School of Art+Design

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.

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.

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.

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.

Average Credit Load: In order to graduate on time (4 years for undergraduate and 2 years for graduate), students should aim to enroll in and complete approximately 15 credits per academic semester. Transfer credits, AP scores, or other circumstances will shift this average more or less, depending.

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 and generally intended for fist-year and sophomore students. Upper-level courses are those with course numbers of 3000 or 4000 and are generally intended for junior and senior studies. 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.

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.

There are 2 types of dismissals from the School of Art+Design:

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.

Professional Dismissal:

Professional Standards: BFA, MusB, MFA, and MM Programs

Program Progress and Professional Standards

• 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.

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 the A+D Building Manager 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.

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.
• 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.
• No hot plates are permitted in studios.
• Extension cords are not to be plugged into any outlets to permanently supply power.Access to a private studio is a privilege and failure to adhere to above policies may result in the loss of studio privileges.
• 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.
• Studio occupants must provide their own materials and hand tools outside what is already provided by respective A+D Departments. Do not 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 studios.
• 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.Do not leave any work within studios or in the Visual Arts Building over summer break without permission of the Building Manager and proper documentation. Otherwise, the work will be disposed of in order to prepare the building/studios for the following academic year.
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

Through course demonstrations, the School of Art+Design educates students on the safe use of materials and equipment. It is important for all community members to be cognizant of the safe use of equipment and materials.

Smart Mindset
As a user of our studios, you must be in a healthy mental and physical state. Make sure that you are well rested and clearheaded when you come to class or to the studios. Follow instructions on any prescription medicines you are taking, including warnings regarding the operation of heavy machinery.

Tools and Materials
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 Faculty or Staff. 

Buddy System
All studio users should have a “buddy” with them at all times—someone else you can always see and hear. In the unfortunate chance that one of you may be injured during the course of your work, the other individual can recognize the danger and assist as needed.

Personal Protective Equipment
Ensure your personal safety and protect yourself by wearing appropriate items in the studios, including:

• Safety apparel such as aprons, coveralls, long sleeve shirts, long pants, or hair ties before starting work.
• Gloves: be sure to match the appropriate glove to the process you are undertaking or the material you will be handling.
• Eye protection 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 - these 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.
• Ear protection is vital in loud shops, as hearing loss is cumulative and it is important to protect yourself against high level noise sources. Combine earmuffs with earplugs for maximum protection.

Ventilation
Processes that create potentially hazardous particulates or fumes should only be done in properly ventilated areas. Materials that give off noxious fumes must be used in the paint spray room (VA 1030) with both the spray booth and main exhaust fans running. Position your work fully inside any exhaust booths or work as far back into the hood as possible. Before starting, make sure that the exhaust system is on.

Storage and Disposal of Materials
The manner in which you store art materials, handle them, and clean up afterwards will significantly influence the risk of accident or exposure.

• Pay special attention when handling flammable and toxic materials such as solvent based materials, resins, and acids. Follow all protocols for the storage and disposal of your art materials.
• 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
Our studios contain emergency phones, eyewashes, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Know where this equipment is located and how to use it. Keep all passageways clear of any obstacles and emergency equipment easily accessible. Know how to activate the building’s fire alarm and what the emergency procedures are for the studio you are in. 

First Aid
Contact University Police (UPD) at (914) 251-6911 to get help immediately formedical emergencies. Calling 911 may cause delayed police response. Non-emergency calls should be made to (914) 251-6900.

Prevention is crucial when using shop equipment and tools. You must be properly trained by Faculty and Staff in each area before using our studios.

Health Services is located in Campus Center South, Lower Level, with entry from the S2 Parking Lot.

In keeping with the college’s commitment to sustainability please be mindful of the materials you use and the consumption of resources such as electricity.

Artists are encouraged to incorporate sustainable methods into their individual practice and 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.

In the School of Art+Design students have opportunities to engage in credit-bearing work that calls upon their interest in teaching, leadership, job experience or an independent project. We call these “Special Courses” because they are student initiated and do not follow a traditional class model. They offer practical experience yet are not required for the major. Most of these courses require a signed Special Course Contract between the student and a faculty sponsor.

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. First years are not permitted to enroll in a credit-bearing internship.More information about the internship experience and how to sign up is available through the Career Development Center.

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. A special course contract signed by faculty and submitted to the Registrar is required. VIS 3998 (undergraduate) / VIS 5870 (graduate).

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. Permission of instructor is required to register. PAD/PHO/PRT/ SCP 3950

Important Note: 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).

Senior Project

The Senior Project is the culmination of undergraduate studies at Purchase. It is a full year endeavor which 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 Departments may require a formal review of each project.

The first semester of the Senior Project (4990) does not earn a letter grade. Instead the student is assessed as follows: 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 (4991).

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 via Heliotrope - Student Project Portal. The deadline for submitting the paper is determined by the Registrar and is announced in the Academic Calendar.
• ExampleTitle pageincluding sponsor names.

Timeline and Expectations of 2-Semester Senior Project

• End of junior year or semester before senior project:Students submit list of preferred Senior Project advisors to Department 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 the first draft of written senior to Senior project advisor.
• Recommended Action in April:Students bring in the first draft of text to the 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 Department faculty, 1st and 2nd faculty readers.