1. Program Entry: First-Year
The department maintains an open door policy and therefore does not require a portfolio review for admission into the major.
However, due to the sequenced nature of the Interior Design major, it is essential that any prospective student meets with the chair or a faculty adviser prior to registration.
Program Entry: Transfer Students
Prospective transfer students having already earned credits in Interior Design courses leading to a major must present their portfolios of work (for courses they wish to be considered for credit) the semester prior to transfer for evaluation by the department chair to aid in proper registration of classes.
Transfer students must also pass the Skills Competency Exam, held at the end of the spring semester.
2. Orientation
During summer and intersemester orientation sessions, students are advised in small groups. Prospective students, especially transfer students, are encouraged to attend the first orientation session in the summer. At orientation, the student fills out an advisement form and has the opportunity to meet one-on-one with a faculty member. A file is started on each student.
Each student receives an informational sheet outlining the sequenced degree requirements for the interior design major.
After enrollment, every student is assigned a faculty member who will serve as their adviser. This relationship continues until the student graduates.
3. Ongoing Advisement
Signs announcing pre-registration advisement are prominently posted each semester. Advisement is mandatory for our students since many of our courses are designated as "Instructor Permission Required."
One-on-one advisement is offered every semester. A sign-up sheet for each week of advisement is posted in a central location on the interior design bulletin board. The student is expected to sign up in advance for a time slot and bring the latest copy of their Degree Works audit full report with them. In addition, students are also expected to come prepared with a preliminary schedule worked out. Advisers have access to both Degree Works and the student's file.
The department chair serves as point person during the academic year, available to answer specific questions about the major.
4. Formal Admission To The Major
The Program Course Sequence Sheet and information regarding the Interior Design Admission Exam (which is mandatory following the first-year sequence) is available in the Art and Design office.
For an Interior Design student who does not pass the Admission Exam, an evaluation sheet with comments offered as a guide for improvement is provided. The student may sit for one make-up exam, held the week before fall semester classes begin.
5. Preparation For Graduation
B.F.A. students in Interior Design receive instruction (via the Professional Practice and Specifications course and through the Interior Design Applications course) in professional practices, the writing of resumes, the presentation of a professional portfolio, etc.
The student application for graduation flags the Registrar's Office degree coordinator who reviews the audit. The department is contacted if there are any deficiencies. If some exist, the adviser is contacted who works to facilitate, if possible, the successful graduation of the student.
