disciplines will work together on prototyping game ideas in teams. Once the game idea has been

approved by a panel, the teams will formulize their development plan and start on the pre-

production stage; creating clear outlines and documentation that they will take with them to the

major production. Each team will create a workable prototype, Design Document, Art Bible and

Technical Design Document.

This subject is the opportunity for students to put all of their art, programming and design skills that

they have gained throughout the course, combined with their project management skills, into a final

project. All streams work together as a continuation of the approved proof of concept, in an

environment that simulates the complete development process. This results in the final delivery of a

polished game or interactive experience which has the potential to be market ready. For students

enrolled in or after August 2018, this assessment has been expanded to include all information

previously found in Proof of Concept to allow for a more streamlined approach.

Knowledge and Skills

• Learn iterative design processes for refining an idea.

• Learn how to pitch a game concept to an industry panel.

• Know how to incorporate feedback into your game ideas.

• Understand how to identify risks and target markets.

• Learn how to prioritize development tasks.

• Demonstrate acquired skills in project development from initial conception to completed

product.

• Learn how to adapt the scope and focus of your project throughout development.

• Develop critical thinking skills and the ability to reflect on your own work and the work of

others in an unbiased manner.

Online

Professional

Portfolio (50

hours)

The aim of this subject is to ensure you have a well-planned and professional looking online portfolio

ready for use when applying for work. In this subject, you will learn about the standards your

portfolio should meet and how to best showcase your work and skills. You’ll then create the online

framework to house your portfolio and upload your work. This subject is an ongoing process which

will run throughout the second year of study. This helps you develop a suite of work which best

showcases your skills and incorporates improvements from feedback.

Knowledge and Skills

• Conduct research and identify promotion opportunities, target audience and audience

requirements.

• Create a competent and accurate strategic plan for meeting your specific goals and

opportunities.

• Identify and utilize available online opportunities and resources, as they relate to marketing

and promotion.

• Understand how to successfully work under a freelance and or contract employment

arrangement.

• Create an engaging and professionally presented portfolio website, which accurately

showcases your skill-set.

• Understand how to create a “Resume”, a "Letter of Introduction" and a "Cover Letter",

which is tailored to a specific position and / or employer.

• Identify and implement key considerations when planning your portfolio and show-reel,

based on your specific goals and on your observations of your competitors.

• Identify and adhere to the industry-accepted standards and conventions, as they apply to

the presentation of portfolios, for show-reels and applications.

• Identify and implement successful practices for positively engaging your relevant online

community to build a strong online presence.

Advanced Diploma – 3D Animation and Visual Effects

(1800 hours) (CIP Code 10.0304)

Start Date: August 2023

Estimated Graduation Date: July 2025

The Advanced Diploma is a two-year, full-time course for students who want to work in film, TV or visual

effects. It is a practical course designed to give students the best technical training to work as 3D artists using

the latest state-of-the-art technology.

Developed with the input of leading film and visual effects studios, the Advanced Diploma of Screen and Media

will enable students to complete impressive film projects that showcase their skills and form the basis of a

professional show-reel to impress potential employers.

Program Learning Objectives

Students will:

• Demonstrate entry-level proficiency using industry standard software and resources such as: Maya,

ZBrush, Photoshop, After-Effects, Nuke, and Premiere to design, create and render digital visual

effects. (Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Demonstrate appropriate project management skills, such as scheduling, and maintaining deadlines,

for entry into the 3D Animation and VFX industry. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance,

Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Demonstrate a holistic approach to see the entire scope of a project and how each individual’s roles

interface and impact others. (Collaboration, Performance, Responsibility) • Develop the ability to

adapt to team diversity, varying timetables, art styles and processes. (Collaboration, Communication,

Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Use analytical thinking skills to design, develop and troubleshoot. (Communication, Performance,

Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Analyze and interpret user requirements to design and develop appropriate solutions.

(Communication, Performance, Problem Solving, Responsibility)

• Interpret information received from a variety of sources; including reference manuals, the Internet,

computerized help systems and colleagues. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Problem

Solving)

• Identify own skills and abilities and develop strategies for effectively using them in group settings.

(Communication, Problem Solving)

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing and through a visual

medium. (Communication, Performance, Responsibility)

• Prepare an employment portfolio including a resume, cover letter, letters of reference and Show

Reel/work samples and pitch a concept. (Collaboration, Communication, Performance, Responsibility)

Year One Subject Descriptions (900 hours)

Health and Safety

in the Office (10

hours)

This module covers occupational health and safety, specifically in offices and at computer

workstations. It covers the health implications of sedentary work at a computer workstation.

Knowledge and Skills

• Duties and responsibilities.

• Risk Management.

• Identify and assess Occupational Health and Safety risks at computer workstations.

• Recommend and communicate solutions to Occupational Health and Safety Risks.

3D Art Pipeline

(90 hours)

This subject is your introduction and overview of how 3D software is used to generate 3D art assets

and artwork. You will be introduced to the whole process including: concepting, modeling, texturing,

lighting, rendering and presenting 3D art. You’ll work on a project to practice and demonstrate your

new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of a 3D Pipeline including planning, approval and production stages.

• Learn current 3D software used throughout industry.

• Develop multiple modeling techniques.

• An understanding of the use and application of 3D Lighting.

• Understanding of scene rendering for presentation.

• Understand techniques for UV unwrapping a 3D model ready for textures.

• Understanding materials and shaders and how to apply them.

• Introduction to texturing of 3D Models.

Modeling and

Texturing (120

hours)

This subject is focused on advancing your skills in creating and texturing 3D models. Students

interested in games will begin learning to work with game engines and the workflows necessary to

produce engine-ready art. Students interested in screen will focus on high quality rendering to bring

their models to life. Everyone will work on a project to practice and demonstrate their new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Further advancement in modeling techniques.

• UV and alternative UV unwrapping techniques and workflows.

• Advancement in texturing using 3D texturing applications.

• An understanding of modular construction.

• Developing an understanding of materials and texture networks.

Principles of

Animation (45

hours)

In this subject you’ll be introduced to the skills and techniques used to create animation. You’ll learn

the technical side of how 3D animation is created in 3D software packages, as well as learn

fundamental animation principles that make animation appealing to watch. You’ll produce a number

of small animated pieces as demonstrations of your new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding the importance of weight and timing in animation.

• Develop convincing animation building on core principles (weight, overlap, squash and

stretch, arcs, etc.).

• Practical understanding of animation principles through a variety of rigs.

• Completing a plan and production schedule.

• Producing a final animation that is consistent with the approved planning.

Character Pipeline

(150 hours)

This subject is designed to advance your skills by learning how 3D characters are produced. You’ll

learn how to use sculpting software to create highly detailed models. You’ll learn how these sculpted

characters are used in either games or film. You’ll create a character using the various techniques

covered.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain an understanding of what a character artist is and his/her relationship to industry.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of character modeling and disciplines

involved.

• Gain an understanding of story-telling through character design.

• A practical knowledge of figurative proportions and anatomy.

• Creating concept art using various techniques (paint-overs, thumb-nailing etc.).

• Understanding the importance of mesh topology.

• Gain knowledge of UV un-wrapping techniques for organic characters.

• Building fundamental techniques for sculpting characters.

• Gain understanding of rigging characters.

• Setting up shader and material networks.

• Learn the fundamentals of lighting characters and rendering an appealing image.

Character

Animation (120

hours)

This subject will build on the principles developed in the animation subject and advance your skills

further. You will progress with more complex character rigs and, through a better understanding of

body mechanics and acting principles, you will bring the characters to life. You will further combine

all these techniques with audio syncing and emotional expression which will result in a convincing

character animation piece.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to create or source useful and relevant reference material for animation.

• Learn to plan animation for convincing performance.

• Understanding of developing polished animation through passes.

• Develop understanding of body mechanics.

• Create acting performance confidently, including lip-sync and facial animation.

• Ability to critique your own work as well as seek feedback and to improve your work.

• Ability to produce a short, polished animation which conveys emotion.

Digital Lighting

and Compositing

(90 hours)

In this subject, you’ll be introduced to the world of visual effects. You’ll learn about the skills and

techniques used to integrate 3D objects into live footage. You’ll work on a project to bring some of

your art into the “real world” as a demonstration of your new skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of how to plan a project, seek approvals and produce agreed deliverables.

• An understanding of the impact of color and how it can be applied to improve visual appeal.

• Competency in basic concepts in lighting and composition.

• Knowledge and skills to use digital lighting to simulate real world lighting effects.

• Competency in setting up and utilizing 3D shaders.

• Introductory knowledge and skills in the use of compositing packages.

Storyboards (45

hours)

This subject is designed to advance your skills in understanding the production of larger projects

through pre-production. You’ll learn about how to prepare for large projects and develop an

understanding of scripts, storyboards and pipeline management. You will learn how to produce and

understand the direction and composition given within story board panels and how to present them

in a professional manner.

Knowledge and Skills

• Develop core understanding of cinematography.

• Practical experience developing story boards.

• Ability to iterate through story passes and respond to feedback.

• Understand how to break down story into a meaningful sequence.

• Understanding of pre-production planning.

Production

Planning (40

hours)

During this subject you will learn project management skills and production methodologies while

working with team members. Working in small teams, you will be writing project documentation,

setting schedules, producing assets, testing and contributing to the development process of a

potential project.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain insights in how a VFX studio operates on a day-to-day basis.

• Understand how the students work together as a group.

• Improve your ability to outline, define and pitch a film concept.

• Improve your skills at organizing a team and planning a production.

• Learn group communication and record-taking skills and processes.

Minor Production

(190 hours)

Students will work together on a production to gain a better understanding of the challenges

encountered when developing a project. You will learn important lessons from project pre-

production to completion.

Knowledge and Skills

• Gain experience with project management tools used within the industry.

• Learn how to analyze features and prioritize tasks based on their value to the project.

• Learn how to evaluate your own performance, other team members’ performance, and your

groups’ performance as a whole.

• Learn how to conduct, analyze and share constructive criticism.

Year Two Subject Descriptions (900 Hours)

Visual Effects (120

hours)

This subject focuses on the development of your skills and knowledge considered core to working

effectively in the visual effects industry. You’ll learn and practice this core skill set and produce some

VFX shots using these skills.

Knowledge and Skills

• You will learn advance compositing techniques.

• You will learn how to track and match live action plates.

• You will learn how to create particle and fluid simulations.

Specialization

(180 hours)

This subject is designed to guide you to produce work at a professional level. You’ll discuss with your

teacher before choosing what area to specialize in. You’ll learn about and research what a

“professional” level of quality means and then work on a project to meet those standards.

Knowledge and Skills

• Through research, understand what a professional level skillset and quality of work means in

a chosen field.

• Develop skills to seek and act on valid feedback to improve your work.

• Develop your skills in a chosen field to a professional level.

• Research and apply how creativity is achieved in a chosen field.

Story

Development (75

hours)

This subject is all about learning what makes a compelling story and narrative. You’ll discuss and

propose ideas and develop storylines. You’ll prepare a proposal and pitch your ideas to stakeholders

for possible future development.

Knowledge and Skills

• Advance and expand your knowledge of story or narrative, as it applies to screen

productions.

• Develop a strong understanding of the structures and formulas used in crafting the

storytelling process.

• Develop the skills to brainstorm, create and define a narrative concept.

• Understand principles and techniques through practical application of the story creation

processes.

• Learn how to design and create storyboards from a narrative script, using the cinematic

visual language of cinematography.

• Complete the process of creating a motion animatic or pre-visualization animation.

Short Film

Production (465

hours)

This subject is the opportunity for you and your fellow students to put all their skills they have gained

throughout the course, combined with their project management skills, into a final project. Again,

students work together in an environment that simulates the studio development process. This

results in the final delivery of a polished film which has the potential to be market ready.

Knowledge and Skills

• Visually interpreting a script and narrative.

• Ability to lay out 3D scenes to pre-existing shot plans.

• Understanding cinematography and virtual cameras.

• Skills in designing and building 3D sets.

• Skills to design, document and implement visual effects.

• Skills to create and maintain a variety of production documentation.

• Ability to implement and complete an operational plan.

• Ability to design and implement a sustainable project.

Online

Professional

Portfolio (60

hours)

The aim of this subject is to ensure you have a well-planned and professional looking online portfolio

ready for use when applying for work. In this subject, you will learn about the standards your

portfolio should meet and how to best showcase your work and skills. You will then create the online

framework to house your portfolio and upload your work. This subject is an ongoing process which

will run throughout the second year of study. This helps you develop a suite of work which best

showcases your skills and incorporates improvements from feedback.

Knowledge and Skills

• Conduct research and identify promotion opportunities, target audience and audience

requirements.

• Create a competent and accurate strategic plan for meeting your specific goals and

opportunities.

• Identify and utilize available online opportunities and resources, as they relate to marketing

and promotion.

• Understand how to successfully work under a freelance and or contract employment

arrangement.

• Create an engaging and professionally presented portfolio website, which accurately

showcases your skill set.

• Understand how to create a “Resume”, a "Letter of Introduction" and a "Cover Letter",

which is tailored to a specific position and / or employer.

• Identify and implement key considerations when planning your portfolio and show-reel,

based on your specific goals and on your observations of your competitors.

• Identify and adhere to the industry-accepted standards and conventions, as they apply to

the presentation of portfolios, for show-reels and applications.

• Identify and implement successful practices for positively engaging your relevant online

community to build a strong online presence.

Cancellation/Withdrawal Form

ACADEMY OF INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Federal School Code 042236

This form can be returned in person, or posted/emailed to:

POST

Academy of Interactive Entertainment

305 Harrison Street

Suite 405

Seattle, WA 98109

seatt[email protected]

Use this form to withdraw from study at the AIE.

Note: If you withdraw after the due date on your invoice you will be liable for part or all of your fees. Refunds

will only be approved according to the terms outlined in the Refund Policy.

Do not assume that non-attendance is an automatic withdrawal as you will still be liable for the fees.

FIRST NAME: ________________________________________________________________________

LAST NAME: ________________________________________________________________________

MIDDLE NAME: ______________________________________________________________________

STUDENT ID: AIE

DATE OF BIRTH: __________

/__________

I wish to withdraw completely from my studies at the AIE.

PROGRAM NAME:

PROGRAM CODE:

STUDENT SIGNATURE:

DATE: __________ /__________

/__________

OFFICE USE ONLY

☐ Details checked by Administration Officer

Date: _____ /_____ /_______

Signed: ________________________

Student Signature Page

Completion of Orientation and Receipt of Handbook

OUR MISSION: AIE trains students for employment and career opportunities in 3D animation, game

development and related fields through the provision of world class education as well as acting as a catalyst to

build these industries.

I have participated in AIE New Student Orientation. I certify that I have received a general overview of the

Student Handbook, as well as information on the following:

• AIE and Title IV Refund Policy

• Alcohol and Drug Policy

• Assessment Appeal Policy

• Attendance Policy

• FERPA Policy

• ID Card Badge Policy

• Missing or Unresponsive Student Policy

• Network Use Policy

• Non-Discrimination Policy

• Plagiarism Policy

• Prevention of Harassment and Violence Against Women Policies

• Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy

• Student Attire Policy

• Grievance Policy

• Student Code of Conduct.

I agree to abide by the standards, policies, and procedures referenced in the Student Handbook. I understand

that the information in the handbook is subject to change. I am aware the Student Handbook is available on

the AIE website (seattle.aie.edu

Student Name (printed): ___________________________________________

Student Signature: ________________________________________________

Date: _____ / _____ / __________

2022–2023 Calendar