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