ACADEMIC REGULATIONS OF THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE
Plus/Minus Grading System
The School of Architecture utilizes a plus/minus grading system that assigns numerical values to 12 different grades. These values are used for architecture or landscape architecture courses when grade-point averages are calculated. See page 37 for the method of calculating grade-point averages. The 12-step grading system with assigned values is as follows:
A 4.00; A- 3.67; B+ 3.33; B 3.00; B- 2.67; C+ 2.33; C 2.00; C- 1.67; D+ 1.33; D 1.00; D- 0.67; F 0.00
Academic Policies
The following academic policies, beyond the requirements of the University, are applicable to all students in the School of Architecture.
1. Each student's progress through the Design Studio sequence is monitored and governed by the Design Review Board, the operation of which is described below.
2. Any student receiving a grade of "D+" or below in two consecutive semesters of the Design Studio sequence must repeat both of the semesters in which the grades were received. A student receiving a grade of "C" or better in a Design Studio may not retake that studio, except under special circumstances with approval of the Department Chair.
3. Admission to Architectural Design 4016 is contingent upon the approval of the faculty; to be considered for admission to Architectural Design 4016 each student must present a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average in all Design Studio work.
4. Prior to graduation, a student must present a 2.00 cumulative grade-point average at this institution both in all work attempted and in all professional course work attempted. All work acceptable in the School curriculum will be considered in computing the cumulative grade point averages.
5. Any student receiving an "I" in a design studio must complete all the required work necessary to receive a grade prior to the first day of the next enrolled studio.
Design Review Board
Design Review is a process by which students may appeal grades in studio design courses or seek resolution of conflicts with studio faculty in which it is believed that there are questions of fairness or equity in the application of the published grading policy of the faculty member. Appeals may be made only after the student has received the official grade transcript from the registrar, and review will occur in a meeting of the design review committee in the first week of the subsequent semester. Appeals must be submitted in writing on the appropriate form, which is available from the departmental offices.
Design faculty may submit recommendations for non-continuance in the design sequence to the board, in situations in which there is both the probability of the student receiving a grade of D or F, and a belief that non-continuance is in the best interest of the student and/or other students enrolled in the School of Architecture. The review board is empowered to grant or withhold the consent for continuance and the decision regarding a student's progression is binding regardless of the student's grades.
The design review board for each department shall be appointed by the department chair at the beginning of each academic year. The decisions of the board will be communicated to the department chair who will in turn communicate them in writing to the student.
Off-Campus Study Requirement
Each student in the Department of Architecture is required to complete an approved off-campus study experience focusing upon complex urban relationships. Approved programs include a semester in Rome available to fourth-year students and a summer design studio in Mexico City.
Each student in the Department of Landscape Architecture is required to participate in the program in Bath, England. This program exposes students to urban issues and planning approaches. The program takes place in the Spring semester of each student's third year of design studios. See notes on related program fees under "Fees and Cost Estimates" for the university.
Cooperative Education Program
The School of Architecture offers a cooperative education program in which students in architecture and landscape architecture may participate. Students who desire to partake in the program must have completed all the requirements of the first three years of the program. Placement will be based on positions available and on academic qualifications with a minimum 2.50 grade point necessary for eligibility. The anticipated period of cooperative work experience will range from nine to 15 months. Interested students should contact the Office of the Associate Dean.
Portfolios
Students are required to maintain portfolios documenting all academic and design studio work. These portfolios are evaluated at the time the students apply to professional degree programs. They are also used to measure individual progress.
Ownership of Work
All classroom studio work submitted for credit becomes the property of the School of Architecture.
School Computer Policy
All students enrolled in the School of Architecture are required to supply a personal computer matching or exceeding a specification issued by the faculty by the beginning of the second semester of the second year. The specification is updated annually for new acquisitions. This specification is available through the office of the Associate Dean. A substantial amount of software may be required depending on specific course requirements.
Honor Roll
At the close of each semester, the School of Architecture publishes an honor roll. This honor roll is constituted in conformance with University policy.
GRADUATION WITH HONORS
Students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance in baccalaureate degree programs will be recognized at graduation by the honors designation of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude. To earn this distinction, the student must meet the following criteria:
1. At least the final two years of the degree course work must have been completed at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
2. For cum laude, the student must have achieved a GPA of 3.50 or higher.
3. For magna cum laude, the student must have achieved a GPA of 3.65 or higher.
4. For summa cum laude, the student must have achieved a GPA of 3.80 or higher.
No more than 10 percent of the graduates of either baccalaureate program may receive these honors.