The theater arts program faculties and, where appropriate supervisory staff, formally meet twice a semester to evaluate the progress of each student in the program. Decisions to allow students to continue in the program are not dependent solely on completion of course requirements or grades. The faculty assesses matters of artistic vision, leadership, initiative, work ethic and discipline, ability to collaborate, ability to accept criticism, a satisfactory rate of development, and overall suitability for a professional career. This assessment is conducted according to the standards of the profession and can serve as the basis for artistic probation or dismissal.
DEFINITIONS OF ARTISTIC WARNING, PROBATION, AND DISMISSAL:
Overall academic performance is reflected in the student's GPA. Artistic performance is reflected in the student's performance in theater department core courses.
Artistic warning is a preliminary step to artistic probation. It will be issued at any time when a student's work in a class (or classes) does not meet expected results. The student will be advised what steps to take to clear this warning by the end of the semester
Artistic probation is a preliminary step to artistic dismissal. If, in accordance with the grading policies of the department, a student earns an unacceptable grade or if their artistic development still fails to meet expected results after the artistic warning, artistic probation will be recommended.
Artistic dismissal will be recommended if a student earns unacceptable grades that warrant dismissal according to the grading policies of the department, or if their artistic development still fails to meet expected results after artistic probation.
EVALUATIONS:
Evaluation meetings are normally scheduled during the seventh week of classes and the exam week. Each student receives written notification of the result of the evaluation:
The student is in good standing
The student is being placed on artistic warning
A student currently on artistic warning or probation is advised whether the artistic warning or probation will be continued or rescinded
The faculty is not required to use each step of this process. If the student's work shows a sudden decline that occurs outside the normal review parameters, the faculty may put a student on probation, without having issued a written warning. The faculty member will advise the student of any concerns and ways to address those concerns. Face-to-Face Evaluation
At midsemester, students whose work warrants artistic warning will have a face-to-face evaluation with at least one faculty member to identify the concerns and advise the student on ways to improve his/her performance.
At midsemester, students whose work warrants artistic probation will have a face-to-face evaluation with the head of program and at least one other faculty representative.
At the end of the semester, all students have a face-to-face evaluation.
A student being continued or placed on artistic warning or probation will meet with the head of program and at least one representative of the faculty.
A student whose work warrants artistic dismissal will meet with his or her head of program and at least one representative of the faculty. They will advise the student of the faculty's recommendation to dismiss.
Advising the Student of Artistic Probation or Dismissal
If a student is being placed on artistic probation or is recommended for artistic dismissal, the student will be so advised by the Mason Gross dean of students based in a letter received from the chair of the Department of Theater Arts. The department chair's recommendation is based on the recommendation of the faculty and head of program. Artistic dismissal is subject to review by the dean of the school.
Artistic Review and Dismissal
All master of fine arts (M.F.A.) degree program students are evaluated at midsemester and the end of each semester by the faculty, and supervisory staff where appropriate, in their major. All students are expected to meet a professional standard of work, skill, and discipline. Punctuality and class attendance are mandatory. The faculty, and where appropriate supervisory staff, is responsible for setting these standards and guiding and evaluating each student's development. The head of program will decide, after consultation with the faculty and supervising staff, whether the student will continue in the program.
Grading Normally a grade of B or better is required in all conservatory coursework. Each discipline identifies courses that are core to the student's major. Students who earn a grade of C in any core course may be placed on artistic warning or probation. A second grade of C in a core course is grounds for artistic dismissal. An F or U grade in a core course, including a thesis project, is grounds for immediate artistic dismissal.
Academic Review and Dismissal
In the M.F.A. program, no student may receive more than 9 credits for courses in which he or she earned grades of C.
Each discipline's graduate faculty reviews students' performance at the middle of the semester and the conclusion of each semester. Students who have not maintained satisfactory academic or professional standards in any phase of the program may be dismissed for artistic reasons. Artistic dismissal is subject to review by the dean of the school.
The Mason Gross School of the Arts Scholastic Standing Committee handles official notification of academic probation, academic warning, and academic dismissal. A student receiving notice of academic dismissal may appeal this action only by writing to the Mason Gross Scholastic Standing Committee.
