2024-2025 CIA Student Handbook

Introduction to the Student Handbook

This Student Handbook of The Culinary Institute of America is where students can find information about campus life and services, student rights and policies, and campus contacts for all CIA campuses. The CIA reserves the right to change its rules, regulations, policies, and procedures at any time. Unless otherwise noted, such changes will apply to all members of the CIA community. The policies and procedures in this handbook reflect the last version available at the time of publication. However, it is the most current version of the policies and procedures which apply. Students can secure the most up-to-date version of any policy or procedure by contacting the appropriate department or office or, in many instances, by checking the CIA’s website.

Among the challenges facing any college student is figuring out where things are on campus and knowing the right people to contact. Each CIA campus has nuances based on culture, climate, and geographical location. This section provides important information for navigating the campuses.

For the duration of students' studies, The Culinary Institute of America is the focal point of their life. That's why we offer many opportunities to make the stay with us as fulfilling and enjoyable as possible. We encourage students to positively contribute to extracurricular life on campus. This section details campus life and the various services available.

The opportunity to live on campus adds a unique dimension to the college experience at the CIA. The Residence Life staff wants all students to have a good academic experience and continue to grow both personally and professionally. Our objective is to make the residence hall a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Moving away from home and living with roommates in a community residence requires students to take increased responsibility for their actions. The CIA's residence program is designed to help make the transition to such a lifestyle a smooth one. How well students adjust often depends primarily on their perspective and approach. Residence hall living provides students with an unequaled experience of living and working with others and a greater understanding of human relationships. Students have the responsibility to make their residence hall a worthwhile place to live. Courtesy and respect for roommates and neighbors will help meet this objective.

This section will help you become familiar with the CIA's policies and regulations governing student life. You have the right to a safe, engaging, and productive experience at the college, and these policies and regulations help ensure such an environment for all students.

In this section, you'll find academic information more closely related to your daily student life at the CIA. For more information on academic policies and procedures at the college, please see the CIA Academic Catalog.