2019-2020
Art Foundation (AFO)
School of the Arts
Program description
The mission of the Art Foundation Program is to provide an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program seeks to develop in its students an enthusiasm for their work, a means to reflect analytically and an ability to cultivate skills that will serve throughout their education. The Art Foundation Program seeks to establish connections between programs in art and design and to participate in a larger forum of ideas and concepts relevant to all of the disciplines. Completion of the Art Foundation Program is a prerequisite for entry into all fine art and design departments: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft and Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting and Printmaking, Photography and Film, and Sculpture and Extended Media. Art Foundation provides the basic concepts, skills and experience necessary to pursue advanced studio work in each department. Students become affiliated with a major department after the departmental portfolio reviews in the spring semester of the Art Foundation year. At that time the student applies to the department of his or her choice. Department acceptance is competitive and is based on individual student performance and potential in their chosen area. Transfer students in art and design are also required to complete the Art Foundation Program but may be awarded transfer credits on a case-by-case basis.
Career opportunities
Degree requirements in Bulletin
Plan of study in Bulletin
Requirements
Highest level of math required
- MATH 131
Science required
Foreign language requirements
- No
Additional tuition/fees
- Yes
GPA requirements (to progress/graduate in the major)
- 2.0
Contact information
Campus (where 75% of courses are taken):
Monroe Park
Major map
Explore
MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
- Starting to wonder which art and design major is the right fit? Visit departments online and in person, attend major and VCUarts and AFO events.
- Refine your top three art and design major choices by attending #openstudiopartytrain and learning about major departments.
- Explore UNIV 291: Maximizing and Advancing in AFO.
- Learn how to navigate eServices and Degree Works.
- Attend Ready, Set, Go – Sophomore Transition Experience.
- Check up! Schedule your mandatory appointment with your academic advisor by no later than September 30 (Fall) and February 28 (Spring).
- Take advantage of the tutoring and study skill resources offered by the Campus Learning Center and the Writing Center.
- Talk to your professors about research interests, picking future classes, and strategies for success in your program.
GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
- Check out university art spaces and the VCUarts Calendar.
- Job shadow someone in the RVA community who does what you are thinking about doing after graduation.
- Get involved and meet new friends through VCU Student Government or one of over 450 student clubs and organizations.
- Build a LinkedIn profile with Career Services, connect to at least 10 people, and check out the VCU alumni page.
- Check out RamsConnect! Explore all of the ways you can engage in the VCU campus and surrounding communities through volunteerism and community service.
- Extracurricular activities? Recreational sports, fraternities/sororities, or campus social events. Pick something, give it a try!
DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
- Consider writing one of your class assignments about a view point different from your own.
- Ask your advisor about diversity training workshops or resources.
- Build a study abroad savings plan and budget with an advisor from the Global Education Office.
- Learn about your study abroad options by visiting a study abroad fair and attending a First Advising Session in the Global Education Office.
- Review the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @vcuomsa for programs, events, resources and other ways to engage.
- Talk to your classmates, listen to their experiences, engage in conversations outside of class.
EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Apply for the Undergraduate Student Exhibition at the Anderson.
- Prepare your application for the Major Department Spring Portfolio Review.
- Understand VCUarts research opportunities.
- Attend Career & Internship Fairs and career events throughout the year to explore your interests.
- Complete your Handshake profile and opt-in to industry email lists.
- Explore “What Can I Do With This Major” to learn about employers and job titles in your field of study.
- Meet with a career advisor in Career Services to assess your strengths, interests, and areas of opportunity.
- Talk to your professors about their research interests and visit the Office of Research and Innovation website for VCU research opportunities.
PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
- Make a digital archive of AFO studio and personal work.
- Talk to your advisors about ways to make the most out of your upcoming summer – what summer jobs make sense, should you take a summer class, or what companies/organizations/agencies can you schedule meetings with to build your network?
- Complete a “Gap Analysis” Strategic Plan with your academic or career advisor.
- Conduct at least two informational interviews with someone in the RVA community who does what you dream of becoming when you graduate.
- Learn more about VCU’s Student Leadership Center, which offers trainings, workshops and conferences to give you the tools to become a successful leader.
- Talk to your advisor about professional inclinations and career options.
2019-2020
Art Foundation (AFO)
School of the Arts
Concentration(s):
No concentration
| MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING | GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY | DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY | EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS | PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE | ||
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| Explore | Year 1 |
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