Continance Review for Fall 2013

The spring semester deadline for submission to the 2013 continuance review is Friday, April 12, 10:00am. Portfolios drop is off is in VAB 116.

How and when do I register for the review?
See Ivanete Blanco or Kenneth FitzGerald to sign up the week of March 25–29.

Who should submit work?
All students who have completed ARTS 202, 231, 279, 304, 271 and are or have been enrolled in 370 may submit portfolios for consideration at this time. Some qualified transfer students may, after a preliminary review by one of the full-time faculty submit a portfolio for admission to 300 and 400 level Graphic Design courses. Students who wish to participate in the review must register for the review during the week prior (see above) to the review and pick up their additional design and writing assignments.

Why is a review necessary?
There are a limited number of seats that can be offered with the current facilities and teaching staff. A portfolio review ensures that students who are qualified and likely to succeed in the field will be offered a place in the program. Also, some students may not have adequate backgrounds in visual arts or are unable to demonstrate the skills (visual, verbal, and manual) necessary for success in the profession of graphic design. Do not assume that good grades in classes assure you of a passing evaluation on your portfolio. Course grades are determined by factors such as attendance, participation, quizzes and tests, reading assignments, process work, exercises, and software skills as well as the creative work. However, the portfolio will be judged on its own merits without reference to all these factors. The focus of the review is on the totality of the projects presented, with emphasis on your ability to demonstrate the expertise to be successful in the 300 and 400 level courses.

How will my portfolio and interview be evaluated?
The four areas of evaluation are: Concept: awareness of contemporary issues, methodology, technical skill, creative exploration, written and oral expression. Process: drawing/sketching, model making, site planning, verbal and writing skills. Form: symmetry, rhythm, proportion, perspective, harmony, color, etc. Engagement: personal and professional goals, basic understanding of the profession of visual communication design, enthusiasm and interest for your chosen profession.

What documentation should I submit for the review?
• Unofficial Transcript (all undergraduate work).
• Information Sheet (name, UID).

When will be the review be held and results given?
The review itself will take place in June before completion of the summer ARTS 370 session. Spring 370 students’ portfolios will be held until then and all candidates be reviewed at once. Students will be contacted via e-mail with their results in the week following the review.

When may I retrieve my portfolio?
Portfolios will be held until fall semester. Contact faculty for summer pick up.

How do I register for the course if I pass? 
Through the normal registration process. Students that pass the review will be cleared to register for each section of ARTS 371. Placement in a specific section is determined by the standard enrollment process—faculty will make no determination on specific section assignments. All students passing the review are guaranteed enrollment in a Fall 2012 section of ARTS 371.

What do I do if I fail the review?
Receiving a No Pass means that students are not eligible for 300 level courses and will be departmentally dropped from 300 level courses. An evaluation checklist will be placed in all portfolios indicating areas of concern. Students are urged to meet with faculty to discuss steps to improve performance. Students are also encouraged to take or retake specific courses to improve their portfolio. No Pass portfolios generally indicate that work will be best improved when supported by class structure, faculty and classmates. Students may resubmit to subsequent Continuance reviews (note: reviews are conducted annually).