Advancement to Candidacy Process and Timeline

Fall I

 
Week 2
All first year students meet with their primary advisors and discuss their goals for the MFA. 
Week 8
All first year students work on articulating the Thesis Research Project Proposal; submit a Bibliography to their primary advisor; Approval of the proposal by the primary faculty. Work on acquiring IRB certifications (if applicable) 
Week 14
First year students meet with their primary advisors for a Review of their coursework and progress with creative projects; students must submit their review forms after meeting and evaluating progress with advisors 
Week 14
Deadline for International Experience Proposals (if applicable) 

Spring I

 
Week 5
First year students will further develop Thesis Research Project Proposal and Bibliography 
Week 12
All first-year students will formulate the three-member Faculty Committee 
Week 14
Juried Concert of Mentored Creative projects 
Week 14
First year students meet with their primary advisors for a Review of their coursework and progress with creative projects; students must submit their review forms after meeting and evaluating progress with advisors 

Summer I

All first year students will work on their individualized Creative work; conduct research on their Thesis; International Experience (if applicable); participate in American Dance Festival 

Fall II

 
Week 2
Continuing second year students meet with their primary advisors and discuss their progress to-date and goals for the completion of the MFA 
Week 3
Forms with Thesis Committee Signatures due. Prepare Portfolio
Week 14
Continuing second year students meet with their primary advisors for a Review of their coursework and progress with refining their Thesis creative projects; students must submit their review forms after meeting and evaluating progress with advisors 

Spring II

 
Week 2
Continuing second year students meet with their primary advisors and discuss their progress to-date and goals for the completion of the MFA; Refine Portfolio 
Week 10
Submit Thesis draft to the Faculty Committee for review and recommendations 
Week 14
Continuing second year students meet with their primary advisors for a Review of their coursework and refined Thesis creative projects; students must submit their review forms after meeting and evaluating progress with advisors. Refine Portfolio 

Summer II

MFA Oral Defense; Submit MFA Written Thesis to the Program and to the Graduate School MFA Thesis Creative Project Presentation