College of Visual and Performing Arts

About the College
General Regulations
The First-Year Experience

Ann Clark, Dean
200 Crouse College
http://vpa.syr.edu/

About the College

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. The college provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts is dedicated to nurturing the creative and scholarly abilities of its students. The college, which is at the center of the University’s cultural life, is organized into four areas: the School of Art and Design , the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies , the Department of Drama , and the Setnor School of Music . Recognizing the link between education, understanding, and cultural knowledge, the College of Visual and Performing Arts is also committed to providing sites for learning about diversity throughout its curricula.

General Regulations

For academic rules and regulations that apply to all University students, see the Academic Rules section of this catalog, which also contains special regulations that apply to all undergraduate students matriculated in the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Intra-University Transfer

Applications for intra-University transfer are available in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, 202 Crouse College. Applications are held until the end of the semester.

Transfer Credit

Transfer of credit is considered only for courses that may be applied to the program in which the student is interested. In the School of Art and Design , Department of Drama , Department of Transmedia, and the Setnor School of Music , transfer students often have an excess of credits in academic subjects that cannot be applied to a specific program due to the high number of studio credits required. The result may be that the period of undergraduate study is extended beyond the typical four years. In the Setnor School of Music , placement examinations in music theory and applied music are also required before credit is accepted.

In all cases, transfer credit is evaluated after admission. Credits-not grades or honor points-are transferred from other institutions. Only credits earned at Syracuse University are counted in the grade point average.

Fees

All students matriculated in a VPA major or minor are charged a program fee that covers certain expenses such as applied music instruction, specialized studio art supplies, dramatic productions, visiting artists, and equipment and technology. Non-VPA students are charged an applied music fee for private instruction and a per credit fee for other VPA courses. See the SU Tuition, Fees and Related Policies bulletin for specific charges.

The First-Year Experience

All first-year students are assigned faculty advisors to help them plan their programs. In all five areas of the college, first-year courses and programs address the adjustment and integration of first-year students into college life. In each area, the emphasis is on small class size, one-to-one contact with faculty, the development of skills, and the personal appropriateness of each student’s choice of professional pursuit.

First-year students in one of the School of Art and Design ’s B.F.A. art and design programs or the B.I.D. program take the foundation program, which includes both required and elective academic options. In the Department of Transmedia , the first-year student experience is designed to introduce students to studio practice, history, and theory of the media, with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of all four areas of transmedia.

In the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies , first-year students are part of a comprehensive introductory program led by faculty and staff, incorporating a lecture series, information meetings, alumni panels, and advising. The entire first-year class takes two courses that involve small discussion groups of approximately 20 students. In the courses, students meet with faculty and teaching assistants to address issues of concern in their discipline.

In the Department of Drama , student involvement in theatrical activity is immediate. During the first year students participate in the department’s foundation program. Each week drama faculty and students gather for Wednesday Lab, which includes presentations of scenes from class, guest artists, talks with alumni, and other panel discussions.

In the Setnor School of Music , a weekly student convocation brings the entire school community together for performances by their peers, faculty, and many guest artists. In addition to many hours of individual practice, the school encourages the development of skills needed for functioning in group situations. Thus, students are required to be involved in one of the school’s large ensemble groups each semester.