Mar 29, 2024  
Fall 2021 Catalog 
    
Fall 2021 Catalog FINAL VERSION - Closed for Revisions

School of Design & Communication


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Stuart Morris, Head/Assistant Dean
Room 163, Noel Fine Arts Center
Phone: 715-346-4066
Email: SDC@uwsp.edu
Web: www.uwsp.edu/schoolofdesign

This school is administered by the College of Fine Arts & Communication .

Art and Art History

Guillermo Penafiel, Area Coordinator
Office: NFAC 157
Email: Guillermo.Penafiel@uwsp.edu

Faculty and Academic Staff: M Airy, C Chaffin, J Jo, K Matsumura, G Peñafiel, R Stolzer, K Thielking

Definition: The Art and Art History Area offers students a rich range of fine-art-focused experiences and technical, formal and conceptual approaches to making and researching creative work. The programs in are steeped in a formal studio background, with the ability to explore and combine a variety of media and investigative methodologies to examine and explore topics across 2D, 3D, and 4D (time based) studio practice. The Art & Art History Area encourages innovative and transdisciplinary thinking and making for students interested in alternative and innovative practices.

Accreditation: The Art & Art History Area is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). It is one of five such accredited programs in the UW System.

Enrollment Management Plan

The Art & Art History Area is a limited enrollment program. Students admitted to the university are accepted into Art & Art History Area in order of application. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Professional Opportunities in Art & Art History

Programs of study in the Art & Art History Area prepare you for careers or graduate study in the visual arts, museums/galleries, private studio practice, education, arts administration, and many other possible art-related fields.

Recommended High School Preparation

In addition to the university requirements for admission and entry into any of the art and art history programs, high school courses in art and design are highly recommended. If you are planning to enter the professional Art BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program, four years of English, one year of algebra, two years of foreign language, and two years of science in high school are recommended.

General Requirements for Art & Art History

Study in a variety of areas of knowledge is required of all undergraduates, and these requirements vary depending on the particular major. The Art & Art History Area offers the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. Additionally, the Art & Art History Area offers an Art History Minor  and Art Minor . See the previous section of this catalog entitled General Education  

Courses for Non-Art Majors

Subject to availability, courses in the Art & Art History Area are open to all students who meet the prerequisites and secure School permission. You do not need prior consent for courses that are open to non-art majors.

Exhibition Material

The Art & Art History Area reserves the right to retain examples of student work for exhibition purposes.

Visiting Artist and Scholar Program, and Edna Carlsten Gallery

The Art & Art History Area also maintains an ongoing program of visiting artists and scholars to supplement the curriculum, and a cooperative schedule of operations and exhibitions with the Edna Carlsten Gallery, housed in the Noel Fine Arts Center. The gallery regularly displays traveling shows and exhibits for student and public viewing.

Course Fees for Art & Art History

Fees are charged for certain courses to cover the cost of models and consumable materials.

Academic Standards for Art & Art History

As an art and art history student you must first meet the academic entrance requirements of the university. Since individual development is an expectation, you should be prepared to present a portfolio of artwork for review and evaluation periodically throughout the program as requested.

Transfer credits:

Please refer to the university policy on transferred credits in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

Credits in Residence:

Any student transferring into art and art history from another institution must complete a minimum of 21 credits within the department for the BFA degree and 15 credits within the department for the BA degree.

Entry status:

All entering art majors (freshmen, changes of major, and transfers) are accepted into the art program as BA majors. Acceptance into the BFA is achieved by passing the BFA Portfolio Review, as described below.

The Art & Art History Area has the following standards for continuation in its programs:

Art Foundation Requirement:

You need a 2.67 or higher GPA in the art foundation (Studio Art Foundation and Art History Foundation combined), including transfer credits and regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy, to maintain your status as an art major and to qualify for the BFA Portfolio Review. The foundation consists of DSN 101 , DSN 102 , DSN 103 , ART 201 , and 6 credits of Art History ART 111  & ART 112 .

BFA Portfolio Review:

Passing the BFA Portfolio Review is required for admission into the BFA (professional) program. This review is conducted by art and art history faculty. You must have completed DSN 101 , DSN 102 , DSN 103 , ART 201 , and a choice of six credits from other art studio courses.

The review must take place before you complete 24 studio art credits. If you complete 24 studio art credits during the fall semester, you must complete the review the following spring semester. You may attempt the BFA Portfolio Review only once.

If you do not pass the BFA Portfolio Review, you may maintain BA status in Art & Art History Area. Graduating with a BA degree is contingent upon meeting the specific major requirements of the BA degree.

BFA Portfolio Review Appeals Process:

You may appeal any action taken by the Art & Art History Area that is based on the School’s requirements and policies that are set forth in this catalog. You must appeal in writing to the assistant dean within 30 days of notification of the action taken. The assistant dean will determine whether a review is appropriate. If so, a review team, composed of a faculty member appointed by the assistant dean and a faculty member that you select, will review the matter and give a recommendation to the assistant dean.

BFA Review - Reconsideration Review:

You may be reconsidered for acceptance into the BFA after the School’s Academic Appeal 30-day limit has passed. This appeal must be made to the assistant dean and must include three letters of support from art and art history or graphic design faculty who have worked with the student in the classroom. The appeal will automatically trigger a new BFA review by a review team made up of faculty members from the Art & Art History Area. The new review must take place within 30 days of receiving the final letter of support. A reconsideration review may be attempted once.

BFA Requirement:

In order to complete the BFA program, you must satisfy the art foundation requirements, pass the BFA Portfolio Review, and maintain a 2.67 or higher GPA in all art courses. This includes transfer credits and applies regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy. For graduation, you must also successfully pass ART 491 .

BA Requirement:

In order to complete the BA program you must maintain a 2.67 or higher GPA, including transfer credits, regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy.

Contact the School of Design & Communication for further details. The assistant dean may make exceptions to the above entrance and retention criteria under unusual circumstances.

Test-Out and Credit-by-Exam Policy for Art & Design

The Art & Art History Area has test-out and credit-by-exam procedures for all General Educatin Program (GEP) requirement  art courses. If you wish to test out and receive credit-by-exam, you must first confer with the faculty member who teaches the course about requirements for the exam and grading procedures. If you pass the exam, the GEP requirement will be waived, you will receive credit for the course, and the course may count toward an art major and/or minor if appropriate.

The cumulative exam will consist of a specific exercise or series of exercises different from those used in the existing course. In a course with a significant research component, you may be required to do an appropriate project. You may take a test-out/credit-by-exam test only once.

Probation for Art Major

If your GPA is below the minimum requirement, you will receive a warning that your academic status is unsatisfactory. If your GPA falls below the minimum requirement for two consecutive semesters, you will be dismissed as a major. The School of Design & Communication’s policy on repeating courses and academic bankruptcy requires prior School authorization, but is otherwise the same as general university policy, except where higher School GPA requirements apply.

Academic Appeal

You may appeal any action taken by the School of Design & Communication that is based on School requirements and policies that are set forth in this catalog. You must appeal in writing to the assistant dean within 30 days of notification of the action taken. The assistant dean will determine whether a review is appropriate.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The School of Design & Communication works cooperatively with the Disability and Assistive Technology Center to ensure that qualified students with disabilities are provided equal access and accommodations appropriate to their disability in their academic programs and pursuits.

Students with an art and art history major who have a documented disability may qualify for services through the UW-Stevens Point Disability and Assistive Technology Center. Depending on the student’s individual needs as related to their disability, they may utilize accommodations that could include, but not limited to, classroom, testing, reading and writing accommodations as appropriate. Inquiry or referral for accommodation services should be directed to the Coordinator of the Disability and Assistive Technology Center.

Communication

Kelly Wilz, Area Coordinator
Room 225, Communication Arts Center
Phone: 715-346-3409
Email: communication@uwsp.edu
Web: www.uwsp.edu/comm

Faculty: T Bodor, C Elza, E Fakazis, S Hill, A Ingersoll, J O’Connell, C Shofner, C Spaulding, R Sprague, M Tolstedt, K Wilz.

Definition: Communication studies how humans use symbols to create, send, receive, and respond to messages in a variety of contexts using oral, written, visual, or mediated channels.

Abbreviations:
IPO = Interpersonal and Organizational Communication
MS - Media Studies
PR - Public Relations

Our comprehensive communication major and minor prepare students for a wide range of careers in broadcasting, new media, journalism, public relations, management, training, sales, and human services.

You must complete all coursework required for the major or minor and are also expected to acquire strong oral and written communication competencies. The division encourages everyone to participate in one or more of the student organizations and the internship program. These enhance job opportunities upon graduation by providing practical communication experience.

Academic Standards for Communication

Retention and Graduation

  1. In order to graduate with a major or minor in communication, you must achieve a 2.50 GPA in all communication classes taken, regardless of a declaration of academic bankruptcy.
  2. Once you complete 12 credits toward your communication major (excluding 101), you must maintain a 2.50 GPA for your major coursework. If your communication major GPA falls below a 2.50, you will be placed on probation for one semester. If you fail to regain a 2.50 GPA after the next semester in which you complete a communication course, you will be dismissed from the major.
  3. Courses with a grade below C- DO NOT fulfill the major or minor requirements, but are included in the calculation of the major or minor GPA. See the Grade-related Policies section of this catalog for the policy on repeating courses.
  4. Transfer credit policy: Certain courses taken at other universities may substitute for courses in the major. Credits from these courses will be counted when calculating your GPA in communication.

Test-out, Credit-by-Exam, and Retroactive Credit Policy

If you think you qualify for the above, contact the division head who will determine whether the exam will be for test-out, credit-by-exam, and/or retroactive credit. A designated instructor will administer a written exam that evaluates your level of ability with the content of the course. A grade of B or better will qualify for test-out.

Courses that involve applied skills and/or oral performance may also require a second performance exam if you score well enough on the written exam.

Graphic Design

Samuel Dong Saul, Area Coordinator
Office: NFAC 181
Email: sdongsau@uwsp.edu

Faculty: M Groshek, D. Hoover, S Morris, SD Saul

Definition: The Graphic design major  at UW-Stevens Point prepares students of diverse backgrounds to become creative professionals skilled in a variety of design processes and approaches to visual communication. Our curriculum provides the foundation for research-based inquiry and offers opportunities for teamwork, project management, personal discovery and community engagement.

Accreditation: The Graphic Design Area is an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). It is one of five such accredited programs in the UW System.

Enrollment Management Plan

The Graphic Design Area is a limited enrollment program. Students admitted to the university are accepted into graphic design in order of application. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Professional Opportunities in Graphic Design

Programs of study in the Graphic Design Area prepare you for careers in corporate & not for profit in house positions, ad and design agencies, freelance opportunities, consulting work, or developing your own business.

Recommended High School Preparation

In addition to the university requirements for admission and entry into the graphic design program, high school courses in art and design are highly recommended. If you are planning to enter the professional graphic design (Bachelor of Fine Arts) program, four years of English, one year of algebra, two years of foreign language, and two years of science in high school are recommended.

General Requirements for Graphic Design

The Graphic Design Area offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. See the previous section of this catalog entitled General Education .

Courses for Non- Graphic Design Majors

Subject to availability, courses in the graphic design Area are open to all students who meet the prerequisites and secure School permission. You do not need prior consent for courses that are open to non-art majors.

Exhibition Material

The Graphic Design Area reserves the right to retain examples of student work for exhibition purposes.

Visiting Artist and Scholar Program, and Edna Carlsten Gallery

The Graphic Design Area also maintains an ongoing program of visiting artists and scholars to supplement the curriculum, and a cooperative schedule of operations and exhibitions with the Edna Carlsten Gallery, housed in the Noel Fine Arts Center. The gallery regularly displays traveling shows and exhibits for student and public viewing.

Course Fees for Graphic Design

Fees are charged for certain courses to cover the cost of consumable materials.

Academic Standards for Graphic Design

As a graphic design student you must first meet the academic entrance requirements of the university. Since individual development is an expectation, you should be prepared to present a portfolio of design work for review and evaluation periodically throughout the program as requested.

Transfer credits:

Please refer to the university policy on transferred credits in the Academic Policies  section of this catalog.

Credits in Residence:

Any student transferring into graphic design from another institution must complete a minimum of 21 credits within the department for the BFA degree.

Entry status:

All entering graphic design majors (freshmen, changes of major, and transfers) are accepted into the graphic design program. Acceptance into the graphic design BFA is achieved by passing the BFA Portfolio Review, as described below.

The Graphic Design Area has the following standards for continuation in its programs:

Graphic Design Foundation Requirement:

You need a 2.67 or higher GPA in the graphic design foundation (graphic design Foundation and Art History Foundation combined), including transfer credits and regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy, to maintain your status as an art major and to qualify for the BFA Portfolio Review. The foundation consists of DSN 101 , DSN 102 , DSN 103 , DSN 104 , MSTU 105 , and 6 credits of 100-level Art History.

BFA Portfolio Review:

Students are required to pass the BFA Portfolio Review for admission into the Graphic Design program. The review is conducted by graphic design faculty. Prior to taking the review, you must complete DSN 101 , DSN 102 , DSN 103 , DSN 104 , MSTU 105  and six credits from other studio courses in the School of Design & Communication. The review should take place in your sophomore year. You may attempt the BFA Portfolio Review only once.

If you do not pass the BFA Portfolio Review, you are encouraged to work with your advisor and may elect to submit an Appeal or enter another degree program. Example programs are the BA in the Art & Art History Area, the BFA in Integrated Studio, the BS in Media Studies, or the BFA in Interior Architecture. Each of these degree programs has its own requirements that would need to be met.

BFA Portfolio Review Appeals Process:

You may appeal the results of your Portfolio Review or other action taken by the Graphic Design Area based on the School’s requirements and policies that are set forth in this catalog. You must appeal in writing to the assistant dean within 30 days of notification of the action taken. The assistant dean will determine whether an additional a review is appropriate. If so, a review team, composed of a faculty member appointed by the assistant dean and a faculty member that you select, will review the matter and give a recommendation to the assistant dean.

BFA Review - Reconsideration Review:

You may be reconsidered for acceptance into the BFA after the School’s Academic Appeal 30-day limit has passed. This appeal must be made to the assistant dean and must include three letters of support from graphic design or art and art history faculty who have worked with the student in the classroom. The appeal will automatically trigger a new BFA review by a review team made up of faculty members from Graphic Design. The new review must take place within 30 days of receiving the final letter of support. A reconsideration review may be attempted once.

BFA Requirement:

In order to complete the BFA program, you must satisfy the graphic design foundation requirements, pass the BFA Portfolio Review, and maintain a 2.67 or higher GPA in all graphic design courses. This includes transfer credits and applies regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy. For graduation, you must also successfully pass ART 491.

Test-Out and Credit-by-Exam Policy for Art & Design

The Graphic Design Area has test-out and credit-by-exam procedures for all General Education Program (GEP) requirement  art courses. If you wish to test out and receive credit-by-exam, you must first confer with the faculty member who teaches the course about requirements for the exam and grading procedures. If you pass the exam, the GEP requirement will be waived, you will receive credit for the course, and the course may count toward an art major and/or minor if appropriate.

The cumulative exam will consist of a specific exercise or series of exercises different from those used in the existing course. In a course with a significant research component, you may be required to do an appropriate project. You may take a test-out/credit-by-exam test only once.

Probation for Graphic Design Major

If your GPA is below the minimum requirement, you will receive a warning that your academic status is unsatisfactory. If your GPA falls below the minimum requirement for two consecutive semesters, you will be dismissed as a major. The School of Design & Communication’s policy on repeating courses and academic bankruptcy requires prior School authorization, but is otherwise the same as general university policy, except where higher School GPA requirements apply.

Academic Appeal

You may appeal any action taken by the School of Design & Communication that is based on School requirements and policies that are set forth in this catalog. You must appeal in writing to the assistant dean within 30 days of notification of the action taken. The assistant dean will determine whether a review is appropriate.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

The School of Design & Communication works cooperatively with the Disability and Assistive Technology Center to ensure that qualified students with disabilities are provided equal access and accommodations appropriate to their disability in their academic programs and pursuits.

Students with a graphic design major who have a documented disability may qualify for services through the UW-Stevens Point Disability and Assistive Technology Center. Depending on the student’s individual needs as related to their disability, they may utilize accommodations that could include, but not limited to, classroom, testing, reading and writing accommodations as appropriate. Inquiry or referral for accommodation services should be directed to the Coordinator of the Disability and Assistive Technology Center.

Interior Architecture

Aaron Kadoch, Area Coordinator
Room 330, College of Professional Studies Building
Phone: 715-346-4600
Email: design@uwsp.edu
Web: www.uwsp.edu/ia

Faculty: C. Burch, N. Fernando, N. Johnson, A. Kadoch, K. Marquart, C. Von Gnechten.

Academic Standards for Interior Architecture Major  

Admission to IA Professional Sequence is based upon the following:

  1. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 in DSN 101 , IA 101 , IA 104 , IA 201 , and IA 204  is required to submit for the review.
  2. To submit for the review, you must have successfully completed or be concurrently enrolled in DSN 101 , IA 101 , IA 104 , IA 201 , IA 204 , IA 217 , and IA 304 .
  3. To pass the review, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in DSN 101 , IA 101 , IA 104 , IA 201 , IA 204 , IA 217 , and IA 304  is required.
  4. If a cumulative GPA in the above courses is between 2.50 - 2.749, you will be placed on probation. If placed on probationary status, ongoing enrollment in the IA professional sequence will be determined by an additional portfolio and GPA review.
  5. If you have not passed the first year review or have been placed on probation and wish to submit for an additional portfolio review, you must request in writing to re-submit work from these courses for reconsideration.
  6. Results of the review are valid only for the subsequent semester.
  7. If it is necessary to limit the number of students admitted to the professional sequence and the portfolios are determined to be of equal quality, students with higher cumulative GPAs will be admitted.

Additional Professional Sequence Criteria:

You must have a laptop computer for use by the start of your third semester of the IA program. Laptops must meet the minimum requirements put forth by the Interior Architecture program. Refer to the IA website for specific information.

Senior Portfolio Review:

To graduate with a major in interior architecture you must undergo a senior portfolio review and show. You must also have a minimum 2.75 cumulative GPA in courses required for the major, including transfer courses, regardless of any declaration of academic bankruptcy. You may repeat a course in the major if you follow the course repeat policy found in the Repeating Courses  section of this catalog.

Test-Out and Credit-by-Exam Policy for Interior Architecture

The Division of Interior Architecture will offer credit-by-exam for the following GEP courses: IA 120 , IA 130 , IA 150 , and IA 160 . Material normally covered in the courses forms the basis of the comprehensive written exams.

If you wish to take an exam for credit, first confer with the IA division head. Then meet with the faculty member who most recently taught the course who will, prior to administering the exam, inform you in writing of the required minimum passing score. The results will be provided in writing within two weeks of taking the exam. You may take an exam for credit only once for each course.

Transfer Policy for Interior Architecture:

In order to transfer art or design credits from other institutions, you must submit a portfolio of previous work and grade transcripts, syllabi, and requested supporting course documentation. Acceptance of transfer credit depends on successful portfolio evaluation and placement.

If you wish to transfer into the interior architecture major through an approved articulation agreement with another institution, you must successfully meet the requirements as put forth in the agreement.  Contact the Division of Interior Architecture to make any credit transfer requests.

Media Studies

Kelly Wilz, Area Coordinator
Office: CAC 225
Email: Kelly.Wilz@uwsp.edu

Faculty: C Elza, L Fakazis, A Ingersoll, M Tolstedt, K Wilz

Definition: The Media Studies major at UW-Stevens Point offers a forward-thinking curriculum giving students the knowledge, skills, and experience(s) they need to engage critically with media content and technologies by using media history, theory, aesthetics and criticism to inform their production practices. This approach, in which classrooms become sites for engaged inquiries that extend connections between culture and technology, has been termed “critical making.”

Academic Standards for Media Studies

Retention and Graduation

  1. In order to graduate with a major or minor in media studies, you must achieve a 2.50 GPA in all communication classes taken, regardless of a declaration of academic forgiveness.
  2. Once you complete 12 credits toward your media studies major (excluding 101), you must maintain a 2.50 GPA for your major coursework. If your media studies major GPA falls below a 2.50, you will be placed on probation for one semester. If you fail to regain a 2.50 GPA after the next semester in which you complete a media studies course, you will be dismissed from the major.
  3. Courses with a grade below C- DO NOT fulfill the major or minor requirements, but are included in the calculation of the major or minor GPA. See the Grade-related Policies section of this catalog for the policy on repeating courses.
  4. Transfer credit policy: Certain courses taken at other universities may substitute for courses in the major. Credits from these courses will be counted when calculating your GPA in media studies.

Test-out, Credit-by-Exam, and Retroactive Credit Policy

If you think you qualify for the above, contact the Media Studies Area coordinator who will determine whether the exam will be for test-out, credit-by-exam, and/or retroactive credit. A designated instructor will administer a written exam that evaluates your level of ability with the content of the course. A grade of B or better will qualify for test-out.

Courses that involve applied skills and/or oral performance may also require a second performance evaluation if you score well enough on the written exam.

Professional Communication

Steven Hill, Area Coordinator
Office: CAC 323
Email: Steve.Hill@uwsp.edu​

Faculty: T Bodor, S Hill, R Sprague

Definition: The Professional Communication major facilitates the development of skill sets to prepare graduates for success in contemporary workplaces.

Academic Standards for Professional Communication

Retention and Graduation

  1. In order to graduate with a major or minor in professional communication, you must achieve a 2.50 GPA in all communication classes taken, regardless of a declaration of academic bankruptcy.
  2. Once you complete 12 credits toward your professional communication major (excluding 101), you must maintain a 2.50 GPA for your major coursework. If your professional communication major GPA falls below a 2.50, you will be placed on probation for one semester. If you fail to regain a 2.50 GPA after the next semester in which you complete a professional communication course, you will be dismissed from the major.
  3. Courses with a grade below C- DO NOT fulfill the major or minor requirements, but are included in the calculation of the major or minor GPA. See the Grade-related Policies section of this catalog for the policy on repeating courses.
  4. Transfer credit policy: Certain courses taken at other universities may substitute for courses in the major. Credits from these courses will be counted when calculating your GPA in professional communication.

Test-out, Credit-by-Exam, and Retroactive Credit Policy

If you think you qualify for the above, contact the Professional Communication Area coordinator who will determine whether the exam will be for test-out, credit-by-exam, and/or retroactive credit. A designated instructor will administer a written exam that evaluates your level of ability with the content of the course. A grade of B or better will qualify for test-out.

Courses that involve applied skills and/or oral performance may also require a second performance exam if you score well enough on the written exam.

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