CFS Transition

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is the regional accrediting body for the Community College of Aurora. Institutions that receive Title IV funding (federal financial aid) and State of Colorado financial aid are required by the Federal Government (U.S. Department of Education) and State of Colorado to be accredited. To be recognized as an HLC accredited institution, a college must demonstrate a level of academic quality demonstrating assured student learning outcomes and a positive educational experience. Specifically, these are evidenced through retention, graduation, and employment.

• For transparency and accountability purposes, Community College of Aurora is aligning its academic programs. Two HLC Criterions lend to the discontinuing the use of the Colorado Film School name: Criterion 2 and Criterion 5. Under Criterion 2. Integrity: Ethical and Responsible Conduct, Core Component 2.B. states, “The institution presents itself clearly and completely to its students and to the public.” Changing Colorado Film School name aligns the department with the other institution departments in name, structure, governance, and operation. The renaming and restructuring permits stronger control on academic programs, financial aid, and fiscal management.
• Under Criterion 5. Institutional Effectiveness, Resource and Planning, all three Core Components lend to the discontinuing of the Colorado Film School name:
  • A. Through its administrative structures and collaborative processes, the institution’s leadership demonstrates that it is effective and enables the institution to fulfill its mission.
    • The alignment of Colorado Film School name with the other department names of the College shows consistency, unified direction, and mission-driven alliance.
  • B. The institution’s resource base supports its educational offerings and its plans for maintaining and strengthening their quality in the future.
    • Colorado Film School’s resource base is linked and supported by the same resource base as all academic departments in the college. Aligning the name will clarify the use of these resources and help to provide future resources.
  • C. The institution engages in systematic and integrated planning and improvement.
    • When all departments and programs are aligned, it is easier to methodically plan and advance the whole system. The governance, operation, and structures are consistent and work together.

No. Colorado Film School is aligning with the Community College of Aurora organization and operational structure to ensure the highest quality, transparency, and accountability.  This change also helps the college meet HLC Criterion 2, enabling us to continue to offer accredited degrees and certificates

Hands-on, experiential learning with industry leading technology is the core of what we do as a CTE program and is intended to remain so moving forward.

No. In order to operate with maximum efficiency, we are exploring new ways to schedule cage hours around production demand.  So, rather than having the cage fully staffed during times when demand is low, we’re developing a new system based on production schedules. This change is in accordance with the college’s mission to be fiscally responsible, while still servicing your production needs. In summary, hours at the cage are being adjusted to be responsive to student needs based on demands.

No. To ensure safety, filming on Lowry Campus at night has new guidelines.  We are in the process of developing a new after-hours supervisor position so an employee of the college can be scheduled in advance to allow for filming on Lowry Campus beyond our traditional hours.

Yes, as long as a designated college employee is present in the building. This person is not supervising your sets, but rather serves an available resource and contact person for college services.

The film program is not intended to be an elective, and the department’s filming equipment and facilities remain within the department.  You will be able to complete the current certificates and degrees you are currently pursuing.

Since the inception of the film program, the awarding of its credentials has always been through the regionally accredited institution. Every former Colorado film school student who has completed their certificate or degree earned their award from the regionally accredited Community College of Aurora.

The Community College of Aurora is a public two-year institution, a part of the Colorado Community College System and governed by the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education.