A+D Student Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to provide fundamental guidance for all students that participate in the programs of the School of Art+Design. We ask that all members of the A+D community abide by the policies stated here as they are meant to assure the highest level of learning, teaching, making and exhibiting for everyone.
Policies
Minimum Credit load: All students are expected to complete a minimum of 12 credits each semester. The School of Art+Design does not allow part-time study without special permission of the Director.
Maximum Credit load: Up to 18 credits are allowed with no special permission. 19-24 credits may be taken with permission of adviser and a 3.0 minimum GPA.
Minimum GPA: All students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain in good academic standing. All required studio arts classes must be completed with a grade of C or higher in order to advance within the degree. Any required studio arts grade of C- or below must be repeated.
Merit Scholarship recipients: In order to continue receiving a Merit scholarship, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 must be maintained.
Upper level vs. Lower level courses: Lower-level courses are those with course numbers of 1000 or 2000. Upper-level courses are those with course numbers of 3000 or 4000. Students in the BSVA program need to pay special attention to their upper level credits.
Repeating a course: A course cannot be taken twice for credit towards graduation unless there has been a significant change in the course content and permission has been given by the Registrar before registering for the course. Courses that are repeated to replace an unsatisfactory grade do not count as “double credit.” When repeating a course, the new grade replaces the previous grade, which can boost the student’s GPA.
There are no excused absences in the School of Art+Design. Three or more absences in any course will result in a failing grade. Excessive tardiness may count as absences. Please see your course syllabi for more details.
Purchase offers many locations for the exhibition of student artwork, including dedicated venues inside the VA Building, and other indoor and outdoor spaces around campus. Each building on campus has its own protocol. You must obtain permission from the individual(s) responsible for overseeing the area in which you wish to exhibit.
Openings and receptions are encouraged, but please be courteous and aware of sound/volume, especially within academic buildings. Setup and cleanup is the duty of the event organizers. As a reminder, no alcoholic beverages may be consumed anywhere in the Visual Arts building.
No part of the building may be disturbed or altered in the exhibition of artwork. Such modifications include, but are not limited to, the repainting of doors, walls, ceilings, floors; removal of doors; removal (even temporary of ceiling tiles); and appendage of any object from the dropped ceiling suspension grid.
When hanging your work, please use hardware of the appropriate size and type. No adhesive (this includes tape or glue of any kind) may be used on any painted surface within the VA building. (Tape causes far more damage to a wall than does a properly-sized nail.) For accessibility reasons, nothing may be installed in a stairwell or restroom.
As a creative community we respect difference, promote tolerance, and encourage freedom of expression. If you are concerned that any art project, installation, performance, etc. could present potential safety or health concerns, be inappropriate or offensive to certain individuals or groups, or potentially present legal difficulties for the artist, the viewer or the school, please consult with the faculty or Director.
- The Visual Arts Building is the home for the Art+Design community. Please take care of the building and the spaces and equipment within.
- When you complete work in a space that is in communal use, please respect that space and the others that use it by cleaning up after yourself.
- In an emergency, call University Police: (914) 251-6911, calling 911 may cause delayed police response. Non-emergency University Police calls should be made to (914) 251-6900
- This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free facility.
- Theft or vandalism of college property or anyone’s personal belongings will not be tolerated.
- The Visual Arts Building is the working environment for students, staff, and faculty, and everyone should strive to keep the building looking good. Graffiti is a form of vandalism and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Its removal represents a significant cost to the community and results in higher tuition and fees to the students.
- Only the Building Manager may authorize the alteration (by paint or other medium) of, or adherence of any projects to, any area of the Visual Arts Building.
- For our health and safety, the following materials may not be used anywhere within the building:
- perishable or decaying material
- live animals
- body fluids or parts
- open flames or potentially hazardous objects or materials (included but not limited to, petroleum derivatives, out-gassing plastic, and chemical solvents)
- All fire lanes must be kept open and free of debris. Shops, stairways, hallways, elevators and community work areas cannot be considered as storage space for art work or materials.
- There may be options and opportunities for you to engage in an expanded art making practice through many different classes (the use of non-traditional materials or presentation methods.) If you choose to work in this way, it is important to communicate a clear plan to your instructor before starting your project.
Grading Philosophy & Guidelines
All students’ work is evaluated throughout the semester, with a final grade assigned at the completion of each course. Each grade is determined by the teacher alone, and reflects not only the documented accomplishments of the student, but also his or her attitude and approach to the course.
It is expected that each student will not only perform at a given level but will also show a trajectory of growth through the semester. Grades are personal evaluations of an individual’s potential and progress in class. The faculty challenges the students to demonstrate clear and passionate commitment to continued study in this professional program.
The determination of each grade is made solely by the faculty member. It is not a collaborative process with the student, nor does the student need to agree with the grade assigned by the faculty. It is the subjective assessment of the student’s success. A grade of “C” or better in all curricular requirements is mandatory before advancement to the next level within a discipline!
The following general guidelines apply to grades from courses at the School of Art+Design. Faculty members define the standards and rubrics for each grading level as appropriate for the discipline. C is the average grade to indicate standard expectations, and is the grade required to pass-through to a higher level within a discipline.
Letter Grades
A(+/-) = Student work that goes far above and beyond standard expectations. Both talent and hard work are demonstrated through assignments and classroom participation. Grades in this category indicate excellence in the subject matter, demonstrated by only a small minority of students in the discipline.
B (+/-) = Student work goes above and beyond standard expectations. Hard work and passion are given expectations, demonstrated through assignments and classroom participation. Grades in this category indicate strong aptitudes for the subject matter, demonstrated by a minority of students in the discipline.
C (+) = Student work meets and exceeds standard expectations. Hard work is required to attain this grade, and full participation in classroom activities as well as full completion of all assigned work, on time and up to faculty-defined standards, are also required. A majority of students in the discipline will receive this grade.
C- = Student work generally meets expectations, but other factors (such as hard work, participation, attendance, attainment of faculty-defined standards, and timely completion of work, etc.) are not up to expectations. This grade, or lower, will prevent a student from progressing to the next level in this discipline.
D = Student work does not meet minimum expectations. Even though attendance, participation, and other factors may be satisfactory, student progress within the subject matter is not at an average level. While grades of this level will count towards graduation outside of a major area, they do not count towards required credits in a major, and prevent a student from progressing further within a discipline.
F = Failure to meet expectations. This can include, but is not limited to, quality of work, progress within the discipline, participation, attendance, etc. Three or more class absences not approved by the faculty member will result in an automatic failing grade. Check policies and procedures outlined in the course syllabus for faculty-defined grading rubrics and standards.
INC = Incomplete - This grade is reserved for those cases when a student cannot, for reasons beyond his/her control (accident or extreme illness), complete the course obligations. It should not be assigned when the student simply wants more time to complete the course work, which everyone else completed in the requisite time frame. A student must petition the faculty for an incomplete. The work must be completed within four weeks of the end of the semester (fall, spring and summer) or the INC automatically converts to an F. A student on academic probation may not elect to receive an incomplete for any course.
W = Withdrawal - Chosen by the student up to the ninth week of the semesterWF = Withdrawal Failure (assigned by faculty) signifies non-attendance and failure to petition for a grade of W. This grade is factored as an “F” in determining a student’s GPA.
Senior Projects Only: The mid-year grade (for two-semester projects) must be Satisfactory Progress (SP), Unsatisfactory Progress (UP) or No Progress (NP). NP means at the first semester of Senior Project must be repeated. Letter grades are assessed at the end of the second semester.
All incoming students must enter the School of Art+Design with a functional laptop (Mac or PC) with the most up-to-date version of Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop CC, Illustrator CC, After Effects CC, Premiere Pro CC, InDesign CC) installed and ready to open. Students are expected to maintain this machine through their four years in the program.
Don’t Panic
This is a major investment, and we are aware that our students may not possess the cash flow to purchase a new laptop at this time. If students already own a laptop that will support the newest version of the software in Adobe Creative Cloud, they only need to enroll in the software program (if they don’t already have it), delaying the need to purchase a laptop until a later date.
If students would like to purchase a new laptop, here are our recommendations:
Apple MacBook
Minimum spec:
MacBook Air 13-inch Display, Apple M3 chip with 8 core CPU, 8 core GPU, and 16 core Neural Engine, 8GB memory, 256GB SSD storage, Extended AppleCare Protection.
Recommended spec:
MacBook Pro 14-inch Display, Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and 16-core Neural Engine, 16Gb memory, 512GB SSD storage, Extended AppleCare Protection.
Student pricing is available directly through Apple.
Windows PC
Acer, Asus, Dell, HP and Lenovo are all recommended brands.
13–15 inch Display, Intel Quad to Octa core 13th or 14th generation i5,i7 or i9 processor or AMD Ryzen 5000-8000 series processor, 16GB RAM, 256-512GB SSD storage, ideally a dedicated video card (RTX Nvidia 3000-4000 series card or AMD RX 6000-7000 series with at least 4gb ram), 3-year extended service plan.
Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription
Purchase College is now participating in a SUNY program making an Adobe Creative Cloud All-Apps Pro Edition subscription available to students at the significantly discounted annual price of $75 per year.
Purchases can be made at the SUNY Adobe Storefront.
Maintain It
It is important to note that laptops and software are the property of the student, and Purchase College will not maintain, repair, support, or replace these items; therefore, an extended service warranty is recommended. There is an Apple Store close to campus (at the Westchester Mall in White Plains, accessible via the Purchase shuttle bus) that will provide service for Macs under warranty.
Protect It
In addition, it is recommended that students either extend homeowners insurance to cover the laptop and other valuables while at college or purchase a separate “renters insurance” policy for these items.
A+D has lockers available for students who do not have a dedicated studio. First-year students will be assigned a shared locker during the Foundation Program onboarding. Transfer students and all others should reach out to John O’Shea, A+D Building Manager (john.oshea@purchase.edu), for a locker assignment. Lockers are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students awarded a locker space are obliged to the following rules:
- I will only use the locker that is assigned to me.
- I will not give my combination to anyone other than my locker partner.
- I will maintain mutual respect for my locker partner and will evenly divide our space for shared use.
- I will leave my locker clear of all items, closed, and locked at the end of my assignment.
- I will not graffiti, tag, paint on, draw on, spray paint, or deface mine or any other lockers.
- I will not store food or drinks within my locker.
- Occupants that leave their spaces vacant or unused will be at risk for their removal from the space. Because space is a commodity at Purchase College, lockers have a “use it or lose it” policy.
- Lockers are assigned on a semesterly or yearly basis. They will be reassigned as designated by the department following the conclusion of my current assignment.
- Access to a locker is a privilege and failure to adhere to above policies may result in the loss of locker privileges.
Lack of academic progress, breaches of professional conduct, as well as judgment on such matters as artistic growth and development may also be the basis for professional probation or possible dismissal. There are 2 types of dismissals.
Department dismissal: Faculty may determine that you are not performing well enough artistically or academically. You would be encouraged to pick another major within Art+Design that better suits your artistic interests. You have the right to appeal to the Director of Art+Design.
Professional Dismissal: Breaches of professional conduct, defacing or intentionally damaging school property, or an overall failure to succeed in your degree may result in professional dismissal from Art+Design. This is not a dismissal from Purchase College, however, you would be advised to choose another major where you could be more successful. You have a right to appeal this decision to the Director of the School of Art+Design.
Purchase College believes that artists should educate themselves on the safe use of materials and equipment and vigilantly promotes such practices to all members of the community.
Art materials and equipment can pose chemical, kinetic, or radiation threats to the health of artists and to those who live and work in artists’ environments. Artists can avoid or greatly minimize these threats with education and through the careful management of their work environment. Artists are responsible not only for their own health, but also for the health of everyone they hire or work with, and of all who live or stay with them.
The level of toxicity, the length of exposure, the age of the artist, and his or her general health can all affect how any one individual may react to any health hazard. Immediate and severe hazards are usually quickly identified. More insidious is the long-term exposure to low levels of dust, noise, and certain solvents or chemicals, which may produce symptoms of mild but chronic headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, coughing, hearing loss, organ dysfunction, or skin irritation.
The good health and safety habits developed in your time studying here will carry forward to all your future artistic endeavors. While taking classes in the Visual Arts building there are many opportunities to handle materials or undertake processes that are potentially dangerous. Always pay close attention to the posted studio warnings, safety instructions from faculty and staff, and also be proactive in personally reading any notices or precautions for tools or materials you will use.
PREVENTION
Prevention is the first step in creating a safe studio working environment. Awareness of potential hazards allows the community and the individual to responsibly and consciously reduce these potential safety threats through proper precautions.
BE AWARE AND RESPECTFUL OF THE NEED TO BE IN A HEALTHY MENTAL AND PHYSICAL STATE
- Follow all instructions on any prescription medicines you are taking. If there is a warning regarding the operation of heavy machinery, it also applies equally to the use of hazardous materials or shop tools and equipment. Read and heed all warnings.
- Although the Visual Arts Building is open 24/7 during the semester, please consider that long working hours in the studio may cause you to become fatigued and impair your judgment. Take regular breaks and get some sleep when you are tired. Most accidents occur from midnight to 6am following the body’s circadian rhythm.
- While working, be aware of the proper ergonomics and body position for your processes. Find appropriate work surfaces and seating options that do not require you to bend over. Avoid repetitive tasks and take a break to stand up and move every hour if you are working in a sedentary position. Always be aware of how your body is relating to and interacting with any equipment in the studio, to achieve safe and proper technique for operation, you may be required to stand in a specific stance at a specified location.
BE FULLY TRAINED AND KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT THE TOOLS AND MATERIALS THAT YOU ARE USING
- Do not use any hazardous material or equipment without proper safety precautions. If you do not know about the specific materials or tools you are using, do not proceed until you have proper instruction from the faculty or an Instructional Support Staff member.
USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM
In the unfortunate chance that you or a colleague may be injured during the course of your work in the Visual Arts building, it is imperative to have another individual there to recognize the danger and assist in cases where the injured individual is unable to do so themselves. For that reason, anyone working in the building, particularly at night, is required to work with a “partner”: someone else with whom you will be in constant contact through sight.
WEAR APPROPRIATE PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
- Appropriate garments may change significantly depending on what activities you are undertaking in the Visual Arts building. While it may be fine to be in shorts and open toed shoes in a drawing studio, that same attire would be hazardous while working in the metalworking studio. Be sure to plan out your day and make sure that you plan ahead for any requirements for appropriate garments such as aprons, coveralls, long sleeve shirts, long pants, or hair ties before starting work.
- Gloves are a common type of personal protection and can be worn to protect the hands from a variety of hazards, from cuts and scrapes to chemical contaminants or irritants. All gloves are not the same, be sure to match the appropriate glove to the process you are undertaking or the material you will be handling.
- Eye protection is necessary in some classes and studios in the Visual Arts building in order to protect the eyes from flying particles, chemical splashes or hazardous light waves. Always follow the specific recommendations for eye protection.
- Respirators and dust masks come in a variety of types from masks that only filter out airborne nuisance particulates to full face respirators that are worn when using chemicals that produce hazardous fumes. Chemical respirators are designed to protect your lungs and nasal passages from corrosive or toxic vapors. Respirators do not protect other occupants in the room so whenever possible use room ventilation and local ventilation. The active ingredient in the respirator cartridge must match the process you are doing and will work only for the amount of time the manufacturer states.
- Ear protection may seem like a secondary consideration for some, but hearing loss is cumulative and it is important to protect yourself against high level noise sources. If loud noises or frequently repeated loud sounds cannot be avoided, be sure to use appropriate ear protection. Pliable earplugs can be used for noise levels up to 120 dB. Earmuffs provide more protection than ear plugs, up to 135 dB. Combine earmuffs with earplugs for maximum protection.
USE PROPER VENTILATION
Processes that create potentially hazardous particulates or fumes should only be undertaken in an area with an appropriate ventilation system. For some activities the ambient room ventilation is adequate, but for others there may be a local ventilation requirement. When using local ventilation, position your work fully inside any exhaust booths or as close as possible to movable hoods as the contaminant-capture efficiency drops dramatically with distance. When working within a hood that encloses the source, work as far back into the hood as practical. Before starting work, make sure that the exhaust system is on.
Materials which give off noxious or toxic fumes must be used in the paint spray room (1030) with both the spray booth and main exhaust fans running.
STORE AND DISPOSE OF ART MATERIALS APPROPRIATELY
The manner in which you store art materials, handle them, and clean up afterwards will significantly influence the risk of accident or exposure. This is particularly true in studios handling flammable and toxic materials such as solvent based materials, resins and acids. Be sure to closely follow all protocols for the storage and disposal of your art materials in order to ensure a safe working environment for you and the community.
Consult with your instructors before using or bringing into the building any potentially hazardous materials not provided by the school or specifically required by your instructor.
- All flammable materials must be stored in the designated yellow safety storage cabinets.
- All flammable rags must be stored in the designated red safety bins.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Studios in which artists handle hazardous materials will have emergency phones, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits close at hand. Know where this equipment is located and how to use it. Keep all passageways to the emergency eyewash station clear of any obstacles. Fire safety equipment should be easily accessible and will include the appropriate fire extinguisher. Know how to activate the building’s fire alarm and what the emergency procedures are for the studio you are in. Pay attention to housekeeping issues to ensure that emergency evacuation routes are clear and that materials on the premises will not cause someone to slip, or trip and fall.
FIRST AID
In an emergency, call University Police: (914) 251-6911, calling 911 may cause delayed police response. Non-emergency University Police calls should be made to (914) 251-6900.
When dealing with injury, prevention is paramount. All those using heavy equipment, sharp instruments or potentially dangerous tools will be properly trained in safety measures in order to remain alert, unimpaired, and capable of using such tools and equipment safely. An individual must be responsible for his or her own safety—yet the accountability for reducing the risk of transmission of harmful agents is shared by everyone. In the case of any accident involving blood, vomit, or any other bodily fluid, all members of the community will observe the proper procedures for aid to accident victims and techniques for cleaning up. Sometimes a person with a minor injury can help him or herself; otherwise, someone else must take the time to perform the actions described here:
PROTOCOL FOR HELPING:
- Put rubber gloves on both hands (in the nearest first aid box).
- If possible, allow the injured party to wash the wound. Find clean materials such as gauze, paper toweling, or sanitary napkins, and allow him or her to use them to apply pressure to the affected area. Proceed to the Office of Student Health Services.
- If the victim is unable to travel under his/her own power to the Office of Student Health Services or if they are closed, apply pressure with absorbent material and call ext. 6911 from a campus phone for help (remember 6-911) or 914-251-6911 on a cellular phone.
- If a sink is used to rinse or wash wounds, protective eyewear should be worn to shield against contamination from splashes.
THE OFFICE OF STUDENT HEALTH SERVICES
During the fall and spring academic semesters Student Health Services is open Monday through Friday 8:30–5:00. Non-emergency medical visits are by appointment only; please call 914-251-7925 to schedule. When Health Services is closed, if emergency care is needed, call 6911 for immediate assistance. Student Health Services is located in Campus Center South, Lower Level, enter from the S2 Parking Lot.
The Senior Project is the culmination of undergraduate studies at Purchase. It carries six to eight credits and is heavily emphasized within the culture of the school. The Senior Project is the vehicle for every BFA or BSVA candidate’s development of a coherent body of personal work within a discipline, or between or among disciplines. It is considered an extension and refinement of work which is already three years underway.
Each Senior Project consists of a body of work elaborated by a thesis paper that is at least 1500 words, includes documentation of the project, and a final bibliography. The paper serves both as a close analysis and broad reflection on a student’s influences, taking into account relevant art-historical and contemporary issues while outlining the project’s premise, its evolution and the resulting body of work.
Students solicit faculty sponsorship during the semester preceding the one in which they intend to begin the project. They generally seek the guidance of teachers with whom they have had significant prior contact. A first draft of the written portion should be given to the sponsor one month before the end of the semester. Seniors and sponsors will discuss the time frame for intermediate drafts of the paper. Students choose a second reader of their thesis, who may or may not be Art+Design faculty.
The second reader brings a fresh eye and a different perspective to the review of the project. The sponsor and the second reader will critique the completed project and the written paper. Some Boards of Study may require a formal review of each project by the entire faculty membership of the Board.
FORMAT OF PUBLISHED SENIOR PROJECT:
1500 words minimum
A minimum of 10 images of your own work (this does not include detail images). Students are also welcome to include additional images of influences.
Proper captions per image (title, date, dimensions, medium).
Final published projects should also include a proper bibliography.
Students should save their written thesis with JPEG images of their work as one PDF document. This must be submitted to Moodle. The deadline for submitting the paper is determined by the Registrar and is announced in the Academic Calendar.
Title page including sponsor names.
TIMELINE AND EXPECTATIONS OF SENIOR PROJECT*
*only applicable for 1 year senior project
End of junior year or semester before senior project: Students submit list of preferred Sr. Project advisors and statement of intent to BOS coordinator
By end of Senior Project 1: Students submit working bibliography to advisor and identify second reader
By March in Senior Project 2: Students will identify exhibition needs for the senior show to senior project advisor inclusive of equipment needs, display needs (pedestal, lighting, etc.), and any permission requests for outdoor exhibition. The advisor will work with area coordinators and staff to identify location and other technical needs for the senior show
By April in Senior Project 2: Students will submit first draft of written senior to Senior project advisor
Recommended Action in April: Students bring in first draft of text to learning center for review
End of April in Senior Project 2: Student submits final drafts to primary advisor and second reader
Mid April to May: Students finalize work for senior show and participate in final critiques with BOS faculty, 1st and 2nd faculty readers
Learning Assistant/Teaching Assistant (2 credits): Working with a faculty member in a particular class, you will have first-hand experience with preparation and presentation of course material. Creating course plans, class assignments, performing demonstrations, and running critiques, all under the close supervision of the faculty member are part of this experience.
VIS 3998 (undergraduate) and VIS 5870 (graduate)
A special course contract signed by faculty and submitted to the Registrar is required.
Studio Assistant (2 credits): Studio assistants learn the practice of maintaining a productive work space through mini-apprenticeships to technical support staff or faculty members. They also supervise the shops and labs in the absence of faculty and support staff.
PAD, PHO, PRT, SCP 3950
**permission of instructor is required.
A student may earn 6 hours of credit total for SA/LA study during the entire course of their studies at Purchase (All six hours of SA/LA credit cannot be of one type).
Independent Study: Independent Study is an opportunity for students capable of working at an advanced level with limited supervision to engage in a special project that cannot be accomplished through regular course activity. To register for this course, a student must be a junior or senior in good academic standing. Any student registered for a Senior Project cannot also register for an Independent Study with their Senior Project advisor. The workload for this experience is approximately 3 hours per week for each credit hour earned.
VIS 3997 (undergraduate), VIS 5997 (graduate)
Internship: Students may pursue an academic internship in their major area of study to augment the practical training received in their studio courses. More information about the internship experience and how to sign up is available through the Career Development Center.
Studios are communal spaces and as such, each member of the community must adhere to the following rules in order to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming studio space for all members.
Studio Rules
Many Seniors and some Juniors may receive semi-private studio spaces. It is important to follow certain rules in order to keep spaces accessible and ensure safety.
- There should be a clear 36-inch entryway into each studio space.
- All doorways, halls, stairwells and exits must always remain clear.
- Each occupant is responsible for their own belongings and must provide their own locks to secure works and materials.
- Access to electrical panels should not be blocked with work, supplies, storage, etc.
- Studios cannot be enclosed, modified, or screened off with unauthorized walls, ceilings, curtains, drapes, doors, or flooring.
- Only the studio assigned to each student should be used by that student.
- Entry into other studios should not occur without express permission from the studio’s user.
- Safety is paramount. Never leave the door of the studio space propped open. Shut the door firmly behind you. Never let anyone in the studio whom you do not know. If they should have access, they will have a key.
- Headphones should be used to listen to music unless everyone present agrees to music selection and volume.
- An atmosphere of mutual respect amongst peers should be maintained by all students.
- Students will be responsible for the repair or replacement of equipment damaged due to misuse.
- Food or drink should not be consumed in studio spaces. Please eat before or after your studio time.
- No hot plates are permitted in studios.
- Extension cords are not to be plugged into any outlets to permanently supply power. If extension cords are needed to permanently supply power, they are to be plugged into a power strip that is plugged into an outlet. This is a fire code issue and is not negotiable. All other potential fire hazards must be carefully examined. Extension cords need to be grounded (3 prong).
- Access to a private studio is a privilege and failure to adhere to above policies may result in the loss of studio privileges.
Access and Length of Use
- Studios are assigned on a semesterly or yearly basis. They will be reassigned as designated by the department following the conclusion of your current assignment.
- Students should utilize their studios on a regular basis; otherwise, the studio may be reassigned to another student.
- All students must move out of studios by commencement or permanent departure from the college.
- Leave your studio furniture clean and floor swept.
- Leave your walls freshly painted with provided paint.
- Let your area faculty and staff know when you have completed this cleaning so they can do a walk-through inspection.
- Leave any studio furniture that was provided with the studio.
- ALL works, materials, and miscellaneous items must be removed or properly disposed of in designated A+D dumpsters.
- Do not donate any of your own materials or furniture, such as couches, to the studio. If you are gifting materials or furniture to someone in the program, please move it to their studio.
- Alcohol and Drugs are not permitted on campus, including within your studios.Purchase College is a smoke-free campus.
- Individual studios are not ventilated for materials that are dangerous to breathe. Use the spray booths for all noxious materials.
- Follow proper OSHA guidelines and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment. If you need guidance, please consult one of our staff and your area faculty.
- Students must properly dispose of all chemical waste, batteries, broken equipment, etc.
- Studio occupants must provide their own materials and hand tools outside what is already provided by respective A+D Departments. Under no circumstances will students remove tools or materials from corresponding shops (Wood, Metal, Plaster, Ceramics, 3D Fabrication, Printmaking, Letterpress, Darkrooms, or computer labs) for their personal use in their studio.
- All community storage in the Studios will be maintained in a clean, organized, and tidy fashion. Any works left over summer breaks without proper documentation will be disposed of without warning.
- Dispose of work or large materials in the dumpster located outside the XLAB rolling gate.
- Installations outside of personal studio spaces require permission of instructor. Where installations interfere with any part of the A+D building (holes drilled, items suspended, oversize freestanding items set up), express permission is required from the Visual Arts Building Manager.
Terms of Use
This Agreement incorporates the entire understanding and agreement between Studio occupants and Purchase College A+D department. Any Studio Occupant found in breach of this agreement will have all access removed and may be put on a probationary period to reinstate access after one full semester.
In keeping with the college’s commitment to sustainability and the environmentally sensitive spirit of conservation of energy resources, please avoid unnecessary electrical consumption. Turn off lights, fans, and other electrical devices when you leave a room for the day. Consider carefully your choices and uses of art materials.
Artists should incorporate sustainable practices into all art production. Sustainability goes beyond the health of the participant to include supporting the health of the planet. Artists should be aware of issues of energy input, environmental burden, carbon footprint, and life-cycle analyses related to the materials and processes in the production, use, and disposal of materials employed in their work. Together we can make a continuing effort to minimize our contribution to pollution and waste by implementing sustainable practices whenever possible. Increased recycling, lowered volatile organic compound (VOC) production, local and regional sourcing of materials, and reduced used of petroleum-based materials are all starting points.
Professional Program
In A+D we offer professional training in visual arts disciplines–graphic design, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and interdisciplinary studies. Students successfully completing one of our BFAs or our Interdisciplinary MFA will graduate as professionals in their field. Students enrolled in our other programs, such as the BSVA and arts minor, which are operated alongside our professional programs benefit from professional training. To ensure a positive experience and successful completion of our classes, programs, and majors, all A+D students are held to the highest standard of professional expectation.
What does it mean to be a professional training program?
From the first day to graduation, the student will be learning skills, technologies, and research methods with the highest level of expectation. It means the student shows up, fully engaged and prepared for each and every day.
Electronic Devices
Electronic devices of all kinds, including headphones and cell phones, are prohibited during class time. The exception for this policy is made with explicit permission of the instructor. Exceptions are also given to students with a documented accommodation mandating the use of some electronic devices in class.
Class Expectations
Students are expected to have completed all assigned work before class commences each week; they are expected to turn in assignments on time; they are expected to attend and fully participate in class activities. Critiques, discussions, presentations and demonstrations will constitute most of the class time. In most classes, the bulk of project work will happen outside of class hours.
Embracing Difference
The classes in the A+D will provide the opportunity to learn from voices from different backgrounds and experience, and to have discussions that are respectful and caring. In critique and other collaborative activities, members will embrace active discourse of sometimes difficult or unfamiliar content, and it is important for the student to understand that these discussions may expose individual biases, prejudices and blind spots. As a class community, members will proceed through this with honesty, compassion, and non-judgement, and will be attentive to draw out different modes of participation from different students.