PRE-PORTFOLIO ADVISING

The B.F.A. (Bachelor in Fine Arts) in Graphic Design is a professionally oriented degree specifically designed to provide a basic visual education for students who wish to pursue careers in graphic design-related fields such as advertising, art direction, three-dimensional design, publications or electronic media. Students who wish to specialize in Illustration are advised to pursue the B.F.A. in Studio Art with a drawing concentration.

Graphic Design courses must be taken in sequence. Admission into upper division (300-400 level) courses requires credit for portfolio review. Enrollment in Portfolio Review (350) for Graphic Design is concurrent with enrollment in 252 and is offered in the spring semester only. The review provides students with an assessment of their potential for success early enough to allow them to make a program change should that be advisable. Students who do not pass portfolio review are provided with options, including repeating courses and resubmitting a portfolio during the next review cycle. It should not be assumed that a high grade point average in Graphic Design courses, in itself, assures passing Portfolio Review.

There are several things that pre-portfolio students need to be aware of in order to successfully navigate their career in the Graphic Design program. Please take the time to carefully review all of the pages within this section.

ADMITTANCE TO 251 | Curriculum Breakdown | Advising Appt. | FAQ
The Graphic Design sequence starts with 251, Beginning Graphic Design. This class offers an introduction to the elements and principles of graphic design including typography and layout as well as design, tools, materials, and processes. A passing grade in 251 will allow the student to proceed to 252 and 350 portfolio review in a smooth sequence (without need to go through the same application process.) Due to the demand for entrance into 251, there are several criteria that a student must obtain to gain entrance to the class. Failure to do any of the listed requirements will result in a lower priority for admission.

There will only be 2 classes of 251 offerend in Fall 2008. Each section will be open online to accomdate 15 students. A waiting list will be provided in the Art Office. In accordance with the School of Art, 251 follows a mandatory first day attendance policy. Failure to show up to 251 on the first day of class will result in forfeiture of your seat in the class.

Students will be required to have the following criteria to be admitted to 251, and all registered students will be cross-checked against this list. Please confirm you have the following prior to registering:

What is needed to be accepted into 251 (not listed in any particular order):

1. Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
2. Taken the pre-reqs (101, 103) with a grade of “C” or better
3. Have passing grades in your classes (especially Art History)
4. That you are a full-time student. Priority is given to full-time students
5. That you are a declared Graphic Design major. Checking your academic transcript will confirm whether or not you are a declared Graphic Design major. If you are listed as ‘undeclared’ or as another major, you need to submit a request to change your major. Once you have done this, be sure to follow up in the next few weeks to confirm that the change was made.

Admittance to 251 | CURRICULUM BREAKDOWN | Advising Appt. | FAQ
The Design curriculum is broken down into 5 areas, each working to provide the student with a comprehensive education. Occasionally changes are made within the curriculum, therefore it is important for every incoming student to keep a copy of the undergraduate catalog for the year they entered UT. The catalog serves as a contract with the school for the duration of time the student is enrolled in the program. This way a student is not held responsible for curriculum changes made during their tenure at UT.

Students should strive for a balance in scheduling their course load. Be aware that general education courses are usually the easiest to schedule, while it may be harder to gain entrance into a more specialized core or studio class. You don’t want to take too many studio classes in a single semester, likewise you don’t want a semester full of general education requirements.

To locate the design curriculum for your school year, please visit the undergraduate calendar and select the year for which you are searching (graphic design is listed under the College of Arts + Sciences).

http://diglib.lib.utk.edu/dlc/catalog/index.html

Admittance to 251 | Curriculum Breakdown |ADVISING APPT. | FAQ

Please visit the advising page for more information.

Admittance to 251 | Curriculum Breakdown | Advising Appt. | FAQ
How can I get my PIN number to register?
In order to get a PIN number, you must first be advised. Please read the section, carefully about making an appointment to know what is required of you. Upon being advised, you will be given a card signed by an Advisor that once taken to the Registration office, room 209 Student Services Building, will allow you to register.

What are the pre-reqs for 251?
Please refer to Admittance to 251

I was 3rd on the waiting list and I didn’t get into 251, why?
The selection of students for admittance to 251 IS NOT based on a first come first serve basis. Being on the waiting list is one of several requirements to get into the class.

What if I don’t get in 251 and have to wait a year, will I graduate late?
Failure to place in 251 does delay your continuing through the Graphic Design sequence. However it gives you the opportunity to fulfill many of the other requirements of the Graphic Design curriculum. If you did not get placed into 251, that usually means you are missing one of the required components. If you do not have a “C” or better in Art 101, 103 + your Art History, or if your GPA is below 2.0 you need to focus on your studies and improving these grades. If you have less than 30 credits/year you are not taking a full load. If you cannot successfully complete 15 credits per semester, you will need to generate a plan and present it to your advisor as you will not complete the program in 4 years.

Once I am in 251 does that mean I am in the Graphic Design program?
No, you are only in the program once you have passed 350 Portfolio review. Placement in 251 means you are guaranteed a place in 252, if you pass 251 with a “C” or better.

Once I get into 251, how do I get advised for 252?
Advising for 252 will happen for you during 251 and then once you pass portfolio review (350) your instructor for your core class (351,352,451) will be your advisor and you will be advised in class during those semesters.

What happens in 350 Portfolio Review?
Portfolio Review happens once a year at the end of the spring semester. On the designated day, students come and set up their portfolio. Following this, the studio is closed so that portfolios can be reviewed by the faculty and students can discuss with faculty individually. Students collect their portfolio at a designated time and will be mailed confirmation of their acceptance in the mail.

What are my options if I don’t pass 350 Portfolio Review?
When students are advised in 252, they prepare two different schedules, one of which outlines a path should acceptance not be granted. The design faculty have also prepared a document outlining various options for either continuing in design at UT, or looking into another program and provide this to the student upon their decision.

I want to study abroad for a semester, how does that effect the Graphic Design sequence I am supposed to follow?
While we believe foreign study is very valuable, due to the set-up of the Design curriculum, it is very difficult for students to take a semester leave and then have their spot guaranteed upon return. We encourage students to discuss possibilities with their advisor. In addition, students should consider study abroad over the summer months and tie it in with their practicum experience.

Does 151 count as an Art History elective?
No, it is a core class for the Graphic Design program. Beginning with the class of 2002, it is a required class prior to entering 251. If you fail it more than 3 times, you will not be allowed to participate in the Graphic Design program.

Can my P.E. class count as General Curriculum credit?
No, physical education classes are not applicable towards the General Curriculum credit. There is no area in which a PE/gym class can be petitioned for credit within the Design program.