MIDPOINT & FINAL REVIEW HANDBOOK

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Updated: Fall 2020

MIDPOINT & FINAL REVIEW HANDBOOK

GRADUATE STUDENT SERVICES

Contact Information:

Midpoint Review Phone: (415) 618-6390

Email: [email protected]

Final Review

Phone: (415) 618-6297

Email: [email protected]

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Midpoint Review Guidelines (Master of Fine Arts)

All Master of Fine Arts students are required to conduct a Midpoint Review as of part of the Master’s program to present their Final Thesis proposal. Your thesis proposal must be presented and approved before you begin your Directed Study Coursework.

Eligibility

• 24-36 Units of studio coursework completed

• Specific eligibility may be defined by your department. Please review department specific checklists for the most up to date program specific information. http://gradshowcase.academyart.edu/

Scheduling

Sign Up

To sign up for your Midpoint Review, please complete this form: Midpoint Review Sign Up Form You can find the specific dates for each semester on the University’s Calendar:

https://my.academyart.edu/students/calendar

Review Date

Midpoint Reviews are conducted in the spring, summer and fall semesters. Presentations typically start during the fourth module but may vary by department.

Reviews are scheduled based on the department director and committee availability. Due to this factor, special requests for time and date will not be accommodated.

All participants will be notified of the date and time of their review by Friday of module 3.

Attendance & Cancellations

Midpoint Review is a required component of your Master’s level program and must be completed before commencing the directed study or final portfolio portion of your program.

To cancel or postpone a scheduled review, please contact [email protected]

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The Midpoint Review Process

Your Midpoint Review will consist of the following three components: portfolio, thesis, and oral presentation.

Deliverables, except for the Oral Presentation, are generally due two weeks prior to your scheduled review, but may vary by department.

The work you submit will be assessed using the program learning outcomes for your program. At the Midpoint Review the review committee is looking at your progress towards achieving the stated outcomes.

For online presentations, please review the submission requirements and information here: Online Technical Requirements

Deliverables

Portfolio

A portfolio of work created in your studio classes is required to show you can accomplish your thesis project.

Thesis

Your proposal must be clear and concise. Describe your thesis proposal in detail and ensure that it is not too narrow or overly broad in scope. Address what led you to the projects, how you expect your projects to evolve and what

challenges you foresee.

PowerPoint/PDF

All presentations will require the submission of a PowerPoint/PDF presentation to be uploaded to your review prior to your scheduled presentation.

• Maximum file size for upload is 50MB.

• Use Web Safe Fonts, 18pt and larger: Arial, Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman, Helvetica

• Be aware of the font colors. Choose colors that are easy to read

• Images should be large, easily and clearly seen.

• Avoid paragraphs and use bullet format

• DO NOT include any of the following directly embedded in your PowerPoint presentation: Audio, Video, or Flash Content (transitions, etc.). If you want to present this type of material to the Midpoint Panel, you must submit these materials separately to in advance of your Review.

Oral Presentation

Introduce yourself, show your portfolio work, and go through your PowerPoint/PDF and your thesis proposal.

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Structure

Midpoint Reviews are approximately one hour in duration. The duration of your oral presentation will vary by department.

Most Midpoint Review meetings generally follow this structure, but please review department specific guidelines.

Midpoint Review Panel/Student Introduction 5 minutes Midpoint Review Oral Presentation 20 minutes Committee Question & Answer Session 10 minutes Committee Discussion – closed door/offline 15 minutes Committee Decision & Feedback 10 minutes

The Committee

The Midpoint Review Committee is comprised of faculty and/or industry professionals approved by the Graduate School and the Department Directors.

Results

Upon reconvening, the committee will present you with one of the following outcomes:

Approved: You have passed and can now proceed with Directed Study for the following semester.

Not Approved: You have NOT passed, and are NOT allowed to proceed with Directed Study until one of the following has been completed and the Midpoint Proposal is approved by the Midpoint Review Committee:

Resubmit: Following specific Midpoint Review Committee requirements, your project requires small changes that must be corrected and re-submitted within 3 weeks. If the re-submission meets the requirements, then the Midpoint Proposal is approved, and you can proceed with Directed Study the following semester.

OR

Represent: Following specific Midpoint Review Committee requirements, you must complete additional studio work, rethink Final Project, and/or sign up for a new Midpoint Review next semester.

Instructions on where to access your review results in the LMS Student Portal:

http://gradshowcase.academyart.edu/content/dam/Grad%20Showcase/home_page/pdf/Review_Results_FA15.pdf

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Midpoint Review Preparation Timeline

Semester Prior to Presentation:

Watch the Midpoint Review Orientation Review department specific guidelines

Check graduate website for Midpoint Review sign-up schedule Start collecting your best work

6 Weeks Prior Prepare your Deliverables

4 Weeks Prior Continue to prepare your Deliverables

Organize and create notes for your presentation

Work with a friend, colleague or tutor on your oral presentation 3 Weeks Prior Practice your presentation

Review online-specific requirements (if applicable) and test all of your equipment Email your PowerPoint or PDF presentation

2 Weeks Prior Upload PDF of your portfolio and thesis book to your home page

Meet with university representative to review your presentation room set up and tutorial.

Email your PowerPoint presentation submission

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Final Review Guidelines

All Graduate students are required to conduct a Final Review as of part of the Master’s program to present their Final Thesis Project The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Final Review is comprised of a visual, oral, and written presentation of the Final Thesis Project. The Master of Arts (MA) Final Review is comprised of a visual and/or written compilation of work created during the course of study. The Final Review Committee decides on the granting of the Master’s degree.

Successful completion of the Final Thesis Project and Final Review are required in order to graduate from the Master’s Programs at Academy of Art University.

Eligibility

• Final semester of study for your Master’s degree

• Specific eligibility may be defined by your department. Please review department specific checklists for the most up to date program specific information.

Scheduling

Sign Up

To sign up for your Final Review, please complete this form: Final Review Sign Up Form You can find the specific dates for each semester on the University’s Calendar:

https://my.academyart.edu/students/calendar

Review Date

Final Reviews are conducted in the spring, summer and fall semesters. Presentations typically start during the tenth module but may vary by department.

Reviews are scheduled based on the department director and committee availability. Due to this factor, special requests for time and date will not be accommodated.

All participants will be notified of the date and time of their review by Friday of module 8.

Attendance & Cancellations

Final Review is a required component of your Master’s level program and must be completed before your degree will be awarded and diploma issued.

To cancel or postpone a scheduled review, please contact [email protected]

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The Final Review Process

Master of Fine Arts

Your Final Review will consist of the following three components: portfolio, thesis, and oral presentation. Deliverables, except for the Oral Presentation, are generally due two weeks prior to your scheduled review, but may vary by

department.

The work you submit will be assessed using the program learning outcomes for your program. At the Final Review the review committee is looking at your progress towards achieving the stated outcomes.

For online presentations, please review the submission requirements and information here: Online Technical Requirements

Deliverables

Portfolio

A portfolio of work created in your studio and directed study classes is required to accompany your thesis project.

Thesis

Your proposal must be clear and concise. Describe your thesis in detail and ensure that it is not too narrow or overly broad in scope. Address what led you to the projects, how your projects have evolved and what challenges you overcame.

PowerPoint/PDF

All presentations will require the submission of a PowerPoint/PDF presentation to be uploaded to your review prior to your scheduled presentation.

• Maximum file size for upload is 50MB.

• Use Web Safe Fonts, 18pt and larger: Arial, Verdana, Georgia, Times New Roman, Helvetica

• Be aware of the font colors. Choose colors that are easy to read

• Images should be large, easily and clearly seen.

• Avoid paragraphs and use bullet format

• DO NOT include any of the following directly embedded in your PowerPoint presentation: Audio, Video, or Flash Content (transitions, etc.). If you want to present this type of material to the Midpoint Panel, you must submit these materials separately to in advance of your Review.

Oral Presentation

Introduce yourself, show your portfolio work, and go through your PowerPoint/PDF and your thesis project.

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Structure

Final Reviews are approximately one hour in duration. The duration of your oral presentation will vary by department.

Most Final Review meetings generally follow this structure, but please review department specific guidelines.

Final Review Panel/Student Introduction 5 minutes Final Review Oral Presentation 20 minutes Committee Question & Answer Session 10 minutes Committee Discussion – closed door/offline 15 minutes Committee Decision & Feedback 10 minutes

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts Final Review will consist of a portfolio of work created during your course of study. The format of the Master of Arts Final Review may vary by department, please ensure you review your department specific guidelines.

Deliverables, except for the oral presentation, are generally due two weeks prior to your scheduled review, but may vary by department.

The work you submit will be assessed using the program learning outcomes for your program. At the Final Review the review committee is looking at your progress towards achieving the stated outcomes.

You can access a resource with instructions on how to upload your work here: Graduate Showcase Resources

Deliverables

Portfolio

A portfolio of work created in your studio and directed study classes is required to accompany your thesis project.

The Committee

The Final Review Committee is comprised of faculty and/or industry professionals approved by the Graduate School and the Department Directors.

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Results

Upon reconvening, the committee will present you with one of the following outcomes:

Approved: You have passed and will now be eligible to be awarded your graduate degree.

Not Approved: You have NOT passed, and are NOT awarded your graduate degree until one of the following has been completed and the Midpoint Proposal is approved by the Midpoint Review

Committee:

Resubmit: Following specific Final Review Committee requirements, your project requires small changes that must be corrected and re-submitted within 3 weeks. If the re-submission meets the requirements, then the Final Review is approved and you will be eligible for degree awarding.

OR

Represent: Following specific Final Review Committee requirements, you must rethink Final Project and/or sign up for a new Final Review next semester.

Instructions on where to access your review results in the LMS Student Portal:

http://gradshowcase.academyart.edu/content/dam/Grad%20Showcase/home_page/pdf/Review_Results_FA15.pdf Note: For your Master’s degree to be awarded, you must submit any required deliverables. For MFA students you are required to submit a copy of your portfolio and thesis to your review home page. For MA students, you are required to submit your portfolio only. This may vary by department, please review department specific guidelines.

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Final Review Preparation Timeline

Semester Prior to Presentation:

Watch the Final Review Orientation Review department specific guidelines Start collecting your best work

Review your Midpoint presentation and committee comments (MFA only).

6 Weeks Prior Prepare your Deliverables

Check graduate website for Final Review sign-up schedule 4 Weeks Prior Continue to prepare your Deliverables

Work with the ARC language support labs for assistance with editing Organize and create notes for your presentation (MFA only)

Work with a friend, colleague or tutor on your oral presentation (MFA only) 3 Weeks Prior Practice your presentation (MFA only)

Print any materials required for submission (if applicable)

Review online-specific requirements (if applicable) and test all of your equipment Email your PowerPoint or PDF presentation (MFA only)

2 Weeks Prior Upload your portfolio to your home page.

Upload thesis book to your home page (MFA only)

Submit any required physical deliverables to your department

Meet with university representative to review your presentation room set up and tutorial. (MFA only)

Email your PowerPoint presentation submission(MFA only) 1 Week Prior Plan your attire, dress professionally (MFA only)

Practice your presentation in from of a live audience (MFA only)

MIDPOINT & FINAL REVIEW HANDBOOK