210.020 – PROCEDURE OF FINAL THESIS PROJECT

Date: Categories:

210.020 – Procedure of Final Thesis Project

Revised: September 2015

POLICY
A Candidate must choose a mentor or mentors for both the studio and written components of the Thesis Project. The mentor process is the same as with previous projects with the exception of special deadlines that apply only to the written thesis project.

PROCEDURE
Work proceeds according to the following timeline for submissions as related to the Thesis Presentation retreat:

  • 120 days prior: An initial outline and bibliography are due to a candidate’s advisor and mentor for the written component of the thesis.
  • 90 days prior: An initial draft of the contextual research section of the thesis is due to a Candidate’s advisor and mentor for the written component of the thesis.
  • 60 days prior: A draft of the complete thesis is due to a Candidate’s advisor and mentor for the written component of the thesis.
  • 30 days prior: An electronic copy of the completed thesis is due to the MFA Program Administrator.
  • Last day of Final Retreat: A Candidate is notified of acceptance of the thesis project or the MFA Committee advises a timeline to complete additional requirements.

Should a Candidate fail to meet all deadlines, they are required to postpone the Thesis Presentation until the following scheduled retreat.

Should the Committee deem, during its closed meeting conducted during the retreat but subsequent to the presentation, that the Candidate has substantially fulfilled all program requirements but must make minor changes or additions (typically to the thesis paper) the Committee conveys this to the Candidate through their advisor. In these instances, the Committee will also provide the Candidate with instructions and a timeline for these revisions. A degree is granted only at such time as revisions have been completed and two copies of the thesis have been issued to the College library. A Candidate must be current in payments to the College in order to be eligible to receive the degree.

Should the Committee deem that the Candidate has not substantially fulfilled all thesis requirements its members will convey what actions the Candidate must take to correct any deficiencies and present the thesis again at a subsequent retreat.