Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to know my area of concentration when entering Longwood?
All entering students will be expected to declare an area of interest/concentration. This may change, but helps the department track enrollment and assign advisors.
2. How does the Art Department help a student prepare for—and pass—the yearly assessment evaluations?
In addition to a student's individual academic advisor, instructors of foundations courses will be available to answer questions and assist freshman students. From sophomore year on, in addition to advisors and instructors, each student is evaluated by a panel of faculty in their area of concentration. All of these individuals would be available for consultation and assistance.
3. What happens if I fail any of my yearly assessments?
A freshman that fails his or her first assessment will be prevented from taking any art classes the next year. They may choose to leave the art program, or retake the first assessment the next year. They may only fail one assessment, and their graduation date likely will be moved back by a minimum of one year. It should be noted that failure of the first assessment is due primarily to failing to sign-up, failing to attend the interview, lack of interest, commitment, or preparation on the part of the student.
A sophomore that fails his or her second assessment is dropped from his or her area of concentration. At this point, they could select another concentration, which requires extra time which likely would affect graduation dates, or the student can select a major in another department. Students dropped from their area of concentration will not be permitted to minor in that concentration. Failing the second assessment a second time, in a different area of concentration, will result in dismissal from the Art Department.
The junior assessment is comprised of two parts—the junior portfolio evaluation, and approval of the senior professional project. Juniors failing their portfolio evaluation must resubmit their portfolio the following year. Students failing to get approval for their senior project may be given until the last day of classes to rework and resubmit their proposal. Should this reworked project fail, they will be required to resubmit the following year.
The senior assessment is comprised of two parts also—the mid-project evaluation, and the final project evaluation. Students failing the mid project evaluation may be given until the last day of classes to rework and resubmit their work in progress. Failure of the resubmit will result in failure of Art 461 (Senior Seminar), a graduation requirement, and will require enrolling in Art 461 a second time. Students, who fail their senior project, may have until the last day of classes to rework and resubmit their final project. Continued failure will result in failure of Art 462 (Senior Professional Project, a graduation requirement). Students must then reenroll the following semester in Art 462.
4. What happens if I change my area of concentration?
It all depends on when you change, and why you change your area of concentration. Either way, a change should be made before the next registration cycle in order to get courses in the new concentration. For freshman, a change is of little consequence as long as it occurs prior to the spring registration. For sophomores, a change is more complex, and may adversely affect the sophomore assessment and may delay their expected graduation date. A change of concentration during the junior or senior year would require an additional commitment of at least two years. This is not advised.
5. What if I enroll as a first semester freshman in January, do I still participate in the first assessment?
Yes you should. You will be enrolled in the appropriate foundations classes. Despite an accelerated time frame, your instructors and advisor will be available to assist you in your preparation for this required evaluation. By passing the first assessment at this time, you will be on track with other students in your class for future assessments. This is very important.
6. What if I change my major from undeclared to art after the first semster freshman year?
Your situation is the same as #5 (above).
7. I am transfering to Longwood from another college with some credits, where I do I stand?
If you have credit for the following classes, you need not take the first assessment: Art 120, Art 130, Art 131, and Art 223. Otherwise you will need to be assessed, and show work from classes taken at Longwood.
8. I am switching my major to art from another major, with some credits, where do I stand?
Your situation is the same as #7 (above).
9. Approximately how much will a student spend per semester on supplies?
$800-$1000 -- $200-$300 per class