Catalog year represents the year and term in which the student began studies at CIA. The catalog year indicates the specific degree requirements students are subject to for graduation, as listed in the corresponding College Catalog, including Liberal Arts, CO/RE, major, and electives. Students are governed under the academic policies in the College Catalog of the current academic year, regardless of their catalog year.

If a student wishes to change their catalog year, they must submit a petition form with a statement explaining why it would be beneficial and obtain approval from both the academic advisor and Division Chair. Students may only move forward in catalog years, not backwards. When moving forward catalog years, all degree requirements move forward, including Liberal Arts, CORE, major, and electives.