STUDIO GUIDELINES

THE STUDIO

 

The studio is a learning environment that is directly affected by its qualities as a physical place. Each studio should maintain a well ordered and constructive working environment by keeping trash picked up, neatly storing projects, and looking out for the security of the studio. Recycling of paper, cardboard and chipboard is mandatory - use the appropriate containers.

 

Each individual studio class is responsible for the condition of the studio. If you come into the room and it needs some straightening up, please act in the interest of the collective good and clean up. At the end of the Fall semester the studios must be cleaned and work stored and/or well organized. At the end of the Spring semester all work must be removed, the studios must be broom cleaned and prepared for the Junior/Senior show.

 

Students must use caution when using all materials. Read all safety and health literature supplied with materials. Aerosol sprays and solvents should only be used with adequate ventilation and not be used in the studios. Exercise caution when cutting materials with sharp blades.  Recycling and the proper disposal of hazardous waste is mandatory.

Keys for the studio can be ordered and are available through Lisa in the Art Department’s main office.


ATTENDANCE 

The general university rules and regulations regarding attendance, withdrawals, add / drops, incompletes and grading are followed by this program. The Program encourages sensible time management practices for students and faculty. Attendance to all studios, lectures and reviews is mandatory. You must be in studio on time and you must work in studio during class time. More than two absences from class will affect your grade and may lead to failure; two lates are equal to one absence. If you are ill or have an emergency leave a message for your instructor via email or with the Art department’s main office. You should also contact a classmate to find out the material you have missed. It is your responsibility to obtain any assignments and make up any missed work. If you feel your absence qualifies as an excused absence, please provide a note from a doctor to your studio instructor.

 

PARTICIPATION

Your participation and progress is important. The material presented and projects assigned in all courses is cumulative. The assignments will be graded not only on the concept and ideas in your project, but also on the quality of drawings, models, verbal / written presentation and how well your project’s concept and ideas have been expressed in your design. You are required to pin-up your work at the time when a project is due and participate in discussion of all the projects in the class.

 

DOCUMENTATION and COLLECTION OF WORK

At the end of each semester, each student is required to submit a Compact Disk with documentation of ALL WORK from the semester. Work for Studio classes may include, but not limited to:

photos of all models and 3-D work  and high resolution scans or digital copies of all process sketches and finished drawings.

Your documentation should cover the project's evolution as well as its final representation. Grades will not be issued until the CD is submitted.

 

In addition, selected projects will be collected and retained by the University, you will have limited access to your the projects once they are collected, so be sure they are thoroughly documented. These projects are a required part of the accreditation process for our program. Work from lecture and seminar classes should include hard copies of all written assignments, papers and exams.

 

GRADING

Your grades will be determined using the criteria described below. Projects will be evaluated according to the concept, development, craft, and degree of difficulty and completeness. Your evaluation will take into account both the tangible things which are evident in the work, but also those things which are not so evident and are often ephemeral such as, passion, dedication, determination and persistence. The following standards will be used in assigning grades:

 

A
Truly extraordinary work, which has gone far beyond the description of the stated problem.
Work that makes evident a significant understanding of the problem, shows exceptional competence in the required skills, extraordinary craft and exhibits an advanced conceptual clarity and depth. The student exhibits an attitude of exploration, of open-mindedness, and a willingness to benefit from criticism.

 

A- or B+

Exemplary work, which is attended with initiative beyond the description of the stated problem. The problem is well understood and the work shows competence, excellent craft and conceptual clarity and depth. The student exhibits an attitude of exploration, of open-mindedness, and benefits from criticism.

 

B
Good work that shows an understanding of the problem, displays a conceptual foundation and is well crafted. Shows overall competency, as well as, mastery in some areas. Is attended with an open and inquisitive attitude.

 

B- or C+

Acceptable work but with some deficiencies. Shows an understanding of the problem, but there is a need for some improvement to be at the appropriate level for the class / assignment.

 

C
Work which meets the minimum requirements of the problem and course. The problem is only partially understood and there is a clear need for improvement to be at the appropriate level for the class / assignment. Students should make every effort to meet with their instructor to identify their strengths and weaknesses.

 

C- or D+
Work which does not show an understanding of the problem, and demonstrates deficiencies in the mastery of skills, self-motivation and respect for criticism. Students should meet with the professor and discuss their course of study.

 

D

Unacceptable work which does not meet the requirements of the problem or course, shows a serious deficiency in the mastery of skills, and suggests that this course of study may be inappropriate for the student.

 

F
A grade of “F” is obvious

 

LATE / INCOMPLETE WORK
Students may be given an extension in the event of medical or emergency circumstances only. Late work will only be accepted at the discretion of the instructor. Incompletes will only be considered if a request is made in writing, the extenuating circumstances are explained and are consistent with University policies.