Residency Expectations 

Please note that specific due dates for each current semester will be on the Academic Calender. This overview is intended to give a longview of a residency requirements during the MFA in Film experience Participation in the entire residency is required.

1st Residency (New Students)

All incoming students give an Introductory Presentation that introduces their work to date and goals for their time at VCFA.

• New Students observe continuing students work at a critique

• After individual meetings and Round Table Sessions with prospective advisors for the coming semester, students submit the Advisor Request Form. 

• After receiving final approval from their advisors, students submit the Semester Study Plan,  outlining their study plans for the upcoming semester.

2+ Residency (Continuing Students)

• Students present work at a critique

• After individual meetings and Round Table Sessions with prospective advisors for the coming semester, students submit the Advisor Request Form.

• After receiving final approval from their advisors, students submit the Semester Study Plan, outlining their study plans for the upcoming semester.

 3+Residency (Beginning Thesis Students) 

• Students present work at a critique.

• Students give a Thesis Proposal Presentation, outlining the work they plan to accomplish for a Thesis Project in the coming year.

• After individual meetings and Round Table Sessions  with prospective advisors for the coming semester, students submit the Advisor Request Form.

• After receiving final approval from their advisors, students submit the Semester Study Plan, outlining their study plans for the upcoming semester.

• Students submit a revised final Thesis Proposal. 

4+Residency (Continuing Thesis Students) 

• Students present work at a critique.

• After individual meetings and Round Table Sessions with prospective advisors for the coming semester, students submit the Advisor Request  Form.

• After receiving final approval from their advisors, students submit the Semester Study Plan, outlining their study plans for the upcoming semester.

Last Residency (Graduating Students) 

• Students present their Thesis Projects.

• Commencement is on the final Saturday.

Residency Evaluation

Each student and faculty member are required to complete a survey after each residency evaluating their experience. Student and faculty assessments of the residency period are confidential and assist the Program office in planning, allowing the office to address concerns and consider suggestions.