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2014-2015 CATALOG
ACBA CATALOG, VOLUME IX
Revised 10/08/2014
Letter from the President
The American College of the Building Arts (ACBA) offers an educational experience that is like
no other in the United States. As the only college in America offering a Baccalaureate Degree in
Applied Science in the Building Arts, we provide the opportunity for students to become
exceptionally skilled building artisans while receiving an outstanding liberal arts and sciences
education. This combination of education and training will position graduates to serve as leaders
in preserving America’s past and in building significant structures worth preserving for the
future.
Surrounded by extraordinary examples of the Building Arts in Charleston, South Carolina,
students learn from a talented and passionate international faculty. The City of Charleston is
itself a “living classroom,” that faculty members incorporate directly into students’ educational
experience. Some examples include surveying and preserving historic buildings, designing and
installing elements into quality new construction, and restoring the College’s campus at the Old
Charleston District Jail. Students learn in an environment that demands excellence and provides
the tools for future success.
We encourage everyone to visit the College’s website, and to visit ACBA’s campus in order to
see the beauty of the school, and to get a sense of the history that is the heartbeat of Charleston.
A visit also affords an experience as to what makes our students stand out by seeing them in our
classrooms and workshops.
Let us know if you have questions or want to visit us and experience first-hand all that we have
to offer.
Sincerely,
Lt. Gen (Ret.) Colby M. Broadwater, III
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the President
General Information
Locations and Regional Information …………………….………………………….
Board of Trustees ..…………………………………………………………………..
Licensure, Certification, and Accreditation…………………………………………..
Academic Calendar ………….. ...……………………………………………………
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ACBA Mission, Vision, Objectives and Standards
ACBA Mission ………………………………………………………………………
ACBA Vision ………………………………………………………………………..
Strategic Objectives ………………………………………………………………….
Institutional Standards ……………………………………………………………….
Mission-Driven, Outcomes-Based Assessment at ACBA …………………………...
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Admissions Policies and Requirements
Application for Admission ..…………………………………………………………
General Admission Requirements …………………………………………………...
Decision-Making Process ……………………………………………………………
GED ………………………………………………………………………………….
Home Schooled Students …..………………………………………………………...
Special Student Enrollment ………………………………………………………….
Transfer Credit and Transfer Credit Policies ...………………………………………
New Student Orientation ……………………………..……………………………...
Open House ……..…………………………………………………………………...
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College Policies
Change of Address …………………………………………………………………...
Equal Opportunity Educational Institution ……..……………………………………
FERPA …………………………….………………………………………………...
Returning Student Orientation ……………………………………………………….
Student Grievances …………………………………………………………………..
Students With Disabilities …………………………………………………………...
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Academic Policies
Academic Honors ……... …………………………………..………………………..
Academic Standing, Progress, Probation, and Readmission ……...…………………
Attendance and Tardiness …………………………………..………………………..
Grading, Grade Repeat Policy, and Grade Reports ………………………………….
Graduation Requirements ……………………………………………………………
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Student Life
Academic Advisement …………………………………………………………….… 20
Student Services …………………………………………………………………….. 20
Student Guild ………………………………………………………………………... 21
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and Fees ……………………………………………………………………..
Estimated Additional Costs ………………………………………………………….
Financial Aid ………………………………………………………………………...
Insurance ……………………………………………………………………………..
Non-Federal Student Work-Study Program …………………………………………
Late Payment and Cancellation ……………………………………………………...
Schedule for Tuition Refund ...………………………………………………………
Veteran’s Administration Refund Policy ….………………………………………...
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Academic Curriculum
General Education …………………………………………....…...………………… 25
Craft Specialization Core Courses ………………………………….……………….. 25
The Craft Specializations and Internships ……. ...………………………………….. 26
Degree Programs
Associate of Applied Science in the Building Arts (A.A.S.) .………….…………….
Bachelor of Applied Science in the Building Arts (BAS) …………………………...
ACBA Degree Program Requirements: A.A.S. ….………………………………….
ACBA Degree Program Requirements: B.A.S. .……………………………………..
Building Arts Degree Program Outline for the Class of 2017 …………….………...
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ACBA Course and Program Descriptions
General Education …………………… ……………………………………………..
Craft Specialization Core Courses …………………………………………………...
Craft Specialization Program and Course Descriptions ..………………...………….
Iron ……………………………………………………………………………..
Wood …………………………………………………………………………...
Trowel ……... ………………………………………………………………….
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Administration, Staff, and Faculty
Administration ……………………………………………………………………….
Staff ………………………………………………………………………………….
Faculty ……………………………………………………………………………….
Adjunct Faculty ……………………………………………………………………...
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College Campus Locations and Regional Information
Mailing Address
21 Magazine Street
Charleston, SC 29401
Phone: 843-577-5245
Fax: 843-764-9832
www.buildingartscollege.us
Physical Location
Old Charleston District Jail
21 Magazine Street
Charleston, SC 29401
The Old Charleston District Jail dates to 1802, and has housed the American College of the Building Arts
(ACBA) since 2000. Part of the satisfaction in attending ACBA is the student’s ability to directly impact
the College’s campus by working on the building itself—in many cases, lessons are applied not only in the
classroom but to the classroom as well. Thus, students are directly and actively building this College as a
community. This facility, the main campus for ACBA, houses classrooms as well as the workshops for
Architectural Stone, Masonry, and Plaster. Most campus activities take place at this facility.
James Island Workshops
1725 Signal Point Road
Units B & C
Charleston, SC 29412
Phone: 843-225-3961
This facility houses the workshops for the craft specializations in Architectural Carpentry, Forged
Architectural Iron, and Timber Framing.
The Trolley Barn (a new facility coming online 2015/2016)
ACBA is in the planning and development stage to consolidate all facilities into the old Charleston Trolley
Barn located at 645 Meeting Street. This building was once part of the operations and maintenance facility
for Charleston's street car system. Charleston had a trolley system beginning in the 1860s. Expansion in the
1890s led to the construction of a new maintenance facility in 1897. When the city switched to a bus system
in the 1930s, the Trolley Barn was modified to service the buses until newer facilities were constructed in
the 1980s. The city council conveyed the building to the American College of the Building Arts in 2014.
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Regional Information
Charleston, South Carolina
The City of Charleston is located on the coast of South Carolina, midway between Myrtle Beach and Hilton
Head Island. It is easily accessible by car. I-26 has its eastern terminus in Charleston and connects with I-20,
I-40, I-77, I-85, and I-95 from the north. US Highway 17, the coastal north-south route, runs through
Charleston, and connects with I-95 from the south.
Charleston International Airport is located 10 miles from Downtown Charleston and offers jet services from
American, United, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue, and US Airways. Amtrak provides regular passenger service
to the Charleston area.
Board of Trustees
Pierre Manigault, Chair, Charleston, South Carolina
Benjamin Brazell, Charleston, South Carolina
William Copenhaver, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Mary Scott Guest, Trustee Emeritus, Greenville, South Carolina
Carson Knizevski, Charleston, South Carolina
Stephen Kratovil, Charleston, South Carolina
John LaVerne, Charleston, South Carolina
Johanna Martin-Carrington, Charleston, South Carolina
Margaret Hawk O’Brien, Treasurer/Secretary, Charleston, South Carolina
Armstead Bert Pruitt, Jr., M.D., Charleston, South Carolina
Richard Sammons, New York, New York
John Shannon, New York, New York
Janis A. Solomon, Charleston, South Carolina
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Licensure, Certification, and Accreditation
The American College of the Building Arts is licensed by the South Carolina Commission of Higher
Education (SCCHE) to offer programs leading to the Degrees of Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in
the Building Arts and Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in the Building Arts. Licensure indicates only
that minimum standards have been met; it is not equivalent to or synonymous with accreditation by an
accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. SCCHE may be contacted at: 1122
Lady Street, Suite 300, Columbia, SC 29201, Telephone 803-737-2260.
ACBA received certification in 2013 from the Department of Veterans Affairs to accept servicemen and
women as part of the Department’s educational benefits. For more information regarding VA Certification,
contact the Office of the Registrar.
ACBA is actively seeking accreditation through the National Association of Schools of Art and Design
(NASAD). NASAD is the national agency that approves art and design-based curricula. NASAD has
approximately 330 accredited institutional members, and may be contacted at: NASAD, 11250 Roger
Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, VA, 20190-5248, Telephone 704-437-0700. For additional information on
NASAD accreditation, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs.
Honor Code and Academic Integrity
The pursuit of knowledge in an academic community brings students and faculty together in an association
of shared rights and responsibilities requiring all participants to follow the principle of Academic Integrity.
“Academic Integrity is a commitment, even in the face of adversity, to five fundamental values: Honesty,
Trust, Fairness, Respect and Responsibility. From these values flow principles of behavior that enable
academic communities to translate ideals into action.” (Fundamental Values of Academic Integrity, 1999,
Center for Academic Integrity; www.academicintegrity.org)
ACBA Honor Code: Members of the ACBA community shall adhere to the principle of Academic
Integrity. They shall express opinions with civility and with consideration for the opinions of others,
respect intellectual and creative property and resources, and promote the importance of the Honor
Code in all their interactions for the benefit of the learning community. They will be honest,
trustworthy, fair, respectful and responsible for their actions. They will refrain from lying, cheating,
plagiarizing, stealing, violating another person’s property or person, committing an act of violence
or facilitating an Honor Code violation by another person. Each student and faculty member must
take responsibility for addressing the Honor Code and Academic Integrity with members of the
community who violate these standards.
All ACBA students, faculty, and staff are expected to faithfully uphold ACBA’s Honor Code. Students
should consult the ACBA 2013-2014 Student Handbook for more information about the Honor Code,
Academic Integrity, and possible sanctions for violations of policy. Students are required to sign an Honor
Code Contract at Orientation. Faculty and staff will sign an Honor Code Contract as a part of the
employment process. Copies of the Honor Code Contract will be maintained in the official records of the
institution.
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Academic Calendar 2014-2015
FALL SEMESTER 2014
DATE
DAY OF THE WEEK
EVENT
August 11, 2014
Monday
Faculty Return
August 18-22, 2014
Monday-Friday
Faculty/Staff Workshops
August 24, 2014
Sunday
Returning Student/Parent Orientation and Cookout*
August 25, 2014
Monday
First Day of Class
September 1, 2014
Monday
College Closed-Labor Day
September 26, 2014
Friday
Last Day to Drop Class with W
October 13-14, 2014
Monday-Tuesday
Fall Break
October 18, 2014
Saturday
Open House
October 20-21, 2014
Monday-Tuesday
Midterm Exams
October 24, 2014
Friday
Red Party-All College Event**/No Class
October 27, 2014
Wednesday
Midterm Grades Due
November 14, 2014
Friday
Open House
November 26-28, 2014
Wednesday-Friday
Thanksgiving Break, No Class
December 9, 2014
Tuesday
Last Day of Class
December 10, 2014
Wednesday
Reading Day/Weather Make-up Day
December 11-17, 2014
Thursday-Wednesday
Final Exams
December 19, 2014
Friday
Final Grades Due
December 23, 2014
Tuesday
Winter Break Begins, No Class
SPRING SEMESTER 2015
January 7, 2015
Wednesday
Faculty Return (Faculty/Staff Meetings)
January 12, 2015
Monday
First Day of Spring Class
January 19, 2015
Monday
Martin Luther King Day, No Class
February 13, 2015
Friday
Last Day to Drop Class with W
March 2-6, 2015
Monday-Friday
Spring Break, No Class
March 27, 2015
Friday
Open House
April 3, 2015
Friday
Good Friday, No Class
April 10, 2015
Friday
MBA Friday-All College Event**/No Class
April 11-12, 2015
Saturday-Sunday
MBA Festival-All College Event**
April 18, 2015
Saturday
Open House
April 28, 2015
Tuesday
Friday Classes
April 29, 2015
Wednesday
Friday Classes /Last Day of Class
April 30, 2015
Thursday
Reading Day, No Class
May 1-6, 2015
Friday-Wednesday
Final Exams
May 7, 2015
Thursday
Seniors Grades Due
May 9, 2015
Saturday
Graduation-All College Event**
May 12, 2015
Tuesday
Final Grades Due
May 12-16, 2015
Monday-Friday
Faculty Meetings/Planning for 2015-2016
* Students are strongly urged to participate in the event either by attendance (at reduced cost) or volunteering.
**”All College Event” indicates all faculty/students/staff are expected to help and to attend the event.
These dates are subject to change as conditions warrant.
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ACBA Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Standards
The ACBA Mission
The American College of the Building Arts educates and trains artisans in the Traditional Building Arts
to foster exceptional craftsmanship and encourage the preservation, enrichment and understanding of the
world’s architectural heritage through a liberal arts education.
The ACBA Vision
The American College of the Building Arts will be the leading resource in higher education dedicated to
the innovative and continued practice, study, and promotion of the Building Arts.
Core Values
To achieve ACBA’s mission we will be governed by the following five core values:
Lifelong Commitment
Create long-term success based upon the development of a committed and inspired community
which is dedicated to the fulfillment of the Mission of the College.
Achievement and Excellence
Establish accredited academic programs that result in superior student competencies in the Building
Arts that afford our students a range of post-graduation options and offer exceptional opportunities
for the College’s broader constituents.
Student Learning Outcomes
Assess student success through achievement of the College’s educational learning outcomes.
Outreach and Development of Educated Artisans
Inspire future students and supporters by encouraging and promoting the Building Arts locally,
regionally, nationally, and internationally.
Resources
Identify, develop, and manage resources whether human, economic, or physical in order to meet the
Mission that ensures directed growth of the institution.
Institutional Standards
Curriculum Standards
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The curriculum of ACBA will seek to fully integrate General Education courses with the
Craft Specializations within the Building Arts major.
The curriculum of ACBA will establish a solid base for learning through foundational classes
during year one and year two.
The curriculum of ACBA, in years three and four, will further develop foundational skills
and emphasize integration of previous coursework with new areas of learning.
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The curriculum of ACBA will encourage an interdisciplinary approach to learning by
offering courses with a balance of theory and practice.
The curriculum of ACBA will encourage inquisitiveness by offering many opportunities for
research and experimentation.
The curriculum of ACBA will reward creativity by offering many opportunities for
individual and collective expression.
The curriculum of ACBA will set professional standards in the Building Arts.
The curriculum of ACBA will provide students with the opportunity to attain proficiency in a
Building Arts Craft Specialization.
Student Life Standards
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ACBA students and faculty will conduct themselves according to the Honor Code at all
times.
ACBA student and faculty will give evidence of a personally significant ethical code.
ACBA will seek to engage the public on issues relating to education and the Building Arts.
ACBA will provide students and faculty a setting and atmosphere conducive to inquiry,
discussion, learning, and contemplation.
ACBA students will take an active role in the governance of the student body and the
institution at large.
ACBA students, faculty, and staff will communicate regularly on matters pertaining to the
institution at large.
ACBA students, faculty, and staff will maintain and develop co-curricular activities that
foster a sense of community and fulfill the mission of the institution.
Teaching Standards
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ACBA faculty will encourage the free pursuit of learning by students.
ACBA faculty will make every reasonable effort to foster honest academic conduct.
ACBA faculty will set high standards for themselves and their students.
ACBA faculty will present in writing their own standards, student learning outcomes, and
objectives for each course, and will adhere to these standards and make every reasonable
effort to meet these objectives.
ACBA faculty will make every reasonable effort to assure that evaluation of students reflects
their true merit, and is based on academic performance and not on matters irrelevant to that
performance.
ACBA faculty will encourage and respect diverse of points of view within the classroom to
foster an open learning environment.
ACBA faculty will provide time for students beyond the classroom and will assist any
student that possesses a genuine desire to learn.
ACBA faculty will meet regularly with students for the purposes of academic advisement.
Full-time faculty will maintain regular office hours in order to make themselves available to
students.
ACBA faculty will devote their energy to developing and improving their scholarly
competence.
ACBA faculty will shoulder their fair share of faculty responsibilities for the governance of
the institution.
ACBA faculty will use best practices in assessment in order to improve the program and
curriculum.
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Assessment at ACBA: Mission-Driven/Outcomes-Based
The American College of the Building Arts has adopted a mission-driven assessment system that unifies the
standards and practices of the institution under the umbrella of the mission in order to assess the efficacy of
its programs, curriculum, and services.
This assessment springs from the institutional Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Standards of ACBA,
which form the foundation for the student learning outcomes of the curriculum and the institution.
Throughout the curriculum at ACBA, there are ample opportunities for student assessment, including test
grades, assignments, portfolios, projects, etc. Additionally, ACBA conducts regular programmatic
assessment to ensure that the programs and services of the institution meet the needs of the ACBA student
and community. Documents on how the assessments are conducted are on file in the Office of Academic
Affairs.
Student Learning Outcomes
The following student learning outcomes are those that all students at ACBA are expected to obtain and to
demonstrate throughout the four years at the institution. These outcomes have been designed to provide the
framework within which the educated artisan achieves a common set of competencies that will be utilized
both within and outside of the College environment. Each course syllabus will list those outcomes that are
the most pertinent to that particular course.
Foundation to Capstone
Foundation: Understand the skills, methods and practices necessary to become a successful educated
artisan.
Capstone: Demonstrate a full understanding of the skills, methods and practices necessary to become a
successful educated artisan.
The Bachelor’s program at the American College of the Building Arts is hierarchical in nature meaning
that courses in the first year seek to establish a foundation for the rest of the program. A student who has
successfully completed the program should be able to demonstrate their achievement through the
capstone course.
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Students will show a commitment to lifelong learning at all stages of their education and careers
Students will show evident progression from level to level as evidenced by portfolios,
grades, projects, etc.
Building Arts
Proficiency in a Building Arts Trade attained through work in the classroom workshop and on site.
Originally two paths existed for formal education: school or apprenticeship. The American College of the
Building Arts seeks to offer an alternative to traditional trade apprenticeships by creating a curriculum for
studying building trades at the college level. Students combine classroom instruction with group and
individual work in the shop or studio during the school year and practice their skills in the real world
during summer internships.
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Students will demonstrate the ability to set professional standards in the building arts
Students will attain proficiency in a building arts trade as demonstrated through course grades,
portfolios, projects, and other assignments as appropriate
Students will demonstrate an ability to manipulate materials to produce a specified result
Students will satisfactorily complete three summer internships in their chosen Craft Specialization
Fundamental Design and Drawing Principles
Ability to use 2D reproductive principles to plan, design and execute projects.
While most professions require proficiency in verbal and written communication skills, the Building
Artisan will require visual communication skills as well. Additionally the ability to communicate ideas and
design through sketches, hand drawings and computer-generated drawings is an integral part of the
creative process for many artisans.
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Students will be able to make effective use of drawings and images in many mediums
Students will be able to produce drawings by hand as well as via computer programs
Research and Documentation Skills
Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information throughout the program.
The ability to document one’s work and access the documented efforts of others is a primary skill to longterm success in any field. In the Building Arts, we focus on documenting the process in the studio, workshop,
and jobsite as well as being able to research the work of others.
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Students will be able to conduct research and apply the results of that research in their work
Students will employ effective organizational skills in a variety of situations
Students will be able to record and document learning and achievement through a
professional portfolio
Communication
Demonstrate competency in verbal, written, and visual languages and methods of communication and the
ability to express ideas on divergent levels.
Due to the collaborative nature of projects in the Building Arts, artisans must be capable of
expressing their ideas effectively as an artisan as well as a business person.
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Students will be able to speak effectively as demonstrated through classroom speeches, portfolio
presentations, information presented at Open House and through other community venues,
among others
Students will be able to write effectively as demonstrated through course research papers and
portfolios, and other assignments as appropriate
Students will be able to present various forms of information (e.g. artwork, projects) effectively
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Math and Science
An informed acquaintance with the mathematical and experimental methods of the physical and
biological sciences, as well as with the main forms of analysis and, quantitative techniques are needed
for investigating and understanding the building arts and the nature of the built environment.
In the Middle Ages, the Building Arts were thought of as “applied geometry.” Today we often speak of
“building science” as opposed to “building art.” In any case, knowledge of mathematics, especially
geometry and trigonometry, is essential in all trades. An understanding of scientific methods and
elements of material science are essential to a student in making sense of their environment and the
physical properties of the materials with which they work.
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Students will be able to make use of mathematical systems to solve problems, create drawings,
build and explain projects, among others
• Students will be able to make use of scientific methods to solve problems
History and Culture
Demonstrate an awareness of history across the curriculum and be able to provide historical context in a
variety of situations. Understand the general development of the Western Tradition and the specific
development of the Building Arts within that tradition.
• Students will demonstrate an awareness of history across the curriculum
• Students will be able to provide historical context in a variety of situations
• Students will be able to write a personal and historical definition of art and artist
• Students will be able to make connections between their building trade and other art forms
Critical Thinking and Reasoning
Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse
points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards
The ability to reason has been the starting place for most educational systems going back to Ancient
Greece. A citizen of any democracy must be able to break down arguments and think through them
completely and rationally. An educated artisan must be a thinker and a doer. The ability to
systematically approach problems and solve them is a critical key to success. Also important is the ability
to offer a reasonable critique of one’s own work and the work of others, which leads to a better
understanding of the artistic process.
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Students will be able to reason effectively
Students will be able to analyze arguments and present the results of their analysis
Students will be able to make use of logic to solve problems
Students will be able to make use of creative thinking skills to solve problems
Students will be able to analyze a work of art and express the results of their analysis
Ethics, Collaborative Skills, and Leadership
A personal code of ethics that leads to consistency, responsibility, and high standards in and out of the
classroom is an important characteristic of the educated artisan. The ability to work well with others in a
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respectful manner and the ability to lead others towards the achievement of specific goals is a necessary
part of the teamwork often required of artisans on the job and in the classroom.
It is the belief of the American College of the Building Arts that skill in leading others can be acquired
only by those who can first lead themselves. A work ethic that leads to a sense of responsibility,
timeliness, integrity, and high standards will translate into being a good worker, a good team member and
eventually a good leader. As students progress through the program, they will have opportunities to work
as members of a team. As students near completion of the program, they will have opportunities to lead.
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Students will conduct themselves according to an Honor Code at all times and work in all areas
will give evidence of a personally significant ethical code
Students will demonstrate an ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary
project teams and work in collaboration with others as members of a team
Students will demonstrate an ability to lead a project team toward a specific goal
Students will demonstrate an understanding of good management skills
Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic business fundamentals including successful
small business management disciplines and leadership skill
Admissions Policies and Requirements
Application for Admission and Admission Requirements
Application for Admission
The American College of the Building Arts accepts applicants into the A.A.S. and B.A.S. Degree Programs.
Most students at ACBA are full-time; however, arrangements may be made through the Office of Academic
Affairs and the Office of the Registrar for part-time enrollment due to special circumstances. Please note
that part-time enrollment would usually preclude a four-year graduation time frame. Full-time status
requires enrollment in at least eleven credit hours in any given semester.
Application forms may be downloaded from the website at: www.buildingartscollege.us, or may be obtained
by writing the Office of Admissions, American College of the Building Arts, 21 Magazine Street,
Charleston, SC 29401. All applications must be accompanied by a one-time non-refundable $50 application
fee.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the limited number of students admitted
into each craft specialization, students are enrolled on a space-available basis. The American College of the
Building Arts seeks talented students who are committed to the future of the Building Arts. With this in
mind, the College as an institution is dedicated to accepting students without financial bias.
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General Admission Requirements
All applicants must submit the following:
1. A completed application
2. A non-refundable $50 application fee
3. Official high school transcript(s) [Note: transfer students do not need to submit a high school
transcript if they have successfully completed 30 semester hours at a post-secondary institution]
4. Official college transcript(s) of all previous college coursework, when applicable
5. SAT/ACT scores—results of the SAT or ACT may be sent directly from the testing agency if not
posted on the official high school transcript. [Note: transfer students, VA students, and students
with a GED are not required to provide SAT/ACT scores]
6. Note: A high school diploma (or equivalent) is required for admission to ACBA
In addition, first-year applicants must submit an official high school transcript that includes:
English
4 units, including one unit of English literature and one unit of American
literature. Two units should have strong grammar and composition components.
Mathematics
4 units, including Algebra I and II, and geometry
Laboratory Science 3 units (4 recommended). Two of the units must be in biology, chemistry or
physics.
Foreign Language 3 units. Two units must be from the same language.
Social Sciences
3 units. Includes one unit of U.S. history. Government and economics are
recommended.
Phys Ed. or ROTC 1 unit
Fine Arts
1 unit. Appreciation of, History of, or Performance in one of the fine arts.
Electives
1 unit. Electives include English, fine arts, foreign languages, humanities,
laboratory science, mathematics, social sciences, or computer science.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. ACBA is a unique institution with a competitive
admissions process. Maintaining a small but competent and committed student body is imperative for
student success. Due to the limited number of students accepted into each Craft Specialization, students are
encouraged to apply early to secure a place in the class of 2019. Admissions are on a rolling basis and
qualified students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Decision-Making Process
Admission to the ACBA program is competitive. The Admissions Committee looks at the student as a
whole along with test scores, academic preparation, leadership qualifications, extra-curricular activities,
work experience, letters of recommendation (optional but highly recommended), completed portfolio
(optional but highly recommended), and the student interview.
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Interview: Each student seeking admission to ACBA must complete an interview with the Director of
Admissions or another College administrator. This is an important part of the admission process. It
allows potential students to become acquainted with ACBA’s faculty and staff, to better understand the
programs, and to become familiar with the College’s mission. Students who live a long distance from
the College may schedule their interviews in conjunction with an ACBA Open House event, or other
means of communication.
Entrance Portfolio: Students seeking admission to ACBA should submit a portfolio of their
artisan/crafts experience and completed work. This allows applicants to show their artistic/creative
skills and/or experience in the crafts. Experience in the desired program is not a pre-requisite for
admission to the College. Students with no prior experience may submit a portfolio of artistic work
from past projects. If a student does not have material with which to submit a portfolio, members of
the Admissions Committee will interview the student relative to the craft specialization.
GED
Admissions candidates who submit General Educational Development (GED) credentials in lieu of a high
school diploma must be 18 years of age or older. The minimum acceptable GED score for admission is the
score used for awarding an equivalent secondary diploma in the state where the test was taken. Official
GED scores must be received from the General Educational Development Testing Services.
Home-Schooled Students
ACBA recognizes the viability of the home school experience. All home schooled candidates must be
associated with the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools or a similar organization.
Out-of-state transcripts will be reviewed on an individual basis. Please submit all verification documents
with the official high school transcript.
Special Student Enrollment
The curriculum at ACBA has specialized academic and artistic objectives. In exceptional cases, and upon
the recommendation of the faculty, applicants who are deemed to have a satisfactory record of experience
and education may be admitted to courses for one term at a time (space permitting), and must be readmitted
at the beginning of each subsequent term. Students in this category may take courses from the General
Education, Craft Specialization Support, and Elective areas, but are not permitted to take the Craft
Specialization courses. Students with special enrollment status who desire to become candidates for a
degree from ACBA must meet all appropriate requirements for admissions. Special Student Enrollment
Applications are available from the Office of Recruitment and Admissions.
Transfer Credit and Transfer Credit Policies
Applications from incoming transfer students (those with 30+ hours of previous college credit) will be
evaluated on an individual basis. The American College of the Building Arts does not automatically award
transfer credit for courses taken at other institutions. Such credit will be awarded only if (1) the course was
taken at a regionally accredited institution and was completed with a grade of “C” or better; and (2) the
student passes an institutional assessment exam offered by the ACBA professor, where applicable.
The curriculum at ACBA has been carefully constructed to ensure the student acquires the knowledge,
skills, and abilities of the “educated artisan.” Due to the integrated nature of General Education and Craft
12
Specialization curricula at ACBA, courses are often not exact equivalents to those taken elsewhere.
Therefore, in order to request transfer credit for any previous coursework, a course syllabus, course
description, and/or booklist for the original course may be required in order to facilitate comparison. In
certain cases, and only with permission of the Admissions Committee, an ACBA course may be waived if
the student has transfer credit that substantially exceeds the ACBA course (e.g. a student who has
successfully passed an upper-level engineering course at another institution would not be required to take
Math 101 at ACBA). General elective credit may be granted at the discretion of the Office of Academic
Affairs for transfer courses that fit the mission of ACBA.
Each transfer credit request is evaluated on an individual basis and credit will be awarded accordingly if it is
found to be appropriate. Current students may not transfer any credits into the ACBA program without prior
written permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Registrar.
The American College of the Building Arts cannot guarantee that courses taken at ACBA will transfer to
other institutions of higher education, as it is at the discretion of the receiving college or university.
Transfer Credit Policies
Advance Placement (AP) Credit
Advanced Placement Credit through the College Board (www.collegeboard.com) is accepted at the
American College of the Building Arts on a limited basis. Students who have taken college-level courses as
a part of the secondary school curriculum, and who have achieved the minimum scores listed below on
advanced placement exams, will be awarded advanced placement credit at ACBA.
ADVANCE PLACEMENT EXAMS
Calculus AB or BC
English: AP 3
English: AP 4
SCORES
Score of 3
Score of 3
Score of 4
CREDIT AT ACBA
MATH 101
ENGL 101
ENGL 101 and 102
International Baccalaureate Program (IB) Credit
ACBA recognizes credit earned under the International Baccalaureate Program on a limited basis. Students
who have taken college-level courses in a secondary school and who have achieved a score of 5, 6, or 7, on
a higher-level IB exam will be awarded credit at ACBA.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
English
Economics
Business
SCORE
Score 5, 6, 7
Score 5, 6, 7
Score 5, 6, 7
CREDIT AT ACBA
ENGL 101
BMGT 201
BMGT 301
Credit for Previous Education and Training (CLEP)
The College Board’s College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is designed primarily for adults with
nontraditional learning experiences. Credit is awarded for a limited number of introductory level classes
according to criteria established by each department. Further information about CLEP should be obtained
from the ACBA Office of Admissions.
13
New Student Orientation
Each incoming student at ACBA will participate in an orientation program formulated to provide
information critical to success at ACBA. The program will consist of overviews of the ACBA Student
Handbook, the ACBA Catalog, class schedules and program outlines, the Honor Code, as well as other
pertinent materials. The date for the New Student Orientation is listed on the Academic Calendar.
Open House
ACBA holds a number of Open Houses across the academic year. The dates for the 2014-2015 Open
Houses may be found on the Academic Calendar. These events provide students with the opportunity to
meet with College personnel, learn about the school and its academics, and, when time permits, to
participate in the Entrance Interview required for admission to ACBA. For additional information on the
ACBA Open Houses or to register for one, contact Ms. Lucas Adams at [email protected].
College Policies
Please note: additional policies related to academics and student life (e.g. Health and Safety Policies) may
be found in the most recent edition of the Student Handbook. ACBA retains the right to modify, add, or
delete any College policies on an ad-hoc basis. Students, faculty, and staff (as appropriate) will be notified
in writing of policy changes that affect a specific group.
Change of Address
All students must report address changes to the Office of the Registrar, who maintains all student records.
Equal Opportunity Educational Institution
ACBA is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender,
color, race, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis
prohibited by law, in its admissions process, programs, or activities.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. - 1232g:34CFR Part 99) is a federal
law that protects the privacy of student educational records. The law applies to all schools that receive funds
under an applicable program of the Department of Education.
For additional information on FERPA
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-4605
202-260-3887
http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/gud/fpco/ferpa/index.html
14
What are a student’s rights under FERPA?
FERPA provides students with the right to inspect and review their educational records, limit disclosure of
information from their records, and seek to have the records amended by filing a complaint with the U.S.
Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the College to comply with the requirements of
FERPA.
Student records will not be made available to others, including parents of students over 18 years of age,
where permitted by law or upon written request of the student (or parent of a student under 18 years of age).
ACBA classifies certain items of a student records as “directory information.” This information may be
released to any third party at the discretion of the College. Students (or parents or guardians when a student
is less than 18 years of age) may request within 30 days of enrollment that the school not disclose “directory
information.”
Directory Information is defined as:
Name
Address
Telephone number
Email Address
Date and place of birth
Curriculum, major field of study, craft specialization
Dates of attendance
Enrollment status (full/part time)
Degrees Awarded/Received
Most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student
Upon written request, any current or former student may inspect his or her educational records and may
request a hearing to challenge any information.
Returning Student Orientation
Upper-class students are required to attend orientation sessions (August 24, 2014) which will provide
updated materials, policy changes, and other pertinent information. Returning students may not begin class
without first attending orientation.
Student Grievances
Please see the ACBA 2014-2015 Student Handbook for an explanation of all Student Grievance policies and
procedures.
Students with Disabilities
Any student with a bona fide, documented physical, psychological, or learning disability should contact the
Office of Academic Affairs to discuss appropriate accommodations. All information on type of disability is
held in strict confidence and is only disclosed by the student or with written permission of the student.
15
Academic Policies
Academic Honors
Students who achieve a GPA of 3.5-3.9 for work completed during one semester are placed on the Dean’s
List for that semester. Students who achieve a GPA of 4.0 on work during one semester are placed on the
President’s List for that semester. In addition, ACBA grants graduation honors as listed below under
Graduation Requirements on page 19 of this Catalog.
Academic Standing, Progress, Probation, and Readmission
The curriculum at the American College of the Building Arts constitutes a very intensive program. All early
courses form the foundation for later courses and many later courses cannot be completed without
knowledge gained at lower levels. For this reason, students are required to make satisfactory academic
progress in order to remain enrolled at ACBA.
Students are required to maintain an overall GPA of a 2.0, as well as a 2.0 GPA in the Craft Specialization.
Any student with an average below the minimum will be placed on Academic Probation. Any student whose
average does not improve after one full semester will be subject to dismissal from the College. Students may
apply for readmission after one calendar year. They will then have one semester to achieve a cumulative
GPA of 2.0/2.0 in the Craft Specialization. In cases where, mathematically, a student requires more than
one semester to reach the required GPA, the Vice President for Academic Affairs may grant a one-semester
extension to the readmission status. Should the student fail to achieve a GPA of 2.0 (overall and in the Craft
Specialization) or higher in the allotted period of time, they will be dropped for academic deficiency and are
not eligible to reapply to ACBA. The student must meet with an academic advisor or a course professor to
plan a strategy for improving grades which will be filed with the Office of Academic Affairs.
16
Attendance and Tardiness
Students are expected to attend each scheduled class for the full time period. Any absences or tardiness are
a part of each student‘s record. If a student’s tardiness exceeds fifteen minutes of class time, they will be
considered absent (unexcused) for the course meeting. Absences are considered unexcused unless
satisfactory evidence is provided by the student to merit an excuse for the absence.
Generally speaking, absences due to: illness, jury duty, death of an immediate family member, court
summons, religious observances, or required military duty are regarded as excused. This is not an allinclusive list, and students should speak with their instructor whenever they have an obligation or an
emergency during course hours. Students have an obligation to inform their course instructors as soon as
possible of the days on which they will be absent (prior to the absence is highly encouraged).
A student will be dropped from any course in which unexcused absences are equivalent to two weeks of
classes (6 hours in three-credit courses and 30 hours in five-credit courses). Students will also be withdrawn
from a course when total absences (excused and unexcused) equals three weeks of class time (9 hours in a
three-credit course and 45 hours in a five-credit course). Any student dropped for excessive absences will
receive a grade of FA in the course. An FA is the equivalent of an F for GPA computation purposes.
Drop/Add, Withdrawals, and Leave of Absence
Drop/Add
A student may change his/her schedule during the first week of class (the Drop/Add period) without penalty.
This may only be done with permission of the faculty advisor or the Vice President for Academic Affairs,
and the Registrar. The student must complete and submit the Drop/Add form to the Office of the Registrar.
Withdrawals
A course withdrawal must be accomplished by the date published on the Academic Calendar and will result
in a grade of “W” being issued for the course.
A complete withdrawal from the College (with or without a Leave of Absence) must be approved by the
Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Registrar.
Leave of Absence
An official leave of absence (LOA) is granted to a student when mitigating circumstances (e.g. active
military duty, serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family, emergency financial obligations)
require a student to be out of school for an extended period of time such as a semester or a year. The LOA
will only be granted if the mitigating circumstances require it and the student is in good academic standing
(a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher). The LOA preserves the student’s status at ACBA; students will
receive all school communications, including registration materials for subsequent semesters.
The Office of the Registrar has all appropriate forms for Drop/Add, Withdrawal, and/or a Leave of Absence.
17
Grading, Grade Repeat Policy, and Grade Reports
Grading
All coursework at ACBA is graded on a letter-grade basis except for the Internships which are graded with a
pass/fail option. The GPA is calculated by multiplying the credits of each course by the grade points and
totaling the points earned for all courses and dividing the total points by the total number of credits.
The equivalent grade-point score of each letter grade is a follows:
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
F
I
AU
FA
R
S
T
U
W
WV
XF
4.00
3.70
3.30
3.00
2.70
2.30
2.00
1.70
1.30
1.00
0.00 Failure
Incomplete
Audit (pays fees and officially on class roster)
0.00 Failure due to absences
Retake (see Grade Repeat Policy below)
Satisfactory - used only for internships
Transfer Credit
0.00 Unsatisfactory - used only for internships
Withdrawal
Waived course due to higher level transfer course
0.00 Failure due to dismissal
“I” Incomplete: A student has the option to make up work from a class if he/she has fallen behind as a
result of an excused absence. Students are responsible for all materials presented during their absences.
Faculty may assign a temporary grade of incomplete (“I”) to a student when illness, necessary absence, or
other compelling reasons beyond the control of the student prevent completion of course requirements by
the end of the semester. This grade may not be given as a substitute for a failing grade. The work of the
course must be completed within thirty (30) days of the end of the semester. Failure to complete the course
work within this time frame will result in a grade of “F” for the course. [Note: under extreme
circumstances, a graduating senior may be given an incomplete grade for one course only and still walk in
graduation. The student will have thirty (30) days to complete the course and receive the degree].
“AU” Audit: A student registers for and attends classes regularly without being held responsible for the
work required for credit. A student who registers for a course in this way is not eligible to sit for
examinations, earns no credit hours for the registration, and pays per class tuition costs where applicable.
The designation “AU” appears on the transcript if the student attends at least 75% of the class sessions and
gives evidence to the course instructor that class participation has been satisfactory. The audit is primarily
used for students who need to refresh their skills and/or knowledge in order to register for a subsequent
course.
18
“FA” Failure due to absence: This grade is given to students who fail a course due to absences that exceed
20% - 25% of the class, rather than due to low scores.
“R” Retake: Hours attempted, none earned, no GPA (see Grade Repeat Policy below).
“W” Withdrawal from a course: A “W” appears on the transcript for each class withdrawn. A “W” does not
affect grade point averages. Students must withdraw before the published drop-date of the semester to
receive a grade of “W.”
“WV” Waived: In certain cases, and only with permission of the Admissions Committee, an ACBA course
may be waived if the student has transfer credit that substantially exceeds the ACBA course (e.g. a student
who has successfully passed an upper-level engineering course at another institution would not be required
to take Math 101 at ACBA, or if a student successfully passes a challenge exam).
“XF” Failure due to dismissal: This grade is given to students dismissed from the College and may or may
not accurately reflect their grade in the course prior to dismissal.
Please note: a grade type of “AU,”“S,”“T,” or “WV” awards earned hours but no quality points.
Grade Repeat Policy
Students at ACBA are permitted to repeat past courses in order to receive a second grade (e.g. if the student
fails or earns a D in a course). Retakes of this type must be taken within the sequence of courses listed on
the Program Outline in this Catalog. Students may, however, repeat one course, and one course only, under
a “forgiveness” clause that allows the first grade to be replaced by the second grade (e.g. the student fails
MATH 101 and repeats the course prior to taking MATH 102 and elects to have the new grade for MATH
101 replace the F received the first time the student took the course). The first grade will remain on the
transcript; however, it will not be included in the GPA calculations. The student may not retake a course
that is a prerequisite for another course once the subsequent course has been taken and passed (e.g. a student
may not retake SCME 201 for a new grade once SCME 202 has been taken and received a grade). A
previous grade of FA may not be forgiven.
Grade Reports
ACBA issues two grades reports per semester. Mid-term grade reports and final (end-of-term) grade reports
are emailed directly to ACBA students at their official ACBA email address.
Graduation Requirements
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a GPA of 2.0 in the Craft Specialization are required for graduation.
Candidates for the A.A.S. degree must finish all required coursework and successfully complete one eightweek summer internship to be eligible for graduation. Upon meeting all requirements for graduation, an
Associate’s of Applied Science Degree in the Building Arts will be awarded.
Candidates for the B.A.S. degree must finish all coursework and successfully complete three eight-week
summer internships. Upon meeting all requirements for graduation, a Bachelor’s of Applied Science Degree
in the Building Arts will be awarded.
Please note: any student who lacks three (3) credits toward fulfillment of the graduation requirements
(either due to an Incomplete grade or the need to take an additional course) may apply to “walk” in
graduation with prior permission of the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Registrar. Students
19
must complete any incomplete work within thirty (30) days of the end of the term. Students must present
the Registrar with a plan to complete any outstanding course by December of the year of graduation.
ACBA grants the following graduation honors for graduates: Cum Laude (GPA 3.25-3.49), Magna Cum
Laude (GPA 3.50-3.74), and Summa Cum Laude (GPA 3.75-4.0). In addition, the Valedictorian of the
graduating class is that senior who maintains the highest cumulative GPA at the end of the first semester of
the senior year (December).
Student Life
The American College of the Building Arts is committed to academic excellence and high-level artisanship
in the Building Arts. Students have many opportunities to explore the Building Arts, developing strong
portfolios to carry into the future; engaging in lively discussions with instructors and classmates and
contributing to the student life of the College by planning and enjoying community activities, cultural
events, and outdoor activities.
Academic Advisement
All incoming first-year ACBA students are assigned an academic advisor and are required to meet with that
advisor at least once prior to the midterm exam period in the first semester. In subsequent semesters,
students are required to have one formal advising appointment with the academic advisor, and to complete
the Advising Checklist (available from the advisor) to document that meeting. Additional meetings between
students and their advisor are strongly encouraged in both formal and informal settings, with a goal of
meaningful dialogue throughout the semester. A mandatory meeting is held if a student is failing any
course(s) at mid-term, goes on academic probation, or exhibits any behavior leading to disciplinary
concerns.
The fact that all students take small-sized classes with each full-time general education faculty member
throughout their first two years, as well as additional classes with adjunct faculty, facilitates each student
finding one or more professors with whom to feel comfortable and from whom academic advice, guidance,
and mentoring in a safe environment may be sought. The many opportunities for students to develop close
professional relationships with faculty is one of the great benefits of the small size of the College and the
low (~8:1) student-to-faculty ratio.
Optimally, as a natural outgrowth of the intense workshop-based studies in the Craft Specialization, all
students develop a close working relationship with a Craft Specialization faculty member as well. Ongoing
consultation with this professor is strongly encouraged and may provide students with a key source of
knowledge and advice from the professor who best knows their work and interests.
In addition to the academic advisor, other College personnel may be consulted for specific problems
pertaining to that area of expertise (e.g., the Office of the Registrar would assist with transcript issues).
Student Services
Among the student services provided at ACBA are advisement, a student computer lab, disability advising,
assistance with securing housing and dining programs, and the Byrne-Diderot Library. Additionally, the
Office of Academic Affairs will provide referrals for services not offered on campus (e.g. psychological
20
counseling). For further information on all student services, as well as a “Who Does What?” outline, please
refer to the 2014-2015 ACBA Student Handbook.
Student Guild
The Student Guild is a student-run association based on trade guilds that serves as the voice of the student
body. The Guild is responsible for the social and community aspects of ACBA students. For further
information refer to the most recent edition of the ACBA Student Handbook.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are due in full at the start of each academic semester. If unable to pay in full, then a
payment plan or financial aid plan needs to be in place. All students are charged the full-time fee once
they register for at least 11 credit hours in a semester. ACBA does not charge an “overload” fee for
students taking additional credit hours in a semester. Tuition and fees for the 2014-2015 academic year
have been set by the Board of Trustees as follows:
•
•
•
•
Full-Time Tuition: $19,872.00 per year ($9,936.00 per fall/spring semester)
Shop/Studio Fee: $600.00 per year ($300.00/semester)
Graduation Fee (Seniors): $100.00
Late fees as applicable
Special Circumstances (including Maymester/Summer, as applicable)
•
•
Part-time student fee (ten hours or less): $585 per semester hour
Special Student Enrollment fee: $585 per semester hour and additional lab fees if appropriate
Estimated Additional Costs
•
•
•
•
•
•
Books: $300.00-400.00 for Freshman year, $200.00/$300.00 for Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors
Tools1: $250.00-600.00 depending upon the craft specialization
Design, Drawing & Drafting tools: ~$300.00
Housing: $600.00-800.00 per month rent (depends if shared and may/may not include utilities)
Food Costs: Meal plans are available—please contact the Office of Admissions for information
Transportation: There is no public transportation available to travel from the downtown campus
to the James Island workshops—it is approximately 10 miles from the downtown campus on
Magazine Street to the workshops.
1
Students are required to have their own hand tools and safety equipment as specified by the faculty in the Craft
Specialization. Tools vary widely for each field of study; each craft workshop has a variety of equipment and
tools on site, based upon the craft specialty. The freshman year is generally the largest expenditure for tools.
Textbooks may be purchased through the University Bookstore, King Street, Charleston, SC or found used
online. See website for full list of equipment and tools needed.
21
Financial Aid
The American College of the Building Arts offers several types of financial aid to assist our students in
paying for their college education. This includes institutional loans, deferred and non-deferred loans,
payment plans, work-study opportunities, and a limited number of scholarships. All loans are internally
financed by ACBA but adhere to Federal guidelines.
The Office of Financial Aid coordinates and administers the financial aid programs for the College.
This office provides financial assistance to students who have a demonstrated financial need and who
would otherwise be unable to attend the American College of the Building Arts. The student and
student’s family are primarily responsible for the cost of higher education. However, scholarships, loans
and work opportunities are available to students who qualify.
All applicants for financial aid are required to:
•
•
•
Apply for admission to the College
Be degree-seeking candidates
Complete ACBA Expected Family Contribution Form (EFC) (deadline below)
Eligibility Requirements for Financial Aid
In general, a student is eligible for financial aid if he or she meets the following requirements:
•
•
•
•
•
Is a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen
Has a demonstrated financial need,
Is making satisfactory academic progress (as defined by the College) in the course of study
Is not in default on any student loans or payments, including those to ACBA
Has a high school diploma or GED, or meets special ability-to-benefit requirements
The student should first complete the EFC form. This will give ACBA the information to determine
needs-based eligibility. The EFC should be forwarded to [email protected] along with the
completed required tax returns.
If there is demonstrated need, this information will be given to the Scholarship Committee at ACBA for
consideration for appropriate College scholarships. Information regarding non-ACBA scholarships may
be obtained from the Office of Financial Aid.
The Office of Financial Aid will review the material, and may request additional information.
Institutional loan eligibility will be determined by the Office of Financial Aid. The student is
encouraged to research and apply for any available outside scholarship opportunities, many possibilities
for which are listed on the College’s website.
Application Schedule Deadline
Incoming students: July 15
Returning Students: June 20
22
Insurance
ACBA requires all students to carry health insurance, whether their own or through their parents’
insurance plan, as applicable.
Non-Federal Student Work-Study Program
ACBA offers a work-study program for its students to help reduce the cost of tuition. The number of
hours and credit given for the program will depend upon the financial need of the student. Students must
apply at the Office of Financial Aid to participate in the non-federal work study program. Positions and
application will be posted on the College’s website. Students who are employed by ACBA in this
manner are expected to adhere to all employment stipulations (including a dress code, if applicable) of
the hiring department. Hours will be clocked for remuneration against tuition—credited at $10.00 per
hour, and capped at 100 hours per semester. Students with demonstrated need only. Credits are applied
against tuition balance; money is not paid to students directly.
Late Payment and Cancellation
Students are expected to keep their accounts current. Any student with a past due payment may not
obtain a transcript or diploma, enroll in a summer internship, or matriculate for any subsequent semester.
ACBA reserves the right to cancel the enrollment of a student with past indebtedness. The cancellation
of enrollment does not relieve the student of the incurred debt.
Students who are admitted and register for classes at ACBA are financially responsible for fees and
charges associated with those classes. For the first term of enrollment an applicant may cancel his or her
enrollment by notifying ACBA in writing within three business days prior to the beginning of classes.
After the third day, but before classes begin, ACBA may retain a $100.00 processing fee. After classes
begin, ACBA may retain a pro rata portion of tuition, less $100, for the time the student actually attends
ACBA (based on the last date attended), rounded to the nearest 10 percent of the term. After the first
semester of enrollment, a student who submits a completed Withdrawal Form to the Office of the
Registrar within the specified deadline for the academic term for which the refund is requested, receives
a refund according to the schedule below. Refunds are made within 40 days of the date the College
receives written notice from the student.
Schedule for Tuition Refund
If the student wishes to withdraw from classes, ACBA will refund a portion of tuition according to the
following schedule, less a $100.00 processing fee.
•
Before the first day of classes
100% refund
Once classes begin, the refund schedule is:
•
•
•
•
•
Before the end of the first week of classes
Before the end of the second week of classes
Before the end of the third week of classes
Before the end of the fourth week of classes
Before the end of the fifth week of classes
and thereafter
23
80% refund
60% refund
40% refund
20% refund
0% refund
Veteran’s Administration Refund Policy
By authority of Title 38, United States Code of Federal Regulations 21.4255, Non-Accredited
College and University programs are required to adhere to the following refund policy for veterans
and others eligible for VA education benefits (collectively referred to as “veterans” within this
policy).
The school has and maintains a policy for the refund of the unused portion of tuition, fees, and other
charges in the event the veteran fails to enter the program/course, withdraws, or is discontinued there
from at any time prior to completion of the program/course.
Such policy must provide that the amount charged to the veteran for tuition, fees, and other charges
for a portion of the program/course shall not exceed the approximate pro rata portion of the total
charges for tuition, fees, and other charges that the length of the completed portion of the
course/program bears to its total length, within the following limitations:
•
•
•
Registration Fee: An established registration fee $10.00 or less is not subject to proration.
When the established registration fee is more than $10.00, the amount in excess of $10.00
will be subject to proration.
Prompt Refund: Refund will be made promptly (within 40 days).
Veterans are not required to file an application for refund.
ACBA requires all students to be in good financial standing prior to registration for any subsequent
semester. Students may not register for any semester, internship, etc.., until all financial obligations
to the institution are satisfied and/or unless prior accommodations have been made through the
Office of Financial Affairs.
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Academic Curriculum2
All degree-seeking students at ACBA have the same major: the Building Arts. In addition to the major,
students select a Craft Specialization from the following to provide a focus for their craft education:
Architectural Stone, Architectural Carpentry, Forged Architectural Iron, Masonry, Plaster, and Timber
Framing. Students take a wide variety of General Education and electives, as well as a common core in the
Craft Specialization.
General Education Coursework
General Education courses at ACBA consist of traditional liberal arts and sciences classes such as math,
English, science, and history (specific requirements are listed in the subsequent section of this Catalog).
Because of the special focus of the American College of the Building Arts, these classes go beyond the
basic requirements of each field and make a special effort to demonstrate relationships and connections
within the Building Arts. For example, problems in the math or science classes are often based on real
problems within the Craft Specializations. History requirements at ACBA are met through a two-semester
course called Architecture and Society which focuses on Architectural History, while not neglecting much
of what is normally taught in a Western Civilization course.
Craft Specialization Support Courses
The curriculum at ACBA provides for a core of courses (four for the A.A.S. and six for the B.A.S.) that
include Architectural Computer Graphics, Architectural Drawing and Drafting I and II, Architectural Design
Studio I and II (for the B.A.S. degree), and Documenting and Researching Historic Buildings.
2
The student is governed by the catalog in effect in the year of entry into ACBA and the Degree Program Requirements in effect
for that class. The College reserves the right to revise the catalog and/or requirements as applicable and necessary.
25
Craft Specializations and Internship Courses
Craft Specializations
ACBA has six areas of Craft Specialization: Architectural Stone, Architectural Carpentry, Forged
Architectural Iron, Masonry, Plaster, and Timber Framing. All incoming first-year students begin their craft
study with an introductory course called Foundations in the Building Arts. This course is designed to
introduce the student to the concepts of the “educated artisan,” and to ensure that all students have the
foundation in curricular areas that will play a key role in their ultimate success at ACBA. In this course,
students are required to produce an initial portfolio. The course also focuses on critical thinking, team
projects, and the habits of the mind needed by the student-artisan, among others. Beginning in the first
semester, students begin the Craft Specialization curriculum.
A.A.S. and B.A.S. students complete the course work required for the degree sought. Additionally,
portfolios of their classwork are required. The B.A.S. curriculum culminates in the Capstone course, which
integrates the general education coursework with that of the Craft Specialization in order to provide the
student with a final portfolio that synthesizes the theoretical and hands-on experiences and knowledge
imparted by the ACBA curriculum.
Internships
ACBA students complete one (A.A.S. students) or three (B.A.S. students) summer internships that help
them expand their skills and gain valuable real-world experience. Most internships last from eight-to-ten
weeks and take place in June and July. Students are often compensated for the work during an internship.
The internships vary by area of specialization. It is important that every student understand that it is the
student’s responsibility to take the initiative to work with a faculty member in order to arrange suitable
internships to complete their program. The A.A.S. internship is required to receive the associate degree; it
takes place during the first summer of the two-year program. The B.A.S. requires three internships that are
completed during the summers following the freshman, sophomore and junior years of the program. Each
internship is required in order to continue work in the subsequent year.
Electives
Beyond regularly offered core courses, students must take at least three elective courses normally taken
during junior and senior years. Under certain circumstances, underclassmen may be approved to take an
elective. These electives may be selected on an as-offered basis and, while all follow a liberal arts and
sciences focus on theory and context, some additionally provide a hands-on experience.
Degree Programs
Associate of Applied Science in the Building Arts (A.A.S.)
Students in the A.A.S. degree are required to complete all Degree Program Requirements (see below),
including one internship between the first and second years. At the end of the second year, students will
present their final portfolio.
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During the A.A.S. degree program, students may decide to pursue the four-year B.A.S. degree at ACBA.
Those students in good academic standing who wish to do so, will continue on to years three and four of the
Program Outline in order to complete the B.A.S. degree.
Bachelor of Applied Science in the Building Arts (B.A.S.)
The American College of the Building Arts is the only college in the world to offer the four-year Bachelor
in Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Building Arts. As with the A.A.S. degree, the student major is “Building
Arts,” and, in addition, students select one of the six areas of Craft Specialization. The B.A.S. degree is
designed to synthesize a traditional liberal arts and sciences degree with the Craft Specialization and
training in the Building Arts. Students in the B.A.S. degree follow the Degree Program Requirements (see
below). Students are also required to successfully complete three eight-week, two credit internships in the
Craft Specialization (one each summer following the first, second, and third years).
27
ACBA Degree Program Requirements
Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in the Building Arts
GENERAL EDUCATION
Course Designation
Course Description
39 TOTAL CR. HRS*
Credit Hours
ARHS 101
ARHS 102
BAFD 101
BCST 201
COMM 201
ENGL 101
ENGL 102
HSPR 201
MATH 101
MATH 102
SCME 201
SCME 202
SSCI 201
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
Architecture and Society I
Architecture and Society II
Building Arts Foundation
Building Construction
Communications
Literature and Composition I
Literature and Composition II
Historic Preservation Philosophy and Principles
Numbers Systems and Algebra
Geometry and Trigonometry
Building Materials and Scientific Methods I
Building Materials and Scientific Methods II
Social Sciences
CRAFT SPECIALIZATION SUPPORT COURSES
ARCG 201
ARDD 101
ARDD 102
HSPR 202
Architectural Computer Graphics
Architectural Drafting and Drawing I
Architectural Drafting and Drawing II
Documenting and Researching Historic Buildings
12 TOTAL CR. HRS*
3
3
3
3
BUILDING ARTS SPECIALIZATION
Course Designation
Course Description
20 TOTAL CR. HRS*
Credit Hours
BAXX 101
BAXX 102 **
BAXX 201 **
BAXX 202 **
INTR 151
3
5
5
5
2
Craft Specialization I
Craft Specialization II
Craft Specialization III
Craft Specialization IV
Summer Internship I
TOTAL DEGREE PROGRAM HOURS 71
* Please note, courses at ACBA are categorized as lecture (three credits for a three-hour course with six-totwelve hours of out-of-class work); Craft Specialization studio classes (one credit earned per three hours in
class; thus a five-credit course meets for fifteen hours in the studio/workshop).
** Please note that the course numbers for the Building Arts courses are as follows: BAAI (Forged Architectural Iron);
BAAS (Architectural Stone); BACA (Architectural Carpentry); BAMA (Masonry); BAPL (Plaster); BATF (Timber
Framing); BATT (Trowel); BAWT (Wood). Each transcript is noted with the specific craft specialization that the student
completed.
28
ACBA Degree Program Requirements
Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in the Building Arts
GENERAL EDUCATION
57 TOTAL CR. HRS*
Course Designation
Course Description
Credit Hours
ARHS 101
ARHS 102
BAFD 101
BALE 402
BCST 201
BMGT 301
BMGT 302
COMM 201
ENGL 101
ENGL 102
HSPR 201
LANG 101
LANG 102
LANG 201
MATH 101
MATH 102
SCME 201
SCME 202
SSCI 201
Architecture and Society I
Architecture and Society II
Building Arts Foundation
Senior Seminar on Leadership
Building Construction
Business Management
Construction Management
Communications
Literature and Composition I
Literature and Composition II
Historic Preservation Philosophy and Principles
Foreign Language I
Foreign Language II
Foreign Language III
Numbers Systems and Algebra
Geometry and Trigonometry
Building Materials and Scientific Methods I
Building Materials and Scientific Methods II
Social Sciences
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
CRAFT SPECIALIZATION SUPPORT
ARCG 201
ARDD 101
ARDD 102
ARDS 301
ARDS 302
HSPR 202
Architectural Computer Graphics
Architectural Drafting and Drawing I
Architectural Drafting and Drawing II
Architectural Design Studio I
Architectural Design Studio II
Documenting and Researching Historic Buildings
18 TOTAL CR. HRS*
3
3
3
3
3
3
CRAFT SPECIALIZATION
Course Designation
Course Description
50 TOTAL CR. HRS*
Credit Hours
BAXX 101
BAXX 102 **
BAXX 201 **
BAXX 202 **
BAXX 301 **
BAXX 302 **
BAXX 401 **
BAXX 402 **
BCAP 401
BCAP 402
INTR 101
INTR 201
INTR 301
Craft Specialization I
Craft Specialization II
Craft Specialization III
Craft Specialization IV
Craft Specialization V
Craft Specialization VI
Craft Specialization VII
Craft Specialization VIII
Building Arts Capstone I
Building Arts Capstone II
Internship I
Internship II
Internship III
3
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
3
3
2
2
2
ELECT XXX
ELECT XXX
ELECT XXX
Elective I
Elective II
Elective III
ELECTIVES
9 TOTAL CR. HRS*
3
3
3
TOTAL DEGREE PROGRAM HOURS 134
* Please note, courses at ACBA are categorized as lecture (three credits for a three-hour course with six-to-twelve hours of out-of-class work);
Craft Specialization studio classes (one credit earned per three hours in class; thus a five-credit course meets for fifteen hours in the
studio/workshop).
** Please note that the course numbers for the Building Arts courses are as follows: BAAI (Forged Architectural Iron); BAAS (Architectural
Stone); BACA (Architectural Carpentry); BAMA (Masonry); BAPL (Plaster); BATF (Timber Framing); BATT (Trowel); BAWT (Wood). Each
transcript is noted with the specific craft specialization that the student completed.
29
Building Arts Degree Program Outline/Class of 2018
Total Credit Hours Required = 134; (137 – 3)**
Freshman Year
Semester and Year
Fall 2014
Spring 2015
Junior Year
Sophomore Year
Summer 2015
Fall 2015
Spring 2016
Summer 2016
Fall 2016
Spring 2017
Senior Year
Summer 2017
Fall 2017
Spring 2018
Course
ARDD 101
ARHS 101
BAFD 101
BAXX 101*
ENGL 101
MATH 101
ARDD 102
ARHS 102
BAXX 102*
ENGL 102
MATH 102
INTR 101
ARCG 201
BAXX 201*
BCST 201
HSPR 201
SCME 201
BAXX 202*
COMM 201
HSPR 202
SCME 202
SSCI 201
INTR 201
ARDS 301
BAXX 301*
BMGT 301
ELECT**
LANG 101
ARDS 302
BAXX 302*
BMGT 302
ELECT**
LANG 102
INTR 301
BAXX 401*
BCAP 401
ELECT**
LANG 201
BAXX 402*
BALE 402
BCAP 402
ELECT**
Course Name and Credit Hours
Architectural Drawing and Drafting I – 3cr
Architecture and Society I – 3cr
Building Arts Foundation – 3cr
Craft Specialization I – 3cr
Literature and Composition I – 3cr
Number Systems and Algebra – 3cr
Architectural Drawing and Drafting II – 3cr
Architecture and Society II – 3cr
Craft Specialization II – 5cr
Literature and Composition II – 3cr
Geometry and Trigonometry – 3cr
Internship I – 2cr
Architectural Computer Graphics – 3cr
Craft Specialization III – 5cr
Building Construction– 3cr
Historic Preservation Philosophy - 3cr
Building Materials and Scientific Methods I – 3cr
Craft Specialization IV – 5cr
Communications – 3cr
Documenting and Researching Historic Buildings – 3cr
Building Materials and Scientific Methods II – 3cr
Social Sciences – 3cr
Internship II – 2cr
Architectural Design Studio I – 3cr
Craft Specialization V – 5cr
Business Management – 3cr
Elective – 3cr
Foreign Language I – 3cr
Architectural Design Studio II – 3cr
Craft Specialization VI – 5cr
Construction Management – 3cr
Elective – 3cr
Foreign Language II – 3cr
Internship III – 2cr
Craft Specialization VII – 5cr
Building Arts Capstone I (Project Design) – 3cr
Elective – 3cr
Foreign Language III – 3cr
Craft Specialization VIII – 5cr
Senior Seminar on Leadership – 3cr
Building Arts Capstone II (Project Completion) – 3cr
Total Credit Hours
18 credit hours
17 credit hours
2 credit hours
17 credit hours
17 credit hours
2 credit hours
17 credit hours
17 credit hours
2 credit hours
14 credit hours
14 credit hours
Elective – 3cr
* Please note that the course numbers for the Building Arts courses are as follows: BAAI (Forged Architectural Iron); BAAS
(Architectural Stone); BACA (Architectural Carpentry); BAMA (Masonry); BAPL (Plaster); BATF (Timber Framing); BATT
(Trowel); BAWT (Wood). Each transcript is noted with the specific craft specialization that the student completed.
** Students are required to complete a total of three electives chosen during their Junior and Senior years from among the four
possible semesters.
30
ACBA Course and Program Descriptions
General Education
ARCG 201Architectural Computer Graphics (fall, 3 credits)
This course builds on the hand drafting skills learned in ARDD and translates them to the computer.
Students will learn how to draw using AutoCAD and Sketch Up and how to print completed drawings in
order to communicate their design ideas with architects and other building artisans. Topics covered will
include architectural scale, proportion, orthographic projections, drawing composition, line weights and
plotting.
ARDD 101 Architectural Drawing and Drafting I (fall, 3 credits)
The student develops fundamental disciplines needed to communicate using two and three dimensional
drafting and freehand drawing. These skills will be used extensively in the building arts majors to express
design concepts to professors, clients or colleagues in the limited to, proportion, geometric and orthographic
construction, linear sketching.
ARDD 102 Architectural Drawing and Drafting I (fall, 3 credits)
The student develops fundamental disciplines needed to communicate using freehand drawing. These skills
will be used extensively in the building arts majors to express design concepts to professors, clients or
colleagues in the building community. Subjects covered include methods and methodology including but
not limited to perspective sketching and linear drawing, proportion, drawing from the cast, drawing the
human form, and still life. Prerequisite; ARDD 101
ARDS 301 Architectural Design Studio I (fall, 3 credits)
Explore fundamental concepts of architecture and the communication of design through drawing and
linguistic skills practiced by architects/designers, as well as the interpretation and creation of these drawings
by the building artisan. Case studies are utilized to examine
these
concepts.
Prerequisite; ARDD 102
ARDS 302 Architectural Design Studio (spring, 3 credits)
Explores concepts of architecture and the communication of design. Students expand upon the drawing and
linguistic skills previously explored in ARDS 301 and begin learning how computers can assist in
presenting and reading building concepts. This course provides a broad understanding of the tools a building
artisan needs to visually communicate designs with a client or employer. Prerequisite: ARDS 301
ARHS 101 Architecture and Society I (fall, 3 credits)
Introduction to architectural history: Surveys the history of world architecture up to the Renaissance.
Emphasis is placed on historical style periods and their relationship to cultural and technological
development of each period. This course also emphasizes the artistic elements which characterize each
period through intrinsic analysis and study of historically significant structures.
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ARHS 102 Architecture and Society II (spring, 3 credits)
Introduction to architectural history: Surveys the history of world architecture from the Renaissance to the
early Twenty-first Century. Emphasis is placed on historical style periods and their relationship to cultural
and technological development of each period. This course also emphasizes the artistic elements which
characterize each period through intrinsic analysis and study of historically significant structures.
Prerequisite: ARHS 101
BAFD 101 Building Arts Foundation (fall, 3 credits)
The foundation course serves as an introduction to the ACBA curriculum by focusing on what it means to
be an educated artisan. In addition to helping students develop good study habits, learning strategies, and
research skills, the course explores the historic and contemporary meaning of “artisan” in order to provide
the students with complete understanding of the mission of the American College of the Building Arts.
BALE 402 Senior Seminar on Leadership (spring, 3 credits)
A senior seminar team-taught by ACBA faculty, the chief academic officer, and the President of the
College, the leadership course focuses on the challenge of leadership from many different points of view,
including several academic disciplines, the law, business, and the military. Emphasis is placed on helping
students explore their own attitudes toward leadership and develop their own leadership style as they
prepare for graduation and the opportunities which will follow.
BCST 201 Building Construction (fall, 3 credits)
Building Construction will introduce students to a variety of building systems proceeding from the generally
introduced to the further detailed. The course will present a general overview of contemporary as well as
traditional examples of building materials and methods of construction and their applications. Topics will
include the material characteristics of building enclosure and structural systems, case studies in traditional
and modern construction, and properties of building materials.
BMGT 301 Business Management (fall, 3 credits)
This is the first course in the Business track. It introduces students to general theories of business
management. All phases of business management within a construction project will be explored. All
students will be required to complete a business plan as a part of the coursework
BMGT 302 Construction Management (spring, 3 credits)
This is the second course in the Business track. It introduces students to general theories of construction
management and then applies those theories specifically to the principles and practices of construction
management. All phases of construction management will be explored. Specific topics may include:
blueprint specifications, statistics, safety, contracts and legal issues, estimating, scheduling, project
management, labor relations, permits and licensing, liability, insurance and ethics.
COMM 201 Communications (spring 3 credits)
Building upon the firm foundation of Literature and Composition I and II, students learn to successfully
navigate many types of public presentations—from formal speeches to informal debates and discussions.
Prerequisites: ENGL 102
32
ENGL 101 Literature and Composition I (fall, 3 credits)
The course introduces the student to the Western Literary Canon beginning with mythology and progressing
through the Renaissance. Composition is based on Classical Rhetoric and focuses on argumentative writing
with some creative writing as well. Research methods are introduced toward the end of the term.
ENGL 102 Literature and Composition II (spring 3, credits)
The course continues the study of the Western Literary Canon beginning with the Enlightenment and
moving into the present day. Composition is based on Classical Rhetoric and focuses on research and
analysis with some creative writing as well. Prerequisite: ENGL 101
HSPR 201 Historic Preservation Philosophy and Practice (fall, 3 credits)
This course focuses on the history and practice of preservation with an emphasis on practical and technical
knowledge in preservation. Discussions focus on the continuing dialogue concerning preservation,
restoration and conservation of historic building fabric in the United States. Other issues include social
aspects
of
preservation
and
the
implications
of
legal
and
political
policies.
Prerequisite: ARHS 102
HSPR 202 Documenting and Researching Historic Buildings (spring, 3 credits)
This course is an introduction to research methods relative to historic preservation. The focus is on different
research methodologies, types of resources, tools for assessing information, evaluating/analyzing
sources/content and presentation of findings. The primary product of this course will be a conservation
report and measured drawings of a selected building. Prerequisites: ENGL 102, HSPR 201
LANG 101 Foreign Language I (spring, 3 credits)
Foreign Language 101 is the first semester of a language course for beginning students that will introduce
basic grammar and provide a foundation of commonly used vocabulary for the Building Arts. Students will
learn about the culture of the foreign language-speaking countries, including aspects of art and architecture.
Students will begin developing communication competency in the four language skills of listening,
speaking, reading and writing through assignments given inside and outside of class.
LANG 102 Foreign Language II (fall 3, credits)
Foreign Language 102 builds upon the concepts introduced in the 101 course. The format will be similar to
101 with the same balanced focus on grammar, vocabulary, and culture implemented into activities based in
listening, speaking, reading and writing. The approach to grammar will be more detailed. Prerequisite:
LANG 1O1
LANG 201 Foreign Language III (spring, 3 credits)
In Foreign Language 201, an intermediate course of study, students are challenged by more sophisticated
grammatical structures than in the introductory level courses. The intricacies of grammar are examined, and
students study such constructs as reflexive verbs, double object pronouns, and the past tense. They will continue to
foster their knowledge of high-frequency vocabulary in the Craft Specializations, and of more specialized
terminology for the business and community environments. At this level, students will be expected to produce
language through writing and speaking as much as receiving information through reading and listening.
Prerequisite: LANG 102
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MATH 101 Number Systems and Algebra (fall, 3 credits)
This course covers number systems, number properties and representations, essential algebraic concepts,
functions and basic problem solving of linear and quadratic equations.
MATH 102 Geometry and Trigonometry (spring, 3 credits)
This course covers analytic geometry concepts and trigonometry, including applications and the use of
graphing calculators. Prerequisite: MATH 101
SCME 201 Building Materials and Scientific Methods I (fall, 3 credits)
This course seeks to instill in students an appreciation of science and how a scientific approach can help
them in many aspects of their life and work. It delves deeply into scientific approaches to understanding the
world. Students learn how scientists think, develop ideas, discover, experiment, analyze and interpret data,
draw and communicate conclusions, and they learn to do likewise. Throughout the course, students use the
scientific method to solve problems and to understand how the scientific method applies to all scientific
disciplines and endeavors as well as to other disciplines and settings. The course also introduces students to
a variety of science topics, skills and ideas. Students will have the opportunity to explore multiple scientific
fields though research, thought, and discussion.
SCME 202 Building Materials and Scientific Methods II (spring, 3 credits)
This course focuses on understanding the physical and chemical properties and sciences of traditional
building materials, including hard- and soft-woods, igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, and stone,
clay brick, plaster, mortars, cements, gypsum, iron and related materials. Students will develop hypotheses
and experiments, carry out experiments, perform analyses and calculations, interpret results, and draw and
share conclusions as part of gaining an understanding of the nature of the materials they and their colleagues
use in their crafts. Prerequisites: SCME 201, MATH 102
SSCI 201 Social Sciences (spring, 3 credits)
Topics for the Social Sciences course will be drawn from the following areas: Anthropology, Economics,
Ethics, Philosophy, Political Science, and/or Sociology. A specific course description will be provided to
students via the course syllabus.
Craft Specialization Core Courses
Curriculum for the Building Art specializations naturally continues to evolve to ensure that the learning of
traditional knowledge and skills truly reflects the breadth historically associated with them. The College is
aware of and is vigilant in embracing the latest in cutting edge technology, materials, tools, and techniques,
and in responding to the direction faculty and students wish to explore.
In addition to the class list provided below for each Craft Specialization, faculty will provide students with
detailed syllabus for each class at the beginning of the semester. The descriptions below are a broad
description of each Craft Specialization. Further details regarding a particular year or semester are available
through the Office of Academic Affairs.
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BCAP 401 Building Arts Capstone I (fall, 3 credits)
The Capstone course is designed for seniors to demonstrate their mastery over the entire ACBA curriculum
and their readiness for graduation. During the spring semester students execute the project they proposed in
the fall. In addition to a portfolio and completed built works, students will be evaluated on
Professionalism. All three components must be demonstrated to pass this course.
BCAP 402 Building Arts Capstone II (spring, 3 credits)
This course is designed to allow students to demonstrate their mastery over the entire ACBA curriculum and
their readiness for graduation. During the spring semester of the senior year, students execute the project
proposed in the fall. In addition to a finished project and complete portfolio, students will be evaluated on
the entire process (planning, time management and communication skills). Prerequisites: BCAP 401
INTR 101, INTR 201, INTR 301 Building Arts Summer Internship I, II, III (summer, 2 credits)
Students put the skills they have learned into practice in structured work environments for a minimum of 8
weeks in summer internships with qualified building companies. This educational and career development
experience is integral to a student’s portfolio design, development and assessment. Internships are
coordinated by the student and the Craft Specialization instructor and follows policies and procedures
provided by the Office of Student Affairs. Prerequisite for 101: BA Craft Specialization 102; Prerequisite
for INTR 201: BA Craft Specialization 202; Prerequisite for INTR 301: BA Craft Specialization 302
The Craft Specializations Programs and Courses
3
The Iron Program
A skilled metal artisan is able to forge, join, and weld materials to create unique objects of utility and
beauty. Students in ACBA’s Iron Program spend the first two years concentrating on traditional
forging. The third year introduces contemporary welding tools and techniques as well as other materials
such as steel or bronze. In the fourth year, students integrate the traditional with the contemporary to
complete a series of increasingly difficult projects. Throughout the program there is an emphasis on
research – both in the field with a sketchbook and in the library with a notebook. ACBA metal studentartisans are expected to be competent in all areas of the trade including theory, design, drawing and handskills.
Forged Architectural Ironwork (BAAI)) coursework:
BAAI 101
Includes, among others, Metal science, Safety, Basic forging, and Maintenance and use of
all hand tools
BAAI 102 Forged Architectural Ironwork
BAAI 201 Forged Architectural Ironwork
BAAI 202
Forged Architectural Ironwork
BAAI 301
Contemporary Practice in Forged Architectural Ironwork
BAAI 302
Contemporary Practice in Forged Architectural Ironwork
BAAI 401
Advanced Studies in Forged Architectural Ironwork
BAAI 402
Advanced Studies in Forged Architectural Ironwork
3
Please note: all BAXX 101 classes are three (3) credits. All other BAXX courses in the Craft Specializations are five (5)
credits.
35
Architectural Carpentry and Timber Framing (The Wood Program)
At ACBA, the carpentry and timber framing programs are combined for the first two years due to the
commonality of material, joinery, and most of the tools used in the two trades. The first part of the curriculum
covers the basics of hand tools, wood science, and shop safety. Students will learn how to properly use, maintain,
and sharpen any tools, from hand tools to portable electric tools as well as all stationary equipment commonly
used in carpentry and timber framing shops. Through a series of small projects, students will be introduced to
stick framing as well as mill rule layout, the most basic and modern approach to timber framing. Through these
projects, they will learn how to layout and cut the joinery typically used in carpentry and timber framing. Finally,
the students will learn the principles of laying out, cutting, and assembling straight and winder staircases, and
progress into the introduction of sophisticated spiral staircases. Building on the common ground covered in the
first two years, students then choose to specialize in either architectural carpentry or timber framing.
Architectural Carpentry
Carpentry students in the third year begin work on the non-structural, yet highly crafted and precisely
detailed millwork found in buildings. Work traditional called Finish Carpentry or House Carpentry. First
they will learn how to enclose the exterior of a building, both through the use of market products and
custom milled siding, trim and casing elements. This leads logically to interior panel work: how to cut it in
the shop and how to install it on site.
The following semester, students will learn how to layout, cut and install different types of doors, windows
and shutters. This also provides the opportunity for the student to learn the skills and joinery traditionally
used, as well as more modern, production oriented techniques.
In the fourth year, students will complete projects in both traditional and contemporary furniture making, in
addition to learning the basics of cabinetry. During the last semester, students focus on structural restoration
and conservation: how to properly fix and restore doors, windows and furniture; what elements can be
repaired, patched or treated and what elements must be replaced altogether.
The architectural carpentry program is designed to expose a student to the wide variety of opportunities and
specialty pathways available for a well-trained carpenter. By graduation, an ACBA student-artisan will
have employed both historical and contemporary practices to create work in wood that is useful, beautiful
and unique.
Timber Framing
Timber Framing at ACBA includes both traditional and contemporary approaches. Throughout the Middle
Ages and up to the pre-Industrial era in western civilization, master timber framers (along with stone
carvers) acted as architects (literally, “chief builder/maker”) due to their ability to think in three dimensions
in the construction process. At ACBA, students are trained not only to cut timber framed structures, but to
be leaders in wood construction using both traditional and more modern approaches including glue lam,
modern fasteners and production oriented tools such as specific CAD programs and CNCs.
The first semester of the junior year, students learn how to layout, cut and raise a traditional timber framed
structure using square rule, and the more ancient scribing method, which allows the student to cut a frame
using material that is not straight, square or of even dimensions. Then through a series of drawings and
smaller scaled models students learn how to execute some of the most complicated roof structures. These
intricate shapes include intersecting hips, valleys, and curved roof systems. More than learning how to
36
execute those roof structures, students will realize and understand the three dimensional components for any
timber structure and how to solve the problems encountered.
During the next semester the students will design a wooden structure with CADwork, a specific timber
framing software that enables the student to use any wooden component, from traditional timbers to modern
glue lam, as well as any hardware currently on the market. In addition, students will be introduced to
engineering in order to help them understand how loads transfer through a structure from the roof to the
foundation, size the beams and use the appropriate joinery for the weight to be carried.
Finally, in the senior year, students will learn how to restore or preserve a timber structure. This will cover
both how to fix a beam and estimate the cost, time, and amount of work needed to fix the entire structure. In
determining how to repair the structure, good building practices will be considered as well as what may
have gone wrong and why the failure occurred.
Architectural Carpentry (BACA) and Timber Framing (BATF) Coursework
Combined Coursework (Carpentry and Timber Framing):
BAWT 101
BAWT 102
BAWT 201
BAWT 202
Includes, among others, wood science, safety, sharpening, and maintenance and use
of all hand tools used in the wood trades
Introduction to power and stationary tools, realization of stick and framed building,
introduction to the different joinery used in the wooden trades
Introduction to timber framing, principle of mill rule layout, introduction to
compound roof system without joinery
Introduction to staircases, code and basic calculation for staircases, layout and
realization of a winder staircase, introduction to spiral and curved staircase work
Individual Coursework (Carpentry or Timber Framing):
BACA 301
BATF 301
BACA 302
BATF 302
BACA 401
BATF 401
BACA 402
BATF 402
Introduction to casing, panel work, siding, etc.
Introduction to advanced timber framing layout system: square rule and scribing
Layout and realization: doors, windows and shutters
Advanced roof compound layout and joinery
Furniture work, realization: traditional piece of furniture, modern piece of furniture
and a kitchen or bathroom cabinet
CADwork, introduction to engineering, introduction to curved roof system
Restoration work
Restoration and preservation process and work sequence
Architectural Stone, Masonry, Plaster (The Traditional Masonry Program)
ACBA has developed a fully integrated traditional masonry program that is specifically designed to create a
traditional masonry student-artisan who is familiar with base-level concepts acquired during the first two
years and who understands and can utilize the advanced techniques in the area of Specialization (the junior
and senior years). All students in this Craft Specialization learn the baseline knowledge, theory, and
technology that underpin techniques for each trade. The priority over the first two years is to understand and
develop the ability to create accurate and neatly finished flat work in the three subject areas (Architectural
Stone, Masonry, and Plaster). These defined areas of fundamental skills and knowledge are the essential
foundation for moving onto more advanced techniques and specializing in the junior and senior years.
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Architectural Stone: The White Mason. Stonemasonry has evolved from the execution of simple dry stack
walls to the creation and laying of intricately detailed carving on cathedrals and monuments throughout the
world. The artisans who work stone still use the same methods and tools developed over centuries, although
modern techniques and tools have made the process of working stone more efficient.
Masonry: The Red Mason or Brick Mason. While masons have used the same techniques and tools for
centuries, advancements in technology mean structures such as skyscrapers and suspension bridges, which
150 years ago would have been impossible to build, may now be created. ACBA’s masonry specialization
has been created so that the mason student-artisan is able to utilize traditional techniques to lay brick and
building masonry structures.
Plaster: Of all the building arts, the art of applying plaster and stucco is the trade which has changed the
least over time. Artisans still largely use the same methods and tools which have been developed over many
hundreds of years. Newer materials, less costly to prepare and use, have caused resurgence in the popularity
of plaster, but the traditional skills needed remain time-tested
Note: Students entering any of these specializations must understand they are taught aspects of all three
specializations before they specialize in one of the three areas.
Architectural Stone: The White Mason. Stonemasonry has evolved from the execution of simple dry stack
walls to the creation and laying of intricately detailed carving on cathedrals and monuments throughout the
world. The artisans who work stone still use the same methods and tools developed over centuries, although
modern techniques and tools have made the process of working stone more efficient.
Masonry: The Red Mason or Brick Mason. While masons have used the same techniques and tools for
centuries, advancements in technology mean structures such as skyscrapers and suspension bridges, which
150 years ago would have been impossible to build, may now be created. ACBA’s masonry specialization
has been created so that the mason student-artisan is able to utilize traditional techniques and understanding,
including true tuck pointing, brick carving and gauged brickwork, among others.
Plaster: Of all the building arts, the art of applying plaster and stucco is the trade which has changed the
least over time. Artisans still largely use the same methods and tools which have been developed over many
hundreds of years. Newer materials, less costly to prepare and use, have caused resurgence in the popularity
of plaster, but the traditional skills needed remain time-tested
Note: Students entering any of these specializations must understand they are taught aspects of all the trowel
trades before they specialize in one of the three areas.
Traditional Masonry Program Coursework—Architectural Stone (BAAS), Masonry (BAMA), and Plaster
(BAPL) Coursework:
Combined Coursework (Architectural Stone, Masonry, and Plaster)
BATT 101
BATT 102
BATT 201
BATT 202
Introduction to Traditional Masonry Skills/Mixing Mortar and Laying Masonry level
Introduction to the Traditional Masonry/Layout, Basic Brick laying and Mortars
Intermediate Traditional Masonry I/Carving an Ovolo
Intermediate Traditional Masonry II/ Flat Plaster/Stucco on Masonry Walls
Intermediate Traditional Masonry III/ Carving a Cyma-Recta, Masonry bonding and Arch
Work
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BATT 301
Intermediate Traditional Masonry IV/ Running Plaster in the Workshop
Intermediate Traditional Masonry V/ Intro to Modeling and Casting
Individual Coursework: (Architectural Stone and Architectural Masonry, or Plaster)
BAAS 302
BAMA 302
BAPL 302
Architectural Stone I/ Advanced Carving and Masonry Installation I
Architectural Masonry I/ Advanced Carving and Masonry Installation I
Architectural Plaster I/ Running In-situ and installation
BAAS 401
BAMA 401
BAPL 401
Architectural Stone II/ Advanced Carving and Masonry Installation II
Architectural Masonry II/ Advanced Carving and Masonry Installation II
Architectural Plaster II/ Basic Conservation of Historic Plaster Work
BAAS 402
BAMA 402
BAPL 402
Architectural Stone III/ Advanced Carving and Masonry Installation III
Architectural Masonry III/ Advanced Carving and Masonry Installation III
Architectural Plaster III/ Advanced Conservation of Historic Plaster Work
Note at present Architectural Stone and Masonry are run jointly.
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ACBA Administration, Staff, and Faculty
Administration
Lt. General (Ret.) Colby M. Broadwater III, President
B.A. The Citadel
M.A. Salve Regina University
James M. Waddell, VP of Operations and Administration
B.A. The Citadel
Pamela Isacco Niesslein, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs
B.A. Saint Francis University (Loretto, PA)
M.A. University of Pittsburgh
Ph.D. University of Pittsburgh
Staff
M. Lucas Dieter Adams, Director of Recruitment and Admissions
B.S. College of Charleston
Anthony Beckett
B.S. South Carolina State University
Kerri Forrest, Director of Institutional Advancement
B.S. Clemson University
M.A. American University
Steve Hanson, Special Projects
B.A. University of Georgia
Chad Urban, Registrar, Financial Aid, and Veteran’s Affairs
B.S. University of South Carolina
J.D. The Ohio State University
Virginia Waddell, Director of Finance
B.S. University of Washington
Michael Whack
B.A. Syracuse University
Faculty
William H. Bates, III, Professor of Architecture and Design
Head of the Architecture and Design Program
B.I.D. Auburn University
M.Arch. University of Miami
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Timothy M. Chesser, Professor of English
B.A. Erskine College
M.A. College of Charleston
Jordan Finch, Professor of Carpentry and Timber Framing
B.A. St. John’s College
Jennifer France, Librarian
B.A. University of Virginia
M.L.I.S. University of South Carolina
Richard Guthrie, Professor of Architectural Iron
Head of the Iron Program
Journeyman Blacksmith/Whitesmith, Colonial Williamsburg
Bruno Sutter, Professor of Carpentry and Timber Framing
Head of the Wood Program
Certificate in Scientific Baccalaureate major in math
CAP de Charpente from French Department of Education
BEP Bois et Materiaux associes from French Department of Education
Certificate in roof dormers, insulation and roofing products, Compagnon du Devoir
Certificate in basic structural engineering for wooden structures, Compagnon du Devoir
Certificate in restoration and preservation of wooden structures, Compagnon du Devoir
Certificate in joinery calculation for wooden structures, Compagnon du Devoir
Certificate in advanced wood construction. Compagnon du Devoir
Brevet Professionel en Charpente et Construction Bois, French Department of Education
CAP, Association Ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir
Brevet Professionnel, Association Ouvrière des Compagnons du Devoir
Frank Verga, Associate Professor of Iron
Fabricator and Blacksmith
Simeon Warren, Dean Emeritus, Professor
Head of the Trowel Trade Program
Lincoln Cathedral-National Joint Council for the Building Industry 2-year Apprenticeship
Craft Certificate in Masonry, City and Guilds of London Institute
Advanced Craft Certificate in Masonry, City and Guilds of London Institute
BTEC Diploma, Leeds College of Art and Design
B.A. (Hons) First Class, Glasgow School of Arts
Patrick Webb, Plaster
Certificate in Classical Architecture from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Arts (pending)
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Adjunct Faculty
Sanford Byers
B.S. University of Georgia
MBA University of South Carolina
Susan Collins, Historic Preservation
B.A. Rutgers University
A.A.S. Specialization in Architectural Stone, American College of the Building Arts
M.A. Historic Preservation, Savannah College of Art & Design
Hillary King
M.S.H.P. Clemson University & College of Charleston
B.A. History, Northwestern University
B.A. Legal Studies, Northwestern University
Matt Keutzer
M.B.A. Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC)
B.S. Real Estate Finance, SIUC
B.S. Entrepreneurial Business Management, SIUC
Two-Year Transfer Program, Illinois Valley Community College
Gerard Lynch, Ph.D., Masonry
Licentiate, City and Guilds of London Institute (LCG)
M.A. (with distinction), DeMontfort
University Ph.D., DeMontfort University
Massimo Maggiari, Ph.D.,
Italian Laurea, Magistero di
Genova M.A., University of
Washington
Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Amy Elizabeth Uebel, Science
B.A. Washington College
M.S.H.P. Clemson University
Chad Urban, Mathematics
B.S. University of South Carolina
J.D. The Ohio State University
The American College of the Building Arts reserves the right to amend any administrative, academic, or disciplinary policy or
regulation described in this Catalog without prior notice to persons who might thereby be affected. Information about fees,
expenses, and other charges apply to the academic year 2013-2014.
The provisions of the Catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable Contract between the College and the student or the
College and the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the student. In so far as possible, the information in this Catalog is complete and
accurate as of the date of publication.
Published August 2014
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