10. BFA Convocation Guide
B.F.A. Student Status
Before beginning the process for a B.F.A. exhibition, ensure that you are registered as a B.F.A. student and not a B.A. student. The BFA degree requires four years (120 credit units) in the College of Arts & Science, including two years in the pre-BFA program and two years in the BFA program. Foundation courses are to be completed in the first and second years of the program. A BFA candidate must maintain a Cumulative Weighted Average of 70% or better on all courses.
The academic requirements for a BFA degree and a BA Advanced degree are not the same. It is advisable to take those academic courses, which fulfil both degree requirements. Students must have a CPA of 70% or better on all courses to be considered for a final exhibition in ART 495.
Faculty Advisor
You must identify a Faculty Advisor to consult with in developing artwork for the Exhibition. This Advisor is required to sign the Exhibition Request Form and meet with you prior to the exhibition. You are responsible for adhering to these requirements and organizing the meetings.
Registration in ART 495
In order to graduate with a BFA in Studio Art, students must complete the ART 495 course.
Prior to arranging your BFA exhibition, you are responsible for ensuring all College registration and academic requirements are resolved with respect to eligibility and current status within the BFA program. In follow up to annual Faculty Advising sessions, you should inquire about completing an “Exhibition Request Form” (appendix or http://www.usask.ca/snelgrove/forms/), and obtaining permission to register in ART 495 through the Main Office of the Department of Art and Art History.
When your form has been processed and you have received permission for registration in ART 495, the Department Office will enter this information online in the PAWS system. When this is done, you must then register for ART 495 as you would for any class. Please note there is no class limit or registration fee for ART 495.
Calculation of your STUDIO ART average occurs after you have submitted the Request Form. In order to submit the Request Form you must have no more than 30 credit units remaining in studio art courses and be entering the fourth year of the BFA program and be planning to take at least one studio course in your exhibition media area in your final year.
A copy of your approved request form will be forwarded to the Gallery Director who will contact you to schedule the exhibition and coordinate specific needs.
The Gordon Snelgrove Gallery is available as an exhibition venue to all prospective graduates of the Department of Art & Art History. Typically, BFA exhibitions are scheduled as trios and run for one week. MFA exhibitions are solos and run for two weeks. Graduating exhibitions are scheduled between September 1 and April 30. The Gallery Director will contact BFA students to schedule an exhibition following receipt of the approved “Exhibition Request Form” (appendix or http://www.usask.ca/snelgrove/forms/). Every effort is made to ensure that exhibitions are compatible. Exhibition dates and details are arranged in consultation with the Gallery Director. Students should make every effort to book their show well in advance (3 to 6 months) or as soon as eligibility is confirmed. Some flexibility is required, as dates may need to be changed during the year.
Students must include a one-page written artist statement with their exhibition, which must be developed in consultation with the designated faculty advisor. The statement should elaborate on and situate the work. It should be printed and distributed to the members of the full-time faculty through the main office and the Gallery Director. A copy must be available to the public during the show.
Exhibition Evaluation
The exhibition must meet the expectations of the Faculty Advisor and a second invited Faculty member who will meet with the student to discuss and evaluate the exhibition. A grade of CR (Completed Requirements) will be assigned on successful completion of the exhibit. A student having an unacceptable exhibition (fail) will have one opportunity to mount a second exhibition within twelve months. If this results in a pass (CR), the student will graduate. If not the student may want to fulfil the requirements of a BA Advanced degree in Art.
BFA Checklist
o Apply for B.F.A. program (refer to the Office of the Dean of Arts and Science for dates).
o Ensure you meet the requirements for convocation and have the required overall and art class averages.
o Make arrangements with a studio faculty member to act as your supervisor.
o Obtain a BFA Exhibition Request form (http://www.usask.ca/snelgrove/forms/), have it signed by an advisor and return the completed form as directed to Main Office, Department of Art and Art History. This determines your registration permission for ART 495. A copy must be sent to the Gallery Director for scheduling
o Secure an exhibition date in the gallery with the Gallery Director.
o Register on PAWS for ART 495.0 as for any other class. Be sure to register in the same term that your exhibition will occur.
o When you believe your course requirements are fulfilled, arrange for a “grad check” with the Arts and Science Undergraduate office (The sooner you do this, the better. The process can take months.)
o Apply to graduate on PAWS.
o Make contact with supervisor/professor to discuss work as directed.
o Complete work. Get feedback from peers / instructors.
o Write artist statement. Get input from peers / faculty.
o Attend to publicity and reception arrangements - remember to register liquor event request through the Gallery office.
o Show time! Install work - finish labels - distribute promotional materials
o Reception and take down.
o Submit receipts with expense form to Director.
o Receive notification of faculty decision for “CR” or “Remount” and Collection donation if applicable.
32