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MFA Graduate Handbook

Welcome to the Department of Art & Art History

The MFA Program in Studio Art at the University of Utah welcomes applicants with an outstanding record of creative activity. In our program, you can specialize in Community-Based Art Education, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting and Drawing, Photography and Digital Imaging, Printmaking, and Sculpture Intermedia. We expect you to hold a BFA degree in art or a cognate discipline, such as architecture or design, and demonstrate a sincere commitment to the demands of graduate study.

The three-year residential MFA program in studio art is designed for those who are fully committed to living as artists through exceptional creative work, discipline, and self-motivation. By the end of the program, you will demonstrate a mature and intelligent conceptualization of your work, as well as a general understanding of the various perspectives in contemporary art. In the program, you can master the techniques and technologies needed to realize your career goals.

The department boasts a wide range of facilities, including specialized equipment. The Art and Sculpture Buildings include a woodshop and tool room, a print shop, spray booths, digital imaging and audio computer labs, a laser cutter, 3D printers, large format printers, darkrooms, a plaster room, metal fabrication and foundry rooms, photography lighting studio, ceramic wheel and glaze rooms, and a variety of kilns, including a car kiln. The bookmaking and letterpress studio in the J. Willard Marriott Library is another resource available to our graduate students. The Gittins Gallery, located in the Film and Media Arts building, is the department’s primary exhibition venue. The D. Ray Owen Reading Room/Computer Lab, featuring a collection of books and magazines on contemporary art, as well as negative, large, and small flatbed scanners, Wacom tablets, and professional inkjet printers, is open to graduates 24 hours a day. The Katherine W. Dumke Fine Arts and Architecture library, part of the Creativity & Innovations Services at the J. Willard Marriott Library, is a vast art resource available to all our graduate students. Their services include an extensive collection of artists’ books and ProtoSpace, which houses digital labs, 3D fabrication equipment, and creative studios and spaces. The Utah Museum of Fine Arts, situated near the Art Building, houses collections of art from around the world, including Asian, American, and 20th-century and Contemporary Art.

Our graduate students benefit greatly from meeting and working with artists invited to our department as part of the Carmen M. Christensen Visiting Artist/Scholar Lecture Series and the Warnock Artist-in-Residence Program. For the Christensen visiting artists, the faculty selects a slate of individuals annually who make significant contributions to their respective visual arts disciplines. The artists are invited to present an artist’s talk, work with classes, and do studio visits with our graduate students. The Marva and John Warnock biennial residency program is a vital catalyst for dialogue that encompasses contemporary art-making issues, pedagogy, interdisciplinary and collaborative work, art in the community, and art as activism. The program aims to expose students to new, innovative, and diverse contemporary art practices while providing an opportunity for trilateral exchange among students, faculty, and the public. The artist-in-residence will lead a Master Class during the Spring semester.

The Department of Art & Art History endeavors to provide an individualized, self-driven MFA program open to all contemporary and interdisciplinary artists. The faculty and staff encourage you to apply. We are here to help you become the research-based artist you want to be, and we enthusiastically look forward to guiding you with your creative explorations.

MFA in Studio Art Graduate Handbook

  • Admission Requirements & Procedures

    All graduate applicants to the University of Utah must meet the following minimum Graduate School requirements:

    • A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited US college or university. The Office of Admissions will determine if an applicant’s degree meets the Graduate School’s requirement of a recognized bachelor’s degree.
    • At least a 3.0 or higher undergraduate weighted mean GPA on a 4.0 scale. If the undergraduate GPA is below 3.0, a GPA will be calculated based on the last 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) if the student attended a US institution.
    • Meet the academic department’s admission standards and receive a recommendation for admission to their program.

    The University of Utah Admissions Office utilizes the Slate website for all online graduate applications. https://futureu.admissions.utah.edu/apply/ Follow the link to begin your application process. You will then select the “Create an Account” hyperlink to start.

    THE DEADLINE IS JANUARY 15TH.

    During the application process, you must submit the following items:

    • A letter of intent and a detailed artist statement that addresses the following:
      • Describe current artistic interests, the direction of your work, preferred area of study influences, and why.
      • Write any relevant experiences that have prepared you as an artist, and describe why it is the right time to attend graduate school.
      • Describe your professional goals and how you plan to achieve them while in school and after.
      • Please describe what you can contribute, initiate, and risk as a community member.
      • Why is this program a good fit for you?

    Please be aware that the faculty most often recommend admissions to individuals with a studio art background, which generally includes 40 undergraduate credits and a minimum of 12 credits in art history (quarter equivalents apply).

    • A CV or resume that includes your complete contact information, your educational background, and any honors or awards. If you have any teaching experience, please list it as well.
    • Please provide the names and emails of three (3) people who can write letters of recommendation that speak to your creative talent and your ability to succeed in a rigorous academic program (academic references from former or current professors are preferable to those from employers). They will receive an email from the admissions office with a custom link where they will be asked to fill out a questionnaire and upload their letters.
      • It needs to be a high-resolution (suggested 300 PPI) single PDF file.
      • Your portfolio should contain 20 images.
      • Post one work per page with a maximum of 2 images per page. For example, you might have a full view and then a detail on the same page. Use multiple pages if more views are necessary to understand the piece.
      • Add a text description at the bottom of each page with the following information: Title, Dimensions, Medium, Date completed (the year is sufficient).
      • To submit videos or sound files, upload them to a website such as Box, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Vimeo, or YouTube, and please provide the URL in the PDF.
    • Transcripts from each college or university attended. They can be unofficial for now, but the admissions office requires official transcripts if you are offered a position in our program.
    • Complete the application form and pay the applicable fee. The non-refundable graduate application fee for domestic applicants is $55, and for international students is $65.
    • For international students, an English language proficiency test score is required. Please visit the Admission English Proficiency Requirements website (https://admissions.utah.edu/apply/international/english-proficiency/ ) https://admissions.utah.edu/english-proficiency/to answer your questions and submit the scores. Test dates must fall within two years of submitting your application and paying your application fee to be valid. The admissions office cannot use expired test scores to evaluate the English proficiency requirement. Here are the current acceptable test scores:
      • TOEFL: 80 or higher
      • IELTS: 6.5 or higher
      • DUOLINGO: 110 or higher
      • ACT English score of 18 or higher
      • SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) Score of 510 or higher
      • TOEIC: This is only for UAC applicants. For more information, visit https://asiacampus.utah.edu/apply/

    Please visit the Graduate Students Admissions web page for further instructions about the application process. You can check the status of your submission by contacting info@art.utah.edu or (801) 581-8677.

    International Students

    If you are an international student, please visit the Graduate Admissions website (https://admissions.utah.edu/international-graduate/) for the necessary information to complete your application.

    The Department of Art & Art History values the global community, and we welcome students from all countries. Being an international student has unique advantages and challenges, especially as you adjust to your studies in a new country and culture. We encourage all our international students to use the resources available and seek involvement in departmental, campus, and civic communities.

    Transfer Credits

    The University of Utah only allows six (6) graduate-level credit hours to be transferred from another accredited institution. Refer to the Graduate School Policies webpage and the Graduate Transfer Credit Authorization Form.

    APPROVAL CRITERIA REQUIRED TO POSTGRADUATE TRANSFER CREDITS TO A STUDENT’S ACADEMIC RECORD:

    1. Graduate credit may only be transferred from other regionally accredited institutions.
    2. Credits transferred from another institution may be used for only one degree.
    3. Students must be formally admitted to a graduate program of study.
    4. Up to six semester hours of transfer credit may be applied toward fulfilling graduate degree requirements at the University of Utah.
    5. The courses must have a letter grade of “B” or higher.
    6. “Credit only” grades are not acceptable.
    7. Coursework must be recommended by the student’s supervisory committee and taken within four years of the semester of admission to the University of Utah for master’s students and within seven years of the semester of admission to the University of Utah for doctoral students.

    The graduate student’s committee chair, with the help of the director of MFA graduate studies, will review the transcript with the student to assess which courses should be included on the form for transfer review.

    Important Deadlines

    There are several important dates to pay attention to while working on your MFA, but many depend on your progress through the program. Please review this handbook and any information the director of graduate studies provides. It is the graduate student’s responsibility to submit all the necessary documents on time.

    Departmental Deadlines

    The Department of Art & Art History accepts applicants only once a year for the Fall semester. Applications are due January 15th.

    The department provides a checklist of required dates that each student must complete each semester. Refer to the Resources section at the end of the handbook for a copy of the checklist.

    University Deadlines

    Follow the links below for university deadlines.

  • Program Requirements

    The Department of Art & Art History offers a general Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art and a specific MFA emphasis, the Master of Fine Arts in Community-Based Art Education. Both MFA degrees comprise 60 semester credit hours of coursework. The required courses for an MFA in Studio Art include 22 hours in the primary area of studio art specialization, 12 hours of ART 6810 Graduate Seminar, 4 hours of ART 6180 Graduate Critique, 10 hours of allied fields, and 6 hours of art history coursework. The required courses for an MFA in Community-Based Art Education include 12 hours in the primary area of studio art specialization, 10 hours between ART 6560 - Graduate Art Education Seminar: Artist as Cultural Worker, ART 6570 - Graduate Art in the Community: Art Education Beyond School Walls, and ART 6580 - Graduate Art Teaching Practicum, 12 hours of ART 6810 Graduate Seminar, 4 hours of ART 6180 Graduate Critique, 10 hours of allied fields, and 6 hours of art history coursework. Both degrees require a minimum of six hours of ART 6975 Final Project, which is required to prepare the Final Project and the MFA Exhibition. Coursework must be taken for a letter grade (no grade below B- will count for the MFA degree). A “B” average must be maintained to graduate.

    Expected Learning Outcomes

    1. Demonstrate the mastery of techniques and technologies needed to realize their artistic goals.
    2. Be able to formulate and express ideas through a high level of creative problem-solving in the production of a well-researched and executed body of work.
    3. Demonstrate an elevated understanding of art history, theories, major concepts, and approaches to research in the study of visual art.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of contemporary art’s different perspectives in practice and theory.
    5. Be able to identify, analyze, assess, and put into practice information from a variety of sources and perspectives.
    6. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of personal artistic goals with contemporary and historical context through oral and written critique.
    7. Demonstrate a sufficient ability in visual expression to enhance their knowledge of culture and the fine arts of nations or people outside the United States.
    8. Possess advanced techniques, research, and communication skills necessary to understand and participate in the world of visual art.
    9. Demonstrate mature and intelligent conceptualization and production of their work.

    Program Coursework for General MFA in Studio Art

    Students typically enroll in 9-10 credit hours each Fall and Spring Semester. Students awarded a teaching assistantship must register for a minimum of 9 credit hours. The Graduate School’s Tuition Benefit Program for a teaching assistantship applies only to the first 12 hours per semester; tuition for the remaining hours and full tuition in the Summer Term is the student’s obligation. You should strive to register for classes before the first day of the semester, but you have two weeks from that date to finalize your course load.

    Studio Art Specialization

    You will complete 22 hours with the faculty in your primary area of specialization. You will enroll in 6000-level Graduate Project courses as directed studies. Before the semester begins, you must meet with the faculty member you wish to work with and formulate the objectives and goals of the class. Your Graduate Study Contract (available online) should include a description of the objectives and outline the frequency and scheduling of critiques. You and the faculty member should sign it before it is returned to the department’s graduate coordinator. After you pay the course fee to the department, the graduate coordinator will issue you the class and permission numbers to enroll. All graduate coursework, except for a few classes such as ART 6810 Graduate Seminar (2 credits), has variable credit, generally from 2 to 6. You and the faculty member will decide how many credits you will earn for the 6000-level Graduate Project during the semester.

    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar

    You must take ART 6810 (2 credit hours) each semester for a total of 12 hours. The class is offered in the fall and spring semesters and meets once a week. The instructor will rotate among full-time faculty members who bring different perspectives each semester. The class focuses on conceptual issues, pedagogy, professional practices, and preparation to become a studio artist.

    ART 6815 Graduate Critique

    You must take ART 6815 Graduate Critique (1 credit hour) each semester for the first two years for a total of 4 credit hours. The course is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters and meets once a week. The course will primarily focus on giving and receiving criticism of artwork and helping guide each student toward the concepts of their MFA exhibition. The class will rotate faculty like the Graduate Seminar, and each week will meet in a different studio. This time will also be available to visiting artists to work with graduates and conduct studio visits.

    Allied Studio Credits

    Allied fields are research outside your studio specialization, perhaps in another discipline. You need to take a minimum of 10 hours. With the approval of your supervisory committee, you may take a graduate course from a different department (5000 level or above) within the university. This coursework should enrich your studio work or increase your awareness of the arts and humanities.

    Art History Credits

    The Art History Program has established ARTH 6000-60005 for the required 6 hours of art history coursework. The art history faculty member uses one of the numbers in conjunction with one of their 4000-level lecture courses. You should consult the university schedule to find a 4000-level course you are interested in and email the professor for permission to enroll as an MFA student. On the faculty member’s approval, they will provide the student with the appropriate ARTH 6000-level number. Almost all the 6000 Art History courses are for MA students, but the instructor may let MFA students sign up after they have contacted the instructor.

    ART 6975 Final Project: MFA

    The course awards credits for studio work, research, and writing, leading to the MFA exhibition, their artist talk, and their final project paper. Graduates sign up for a minimum of six credit hours, three hours of ART 6975-001 (the department chairperson is listed as the instructor of record), and three hours of ART 6975-002 (with the director of graduate studies as the instructor of record). You can sign up for 3 to 9 hours for each section to help make up any missing studio hours. The graduate committee assigns the grade for each course and then gives it to the graduate coordinator to ensure the instructor of record inputs the final grades. The ART 6795-001 grade is for the exhibition and defense, and ART 6975-002 is for the artist talk and final project paper. Suppose the student signs up for the class but does not complete the work in time. In that case, the instructor of record will issue a “T” grade, signifying continuing work until the final requirements are completed (MFA exhibition, final oral examination/defense, artist talk, and final project paper). Once the work is complete, the committee assigns a new grade, and then the instructor of record submits a grade change to the registrar’s office to change the “T” grade.

    Sample Schedule for MFA in Studio Art

    Below is a sample schedule to complete your MFA in three years. You will be given a Program of Study worksheet to fill out with your graduate committee to help finalize your courses.

     

    First Year
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    Course Hours Course Hours
    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2 ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2
    ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1 ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1
    Art History Course 3 Art History Course 3
    Independent Study Studio Hours 4 Independent Study Studio Hours or Warnock AIR Course 4
    Total Hours 10 Total Hours 10
    Second Year
    Course Hours Course Hours
    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2 ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2
    ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1 ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1
    Allied 3 Allied 4
    Independent Study Studio Hours 4 Independent Study Studio Hours or Warnock AIR Course 3
    Total Hours 10 Total Hours 10
    Third Year
    Course Hours Course Hours
    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2 ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2
    Allied 3 Independent Study Studio Hours 2
    Independent Study Studio Hours 3 MFA Thesis Hours ART 6975-001 3
    Independent Study Studio Hours 2 MFA Thesis Hours ART 6975-002 3
    Total Hours 10 Total Hours 10
    Grand Total 60

     

    Program Coursework for MFA in Community-Based Art Education

    Students typically enroll in 9-10 credit hours each Fall and Spring Semester. Students awarded a teaching assistantship must register for a minimum of 9 credit hours. The Graduate School’s Tuition Benefit Program for a teaching assistantship applies only to the first 12 hours per semester; tuition for the remaining hours and full tuition in the Summer Term is the student’s obligation. You should strive to register for classes before the first day of the semester, but you have two weeks from that date to finalize your course load.

    Studio Art Specialization

    You will complete 12 hours with the faculty in your primary area of specialization. You will enroll in the 6000-level Graduate Project courses as directed studies. Before the semester begins, you must meet with the faculty member you wish to work with and formulate the objectives and goals of the class. Your Graduate Study Contract (available online) should include a description of the objectives and outline the frequency and scheduling of critiques. You and the faculty member must sign it before it is returned to the department’s graduate coordinator. After you pay the course fee to the department, the graduate coordinator will issue you the class and permission numbers to enroll. All graduate coursework, except for a few classes such as ART 6810 Graduate Seminar (3 credits), has variable credit, generally from 2 to 6. You and the faculty member will decide how many credits you will earn for the 6000-level Graduate Project during the semester.

    ART 6560 - Graduate Art Education Seminar: Artist as Cultural Worker, ART 6570 - Graduate Art in the Community: Art Education Beyond School Walls, and ART 6580 - Graduate Art Teaching Practicum

    You are required to take 10 hours from a combination of these courses. With your committee, you will determine which class will be taken each semester and for how many hours. These courses are only taught by the arts teaching faculty, who will more than likely be on your graduate committee, making it easier to schedule these classes.

    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar

    You must take ART 6810 (2 credit hours) each semester for a total of 12 hours. The class is offered in the fall and spring semesters and meets once a week. The instructor will rotate among full-time faculty members who bring different perspectives each semester. The class focuses on conceptual issues, pedagogy, professional practices, and preparation to become a studio artist.

    ART 6815 Graduate Critique

    You must take ART 6815 Graduate Critique (1 credit hour) each semester for the first two years for a total of 4 credit hours. The course is offered in the Fall and Spring semesters and meets once a week. The course will primarily focus on giving and receiving criticism of artwork and helping guide each student toward the concepts of their MFA exhibition. The class will rotate faculty like the Graduate Seminar, and each week will meet in a different studio. This time will also be available to visiting artists to work with graduates and

    Allied Studio Credits

    Allied fields are research outside your studio specialization, perhaps in another discipline. You need to take a minimum of 10 hours. With the approval of your supervisory committee, you may take a graduate course from a different department (5000 level or above) within the university. This coursework should enrich your studio work or increase your awareness of the arts and humanities.

    Art History Credits

    The Art History Program has established ARTH 6000-60005 for the required 6 hours of art history coursework. The art history faculty member uses one of the numbers in conjunction with one of their 4000-level lecture courses. You should consult the university schedule to find a 4000-level course you are interested in and email the professor for permission to enroll as an MFA student. On the faculty member’s approval, they will provide the student with the appropriate ARTH 6000-level number. Almost all the 6000 Art History courses are for MA students, but the instructor may let MFA students sign up after they have contacted the instructor.

    ART 6975 Final Project: MFA

    The course awards credits for studio work, research, and writing leading to the MFA Exhibition, their artist talk, and their Final Project Paper. Graduates sign up for a minimum of six credit hours, three hours of ART 6975-001 (the department chairperson is listed as the instructor of record), and three hours of ART 6975-002 (with the director of graduate studies as the instructor of record). You are allowed to sign up for 3 to 9 hours for each section. The graduate committee assigns the grade for each course and then gives it to the graduate coordinator to ensure the instructor of record inputs the final grades. Suppose the student signs up for the class but does not complete the work in time. In that case, the instructor of record will issue a “T” grade, signifying continuing work until the final requirements are completed (MFA Exhibition, Final Oral Examination, Final Project paper, and MFA Exhibition Documentation). Once the final work is complete, the instructor of record submits a grade change to the registrar’s office to correct the grade.

    Sample Schedule for MFA in Community-Based Art Education

    Below is a sample schedule to complete your MFA in three years. You will be given a Program of Study worksheet to fill out with your graduate committee to help finalize your courses.

    First Year
    Fall Semester Spring Semester
    Course Hours Course Hours
    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2 ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2
    ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1 ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1
    Art History Course 3 ART 6570 - Graduate Art in the Community: Art Education Beyond School Walls 3
    ART 6560 - Graduate Art Education Seminar: Artist as Cultural Worker 3 Independent Study Studio Hours or Warnock AIR Course 5
    Total Hours 9 Total Hours 11
    Second Year
    Course Hours Course Hours
    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2 ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2
    ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1 ART 6815 Graduate Critique 1
    Allied 4 Allied or Warnock AIR Course 3
    Art History Course 3 ART 6580 - Graduate Art Teaching Practicum 4
    Total Hours 10 Total Hours 10
    Third Year
    Course Hours Course Hours
    ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2 ART 6810 Graduate Seminar 2
    Allied 3 Independent Study Studio Hours or Warnock AIR Course 2
    Independent Study Studio Hours 5 MFA Thesis Hours ART 6975-001 3
    MFA Thesis Hours ART 6975-002 3
    Total Hours 10 Total Hours 10
    Grand Total 60

     

  • Mandatory Exams and Milestones

    First Year Review

    You are still considered a probationary MFA candidate until you pass the First Year Review, your qualifying exam.

    The supervisory committee will conduct an intensive and thorough review of your studio and academic work with you near the end of your first year of residency. The review results are presented to you in a written memorandum that declares whether you have passed your review and can now move forward with your research as an MFA candidate, continue in the second year with recommendations, or do not pass and will be asked to leave the program. If the committee decides recommendations are required, an additional review will be scheduled at the end of the Summer Term to give the student sufficient time to produce the work needed to lift probation. As before, the second review will be presented in a written memorandum. If you do not pass the second review, you will be asked to leave the program. Alternatively, your committee may decide to offer you an additional opportunity to move forward; however, you will be ineligible for a teaching assistantship in your second year of study.

    Second Year Review

    At the end of your second year of study, your supervisory committee will conduct another intensive and thorough review of your studio and academic work to allow you to move forward with your MFA thesis research. The review results will be presented in a written memorandum, declaring whether you are ready to move forward with the artwork and schedule your MFA thesis and defense, or if a secondary review is needed to finalize your concepts and ideas. If the committee decides a secondary review is required, it is generally scheduled at the end of the Summer Term to give you sufficient time. You will be asked to leave the program if you do not pass the second review. Your committee may decide to provide you with an additional opportunity to move forward. If you are receiving a Tuition Benefit, you will lose your instructor-of-record teaching privileges and go back to being a teaching assistant for a faculty member so that you can focus more time on your research. Once you have passed your second-year review, the director of MFA graduate studies will work with the Gittins Gallery committee chairperson to schedule and assign your exhibition time frame.

    Final Project and Defense

    The final project, consisting of your exhibition, defense, final project, and artist talk, is completed during your final semester of study. Your supervisory committee will hold the defense in your exhibition space. It is usually scheduled a day or so after your artist talk. The Final Project paper must be completed by the end of that semester. If any portion of the final project is not completed by the end of the semester, the student will not be eligible to graduate.

  • Final Project Requirements

    The Final Project consists of an exhibition, artist talk, defense (oral exams), final project paper, and exhibition documentation.

    Exhibition and Defense

    The exhibition can be held on or off campus. If it is on campus, the exhibition dates will be assigned by the director of graduate studies, with input from the graduate committee, after the student has passed the first-year review. The exhibitions are typically held during the spring semester, usually before or after spring break. The graduate student must notify the director of MFA graduate studies or the graduate coordinator of the exhibition opening event dates to ensure they are added to the department’s calendars and website. The student must also let the DGS know the defense date so that the necessary forms can be sent to the graduate committee chairperson.

    Artist Talk

    The student is required to give an artist’s talk. The talk is usually held before the exhibition opening event. The student is asked to discuss their artistic practice and the journey that led to the creation of the body of artwork in their MFA exhibition. The talk should be around 45 minutes long, with 15 minutes for questions and answers.

    Final Oral Examination

    The examination will take place during the MFA Exhibition and will be held in the space where the show is installed. You will be asked to discuss your conceptual insight and technical proficiency regarding your studio work, as well as your general professional awareness of contemporary art. You must be registered for at least 3 hours of ART 6975 -001 MFA Final Project during the MFA Exhibition and Final Oral Examination semester.

    Final Project Paper

    In consultation with your supervisory committee, you will write a comprehensive essay, approximately 10-20 pages long, that reveals the state of your creative research. The paper is designed to represent the culmination of three years of graduate work. A revised draft should be submitted to your supervisory committee before the Final Oral Examination as the written counterpart to the MFA Exhibition. An official digital copy must be submitted by the end of the semester to be uploaded into the Marriott Library Intellectual Repository database. The graduate student must also sign the J. Willard Marriott Library Publishing Agreement and return it to the graduate coordinator.

    • The paper needs to be organized as follows.
      • Title page
      • Copyright page
      • Supervisory Committee Approval form with the original signatures in black ink
      • Final Reading Approval form with the original signatures in black ink
      • Body of the text – it should include images of your artwork
      • Appendices – should consist of at least 15 images of the exhibition

    You must be registered for a minimum of 3 hours of ART 6975-002 MFA Final Project during the Artist Talk and Final Project Paper semester.

    Refer to the Important Forms sections at the end of the handbook for templates of the necessary pages required for the Final Project Paper.

    MFA Exhibition Documentation

    You must digitally document all the work within the MFA Exhibition and provide a USB thumb drive or shareable URL of the images. Twenty or more images will be added to the department’s digital database and housed in its Visual Resources Collection. With the portfolio, please submit a completed copy of the MFA Exhibition/Repository Collection Documentation form to the Department of Art & Art History Visual Resources Specialists. Refer to the Important Forms section at the end of the handbook for a copy of the form.

    Applying for Graduation

    Graduate students must apply for graduation at the beginning of the semester in which they expect to graduate. This is done online through CIS. Please visit the registrar’s website for further details and application dates.

  • Academic Requirements and Policies

    Minimum GPA

    The department requires that graduate students maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in coursework. If a course is awarded a grade of C+ or lower, the department will not count it towards the student's degree requirements, and the student will have to take another course to compensate. The university does not accept a grade below C- toward fulfilling the graduation requirements.

    Continuous Registration

    All graduate students must be registered for at least one course from the time of formal admission until they have completed all requirements for their desired degree, unless they are granted an official leave of absence. Students must be registered during the summer term if they are taking examinations or defending theses/dissertations during that term. Students are not required to sign up for summer courses between their first and second years, and we encourage them to take advantage of the facilities during that time.

    If students do not comply with this continuous registration policy and do not obtain an official leave of absence, they will be automatically discontinued from graduate study. In this case, students will be required to reapply for admission to the University through Graduate Admissions after approval from their home department. Students should be registered for graduate-level courses (5000-6000 level for master’s; 6000-7000 level for doctoral) until they have completed all degree requirements, including the exhibition, artist talk, final project paper, and defense of the project.

    Credit/No-Credit Courses

    Candidates must receive a CR (credit) grade for credit/no-credit courses in the Department. If a student receives a grade of NC (no credit), that course must be repeated. An NC grade will place that student on probation and trigger an immediate and mandatory supervisory committee and eligible department studio faculty who serve on the MFA committee’s review of that student, who will be required to justify their continuance within the program. This review may result in the removal of that student from the MFA Program. Two NC grades for coursework taken within the Department will result in the removal of that student from the MFA Program.

    Leave of Absence

    Official language from the Graduate School website (https://gradschool.utah.edu/graduate-catalog/registration):

    Students who wish to discontinue their studies for one or more semesters (other than the summer term) must complete a Request for Leave of Absence Form. The form must be approved and signed by both the supervisory committee chair and the department chair, and then forwarded to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

    Requests for leaves of absence may be granted for up to one year for circumstances related to:

    • a serious health condition of the student or a family member,
    • parental leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child,
    • a call to serve in the military service, or
    • other compelling reasons that the student’s department believes are in the best interests of both the student and the university.

    The form requesting a leave of absence for a current semester must be completed and received in the Office of the Registrar by the last day of classes of that semester. Leaves of absence are not granted retroactively. Students must officially withdraw from classes in any semester for which a leave is granted; failure to formally withdraw results in reporting E or EU grades for all classes. For more information about official withdrawal, see Grading Policies in the Undergraduate Information section of this catalog.

    The period during which a leave of absence is granted does not count toward the period allowed to complete the degree. Leaves are granted for a maximum of one year at a time and may be renewed by submitting a new form to the Office of the Registrar. The leave of absence is void if a student registers for classes in a semester for which a leave was granted.

    Family & Medical Leave

    Students who need time off for caregiving can take up to 16 weeks for a Family Leave of Absence. Students who experience a medical condition associated with their pregnancy and need accommodations recommended by their medical provider should contact the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

    Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA)

    135 Park Building

    Salt Lake City, UT 84112

    801-581-8365

    oeo@utah.edu

     

    The Title IX Coordinator will work with the student, cognizant faculty, and administration to determine reasonable and effective accommodations. The student will be ineligible for financial support and may be required to relinquish studio space during the semester of familial leave.

    Please talk with the director of MFA graduate studies if you wish to apply for Family Leave.

    From the OEO/AA website:

    University policy prohibits discrimination based on sex/gender, including pregnant and parenting students and employees. State and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Act, also prohibit discrimination based on sex, including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions. If you believe you have been subject to discrimination, including having been denied an accommodation for a pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, please discuss this with the director of graduate studies and/or the Deputy Title IX Coordinator for your college. You may file a complaint with the OEO/AA. https://oeo.utah.edu/

    Leaving the Program Early

    Supervisory Committee Recommendation for Leave

    The MFA Program focuses on mature, in-depth artistic and scholarly research. Success in completing the Master of Fine Arts degree requires self-directed thought and sustained and completed efforts in all coursework and departmental responsibilities. It also requires commitment, accountability, and collegiality in dealings with the faculty, other students, and the department at large. If the eligible department studio faculty who serve on the MFA committee agrees at any time that the candidate’s comportment is counterproductive to sustaining the collegial dynamics necessary to complete all requirements and maintain the decorum those endeavors require (which include but are not limited to classroom seminars, studio classes, and TA responsibilities), that student will be called in for discussions with the department chair, director of MFA graduate studies and any other relevant faculty for the sake of due process. If the student is found at fault, unable or unwilling to implement the correctives discussed and agreed upon in writing by the Department chair and director of MFA graduate studies, the candidate may be dismissed from the MFA Program.

    Voluntary Leave

    If a student voluntarily withdraws from the program, they must notify their committee chairperson and the Director of Graduate Studies. If the student leaves at the end of the semester, they must clean out their studio and return the key to the graduate coordinator. If the student withdraws from the program in the middle of the semester, depending on their Teaching Assistantship responsibilities, they will be required to repay any Tuition Benefit credits that have been applied. The department chairperson and area head for that course must find a replacement instructor.

    Time Limit to Degree

    Graduate School policy for master’s degrees (https://gradschool.utah.edu/graduate-catalog/degree-requirements):

    All work for the master’s degree must be completed within four consecutive calendar years. On the recommendation of the student’s supervisory committee, the dean of The Graduate School can modify or waive this requirement. If the student exceeds the time limit and is not granted a modification or waiver, the department has the option to discontinue the student. Students whose studies have been interrupted for long periods and who have been granted extended time to complete their degrees may be required to complete additional courses, pass examinations, or otherwise demonstrate that they are current in their field.

    Dismissal Policies & Procedures

    Probation after First Year Review

    The graduate committee will administer probationary Review/Comprehensive Exams, reviewing studio and academic work in the Spring Semester at the end of the first year of study. The review results will be presented in a written document that declares whether the student can move forward as an MFA candidate, continue in the second year with recommendations, or be asked to leave the program.

    If the committee decides recommendations are required, an additional review will be scheduled at the end of the Summer Term to give the student sufficient time to produce the work needed to lift probation. As before, the second review will be presented in a written memorandum or an addendum added to the initial memorandum. If you do not pass the second review, you will be asked to leave the program, or your committee may decide to give you an additional opportunity to move forward; however, you will be ineligible for a teaching assistantship for your second year of study. Their probation will remain on their record.

    Formal Removal from the Program

    If a student is not doing enough work to remove themselves from probation or is not living up to department program standards, the student may be asked to leave. It is the prerogative of the students’ graduate committee, with recommendations from faculty who have worked with the student, to determine if we should terminate the student’s standing in the program. The dismissal procedure will be as follows:

    1. The graduate committee will provide the student with written notice at least 15 days prior to termination, outlining the reasons for dismissal and specifying the official termination date. A copy of the letter will be sent to the Department chair and the director of MFA graduate studies.
    2. Suppose the student is being paid as a TA. In that case, the Department will continue the current TA support until the end of the termination semester, contingent on the TA duties being carried out conscientiously.
    3. The student will vacate the assigned studio in good condition; return all keys to the Art Office, room 161, and any departmental equipment at the end of the termination semester.

  • Supervisory Committee Formation

    For the first semester of your program, the director of graduate studies will form your initial mentoring committee of three department studio art faculty members, chaired by one faculty member in your specialization.

    Committee Selection

    Students must request a permanent three-member committee at the end of the first semester and no later than the beginning of the second semester. In consultation with the director of MFA graduate studies, you should approach full-time faculty to discover their willingness and availability to serve. Per the Graduate School’s policies, the committee chair and the majority of the members must be tenure-track faculty. The committee chair should be in your area of specialization, and at least one member should be from an area outside your discipline. You may consider a faculty member from the Art History Program or another department as the third committee member, invited because of their unique expertise. You will complete a Request to Form/Change Supervisory Committee form, which requires the signatures of your supervisory committee and the Director of MFA Graduate Studies. The graduate coordinator will provide you with a copy of the final, approved form.

    Required Meetings

    You are required to meet with the committee a minimum of three times each semester; however, additional visits are encouraged.

    Committee Chairperson

    The chair must be a tenured professor in your area of study. There are instances when the chair may be a tenured faculty member from a different area. Those circumstances will be decided after a discussion with the director of graduate students, the department chairperson, and the graduate student. The chairperson is your primary faculty mentor. They must also sign off on your First-Year Review form, Program of Study, and Defense paperwork.

    Supervisory Committee Roles

    We strongly recommend you convene a meeting of your initial mentoring committee within the first few weeks of the semester. At the first meeting, you and the committee should discuss your background and artistic direction and decide on any coursework. You should also fill out a rough version of the Program of Study Worksheet with your committee. We invite you to take full advantage of our mentoring as you begin your first semester of graduate study.

    Upon appointment of your permanent supervisory committee, you will convene a meeting. At this time, the committee will review your academic performance and progress, advise on the remainder of the coursework, and discuss your artistic direction. You may also, at this time, petition the supervisory committee to recommend acceptance of a maximum of nine semester credit hours of non-matriculated graduate coursework, subject to Graduate School conditions. Once your coursework is approved, any changes must receive a unanimous vote by your committee. You are responsible for regularly informing your supervisory committee chair of your progress through the program.

    Your committee plays a crucial role in your graduate program. It is responsible for helping you shape a practical course of study, guiding the installation of the MFA exhibition, administering the Final Oral Examination, and reading and approving the Final Project paper. The committee serves as your primary advocate for the department, the College of Fine Arts, and the Graduate School.

    At the end of both the Fall and Spring semesters of every year, a student supervisory committee evaluation/review will result in one of the following actions:

    • Positive supervisory committee reviews allow one to progress with their graduate studies.
    • Counseled Out - If a student’s ongoing work in any area of the curriculum or consultation with the supervisory committee is unacceptable, irrespective of grades received, they will remain on probation or be advised out of the program as per the decision of the eligible department studio faculty who serve on the MFA committee.

    Changing Committee Chair & Committee Members

    As noted above, students are asked to form their permanent graduate committee by the end of their first semester, no later than the beginning of their second semester. If a faculty member retires or leaves the university before the student graduates, the student, with help from their remaining committee and the director of graduate studies, will ask another faculty member to join the committee.

    There are instances when the relationship between a graduate student and a committee member becomes troublesome. In such instances, a meeting may be necessary with the department chairperson (and associate chair), the director of graduate students, and the graduate student. During the meeting, we will determine whether the relationship between the student and faculty should continue or if the student needs to select a replacement faculty member. If it is agreed upon to change a committee member, the graduate student will work with the director of graduate studies and the department chairperson to select a more suitable committee member.

  • Expectations for Participation

    Warnock Artist-in-Residence Class

    With gratitude to Marva and John Warnock’s generous endowment, the department invites a contemporary artist every other Spring semester to work with our graduates and selected undergraduate seniors. The artists in residence program aims to expose our students to new, innovative, and diverse contemporary art practices while providing trilateral exchange opportunities amongst students, faculty, and the public. The artist-in-residence will lead a Master Class during the Spring semester. We encourage all our graduate students to take advantage of this opportunity and sign up for this course.

    Visiting Artists

    Each year, the department invites numerous visiting artists to the campus, where they work with our students and give an artist talk about their creative research. This is made possible through the appreciation of the Carmen Morton Christensen Endowed Lecture Series. As an MFA student, you are expected to attend the lectures and workshops. Sometimes, you will have lunch with the visiting artist or have them conduct a studio visit.

    Open Studio Event

    During the Fall semester, we ask the graduate students to hold an open student event where members of the university community and beyond can come and see our graduates’ research. We encourage this as a way for graduates to meet more faculty within the department, inspire undergraduate students, and network with individuals in and outside the department.

    Interim Show

    At the end of the fall semester, we ask the graduate students to facilitate the Interim Show in the Gittins Gallery. It is an opportunity for graduates to practice organizing, curating, and conducting an exhibition. It also allows undergraduate students, faculty, and the larger community to view our graduate students’ artwork in a formal setting.

    MFA Studio Arts Club

    We encourage all our graduate students to participate in the MFA Student Club, sanctioned by the Student Leadership and Involvement through ASUU. As a club, it allows our graduates to apply for Fine Arts Fee Grants through the College of Fine Arts. The grants can help fund open studio events, interim shows, field trips, and invitations to artists to hold workshops or conduct studio visits, among other activities. The club is led by the following officers: president, vice president, and secretary. The faculty mentor will be the director of Graduate Studies.

    SAC Committee Representative

    The Student Advisory Committee is an organization within the College of Fine Arts that facilitates cooperation, communication, and interaction among students, student groups, faculty, staff, and administrators. We ask one graduate student to be the SAC representative for the committee. The graduate representative rotates between MFA and MA students. To learn more about the responsibilities and expectations of the SAC rep, please visit the College of Fine Arts website (https://finearts.utah.edu/students/current-undergraduates/leadership).

    Yearly Town Hall Meeting

    At the end of every Fall semester, the director of MFA graduate studies and the department chair will conduct a town hall meeting with all the graduate students. The meeting is a way for graduate students to provide feedback in a safe and open space about the program's positives and areas for improvement.

    Community at Large

    We expect our graduates to engage with the larger artist community outside the Department of Art & Art History, where they can network, build relationships with other artists, and experience the creative community in and around the Wasatch Front. We encourage our students to visit local art galleries and participate in opening events. We encourage our graduates to submit artwork to local and regional juried exhibitions.

  • Financial Support

    The Department of Art & Art History strives to provide graduate students the opportunity to serve as teaching assistants during the three-year program through the Graduate School Tuition Benefit Program. The Tuition Benefit provides a 100% tuition discount, up to 24 credit hours a year, university fees, health insurance, and a stipend set by the Graduate School. You will only receive the Tuition Benefit for six semesters. If you are not offered a TA position, we may offer scholarship assistance to incoming students studying specific artistic practices; the amounts vary per year.

    Teaching Assistant Responsibilities & Policies

    At the beginning of each semester, the director of MFA graduate studies will send the faculty mentor a TA Responsibility form to be filled out with the graduate student. The graduate will be asked to work up to 20 hours a week. This information will be on the TA Responsibilities form. The form should be completed thoroughly, and all responsibilities and duties expected of the TA during the semester should be clearly outlined. This may include class setup and takedown, assisting with lectures, grading physical and virtual artwork, student mentoring, and maintaining room and props. The TA must return the form to the graduate coordinator before the second week of classes.

    During the semester, the TA must complete a Timesheet documenting their activities in and out of class. The form must be returned to the graduate coordinator at the end of the semester. The graduate school requires the timesheets.

    Tuition Waivers

    As part of the Graduate School Tuition Benefits, students are offered 100% off in-state rates as Teaching Assistants. The Tuition Benefit discount covers up to 12 credit hours per semester and your mandatory fees. The Department of Art & Art History only provides Tuition Benefits for Fall and Spring semesters. We ask our students to register for 10 credit hours each semester to complete their research within the three-year time frame.

    Visit the Graduate School Tuition Benefits Program for more information and relevant deadlines.

    Stipends & Work Requirements

    As part of the Tuition Benefit program, graduate students are offered a stipend. The Graduate School sets the stipend amount. The graduates are expected to work up to 20 hours a week. The graduate student will receive a contract each semester outlining their stipend amount, required hours, and TA responsibilities. Your first contract will be provided at orientation. Each subsequent semester’s contract is sent out approximately six weeks before the semester begins. Graduates must sign the contracts and return them to the graduate coordinator as soon as possible.

    During the first year of study, as a TA, you will be assigned to work with two different members for two different courses. During your second and third years, you may be asked to be the instructor of record for your own course or as a TA for another faculty mentor.

    For further details, refer to the Graduate School Tuition Benefits Program website.

    Student Health Insurance

    As part of the Tuition Benefit, students are entitled to sign up for the Graduate Subsidized Health Insurance Program (GSHIP), funded by the Graduate School. Visit the Graduate School website for language on student insurance subsidy and relevant deadlines.

    Students not part of the Tuition Benefit can still sign up for insurance by visiting Student Health Center page.

    Residency

    The Graduate School urges students classified as out of state to apply for residency upon completing 40 hours. Residency status does not affect a graduate student’s eligibility for TA payment; a TA award will convert out-of-state tuition to in-state rates. For the complete Utah residency policies and forms to change residency status, please visit the Residency for Tuition Purposes page.

    Graduate School Opportunities

    • Graduate students in good standing are eligible to apply for a Graduate Research Fellowship or University Teaching Assistantship ($28,500 plus tuition) for their second or third year. Consult the Graduate School website for further information on these and other financial resources. The proposals for both of these opportunities are due in December.
      • If a student is interested in applying to either the GRF or UTA, they must let the director of graduate studies know and submit a copy of the rough draft by December 1st. This way, the DGS can help the graduate student with any language and requirements for the application, plus let them know the department designee. It is up to the chairperson who the designee is for these opportunities.
    • The Graduate Student Professional Development Supplement Award is designed to support continuing graduate students in their individual professional development as scholars, researchers, and leaders. Professional development activities may include conferences or skill-building workshops, fine arts masterclasses, or juried performance competitions, for example, that support scholarly goals and career preparation. Consult the Graduate School website or further information.
      • Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis within the noted deadlines below. This supplemental award provides up to $300 to support expenses associated with an individual professional development activity. Should the proposed professional development activity include travel, the award may be up to $500.
      • This award is a supplement and requires other program, college, or university support up to or exceeding the amount of the Graduate School supplementary award. For example, if a workshop costs $400, the Graduate School will provide a supplementary award of up to $200, provided that another university funding source covers the initial $200 or more.

    Other Financial & Personal Resources

     

    Student Awards

    Numerous awards are available to graduate students, offered by the Department of Art & Art History, College of Fine Arts, Graduate School, and the university.

    Department Awards

    • Teaching Assistantship – The Department participates in the University Tuition Benefit Program and offers all incoming graduate students the opportunity to be teaching assistants during their three years of study. The Tuition Benefit of a 100% in-state tuition discount for up to 24 credit hours a year and a stipend for each semester. During the first year, the graduate is asked to assist another instructor. For the second and third years, we may offer the graduate the opportunity to serve as the instructor of record for a class each semester. Visit the Tuition Benefit page for further information.
    • Ethel Armstrong Rolapp Endowed Award for Excellence - First given in 1986, it is presented to the most highly qualified and talented graduating bachelor’s or master’s of fine arts student. Selection is based on the recipient’s total creative performance at the U and the student’s intention after graduation (for example, if they are doing a residency, etc.). We are grateful for the generous support of the Rolapp Family for our students and program.

    College/University Fellowships and Awards

    College of Fine Arts

    Graduate School

    University Wide

    External Fellowship & Award Opportunities

    A list of Nationally Competitive Opportunities and external fellowships is available on the Graduate School website, and students also have access to Pivot, a new tool for finding foundation funding.

    College of Fine Arts

     

  • Student & Faculty Codes

    Code of Conduct

    The Graduate School is committed to fostering excellence in our community of scholars and leaders. We recognize that diverse and inclusive teams are most likely to produce creative and impactful scholarship and are eager to ensure that each member of our academic community is respected and valued for their unique contributions. This Code of Conduct upholds the Graduate School’s commitment to conduct graduate and postdoctoral education according to the highest ethical and professional standards in compliance with all applicable University, state, and federal regulations.

    The Graduate School is committed to providing a safe, harassment-free environment for everyone. Harassment includes offensive comments or denigrating jokes related to nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, or veterans’ status; sexual images in public spaces; deliberate intimidation, stalking, following, harassing photography or recording; inappropriate physical contact; unwelcome sexual attention and harassment through social media.

    The Graduate School is committed to an environment free of discrimination at all levels and one that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

    University of Utah Community

    All University faculty, staff, and students are expected to comply with the applicable anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and scientific and professional ethics laws and policies in effect at the University of Utah and the institutions where they may be visiting.

    Report a Violation

    Members of the University of Utah community who wish to report a violation of this Code of Conduct are encouraged to speak to or contact the appropriate administrator or dean, including the department chair or director of MFA graduate studies of their academic program, the Dean of the Graduate School or Associate/Assistant Deans of the Graduate School, or the University’s Title IX coordinator.

    Visitors

    Visitors, including participants at any University or Graduate School-sponsored events, are expected to comply with these same standards and policies at their place of employment. In addition to any applicable reporting requirements at their home site, visitors are encouraged to report violations here as above.

    Informal Dispute Resolution

    Graduate students should be encouraged to go to the departmental director of MFA graduate studies, the committee chairperson, or the department chairperson for conflict resolution, if appropriate. Students are also welcome to make an appointment with one of the Graduate School deans to voice complaints or concerns (can be requested through info@gradschool.utah.edu or by calling 801.585.5529).

    A student may elect to discuss the situation with the University Ombudsman’s Office, which provides dispute resolution, resources, and the potential for mediation.

    Conflict Dispute with TA Faculty Mentor

    If a graduate student has issues with their TA Faculty Mentor, we encourage them to discuss the situation with the Faculty Mentor, referencing the TA Responsibility form. If the graduate student has already spoken with the faculty mentor and believes different resolutions are necessary, we encourage them to contact the director of MFA graduate studies or the department chairperson about the issue. If necessary, the DGS and department chairperson may assign the TA to another faculty member for the remainder of the semester. A new TA responsibilities form will be filled out between the new mentor and the student.

    Conflict Dispute with Independent Study Hours Faculty

    Before registering for independent studio hours with a faculty member, the graduate student and faculty member meet, discuss course objectives, and then fill out an Independent Study Contract. This contract is taken to the graduate coordinator, who provides the student with the registration numbers once the student has paid any necessary course fees.

    If a conflict arises between a graduate student and their instructor, the department encourages them to discuss the matter with the faculty and reassess their contract. The contract and course objectives may be amended as needed. If it is within the first few weeks of the semester, and the student has spoken with the faculty member about their concerns with no resolution, the student may drop the course. It is up to the student to maintain the minimum number of credit hours required for their financial situation. If the student decides to drop after the last day to drop, around six weeks after classes begin, the student can meet with the director of MFA graduate studies or the department chairperson to discuss the possibility of having another faculty member step in to complete the hours. If another faculty member agrees, the graduate student will meet with that person and review their independent hours contract. At the end of the semester, the new instructor will provide the final grade to the previous instructor, who will report it to the registrar’s office.

    Formal Dispute Resolution

    The University procedures for formal disputes can be found in Policy 6-400, which also covers the process of Academic Appeal. This information is provided so students are aware of the process.

    Title IX

    The University of Utah does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status, in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

    The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

    Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities. Visit the OEO website to request a reasonable accommodation.

    Where discrimination is found to have occurred, the University will take reasonable steps to investigate the matter, stop the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and remedy its effects.

    If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination, sexual misconduct, including sexual harassment, or disability discrimination, we encourage you to report it to the University’s designated and authorized Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action:

    Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (OEO/AA)
    201 South Presidents Circle, Rm 135
    Salt Lake City, UT, 84112
    801-581-8365
    801-585-5746 (fax)
    oeo@utah.edu
    Online reports may be submitted at oeo.utah.edu.

    For further information, please see:

  • Student Safety

    Your safety is our top priority. In an emergency, dial 911 or seek a nearby emergency phone (throughout campus). Report any crimes or suspicious people to 801-585-COPS; this number will get you to a dispatch officer at the University of Utah Department of Public Safety (https://publicsafety.utah.edu/). If at any time, you would like to be escorted by a security officer to or from areas on campus, DPS will help — just give me a call.

    The University of Utah seeks to provide a safe and healthy experience for students, employees, and others using campus facilities. In support of this goal, the University has established confidential resources and support services to assist students who may have been affected by harassment, abusive relationships, or sexual misconduct. A detailed listing of University Resources for campus safety can be found at https://registrar.utah.edu/handbook/campussafety.php

    Your well-being is key to your personal safety. If you are in crisis, call 801-587-3000; help is close. The university has additional excellent resources to promote emotional and physical wellness, including the Counseling Center (https://counselingcenter.utah.edu) and the Wellness Center (https://wellness.utah.edu). Counselors and advocates in these centers can help guide you to other resources to address a range of issues, including substance abuse and addiction.

    Please also visit https://safeu.utah.edu/ for current and up-to-date information concerning campus safety.

    Safety Resources

    Graduate Student Facility Responsibilities

    Hazardous Materials Handling

    • All hazardous materials will be handled/disposed of in accordance with EPA/EHS standards/guidelines. Campus guidelines can be found at http://ehs.utah.edu/.
    • Aerosols, solvents, waxes, and other toxic media should be used in appropriate ventilation booths in RMs 354 – 180 (woodshop).
    • Solvents are to be disposed of in appropriately labeled (paint thinner, lacquer, etc.) containers. Contact facility supervisor Shawn Porter if the correct container is not immediately available.
    • Lids will remain on solvent containers when not in use. The EPA considers evaporating solvents a type of hazardous waste that requires control.
    • It is strongly recommended that students using volatile, off-gassing, or evaporating solvents or materials wear a correctly fitted, canister-type respirator.
    • It is strongly recommended that students use respiratory protection when handling materials that generate/create airborne particulates (such as dust or smoke).

    Graduate Studios

    • Graduate studio upkeep/general cleaning is the responsibility of graduate students occupying the space.
    • Studio occupants must patch, paint, and clean upon moving in or out of a new studio space.
    • Common areas (sinks/corridors) will be kept clean and clear of debris, materials, and artwork.
    • It is recommended that you use a floor covering, drop cloth, masking paper, or similar material to protect the work area floor from drips, spills, and other potential hazards.

    Woodshop and Classroom Lab Spaces

    • All personnel who wish to use the woodshop must complete a 3-hour safety orientation with Shawn Porter (Facility Supervisor) @ 801 581 at 6065 to schedule a safety orientation.
    • Refer to the hours of operation for the woodshop posted on the door.
    • The woodshop is closed from 12:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
    • Personnel are NOT allowed to work in the woodshop unattended. You must have a “shop buddy” whenever working in the woodshop.
    • Keep woodshop/lab spaces clean at all times
    • Adhere to safety procedures/guidelines associated with equipment
    • Do not leave artwork unattended in lab spaces for 24-48 hours.
    • When you are teaching a class, Undergraduates are to be instructed to clean/remove trash from the classroom before leaving the space

    Reporting Safety Issues

    If you have questions or concerns or see violations, please report those to Shawn Porter (Facility Supervisor) at sop1@utah.edu or 801.581.6065.

    If the department has employed a shop technician, they are also available to help with any safety concerns during Friday and Saturday shop hours.

    Student Access to Physical Resources

    Departmental Resources

    Department Office

    • Students will have access to the department office via their Ucard.
    • All graduates will have a mailbox in the office.
    • The office also has the following items available for graduates to use as part of their TA or teaching responsibilities
      • Copier/Printer
      • Regular office supplies such as a stapler, tape, paper cutter, etc.
    • The office has a projector that graduates may borrow for class instruction.

    Studio and Classroom Access

    • Graduates are provided studio space for up to four semesters to help them complete the research and artwork for their MFA thesis exhibition. During the first year of study, graduates may be required to share a studio space; however, they will be allocated an individual space during their second and third years.
    • All graduate students will have 24-hour access to the Art Building via their Ucard.
    • Students will also have access to Art RM 365, the Owen lab, which features professional inkjet printers, large-format scanners for 2D and film, Mac computers, and an extensive library of books.
    • The woodshop is open from 6 AM to Midnight once the graduate student has completed safety training. Everyone using the woodshop must have a safety partner and follow all safety policies and procedures.
    • Other shops and studios within the Art and Sculpture buildings are available to graduates once they have been trained and obtained permission from the faculty in charge of those spaces.
      • Ceramics studios
      • Sculpture studios
      • Print studio
      • Photography, wet and digital labs
      • Dumke Photography Studio

    University Resources

    University ID Card

    TRAX Pass

    Wireless Connections

    Software

    Hardware

    Paychecks & Direct Deposit

    Housing

    Meals & Food

    Arts & Entertainment

  • Student Events and Teaching Resources

    Numerous events and teaching resources for graduate students are available from the Department of Art & Art History, College of Fine Arts, Graduate School, and the university.

    Departmental Resources

    Events

    Teaching Resources

    College of Fine Arts Resources

    Events

    Teaching Resources

    Graduate School Resources

    Events

    Administrative & Records

    Advocacy

    Training & Workshop Programs

    Writing & Manuscript Editing

    University Resources

    Graduate Writing Center & Graduate Student Reading Room

    University Libraries

    In addition to the research offerings, the J. Willard Marriott Library has events and programs specifically for graduate students. Check https://lib.utah.edu/services/education/gradstudents.php for schedules and more information.

    Professional Development

    Student Health, Wellness, & Recreation

    Leadership & Dispute Resources

    Support Groups & Services

    Graduate Forms

    All necessary forms are provided to the graduate students through Microsoft SharePoint and Teams. The links below direct you to the Microsoft SharePoint files, which are accessible only to University of Utah students, faculty, and staff.

If you would like a PDF copy of the handbook, please email the Director of MFA Graduate Studies, Lewis J. Crawford, lewis.crawford@utah.edu.