Course Development and Planning
Course Development and Planning
MassArt recognizes the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education and the art and design fields. Al systems are able to generate images, language, and code through rapid processing of large amounts of available data; to learn from the patterns and features encountered, evolving through self-learning and the incorporation of additional data. It is important to note that there are multiple AI models. For example, Predictive AI uses machine learning to make predictions about future outcomes based on historical data. Meanwhile, Generative AI uses algorithms that can automatically create new content such as text, images, code, voice, and video based on what has been learned from existing data. All uses of AI generate outcomes that have tremendous societal impact, and the ability to collaborate with Al systems will be an expectation in the coming job market. This is also an area that is rapidly changing and developing in real time. While each academic program may need to develop specific guidelines for using AI in their curriculum and pedagogy, each will be informed by a set of overarching guiding principles:
Unless specifically approved by the instructor in writing, Al system results should not be included in the final outputs and/or deliverables. In addition, AI cannot be used in ways that violate the university’s academic policy regarding [original] creative work, critical writing, research, or in ways that fail to meet the learning goals specified by the instructor.
In the case where instructors approve the use of AI in class work, students must cite their use of AI systems and document the relevant prompts utilized in their process and research and in the final assignment outcomes. The documentation should be in an official style, such as APA format, or whatever style is approved by the instructor.
If the names of artists/designers, companies, brands or art movements are used as search terms, directives, or guides within the AI prompts, they must be cited properly to maintain the artistic integrity of those involved. Departments and/or instructors have the discretion to limit the use of artists/designers, companies, brands or art movements as search terms. Students that use AI, in addition to citing prompts, should disclose how and where they used that information.
Equity in access for any Al systems allowed in a course must be assured by the instructor, in conjunction with department guidelines. The platforms utilized by students to meet course requirements must offer free access or offered as part of a MassArt provided subscription.
MassArt students are expected to abide by the plagiarism policy outlined in the Academic Catalog in the creation of all work, as well as all policies in the MassArt Student Handbook and the college. They are also expected to abide by all academic integrity guidelines stated by the college, as well their specific program and instructors, related to Al usage. Departments and instructors within MassArt may have specific guidelines regarding the use of AI, which should be included in the course syllabus. If an instructor’s guidelines on the use of AI in a class deviate from the college-wide and/or departmental AI Policies, that should be clearly stated in the course syllabus and it should be noted that those guidelines only apply to that specific course and cannot be applied to anything outside of that immediate learning environment.
Approved by All University Council, Provost, and President August 2024
*The development of these on the use of AI for academic departments and courses is informed by the AI policy statement developed at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan.
See information here: MassArt's online Academic Calendar currently spans the 2024-2025 academic year and lists important dates including but not limited to:
Class registration
Add/drop periods
Academic warnings and grading deadlines
Planned closings, including holidays and breaks
No required class times are to be scheduled during dates labeled with "No Classes".
The online Academic Catalog provides detailed information about MassArt’s academic programs. The online catalog provides students with the most up-to-date information on their academic programs, and offers advisers and faculty a number of tools to support their work with student and program planning.
Advising
Full time faculty are assigned advisees by their department, and are required to advise them each semester prior to registration. Faculty advisors should acquaint themselves with the college’s Academic Catalog which lists course descriptions and program requirements.
Faculty with questions about advising should contact The Academic Resource Center at ext. 7281 or arc@massart.edu.
Add/Drop
Add/Drop occurs during the first two weeks of the semester. For exact dates, please refer to the Academic Calendar.
Week 1: Students can add themselves to classes on Self Service as long as there is a seat available and they've met the applicable prerequisites. They can also drop themselves from courses via Self Service.
If a class is full and waitlisted, students should add themselves to the waitlist. Seats that open up on waitlisted classes during the first week of add/drop will be automatically offered to the first person on the list via email. If they do not register or drop themselves from the list within 48 hours, it’ll go to the next person, and so on.
Exceptions to this rule are courses that are faculty consent only and certificate program courses.
Week 2: Waitlists are no longer active and students will need to get written faculty permission to join a class regardless of seat availability, waitlists, or any other circumstances. Permission can be granted via email - students should forward approvals to registrar@massart.edu.
Course Cap
Students seeking entrance into a course where the course cap has been met are routinely advised to attend the first class and talk with the professor. In some departments, course caps can be raised at the discretion of the faculty member, but cannot be lowered by the faculty member. Please check with your Chair regarding your specific department’s policy.
Self-Service
Self-Service is an online resource where faculty can view class rosters and term schedules, take attendance, email students on their rosters, and submit mid-semester warnings and final grades. Advisors can view their advisee’s program evaluations and transcripts, as well as remove advisor holds.
Contact the Registrar's Office for instructions and questions on Self Service.
On each course syllabus, faculty must provide students with a list of required, recommended, or supplementary texts and other course materials, as well as where they may be obtained (library, handouts, studio managers, bookstore, etc.)
Materials may be acquired in a variety of ways, each detailed below. Faculty may also utilize the resources of the college to generate printed materials for their courses.
See information here on the MassArt bookstore (which is also the bookstore for MCPHS), including store hours. Contact the bookstore at (617) 739-4770, or 0242mgr@follett.com.
A coursepack is a compilation of written materials for use in a course (i.e. handouts, a reader, a manual)
XanEdu Publishing Services offers custom coursepacks through the bookstore. These include printed coursepacks, digital coursepacks, and original work by faculty. All of these items will have copyright clearance through XanEdu. To order coursepack, or ask questions contact the bookstore.
Textbook adoption forms for fall and spring courses are due by the following deadlines:
March 15th for summer terms
April 15th for Fall terms
October 15th for the Spring terms
The bookstore offers numerous titles for student rental through their Rent-A-Text program. Digital versions are also available through the new BryteWave platform. If a title is not available through either program, contact the bookstore to request that it be added.
The bookstore will match the price of rentals or purchased books from the following online competitors: Amazon (excludes the marketplace and warehouse deals), Chegg, and Barnes & Noble (excludes the marketplace). Any student that shows the price is lower through these vendors for the exact product stocked at the store, will have a gift card issued for the difference between the online retailer and the bookstore. If you have question on this program, please contact the store.
Go to massartshop.com and search "Faculty Resources". The store provided password is 242. If you have not created an account you will need to create one to access the system. Contact the bookstore or fax the above information to 617-739-4771.
The bookstore stocks many art supplies as well as items requested by faculty for a particular class. If there are items that you would like the bookstore to stock, email the bookstore a list of those items each semester. To ensure that these items are on hand for the start of classes, please do so by the following deadlines:
October 15th for Spring semester
April 15th for the Fall semester
If a class is going to require a large number of an item, it is requested the faculty notify the bookstore manager at least three weeks in advance so that the item will be stocked in the quantity needed.
Faculty Purchased Materials:
In many department budgets there are funds set aside for classroom supplies and guest artists.
Should you wish to make a purchase, first check with your Department Chair to make sure funds are available. Department staff (such as Studio Managers) have college credit cards and can purchase materials directly. Otherwise, faculty can purchase materials and be reimbursed.
Once you have approval from your chair you may go out and purchase supplies. You must submit the itemized receipt with a Payment Request to your chair for their signature. The paperwork will then be forwarded to Academic Affairs for VP approval, and then to Acounts Payable. MassArt is a tax-exempt institution, you should provide a copy of our tax exemption certificate to the vendor so that you may purchase supplies without paying sales tax.
Fire Safety
On the first meeting of each course, students need to be told the location of the nearest emergency telephone and the best emergency route to the correct area of refuge from the classroom or studio. This may not always be the route used to enter the classroom or studio.
Classrooms and studios must be vacated when the fire alarm sounds. Re-entry is only permitted by MassArt Public Safety or Boston Fire.
Environmental Health and Safety Publications:
MassArt’s Health and Safety Manual is available from the Environmental Health and Safety Officer (EHS officer) at ext. 7939. The Environmental Health and Safety Manual outlines general policies as well as studio specific safety procedures for students, faculty and staff.
In addition, safety data sheets are available at MSDS online at the following URL, username and password:
https://msdsmanagement.msdsonline.com/
Username: viewer@massart.edu
Password: MassArt123
The Safety Data Sheets (SDS) Catalog is also available in the studio areas at safety centers located throughout the building. All procurement or use of new materials (chemicals) must be approved and a current Safety Data Sheet must be provided to the EHS officer and must be incorporated into the MSDS online program.
Faculty Obligation to Student Safety
Faculty are required to introduce and instruct students on the hazards and safety procedures needed in their discipline. The studio managers, as subject matter experts, are also available to provide training. The EHS officer is also available upon request to assist in any and all safety training in the classroom. Below is a list of the most commonly requested topics:
Blood-borne pathogens
Respirator fit and use
Indoor air quality investigation
Hazardous and universal waste materials management
Ergonomics
Studio safety
Fire safety and egress
Ladder/scissor lift safety
During the first week of classes and before any process equipment can be used, students must receive an initial introduction to safety and hazard awareness of the studio. During this training the fundamental safety procedures are instructed and it is the responsibility of the faculty member and studio manager if applicable to enforce. Faculty must instruct students when a material or equipment they are using is hazardous and what safeguards or personal protective equipment (PPE) they must use during the use of said material or equipment. Departments using hazardous equipment (furnaces, mechanical equipment, pneumatics, torches, etc.) are required to provide one-on-one training to students before students can use the equipment. Training must be documented and kept on file with the studio manager. Enforcement of the policy is the responsibility of the teaching faculty.
Facility and Studio Use Safety Guidelines
Below are the general safety guidelines outlined by the EHS Office that the students, faculty and staff are responsible to follow. There will be area specific regulations not included in this generalized list. Please seek studio manager or EHS assistance with all training needs.
Studio use can only be issued by signing the studio use agreement. Once students sign and agreed to its terms they are responsible for adhering to it.
Studio spaces must be marked with the occupants name and contact information. (I.e. MassArt e-mail or phone number)
Sleeping is prohibited on the main campus outside of the residence halls.
Studio spaces are assigned. Any requests for change must be made to the Studio Manager and Faculty. All changes must be consensual between all parties.
Size of studio space may not be changed without Environmental Health and Safety and Studio Manager approval
Smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs in the studio are prohibited. Any student determined to have breached this rule will be required to leave the studio and relinquish all privilege of occupancy
Food is prohibited in the Studios - only beverages may be consumed from, or kept in, covered or capped food safe containers.
Doors (exits), electrical outlets and closets, heating and ventilation ducts, radiators, and other environmental and life safety apparatus must not be blocked, surrounded, cluttered, or have anything stacked on them.
Floors must be kept clean and clear of litter, clutter, and debris.
Painting, marking, or gluing of any permanent substances on the walls, windows/shades, or doors is prohibited
Hanging from any overhead pipes, ducts, or light fixtures is prohibited
Surge protectors and heavy duty electric cords (14 gauge minimum) are the only electrical extensions allowed. Only one extension cord and one surge protector per outlet is permitted
Hazardous Waste (HAZMAT) receptacles (solid and liquid) are located throughout campus and must be used, without exception. If unaware of proper disposal of waste such as paint, solvents, rags, brushes, inks, and empty containers ask the Environmental Health and Safety Officer or Studio Manager.
No Sink Dumping of Hazardous Waste. Restrooms/classrooms sinks may not be used to dispose of oils, solvents, or water-based paint, inks or hazardous liquid wastes. Only soap and water cleaning of materials is allowed in sinks.
No glass containers may be used to store solvents, paints or mediums. All materials not provided by the college must be approved by the Studio Manager and Environmental Health and Safety Officer before they can be used. A copy of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) must be provided to the Studio Manager and Environmental Health and Safety Officer.
No spray paints, fixatives, or soft (artist) pastels may be used in any studio. Aerosol sprays may be used only in the spray booth on the 10th floor of Tower.
Space heaters, heat guns, heat lamps, incense, hot plates, microwave ovens, coffee makers, and/or open flames of any kind are prohibited.
Storage of flammable materials such as (but not limited to): hay, newspapers, oily rags, tires or propane cylinders is prohibited.
Off campus travel can be an important learning tool for students. These trips, however, must be planned and conducted in ways that promote the safety of student participants, faculty, and/or staff who are leading the trip.
All student organized travel must be registered and approved by the office of Student Activities. For more information about sudent led organization travel, please contact Student Development.
The following information pertains to class and academic field trips only. Please contact academic.affairs@massart.edu with questions.
Participants must operate within the college liability guidelines, and the following guidelines that have been established for student travel:
For local class trips, walking distance or by public transportation, (such as a field trip to the MFA or ICA) please submit a Field Trip Form to Academic Affairs (academic.affairs@massart.edu) before departure. Please take a copy with you on the trip so that you have easy access to student contact information.
Any academic student travel that requires a financial or contractual committment from the college must be registered and approved by Academic Affairs and programs at least 2 weeks prior to the departure date or the date that a financial or contractual commitment is required. Four (4) weeks is suggested if ticket sales are required. To register an off campus trip, faculty must submit the following items to Academic Affairs:
An itinerary of the trip including:
Dates and times of departure and return
The full costs of participating in the trip, including any costs that will not be included in the participation fee.
The rendezvous location for departure (and a statement regarding personal responsibility for transportation if the participant is not at the rendezvous location at the designated time).
The name of the trip chaperone (when applicable - see below guidance)
Authorization for Travel Form with a List of Participants
Description of the selection process for students participating, including timelines for signing up and notification of the participants (when college funds are being used to cover any of the trip expenses)
Post-trip evaluation process (when college funds are being used to cover any of the trip expenses).
Trip Chaperone Information and Consent Form (when applicable - see below guidance).
At least 3-5 business days prior to departure, the hosting department must submit to Academic Affairs:
a complete list of all trip participants,
the signed Travel Waiver, Acknowledgment of Risk, and Consent Form (linked) completed by every participant.
Only MassArt students, faculty, staff and authorized guests may participate in sponsored trips. Alcohol is not permitted on busses or other vehicles on college trips. All academic student travel, including class field trips, must be accomplished in adherance with all stage motor vehicle laws.
Transportation
Public Transportation
As public transportation is readily accessible in Boston and most off-campus events are scheduled near MBTA stations, faculty may depend on public transportation with the following considerations:
The event is within walking distance of a subway station.
Tickets, advertising, invitations and other forms of publicity MUST indicate that travel arrangements are not included.
The event should be over 30 minutes prior to the last scheduled train departure closest to the venue being used.
The use of public transportation is clearly communicated on flyers/posters/ and or tickets.
Directions to/from the event are provided.
Rental Vehicles
Cars, vans, or buses may be rented from outside agencies. Faculty should contact the Administrative Services to identify a rental agency that will be able to provide vehicle for the trip. Administrative Serives can provide the names of these companies and make necessary arrangements for the organization.
Personal Vehicles
Faculty, staff and other trip chaperones are not allowed to transport students in their personal vehicles. Students may only be transported in vehicles rented through the official college rental agency or buses/charters that meet published college requirements.
Additional Consideration for Travel and Campus Programs
Overnight Travel
When a trip is overnight, Academic Affairs must approve the full itinerary before the trip can be confirmed.
Off-campus trip chaperones
Faculty planned off-campus events and trips are considered college programs and subject to college programming and travel policies and guidelines. Faculty organizers are responsible for identifying and securing a college staff member (e.g., staff, faculty, graduate assistant) to serve as trip chaperone. We generally advise that the group secure a chaperone for every 45 students although more might be needed for high risk events (e.g., ski trips, socials with off-campus guests and alcohol at a club) as determined by Academic Affairs. The trip chaperone’s expenses will be the responsibility of the hosting department.
The following types of trips will generally require a trip chaperone:
Any trip on a rental bus, regardless of the distance from campus.
Out-of-state trips (exceptions may be made for trips of an academic nature).
Overnight travel trips.
Trips involving an element of risk to participants, i.e., ski trips, white water rafting, etc.
Trips of purely social or entertainment nature (e.g., social /dance at an off-campuslocation).
The hosting department and Academic Affairs will provide written instructions to the first-time trip chaperones and will meet with them to clarify responsibilities, emergency procedures, and guidelines for the trip. Please ask the trip chaperone to read, complete and submit the Trip Chaperone Information and Consent Form before contract are signed and ticket sales begin.
A trip chaperone’s responsibilities:
Obtaining and being familiar with the trip itinerary and holding the Travel Waiver Forms for the duration of the trip.
Contacting the Office of Public Safety, Academic Affairs, and Dean of Students in case of emergencies. The on-campus offices will be responsible for getting in touch with the students’ emergency contact.
Acting in the capacity of a college official. If a concern arises that cannot be addressed by the student organizer, the chaperone should assist.
Serving as a role model to the group’s leaders and members, emulating those characteristics and behaviors they need to develop. Restrain from practices that might compromise one’s judgment or ability to make decisions on behalf of the group (e.g., drinking, excessive contact with/disclosure to students).
Reporting any student misconduct to Academic Affairs upon return.
Make suggestions for how the trip or event can be improved and whether the organization should host/plan a similar event in the future.
Be present throughout the duration of off-campus programs. For conferences and trips, chaperones need not be with the students at all times, but should work with the student leader to determine adequate time to spend with students.
Requests for booking models can be made using this form.
Please submit requests at least 3 weeks before the beginning of each semester.
Requests made after the start of classes will be scheduled when time permits.
Email completed forms (or requested info in the body of an email) to the model coordinator: Kyle Brock
MassArt Model Use Policy
Standards
At least 3 people must be present during a modeling session, including the instructor. In the event that less than three people are present, the session must be cancelled and the model will be compensated in full.
It is recommended that instructors contact the model several days before class to welcome them and provide details on the type of poses they’ll be asked to do. The model contact list will be provided when the scheduled roster is confirmed.
Before the first pose please post a note on the classroom door indicating there is a life model in session. Cover any windows that allow a sight line to the model from the hallway.
Breaks from poses should be discussed with the model but are normally 5 minutes. An easier sitting poses for 30 minutes could be followed by a 5-minute break. A more complicated standing pose may require a 5-minute break after 10 minutes.
During a pose, conversation directed at the model should only be from the instructor.
No one may touch or interfere with a pose unless the model has given consent.
Do not photograph the model unless they have given written consent one week before the session in consensus with the model coordinator.
Models that become uncomfortable with a pose or room temperature will let the instructor know. Models are encouraged to bring form-fitting clothes in case the room becomes too cold. Heat must be provided, from a well-functioning heater, whenever the room temperature is less than 75 degrees.
Attendance
Models are expected to arrive 5 minutes prior to their scheduled session; if they have not arrived within 10 minutes of the agreed start time they are considered late. If an instructor has not arrived at their class 20 minutes after its start time the model may leave and will be compensated in full.
If a model misses a scheduled session please notify the model coordinator via email. While missed sessions are rare, always have a backup plan in case the model cannot make it to class.
Class Cancellations and Changes
If an instructor needs to cancel a scheduled model session it is their responsibility to inform the model coordinator as soon as possible. Cancelations and session changes must be emailed to the model coordinator a minimum of one month before the scheduled class or the model will be paid in full for the session.
If an instructor starts class late or ends early the model is still paid for the full amount of hours agreed to at the time of booking. If an instructor wishes to extend a session during class they can negotiate with the model and notify the model coordinator of the change.
See information here: Please note that it is a faculty member’s obligation to file grades by the date indicated on the academic calendar.
Please note that part-time faculty, after consultation with the department chair and the vice president of academic affairs, may sponsor an independent study. Both full-time and part-time faculty can receive credit for up to 3 Independent Studies per semester.
Only full-time faculty can earn credit for the Independent Study. Part-time faculty will receive payment only after a completed grade has been submitted. If the Independent Study is not completed or receives an Incomplete Grade, payment will be postponed until completion.
Forms for graduate and undergraduate Independent Studies can be found linked.
Undergraduate courses are created and maintained by the Office of the Registrar. Courses will only appear in the current academic catalog if they are active and have been approved by June 1.
Courses have either "New" or "Permanent" status. A course is defined as "New" until it has been approved through the course approval process in college wide governance. Post approval, it is defined as a "Permanent" course.
A New Course will be created by the Office of the Registrar once it has received approval from the department chair and the department's curriculum committee. New Courses are indicated as "new" in the academic catalog.
A New Course can only run three times before it must be forwarded by the department to the All University Committee (AUC) to be approved. Until the new course is approved as Permanent or is under review by the curriculum committee, it cannot run again.
How do I change a New Course?
Changes to a New Course can be made with the approval of the department chair and the department's curriculum committee (i.e. pre-req, co-req, title, etc. ) However, changes to course content and learning outcomes require the creation of a New Course.
What happens if a New Course doesn't run?
New courses will be marked as inactive if they have not run for one academic year.
Courses that run more than three times must seek Permanent Course status. A course becomes permanent when it has been vetted by governance and has the final approval of the President.
How do I change a Permanent Course?
Changes to course titles and prerequisites for major required courses can be made with the approval of the department chair and the department's curriculum committee.
Changes to course prerequisites for courses which all students can take require the approval of appropriate governance committees and the President.
What happens if a Permanent Course doesn't run?
A course will be deactivated by the Registrar's Office if it has not run for three academic years. Reactivation of a permanent course will be made with the approval of the department chair and the department's curriculum committee chair.
The Permanent Course Proposal Form and New Course Proposal Form integrate core components of the syllabus guidelines as recommended by Academic Affairs. Use one of the forms to submit a course proposal.
What is included in the form?
The following information is required to create a course:
Title and description
# of credits
Course level
Course type
Requested Cap*
Prerequisites
Reason for the course
Equipment to be purchased by the department for this course (with estimated cost)
Facilities needed
Support staff needed
*While a recommendation for course capacity is asked for, it is at the discretion of the Provost in consultation with the department chair. Only the Provost's Office can make changes to capacity (for sections or courses).
Additional Permanent Course Proposal Form Info
The Permanent Course Proposal Form also requires the submission of a copy of the syllabus used while it was a New Course or, if having never run, an example of a syllabus that addresses the following guidelines:
Course description: This is a brief description of the nature of the course; it usually corresponds with the permanent course overview. Descriptions need to be easily comprehended by a wide range of people.
Departmental goals: List the departmental goals that this particular course is addressing. These describe the broad learning outcomes and concepts (what you want students to learn) expressed in general terms (e.g., clear communication, problem-solving skills, etc.).
Learning outcomes: Describe specific learning behaviors that students should exhibit in the context of the courses. Learning outcomes are the specific skills, values, and attitudes students should exhibit that reflect the broader goals (e.g., for students in a first-year writing course, this might be "students are able to develop a cogent argument to support a position").
Course content (assignments): This describes the activities making up the class (demonstrations, critiques, individual or group studio time, etc.) and the content to be addressed through these activities. It also includes course requirements. Faculty must delineate exactly what work students will be expected to do, and specify what will or will not count toward their final grade. Assignments must be linked to learning outcomes. An assignment may address multiple objectives.
Course assessment and grading: First, determine if you are assessing a learning outcome over time or at a specific point in time. Second, determine what you need to observe, read, hear, etc. to evidence achievement of the outcome. These become either your assessment criteria or a holistic description. Third, determine the form for communicating the assessment (i.e., checklist, narrative feedback, rubric). Indicate how each student's grade will be determined. It indicates the percentage of their final grade that is assigned to each activity (class participation; exams, reports, homework, class presentation of studio work,reviews, etc.). It should include the attendance policy for the class. Additionally, grading criteria should be outlined. For example, what constitutes an A as opposed to a B.
Course materials: List the required and/or recommended or supplementary texts and other materials needed for the course and where they may be obtained (library, handouts, studio managers, bookstore, etc.)
This 2024-25 academic year, the MSCA governance committees are reviewing the college wide student attendance policy. In the meantime, the 2017 attendance policy still stands and gives faculty flexibility in determining their own policy. Please ensure your attendance policy is clearly stated on your syllabus. Some students are not always aware of each professor's expectations. The 2017 policy states:
Students have a responsibility to attend all scheduled class meetings.
Faculty are responsible for clearly stating their expectations for performance and attendance through the course syllabus, and during the first week of classes. This includes their manner of recording attendance and whether any portion of a student’s grade is based on attendance and/or class participation. Faculty are obligated to recognize legally protected activities, such as religious holidays, military service, and jury duty.
Students are responsible for making themselves aware of course attendance policies and for meeting all course expectations as outlined in the course syllabus regardless of missed class time.
Students are responsible to communicate in a timely manner in written form (e.g. in an email) with their faculty regarding any missed class time and related class work.
A student who feels that their circumstances may warrant withdrawal from a single course should contact their Advisor and the Office of the Registrar. A student who wishes to request a leave of absence from the College should contact the Academic Resource Center.
A student who misses the first meeting of a class may be dropped from the roster by the instructor.
Faculty must develop a system of attendance-taking that is consistent and easily accessed. Faculty must be able to produce attendance information for any given student if requested by a federal or state auditor. Faculty are required to verify class rosters at the end of the first class, the end of Add/Drop, and the end of the semester.
Scheduling Alternate Classtimes
Occasionally a scheduled class may be cancelled due to circumstances such as weather. If a faculty member chooses, a make-up class may be scheduled at an alternate meeting time, such as on a "No Class Day" as noted by the Academic Calendar. Students who cannot attend this optional make-up class may not be penalized in any way nor can they be held responsible for the material covered during the alternate class.
Academic Year 2024-25 Note: We will continue to utilize the Roxbury Community College parking lot this year and ask that you continue to be compassionate in regards to absentee/tardy marks for students who rely on the shuttle.
Student studio space contracts are distributed to participating studio areas at the beginning of the year.
Faculty and studio managers are responsible for assigning studio space and making sure that signed contracts are returned to their department chairs; the chairs send access lists to public safety. Students who do not have signed contracts on file will not appear on these lists and, as a result, will not be allowed studio access.
Information regarding what to include in your MassArt syllabi, including a checklist of items, can be found on the below links. Following these recommendations helps put your department on firmer ground for accreditation, and, more importantly, they help provide students with another source of information to help them learn and succeed at MassArt.
Key items
Note: It is an all-school policy that each syllabus must include an attached sheet with the definition of grades, the academic progress policy of the department, attendance policy, the definition of plagiarism, and a statement about students with disabilities (see below for further details).
□ Identifying Information
This serves to identify and locate both the faculty member and the course and should include the following: the course name and code, the number of credits, the day(s) and times(s) and location of the course, faculty name, office location, office hours, office telephone number, and e-mail address.
□ Course Description
This is a brief description of the nature of the course; it corresponds with the catalogue description of the course. Check the Course Catalog or ask the departmental assistant for this information.
□ Departmental Goals
Insert the department goals that your particular course is addressing. These describe the broad learning outcomes and concepts (what you want students to learn) expressed in general terms (e.g., clear communication, problem-solving skills, etc.) The department administrative assistant should have a hard copy of these.
□ Course Materials
List the required and recommended or supplementary texts and other materials for the course and where they may be obtained (library, handouts, studio managers, bookstore, etc.).
□ Course Assessment and Grading
Determine what you need to observe, read, hear, etc. to evidence achievement of the learning outcomes. These become either your assessment criteria or a holistic description. Next, determine the form for communicating the assessment (i.e., checklist, narrative feedback, rubric).
Indicate how the student’s grade will be determined. It indicates the percentage of their final grade that is assigned to each activity (class participation, exams, reports, homework, class presentation of studio work, reviews, etc). In addition, grading criteria should be outlines. For example, what constitutes and A as opposed to a B; or what constitutes passing.
□ Course Attendance
The college wide attendance policy was updated in 2017 to give faculty flexibility in determining their own policy. The policy states:
Students have a responsibility to attend all scheduled class meetings.
Faculty are responsible for clearly stating their expectations for performance and attendance through the course syllabus, and during the first week of classes. This includes their manner of recording attendance and whether any portion of a student’s grade is based on attendance and/or class participation. Faculty are obligated to recognize legally protected activities, such as religious holidays, military service, and jury duty.
Students are responsible for making themselves aware of course attendance policies and for meeting all course expectations as outlined in the course syllabus regardless of missed class time.
Students are responsible to communicate in a timely manner in written form (e.g. in an email) with their faculty regarding any missed class time and related class work.
A student who feels that their circumstances may warrant withdrawal from a single course should contact their Advisor and the Office of the Registrar. A student who wishes to request a leave of absence from the College should contact the Academic Resource Center.
A student who misses the first meeting of a class may be dropped from the roster by the instructor.
Please ensure your attendance policy is clearly stated on your syllabus. Some students are not always aware of each professor's expectations.
Faculty must develop a system of attendance-taking that is consistent and easily accessed. Faculty must be able to produce attendance information for any given student if requested by a Federal or State auditor. Faculty are required to verify class rosters at the end of the first class, the end of Add/Drop, and the end of the semester.
□ Statement about Students with Disabilities
Please add the below information from the ARC for students with disabilities to your course syllabi:
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides access for all matriculated MassArt students to academic advisors, success coaches, a writing center, and Peer Academic Liaisons, all of whom support both remote and in person learning. ARC support includes:
Skills for successful remote learning
Writing assistance on papers, artist statements, and assignments
Time Management
Advising on major selection and course plans
Test preparation and strategies
The ARC is located on the 2nd floor of Kennedy in the Student Development Suite. Appointments can be made at massart.edu/arc-appt. Learn more about the ARC at massart.edu/academic-resource-center.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design is committed to fostering the academic, personal, and professional growth of our students. We are especially committed to ensuring that students with documented disabilities, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the subsequent Amendments Act (ADAAA), are provided equal access to all campus resources and opportunities. If you have a disability that may warrant accommodations, I encourage you to make an appointment with Student Accessibility Services staff within the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at massart.edu/arc-appt. For more information, please visit the web page: https://massart.edu/student-accessibility-services.
□ Plagarism
Please add the following statement to your syllabi:
In creative work, plagiarism is the inappropriate and unethical representation of another’s work as one’s own. In those instances where a significant portion of a creative work is intentionally “appropriated,” plagiarism is the failure to note, orally or in writing, the source of the appropriation. In expository or academic writing, whenever your work incorporates someone else’s research, images, words, or ideas, you must properly identify the source unless you can reasonably expect knowledgeable people to recognize it. Proper citation gives credit where it is due and enables your readers to locate sources and pursue lines of inquiry raised by your paper. Students who do not comply may be penalized.
□ Departmental Academic Progress Statement
All departments have standards of performance within their majors. Each department provides a probationary period of at least one semester for students whose work does not meet departmental standards. Copy and paste the department's policy statement. These can be found in the Academic Catalog.
□ Course Learning Outcomes and Course Content
Describe what students are expected to learn. Outcomes are the specific skills, values and attitudes students should exhibit that reflect the broader goals (e.g., for students in a freshman writing course, this might be "students are able to develop a cogent argument to support a position").
Course content should describe the activities making up the class and include course requirements. Faculty must delineate exactly what work students will be expected to do, and specify what will or will not count towards their final grade. This includes providing specific instructions regarding papers, projects, presentations, studio work, etc. Assignments must be linked to Course Learning Outcomes. An assignment may address multiple outcomes.
□ Course Calendar
This section includes relevant dates for course meetings, assigned projects and due dates, exam and review board dates, etc
Should you wish to invite a visiting artist, first check with your department chair to make sure funds are available. A visiting artist should be someone who does not already work for MassArt in any capacity (staff, part time faculty, graduate students, etc). Establish with your chair and the visiting artist the rate they will be paid for the visit. Work with your Department Assistant to complete the appropriate paperwork.
All visiting artists are considered independent contractors and will be issued tax paperwork accordingly.
International visiting artists must go through a separate process through the International Education Center.