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.

Graduate Studies Information

Graduate students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts benefit from an effective combination of studio, performance, and research activities. Faculty advisors carefully establish the parameters of each graduate student’s course of study and advance and facilitate interdisciplinary study. The aesthetic climate of the college supports and encourages the development of individual potential. In addition, the college recognizes the link between education, critical thinking, and cultural knowledge. Diversity and community are emphasized as important elements of every student’s program design.

The college’s graduate programs attract students of superior intellectual and creative ability from many distinguished institutions throughout the world. The faculty is composed of professional artists, designers, musicians, composers, actors, and scholars who are active and recognized in their fields. In addition, the college is committed to maintaining a regular influx of prominent visiting professionals.

Graduate Awards

Fellowships and Scholarships

Syracuse University provides University Graduate Fellowships on a competitive basis. These provide a competitive stipend for nine months of full-time study in addition to a tuition scholarship. See application materials for specific deadlines.

Assistantships

The College of Visual and Performing Arts may offer a teaching, technical, and/or administrative assistantship to qualified recipients, including first-year students. Assistantships offer valuable opportunities for students to enhance their professional credentials. Renewal of assistantships is based on superior performance in coursework and in assistantship assignments.

Tuition Scholarships

In addition to fellowships and assistantships, tuition scholarships in varying amounts are offered to outstanding students as evidenced by academic record and merit.

Scholarships

The college has a limited number of small scholarships to support graduate students. All scholarships are available to first-year students, and are based on merit.

Graduate Good Standing Status

To be a graduate student in good standing, students must comply with the Graduate Grading Standards, which consider passing grades as A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, and C-. The D grade is not an option for graduate students. The minimum GPA for graduate work is 2.8 in the first 30 credits. Certification for an advanced degree requires a minimum average of 3.0 for work comprising the program for the degree and a 2.8 average for all credits earned. This information can be found in the Academic Rules and Regulations  section of this catalog.

Specific programs in the College of Visual and Performing Arts can require the passing of additional reviews, examinations, and assessments of graduate work for a graduate student to be considered in good standing. Such reviews and assessments can result in continuation without reservations, continuation during a probationary period, or termination of student status. Students should consult their advisor for policies specific to their program or area.