FIRST YEAR FOUNDATIONS COMPETENCY

The School of Architecture requires a First Year Foundations Competency that is evaluated through a two-part First Year Portfolio Review (FYPR1 & FYPR2). All students with the intent of pursuing the BS.ARCH or BS.INTD degree are required to participate in the FYPR. All transfer students will also be required to submit a portfolio also using the Portfolio Template. The portfolio review will also determine areas of concern and provide academic advisors with insight for student’s success. 
 

The purpose of the FYPR is to:

  • Assess Skills and Competencies: Reviewers assess how well the student’s portfolio aligns with the requirements, and expectations.
  • Evaluate Creativity and Originality: The portfolios will provide insight into the student's creativity, originality, and innovative thinking through the presentation of unique projects, designs, or creations.
  • Demonstrate Experience and Expertise: Portfolios showcase the student's professional or academic experience, expertise, and accomplishments, providing evidence of past achievements and capabilities.
  • Assess Fit and Compatibility: Reviewers assess how well the student’s portfolio aligns with the requirements, and expectations, determining whether the individual is a suitable fit for the program.
  • Inform Decision-Making: The portfolio reviews inform decision-making processes, such as continuation in the program based on admissions to educational programs or selection for awards, grants, or exhibitions.
  • Provide Feedback and Guidance: Portfolio reviews may offer students constructive feedback, critique, or guidance to help them improve their work, develop their skills, and refine their portfolios for future opportunities.

FIRST YEAR FOUNDATION COMPETENCY - PART 1 (FYPR1)

In the FYPR1 Portfolio Review, the School of Architecture will evaluate and assess a collection of work samples and samples submitted by the student. The FYPR1 Portfolio Review occurs at the completion of ARCH 1341 Design Communications I. 

At the completion of ARCH 1341, students will submit a simple PDF portfolio organizing their work, maximum 10 pages 11x17”.  Each portfolio will be identical so results can be compared equally. Portfolio must include examples of first-year graphics coursework of orthographic freehand sketching, photos of physical models showing craftsmanship, photos of 3D prints, a graphic  precedent study, examples of orthographic line weights, design narrative vignettes, and evidence of foundational design strategies.

Students who receive an evaluation average of 1 or less will be required to complete specified learning modules in the FYPR Canvas class, to address any areas of concern or deficiencies, and complete the Major Exploration Focus 2 Assessment. The FYPR Canvas class and the Major Exploration Focus 2 Assessment must be completed prior to registration in the 2nd year major courses. 

FIRST YEAR FOUNDATION COMPETENCY - PART 2 (FYPR2)

In the FYPR2 Portfolio Review, the School of Architecture will evaluate and assess a collection of work samples and samples submitted by the student. The FYPR2 Portfolio Review occurs at the completion of ARCH/INTD 1342 Design Communications II. 

At the completion of ARCH/INTD 1342, students will submit a simple PDF portfolio organizing their work, maximum 10 pages 11x17”. Each portfolio will be identical so results can be compared equally. Portfolio must include examples of first-year graphics coursework of orthographic freehand sketching, photos of physical models showing craftsmanship, photos of 3D prints, a graphic precedent study, examples of orthographic line weights, design narrative vignettes, and evidence of foundational design strategies. 

Students who receive an evaluation average of 1 or less will be required to submit a revised portfolio following the end of their second year to demonstrate improvement in areas of concern or deficiencies. The second evaluation will be conducted by a separate committee comprised of the First Year Coordinator and members of the Second-Year faculty and the Director of Student Affairs and Advising. This committee will recommend and advise the students of any areas of concern. 

Method of Evaluation

Each instructor will complete the FYPR rubric during their final presentation at the end of the Fall and Spring semester. The rubric will use a scale of 0-2 (with + and – ):

2 = Meets Expectations 
1 = Meets Expectations with Deficiencies 
0 = Does Not Meet Expectations 

 

Evidence of Design Communication Objectives

  • SLO_1 Evidence and examples of Freehand Drawing
    [In situ sketching, notational sketching, proportioning strategies]
  • SLO_2 Evidence of Model-Making Skills 
    [Physical crafting of study and presentation models]
  • SLO_3 Evidence of Orthographic Projection
    [Understanding of plan, section, elevation and plan obliques conventions, use of line weights, graphic notations of scale, section cuts, orientation]
  • SLO_4 Introduction to Digital Craftsmanship and Model-Making
    [Understanding and use of digital software for orthographic projections and 3-D digital modeling]
  • SLO_5 Introduction to Digital Documentation
    [Understanding of Adobe PhotoShop, Illustrator, InDesign]
  • SLO_6 Evidence of Foundational Design Strategies
    [Generation of design Intentions through sketching, modeling, and orthographic projections; Understanding of introductory formal ordering principles ]