School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Transcription

1 School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Student Handbook Fall 2013

2 Table of Contents INTRODUCTION Welcome About This Handbook History of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts Accreditation SECTION ONE: Campus Facilities Campus Index Main Building (230 The Fenway) Mission Hill Building (160 St. Alphonsus Street) Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) (465 Huntington Avenue) On Campus Housing Building Access: SMFA and MFA ACADEMIC YEAR ACCESS Break Access: Overnight Access: Studio Access for Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students Summer Access Access to the MFA Building Policies, Procedures, and Resources Art, Health, and Safety Audio Devices Bicycle Storage Common Use Computers Computer Use Policy E Mail Wireless Network Access Internet & Intranet Network integrity and security Exhibitions and Installations Guidelines Food and Beverages Graffiti, Tagging, and Aerosol Arts Lockers Mail and Packages MFA Policy Copying Paintings Parking Recycling Removal and Storage of Art Safety Standards and Procedures Smoking Policy

3 Studio Space Student Events Policy SECTION TWO: Administrative Offices and Services Academic Affairs (x3612 or x3833) Admissions (x3626) Alumni Affairs (x3618) Art Education Office (x3613) Business Office (x3631) Career Services (x3635) Counseling and Mental Health Service (x3803) Continuing Education (x3644) Development Office (x3622) Director of Alumni Affairs Relations and Special Projects (x3618) Exhibitions and Public Programs Office (x3656) Facilities (x3685) Financial Aid (x3646) Food Service Café des Arts (x3541) Graduate Programs (x3870) Library (x3650) Library collection and access information Library circulation policy Library student responsibilities Macintosh Computer Lab (Mac Lab) (x3871) Marketing and Communications Office (x3391) Media Stockroom (x3674) Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) MFA dining services and discounts MFA education department MFA Morse study room

4 President s Office (x3581) Protective Services (x4444 or in emergencies dial x3213) Registrar s Office (x3621) School Store (x3688) Student Employment (x3646) Student Affairs (x3803) Studio Areas (contact Academic Affairs for more information) SECTION THREE: Student Affairs... and Computer Accounts Bus Trips Campus Safety and Security Annual Reporting of Crime Statistics Annual Fire Safety Report Campus Crime Reporting and Other Emergencies Campus Facilities: Security, Access and Maintenance Campus Law Enforcement Campus Security and Safety Services Dissemination of Emergency Notices Drug and Alcohol Policies Commencement Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS) Exhibition Opportunities Food Services Health and Safety Resources Health Insurance Simmons College Health Services HAZCOM Materials Safety Training Studio materials safety links Housing and Residence Life: On- and Off-Campus Assistance On Campus Housing Off-Campus Housing Assistance International Exchange Opportunities/AICAD Mobility Programs International Exchange AICAD Mobility

5 Mailing Address and Change of Address Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) mysmfa SMFA Communication Policy Policy Statement Student Responsibilities and Expectations School Responsibilities and Expectations Definition of "Official" Privacy Overnight Access Information and Permits Postings and Announcements SMFA Student Identification Card Student Leadership Opportunities College Committees Student Body Incorporated (SBInc.) Orientation Leaders Student Rights and Responsibilities Community Standards and Expectations SECTION FOUR: Academic Affairs Enrollment Status: Matriculated Students (Full and Part-Time) Enrollment Limits and Course Loads for Undergraduate Students Studio and Academic Course Registrations Studio Course Registration Registering for Art History & English Courses at SMFA Registering for Academics at Tufts Academic Add and Academic Drop Registering for ProArts Courses Credit and Progress Policies Attendance Policy Unexcused Absences Awarding of Studio Art Credits Incomplete Grades Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Progress Policies and Procedures Satisfactory Progress Return to Good Standing after Warning or Probation

6 Suspension/Third Semester of Unsatisfactory Progress Reinstatement After Suspension International Students on Suspension Residency Requirements for Undergraduate Students Transfer Credit New and Transfer Student Credit Transfer Studio Credit Transfers Academic Credit Transfers Transfer Credits for Matriculated Students Studio Programs Core... Error! Bookmark not defined. Senior Thesis Review Boards Graduation Requirements, Policies, and Procedures by Program SMFA Studio Programs Degree Programs Participation in Graduation Ceremonies Postgraduate Enrollment in Studio Diploma Program Continuing Education Credits Matriculated Students in Continuing Education Courses Continuing Education Credits Non Matriculated Away Programs: Off-Campus Study Opportunities International Exchange AICAD Mobility Internship Opportunities for Credit Internships for Studio Credit Credit Opportunities at Local Universities MIT Exchange Program ProArts Consortium Summer Study Opportunities SMFA Continuing Education (CE) Summer Courses Skowhegan Fellowship Summer Internship Program Studio Support Services Academic Advising Team Faculty Studio Advisors

7 Area Representatives Academic Support Services Academic Assistance from the Counseling and Mental Health Service Academic Support Consultation Service Disabilities Services and Resource The Writing Studio Access to Student Records Fees for Transcripts/Copies of Student Records Record of Requests for Disclosure Refusal to Provide Copies SECTION FIVE: Academic Affairs Graduate Programs MFA PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS STUDIO ART Academics Final MFA Exhibition Final MFA Exhibition Review Committee Establishing the Final MFA Exhibition Review Committee COURSE OF STUDY REVIEW BOARDS GRADES FOR ACADEMIC WORK SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS Satisfactory Progress toward the MFA Thesis What is an exegesis? What is a thesis? TRANSFER CREDITS REGISTERING FOR ACADEMIC AND STUDIO COURSES Course Information Enrollment Information ADD/DROP INFORMATION CROSS-REGISTRATION DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR REGISTRATION FOR TUFTS SUMMER SCHOOL SMFA IN THE SUMMER FINAL MFA EXHIBITION Exhibition Review Board VISUAL DOCUMENTATION OF THESIS SHOW FILING FOR GRADUATION Filling out the Recommendation for Award of Master s Degree (DEGREE SHEETS) MUSEUM STUDIES CERTIFICATE PROGRAM AT TUFTS

8 TUITION FINANCIAL AID Tuition Scholarships TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES GRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE TEACHING FELLOWS TEACHING THROUGH CONTINUING EDUCATION Fellowship Opportunities Through Career Services Travel Grants Year OF Practical training Right of the School to Refuse Access to Student Records SECTION SIX: College Policies Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Acts of Intolerance Alcohol Policy Campus Safety Policies and Procedures Campus Safety Notifications and Emergency Response Procedures Procedures for Timely Warnings of Campus Crime Procedures for Immediate Notification of Campus Emergencies Content of Emergency Notices Dissemination of Emergency Notices Tests of the System Missing Student Notification Fire Safety Drug Policy Financial Payment Policy Financial Aid Eligibility Payment Policy Tuition and Eligibility to Participate in Review Boards Harassment Policy Hazing Regulations Leave of Absence and Withdrawal Reinstatement from MLOA Non Discrimination Policy Overnight Access

9 Studio Access for Undergraduate Senior Thesis Students: Peer to Peer Sharing Plagiarism/Misrepresentation of Works Refund Policies and Procedures Academic Tuition Refund Policy Housing Refund Policy Adjudication Petitions Tuition Insurance and Housing Insurance Refund Plans Return of Title IV Funds Residence Hall Policies Student Grievance Policy Sexual Assault Policy Campus Conduct/Disciplinary Process for Violations of the Sexual Assault Policy Student Records Policies and Procedures FERPA A Quick Guide to FERPA Student Right-To-Know and Campus Security Act Title IX/Rehabilitation Act Grievance Procedure Weapons and Explosives SECTION SEVEN: Community Resources Art Supplies Boston City Resources Banking ATM Locations Galleries and Museums Hospitals and Medical Services Thrift Shops Public Transportation

10 INTRODUCTION Welcome Life in the arts is a serious and rewarding commitment. We are honored to have you as a part of the SMFA community. The decision to attend SMFA carries with it an implicit understanding of responsibility and accountability between you and the School. All of the SMFA faculty and staff are here to support and advise you at every step, but ultimately it is you who will set the goals and limits of your success. SMFA offers an unparalleled combination of programs and resources to support your professional development as an artist and a scholar. Stepping through the doors of this renowned institution means you are already engaged in the process of change, movement, and transition. An art education at SMFA is a slow steady process of layering one new concept upon another; the experience of almost imperceptible change that occurs when you are not looking; the impetus to allow your head to be turned ever so slightly so that you may see the thing from a different angle and in doing so transform the way that you view the world. There is a freedom here that you will not find in any other major art school in the country. To work, however, this freedom requires that you assume personal responsibility and engage proactively in your education setting goals, seeking advice, selecting courses to connect the curriculum in an intentional and cohesive way, and involving yourself with the community at every level. You are encouraged to take advantage of the many resources offered by the SMFA community. This handbook is a tool to assist you throughout your experience at SMFA. Please use it as reference and resource guide. Be advised that the handbook is periodically updated to reflect changes in policy, procedure, and personnel. As always, we encourage you to ask any staff or faculty member when the answer to a question cannot be found. We are here for you and want to be helpful to you in every way possible. Best wishes for success at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Christopher Reade Director of Student Affairs School of the Museum of Fine Arts 10

11 About This Handbook The School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) Student Handbook contains comprehensive information related to student life; including but not limited to policy information, academic resources, and student services. All students are responsible for knowing the material in the Student Handbook that applies to all students at SMFA. IMPORTANT NOTE: The contents of this handbook are subject to change throughout the academic year as a result of new or modified institutional policy and/or procedure, administrative and/or staff restructuring, and changes to facilities. Any changes that occur will be communicated to students through one or more of the recognized communication vehicles. Please confirm hours of operation, addresses, telephone numbers, etc., before visiting the offices, businesses, or institutions listed. History of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts SMFA has been educating artists since its founding in The School was conceived at the same time as the Museum itself, as the crucial second part of a mission to educate through the arts. SMFA was intended to be a school of art; not simply a technical institute, but a school of the most rigorous ideas and concepts. Since its founding, SMFA S faculty, administration, and curriculum have been dynamically engaged in questions of education in general, and art education in particular. As an institution, SMFA has fostered one important artistic movement after another, including American Impressionism, the Boston School, and Boston Expressionism. Historically home to many notable teachers, SMFA faculty members continue to be working and exhibiting artists, many of whom are recognized globally. Alumni include such significant figures as Loïs Mailou Jones, Allan Rohan Crite, Richard Scarry, Cy Twombly, Jim Dine, Ellsworth Kelly, Joan Jonas, David Lynch, Ellen Gallagher, Mike + Doug Starn, Kristin Baker, and Omer Fast. Accreditation The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (SMFA) is recognized by the Department of Education as an institution of higher education and eligible to award Title IV financial aid. SMFA is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, the United States Department of Justice for foreign students, and the Veterans Administration for training under Public Law 550 and Chapter 35, Title 38, United States Code. Tufts University, which awards SMFA Bachelor s and Master s degrees, is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Teacher preparation programming is Interstate Certification 11

12 Compact approved in Massachusetts, and graduates are eligible for reciprocal certification in 41 other states. 12

13 SECTION ONE: Campus Facilities Campus Index Main Building (230 The Fenway) The main building is comprised of two wings (A and B), that are connected by the Katherine Lane Weems Atrium. The main building contains the following: Weems Atrium Anderson Auditorium Atrium Gallery Space Café de Arts Exhibitions Grossman Gallery Protective Services School Store Underground Gallery A Side Admissions BAG Gallery Continuing Education Facilities Financial Aid Registrar Student Affairs Studio and academic classrooms B Side Academic Affairs Alumni Office Career Services Business Office Clark Library Communications Office Counseling and Mental Health Service D Lab 13

14 Mac Lab Media Stock Room President s Office Studio and academic classrooms Mission Hill Building (160 St. Alphonsus Street) The Mission Hill Building is a two story structure located in the heart of the Mission Hill neighborhood. The Mission Hill Building contains the following: Art Education office and classroom Gallery Graduate programs office Graduate studios Woodshop Post Baccalaureate program office Post Baccalaureate studios Studio, labs, and academic classrooms Writing Studio Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) (465 Huntington Avenue) The MFA contains the following: Dining options Drucker Family Pavilion Linde Family Wing for Contemporary Art Morse Print Study Room Museum Shops Alfond Auditorium Remis Auditorium Riley Seminar Room William Morris Hunt Library (@ Horticulture Hall) On Campus Housing SMFA offers on-campus housing in two separate locations, both within a 15-minute walk from SMFA s main building. Residence halls are staffed by a full time Residence Director and several Resident Assistants that include SMFA students. Building Access: SMFA and MFA 14

15 Students are required to have their SMFA student identification card in order to enter and exit all SMFA and Museum buildings. Students who do not have their ID may be denied access. All students, faculty, and staff are required to have a SMFA or Museum ID with them at all times when on school premises. You may be denied access to School facilities without an ID. ACADEMIC YEAR ACCESS FALL TERM (9/3 12/19) + SPRING TERM (1/15 5/18) General Hours of Operation: Business Hours Monday Sunday: 8:30 am 6 pm Student Access (w/out overnight permit) Monday Sunday 8 am 12 Midnight Holidays + Exceptions to the Above: Columbus Day (10/14) Building closed to public except Grossman Gallery (guard stationed at door that leads directly from the outside to the gallery) building access and overnights permitted Veteran s Day (11/11) Building closed to public building access and overnights permitted Thanksgiving (11/28) Buildings closed to all no building access to nonstaff, including graduate programs; No overnights 11/27, 11/28, 11/29 Christmas (12/25) Buildings closed to all no building access, including graduate programs; No overnights 12/24, 12/25 New Year s Day (1/1) Buildings closed to all no building access, including graduate programs; No overnights 12/31, 1/1 Martin Luther King Day (1/20) Buildings closed to public building access no overnights President s Day (2/17) Buildings closed to public building access and overnights permitted (substitute Mon. classes on Thurs.) Patriots Day (4/21) Buildings closed to all no overnights 4/20, 4/21 no building access, including graduate programs 15

16 Break Access: Winter Break (12/20 1/14) Spring Break (3/17 3/21) 8 am 6 pm no overnights (access to some rooms may be limited or denied based on facilities work in progress) 8 am 12 Midnight no overnights Overnight Access: Overnights permitted: 9/16 12/19 and 1/27 5/8 (except as noted above); Overnight Permits are available in the Student Affairs office. Overnight access is a privilege extended to review board eligible students only. Access to specific areas is subject to individual area access policies. Overnights Permits are required for all students at 230 The Fenway; overnight permits are required for all undergraduate students at the Mission Hill Building. See Overnight Access policy. Studio Access for Graduate and Post-Baccalaureate Students MFA, Post-Bac, or MAT students who need to access Mission Hill Building studios or facilities may do so 24 hours a day, with the exception of the holidays listed above, by signing in with the guard at the front desk and presenting an SMFA ID. Overnight Access Permits are not required at the Mission Hill Building for students in these programs. Overnight Access Permits are required for all students, including graduate programs, at the 230 The Fenway location. Summer Access Students have limited access to facilities during the summer break. General access for matriculated students who are not enrolled in summer Continuing Education courses or renting studio space is limited to the following: administrative offices, Mac Lab, W. Van Alan Clark Jr. Library, Career Services, and the MFA. Studio classrooms are not open for use by matriculated students over the summer months; occasionally short term access will be allowed in special circumstances with permission of the following individuals: studio area representatives, Dean of Faculty, and Director of Student Affairs. In these cases the student will be required to sign a release form. Summer access for students in Continuing Education courses and/or those students renting studio spaces ends with the last day of classes or on the final date of the studio rental contract. Contact Academic Affairs for more information on summer studio rentals. 16

17 Access to the MFA SMFA students must go to the Ticket Desk at either the Huntington Avenue or Fenway entrances of the MFA and present a valid SMFA student ID to receive an admission ticket. SMFA instructors visiting the museum with their classes should notify the MFA ahead of time regarding a group visit. This can be done via the MFA Online Request Form ( Tickets will be printed for the group and can be picked up by the instructor at the group check in desk at the Fenway entrance. Building Policies, Procedures, and Resources Contact Student Affairs if you have questions regarding the following resources and/or services: Art, Health, and Safety To ensure compliance with the City of Boston fire and safety regulations, students should adhere to the following guidelines when making, storing, or exhibiting artwork: The use or possession of dead animals is not permitted on School property under any circumstances, including personal art work. Students or other members of the community who are considering the use of dead animals in their work must do so off of School grounds. Live animals are not allowed in the buildings without special permission from the Office of Student Affairs (ex. animals that assist persons with disabilities or animals used in the classroom as part of the curriculum). Requests for use of animals as part of the curriculum or for therapeutic purposes must be made in writing to the Director of Student Affairs. Artwork may not be stored in corridors or other public areas and neither artwork or performance pieces should block stairways, public entrances, or fire exits. In addition, installations/paintings should not be placed or stored in the faculty/student mailbox area or in the administrative offices area. Consult with a faculty or staff member if you are uncertain about how and where to work on or to store projects. Use of all rooftop surfaces is prohibited at all times. Use of foodstuffs not in sealed containers is not permitted as part of any installation. Use of bodily fluids in a work (even in a closed container) requires consultation with the Exhibitions and Public Programs Office. Any and all installations are placed at the owner s risk. SMFA is not liable for loss or damage. If you have questions or concerns related to these policies, please contact the Office of Student Affairs and/or the Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs. 17

18 Audio Devices The working environment needs to be a place in which all students can focus on their work without unnecessary interruptions or disruptions. Open air audio devices and musical instruments in the studios infringe on the rights of students to work in an atmosphere conducive to critical thinking and art making. Any student who wishes to use any audio devices that are not directly related to their studio work must use headphones or earphones and receive permission from the faculty member. Bicycle Storage Bicycle storage racks are located outside the main entrance to main building at 230 The Fenway, inside the Museum of Fine Arts parking garage on Museum Road, and across from the parking garage in the MFA Fenway lot. Students with bicycles are encouraged to purchase a reliable bicycle locking system. Bicycle racks are for daily active use only; bicycles and/or bicycle parts may not be stored on racks for extended periods of time. City and state fire and safety codes prohibit bicycle storage inside the 230 The Fenway facility. Bicycles and/or bicycle parts are not permitted in any area of the school, including individual studio spaces. Students who wish to incorporate these items into their art work must receive written permission from the Director of Student Affairs. Students with collapsible bicycles may bring them into the building only if they are kept in the student s locker. Conversely, as a security precaution, bicycles are permitted in the Mission Hill facility in the designated area of the lower level. Bicycles must be walked to and from the indoor rack and may not be stored in any other area of the Mission Hill Building, including individually assigned studio spaces. SMFA is not responsible for the theft of or damages to bicycles left on the premises. Common Use Computers Computers for Internet access, e mail, and word processing are located in the main building on the second floor of the B side, in the Mac Lab, and in the library. These computers are available to all SMFA students, faculty and staff (including Tufts and Continuing Education students). Computers for art making are located in each area. In all areas, scheduled classes, including those in the Mac Lab classrooms, have priority over general or personal use. Also, each area can determine additional criteria for computer access. Issues regarding access should be reported to the area and then to the SMFA Helpdesk Team at x3598 or helpdesk@smfa.edu. See the and Computer Accounts section of this handbook for information on setting up a user account for computers and e mail. 18

19 Computer Use Policy , Internet, hardware, and software access must be used responsibly by everyone. To this end, SMFA reserves the right, without notice, to limit or restrict an individual s use of any and all computing and/or electronic mail facilities and to inspect, copy, remove or otherwise alter any data, file or system resources which may affect the authorized or acceptable use of the facilities. Under absolutely no circumstances is any SMFA property to be utilized to solicit, harass or offend, or for any other inappropriate or unlawful purpose. It is the responsibility of the user to respect copyright laws and licensing agreements and assume responsibility for payment of fees for any fee based service. SMFA should be used to communicate School-related, academic and student affairsbased information among faculty, staff and students.. Many people mistakenly believe that their is automatically secure because it resides in a computer. should be regarded as a postcard rather than a sealed letter. Many important messages containing vital information from faculty and staff to students are communicated via SMFA . It is each student s responsibility to check and reply to SMFA as frequently as possible. The official SMFA Policy can be found on the website. This policy prohibits the use of SMFA for defamatory, derogatory or otherwise infractious content. Violation of this policy may result in formal sanctions or even deactivation of the account. Please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications for additional information. Wireless Network Access Wireless access is available within school buildings to students with an SMFA account and student ID number. Guest access for wireless is available by selecting the separate Guest Network. For technical questions, please contact the SMFA Helpdesk Team at helpdesk@smfa.edu or call x3598. Internet + Intranet All Internet resources accessible through SMFA are provided equally to all users. SMFA has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. SMFA students access the Internet at their own discretion and are responsible for any access points they reach. Users should ensure that their use of the Internet complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including but not limited to those principles of law which protect against compromise of copyrights, trade secrets, proprietary 19

20 information and other intellectual property rights, libel or defamation of character, invasion of privacy, and other applicable laws. Network integrity and security Users may not intentionally interfere with the normal operations of the network or deliberately crash any computer system or network; make any attempt to damage computer hardware or software; make any attempt to alter software configurations in a malicious manner; or use the SMFA s computer networks, systems, or Internet for any illegal activity. Contact the SMFA Helpdesk at x3598 for more detailed information on computer accounts at SMFA. To protect the integrity of the school s computing facilities and its users against unauthorized or improper use of those facilities, SMFA reserves the right, without notice, to limit or restrict any individual s use and to inspect, copy, remove, or otherwise alter any data, file, or system resource that may undermine the authorized use of any computing facility. SMFA also reserves the right to periodically check any system and to do whatever is necessary to protect its computing facilities. The School disclaims responsibility for loss of data or interference with files resulting from its efforts to maintain the privacy and security of its computing facilities. This includes all forms of software, firmware, operating software, and application software that is owned by the School or is under the School s possession or custodial control. Exhibitions and Installations Guidelines The Office of Exhibitions and Public Programs coordinates and assists faculty and students in mounting and publicity for exhibitions in the Weems Center, Project Space, the BAG Gallery (at 230 The Fenway), and the Mission Hill Building Foyer Gallery. Proposals for those exhibitions, which feature student work exclusively, are reviewed each spring for the following year. Students who wish to make or exhibit artwork in common areas (atrium, hallways, catwalks, front and back courtyards, balconies, rest rooms, elevators, and administrative offices) must complete and return the Approval for Use of Common Space form (available at the Student Affairs Office) to Student Affairs in advance of the work being done (excluding installations being scheduled by the Exhibitions Office). The Student Affairs Office will review the request and if necessary make recommendations for changes to address any concerns. Pending approval, completed forms are signed and returned to the student for posting on the site where the work is done. Please allow for adequate time for your request to process. It may take up to a week. Food and Beverages Food and beverages are not allowed in any of the studio areas due to city, state, and federal health and safety regulations. Extreme caution should be used whenever hazardous materials 20

21 are present. Ingestible items should never be stored or made available in any area where hazardous materials are in use or stored. Graffiti, Tagging, and Aerosol Arts There are specific areas designated for graffiti or aerosol art on School grounds. Designated areas are available for general student use unless a studio course on graffiti is offered during the academic term, in which case the course takes precedence. Contact Student Affairs for authorized graffiti art opportunities on SMFA grounds and in the community. The Student Affairs Office grants permission for using these designated areas when there is no studio course to take precedence. Graffiti done in any other areas of the school or Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, will be considered vandalism. Students violating these rules will be subject to disciplinary and legal action. Massachusetts state law considers graffiti that is done without the express permission of the property owner to be vandalism. It is a felony offense that can carry severe punishment. There is no delineation in this law between tagging and graffiti done as art. Graffiti damages personal property and results in unfair reparation costs to home and business owners. As an institution, the Museum School is considered to be part of the greater community. As such, the School strives to be a positive and responsible force in that community. Graffiti or any other vandalism done by a student in the local neighborhoods will not be tolerated. SMFA works with local authorities when graffiti or other vandalism is done in the neighboring areas. Any vandal who is identified as a SMFA student is subject to disciplinary punishment by the school in addition to decisions rendered by the local courts. Penalties issued by SMFA for vandalism may include any or all of the following: Restoration of damaged property Restitution for damages Public service work Suspension or expulsion Contact Student Affairs for information on areas in the school where graffiti and aerosol arts are permitted. Lockers Undergraduate students may claim a locker for personal storage in the main School building at 230 The Fenway on a first come, first served basis. Once you have claimed a locker, please return a locker registration form, located at the Student Affairs Office, to Student Affairs. You 21

22 must provide your own lock. Lockers within studios and classrooms are administered by the area technician, shop monitor or area representative. Lockers in the Mission Hill Building are reserved for graduate and post baccalaureate students and can be claimed at the Graduate Programs office. Sensitive or highly personal materials should not be stored in lockers or in any other storage space provided by SMFA. All locker contents must comply with SMFA materials safety regulations, which are posted on the mysmfa website. The school is not responsible for damage to the contents of lockers under any circumstances and reserves the right to search the contents of student lockers as necessary for safety and health related reasons. There are a limited number of lockers available for graduate students located in the main building at 230 The Fenway and at Mission Hill building. Graduate students should see the Graduate Programs Office located in the Mission Hill building for a shared locker assignment in the Mission Hill building. Students (except graduating students) are responsible for emptying locker contents by the last day Review Boards of the spring semester. Reminders will be posted regarding the clear out deadline and items not removed by the posted date will become the property of SMFA and may be discarded or donated. Mail and Packages Unless otherwise noted, SMFA does not provide on-site postal service for students. Students should not have personal mail sent to the school and these items will be returned to sender when received. In special circumstances, packages will be permitted to be sent to Student Affairs. The student will be notified by when his/her package is ready for pick up at Student Affairs. Students may communicate with faculty members, MFA students, and administrative office staff through mailboxes located on the 2nd floor on the B side of the building. Administrative mailboxes are located in the administrative wing on the 2nd floor of the B side of the building. MFA Policy Copying Paintings Only paintings owned by the MFA may be copied. A permit is required to use oils or acrylics, and/or to use an easel in the Museum. Permits may be obtained by appointment only by 22

23 contacting the Museum at (Art of the Europe) or (Art of the Americas). Parking Because parking is limited, public transportation on the MBTA is recommended whenever possible. If driving, students receive a discounted rate in the MFA parking garage and lot, located on Museum Road. Students parking in the Museum lot must validate their parking ticket at the front desk of the School in order to receive the discounted rate. If paying with a credit card, payment can be made directly at the gate; if paying in cash the student must first go to electronic payment kiosks located in the parking garage lobby or at the State Street Corporation Fenway entrance of the MFA. On street parking spaces around SMFA are limited and difficult to find. Most on street parking in the area is resident parking or metered spaces. Use spaces marked visitor parking, metered spaces, or the City parking lots. Students who live in the Fenway, Mission Hill, or other neighborhoods may obtain a resident parking sticker at Boston City Hall. Be advised that vehicles must be registered and insured in the State of Massachusetts in order to be eligible for a resident parking sticker. Recycling SMFA has a school wide recycling program that covers paper products and mixed use products. Recycling bins are located on all floors of the main building and Mission Hill Building. Guidelines for materials are posted at each of the recycling stations. See individual studio areas to find out more about recycling done within studio classrooms. Removal and Storage of Art Students are expected to remove all artwork from the building by the last day of Review Boards of the spring semester. Any space used for an installation/painting must be returned to its original state immediately following removal. Every student is responsible for the safety and storage of his or her own artwork. Availability of storage space varies within each of the studio areas and classrooms. The areas and/or faculty who teach in the space supervise all available storage. Any work left in any studio storage space or common area during the academic year must have permission to be stored there by Student Affairs, and should be clearly labeled with the following to prevent against loss, damage and/or theft: 23

24 Student name Instructor name and signature Contact information: phone, e mail Start and end dates for storage There is no summer or long term storage for artwork in any SMFA building, including all designated studio areas. Artwork left in the building past the removal deadline will become the property of SMFA and may be discarded or donated at the school s discretion. Safety Standards and Procedures The following safety standards and procedures are required throughout SMFA and are in addition to all safety standards and procedures outlined in the SMFA student handbook and on mysmfa. All students, faculty, and staff are expected to comply with these rules in order to protect the health and safety of the community. Do not block air vents, switches, or electrical panels. Cap all paint and chemicals when not in use. All chemical containers must be labeled. Use protective clothing when necessary (gloves, goggles, aprons, etc.). Do not overload electric power sources. Do not block emergency exits and walkways. Know your exit routes. Do not place artwork in corridors. Do not hang anything from the buildings pipes. If pipes break, flooding and damage will result. Massachusetts law prohibits smoking in all facilities. At no time can latticework or other ceiling structures be installed in studios. These items block the water sprinklers and are fire hazards. Smoking Policy SMFA is a smoke free campus and prohibits smoking in all school buildings and on all school grounds. SMFA values the health and wellness of all its members and encourages the development of habits that will lead to long and healthy lives as active artists. Protecting the community members from exposure to harmful secondhand smoke is of the highest importance. This measure ensures the healthy and safe enjoyment of common spaces and allows smoke free passage into both single entrance buildings. Individuals who choose to smoke must rely on public, open air spaces away from the School property. Individuals who violate the policy are subject to the sanctions outlined in the Community Expectations section of this handbook. 24

25 Studio Space In general, most of the available studio space in the main building is occupied by fourth year students in the Senior Thesis program. Undergraduate students should check with the Area Representative to determine the availability of space and the process for applying. Graduate and post baccalaureate students are assigned one semiprivate working space in the Mission Hill building. Students assigned a studio space in the Mission Hill building must complete the studio condition form when the studio is assigned. Studios are provided as working spaces only. At no time shall a student use a studio as a storage facility. Studio spaces may not be altered or reconfigured in any way without prior approval from the Graduate Programs Office. If approval is granted, the student must return the studio to its original configuration at her or his own expense prior to vacating that studio. Studio spaces are to be vacated at the end of the semester in which the graduate or post baccalaureate student s final exhibition takes place. Students who graduate in May must vacate the graduate building by May 31. Vacated studios will be reassigned or otherwise allocated by SMFA Graduate School administration. The School is not responsible for loss or damage of any studio belongings. Graduate and post baccalaureate students may also work cooperatively in the common areas. Common areas must remain open for all students to use. In addition to the common work areas, designated storage areas are made available to students See the Graduate Handbook for more information on common and storage areas. Use of Found Objects and Materials in School Buildings Found objects and materials (furniture, bicycles, equipment, fabrics, paper, plant, animal life, etc.) should not be brought into the building, regardless of intended use, if there is any possibility of fire, contamination, infestation, or other general health and safety concerns. Federal and state health and safety regulations forbid any furniture in the building that is not California Fire Code (CAL 133) rated. Contact Student Affairs for more information. Use of Sports Equipment City, state, and SMFA regulations prohibit the use of in-line skates, skate boards, roller skates, scooters, bicycles and other similar devices inside any SMFA facility or on school grounds, unless special permission is granted. Contact the Student Affairs Office for my information. 25

26 Visitors on School Premises Visitors have limited access to SMFA facilities and must be accompanied by a student at all times. The following rules are in place for the protection of visitors on all School premises: Visitors must be signed in at the Protective Services desk, receive a visitor badge, and be accompanied by a student at all times; Students are responsible for the actions of their guests while on SMFA premises; Young children are not permitted in any SMFA studio, classroom, or workspace under any circumstance; and Young children must be accompanied by an adult at all times when in any exhibition or public areas of the School. Student Events Policy Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to contact Student Affairs with ideas for student events and activities. The following are guidelines to consider when proposing an event: All student run events must be formally proposed to the Assistant Director of Student Life or Student Body Inc (SBInc). Any student may propose an event, activity, or action for consideration. Large scale events must be supervised by a member of the faculty or staff and proposed at least two months in advance of the desired launch date. Food and beverages for any large scale event will be arranged through Student Affairs and catered by SMFA s contracted food service. Student Affairs will also work with the student group to facilitate required licensing, security, etc. Other needs (equipment, publicity, decorations, etc.) must be facilitated by the faculty/ staff advisor and interested students. 26

27 SECTION TWO: Administrative Offices and Services The following is a listing of all administrative departments and services at SMFA. If dialing from outside of the school, dial the extension. Academic Affairs (x3612 or x3833) The Executive Vice President and Dean of the College leads the Academic Affairs Office and coordinates the work of other senior administrators to assure that activities across all SMFA areas are focused and organized in support of SMFA artistic and academic programs. The office of Academic Affairs is responsible for academic administration, academic advising, accommodations for student with disabilities, and program planning. Academic Affairs also serves as SMFA s liaison to Tufts University and provides applications, advising, and registration information for degree programs and academic courses. The office also provides and/or refers students to academic resources such as writing workshops, Tufts computer labs, tutorial services, and referrals to specialists for testing and/or counseling for students with learning disabilities The Academic Affairs Office also manages course evaluations, faculty resumes, faculty location and office hour information, and grievances concerning faculty. The office is available to help with any issues related to faculty members and can facilitate a meeting between a faculty member and a student. In addition, students interested in serving on SMFA committees can contact the office for more information. Admissions (x3626) The Admissions Office plans the recruitment and enrollment activities for prospective students. Enrollment and recruitment activities include, but are not limited to open houses, accepted student days, and the hosting of National Portfolio Days. Alumni Affairs (x3618) The Alumni Affairs Office sponsors events and activities to strengthen the ties between alumni and SMFA community. Art Education Office (x3613) The Art Education office provides oversight of and administers for the MAT program. The office is located at the Mission Hill Building. Business Office (x3631) The Business Office manages various tasks relating to the financial life of a student that include, but are not limited to: 27

28 Information regarding student health insurance and claim forms; Information regarding tuition insurance plans Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) discount passes for students; Disbursement of student loan funds; Requests for tuition refunds; Tuition adjustments; Tuition and fee charges and balances; Tuition payments; and Northeastern Gym Memberships. Career Services (x3635) Career Services provides direction to artists as they develop sustainable creative practices that are connected to active citizenship and entrepreneurship. Career Services include individualized advising, professional development resources, and on-campus workshops and career events. All students are set up with accounts on artsource, an online database that allows students to view and book available appointments with Career Services staff, post resumes, and search professional opportunity listings, networks and resources. The office provides dedicated guidance and support for students seeking internships and jobs, advising for Fulbright U.S. Student Program, Skowhegan Summer Studio Program, and connections with civic/community engagement and professional partnerships. In addition, Career Services develops business-oriented courses and programs through its Creative Futures initiative. Counseling and Mental Health Service (x3803) Students may be seen for six to eight sessions per academic year. When indicated, they will be referred to qualified community resources for ongoing or specialized care. Faculty, staff, and alumni are eligible for consultation and assistance in referral. Psychotherapists will work with individuals to help them understand their struggles and strengthen ways of coping with adverse symptoms. For more information about counseling services, staff, and the affiliation with the Boston Institute for Psychotherapy, please visit the BIP website at: Continuing Education (x3644) The Continuing Education (CE) Office offers an array of evening and Saturday classes and workshops during the fall and spring semesters as well as a comprehensive summer program. Credits earned by Non-Matriculated students through the CE program may be applicable to the School s Studio Diploma and degree programs. CE courses are listed on mysmfa and registration for CE courses is done through the paper add/drop process. Summer CE courses are not eligible for financial aid. 28

29 Development Office (x3622) The Development Office raises funds from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and foundations in support of scholarships, special programs, and equipment. This support enables SMFA to provide programs for our student population. Director of Alumni Affairs Relations and Special Projects (x3618) The Director of Alumni Affairs is the School s alumni liaison, offering alums the opportunity to connect with each other and SMFA through a variety of programs. Exhibitions and Public Programs Office (x3656) The Exhibitions and Public Programs office organizes major exhibitions in the Barbara and Steven Grossman Gallery and Mrs. E. Ross Anderson Auditorium, exhibitions which explore issues of global relevance and present work by artists of international stature. The department also coordinates special events such as gallery talks, lectures, symposia and exhibition openings, and acts as a liaison between SMFA and the professional art world. The staff of Exhibitions and Public Programs advises students on independent exhibition organization and professional presentation of work, pricing, and sale of artwork. The office also coordinates significant aspects of The Museum School Art Sale, an annual fundraiser to benefit the student scholarships; coordinates the jury process for the annual selection of recipients of the Boit Awards, Dana Pond Awards, Stella and Sumner Cooper Award, Will and Elena Barnet Painting Award, and Traveling Fellowships; coordinates exhibitions in the Weems Center, BAG Gallery, Projects Space, Mission Hill Gallery as well as some of the exhibitions in the MFA Courtyard Gallery including the Students Curate Students series, and organizes the Graduating Students and Award Recipients exhibition which concludes each academic year and is shown in all locations that Exhibitions and Public Programs oversees. Contact the office for more detailed information about the work of Exhibitions and Public Programs. Facilities (x3685) The Facilities staff is responsible for building maintenance and receiving shipments of supplies and materials. Students in need of assistance from facilities related to studio supplies should obtain a signed note from a faculty member. The facilities staff are always willing to help as daily schedule allows. Advance notice is highly recommended. 29