Office of Admissions

Change of Academic Program

Students accepted into a NYSID program (e.g., Associate in Applied Science) wishing to transfer to another program (e.g., Bachelor of Fine Arts) must go through the Change of Academic Program process. This process includes completing a Change of Academic Program application form and submitting a portfolio. Portfolio requirements per program are listed on the Change of Academic Program form. The application, portfolio, and a copy of the student’s NYSID transcript (obtained by the Office of Admissions) will be reviewed. Only upon acceptance into the desired program may students register for courses in that program.

A student who wishes to receive the certificate or degree in their current program before moving to a higher-level program is welcome to do so as long as the student will complete the total number of credits of their current degree within the semester prior to when the new degree program takes effect. To receive the certificate or degree of the current program, the student must submit a complete Graduation Candidacy and Diploma form. The certificate or degree of the lower-level program will not be granted until after the student has moved to a higher-level program.

Students may request a change to a lower-level program only if they have not met all the requirements of the lower-level program. For instance, a student matriculated in the AAS who has completed all the courses required for the BID may not receive the BID. A portfolio submission is not required in this case. A student who changes to a lower-level program, including changing to that program in order to graduate at the lower level, will be assessed a one-time fee of $500. All students should contact their Academic Advisor, Financial Aid Counselor and International Student Advisor (if applicable) to discuss any implications to changing programs, prior to submitting this request.

Students enrolled in an undergraduate program (e.g., Associate in Applied Science) wishing to transfer to another undergraduate program (e.g., Bachelor of Fine Arts) must go through the Change of Academic Program process. This process includes completing a Change of Program application form and submitting a portfolio. Portfolio requirements will be provided once an application form is submitted. The application, portfolio, and a copy of the student’s NYSID transcript (obtained by the Office of Admissions) will be reviewed.

Students who change into a new degree program normally do not acquire a certificate or degree from a lower-level program as part of their new program (For example, BFA students are not automatically awarded an Associate's degree or a Basic Interior Design certificate). A student who wishes to receive the certificate or degree in their current program before moving to a higher-level program is welcome to do so as long as the student is in the final semester of their current degree and will complete the total number of credits within the semester prior to when the new degree program takes effect. To receive the certificate or degree of the current program, the student must submit a complete Graduation Candidacy and Diploma form with the Registrar’s Office before completing the Change of Program form. The certificate or degree of the lower-level program will not be granted until after the student has moved to a higher-level program.

Additionally, students changing programs enter the new program under the Academic Catalog "year" in which the change will go into effect. COP students must complete all the requirements of the relevant Catalog year in which they enter the new program. Only upon acceptance into the desired program may students register for courses in that program. If you have any questions about your advising

requirements, please ask your academic advisor. For all other questions, contact the Admissions Office before submitting this form.

International (F-1) students will need to provide updated funding in order to receive an updated I-20 form reflecting your new program. Contact NYSID's international student services advisor with any questions.

Re-Admission

Matriculated students (those previously accepted into a program and have completed courses) who leave NYSID for more than one year or who have not completed their current program within 10 years are required to apply for readmission. Students who have attended other schools during an absence from NYSID must have official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions. A published course description, syllabus, and samples of work generated in the course(s) may be requested for the course(s) to be considered for transfer credit.

Readmitted students are required to satisfy all degree requirements current at the time of readmission as described in the Academic Catalog, regardless of when they were originally admitted. Previous NYSID students who are readmitted will have their credits reevaluated because graduation requirements could have changed. If a student requests to be considered for a program different from the program into which they were originally admitted, a portfolio or other materials may be required for the application to be reviewed. Students who have been dismissed from the college due to lack of academic progress may not apply for readmission to the college to any program.