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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become a major?

To major in Fine Arts Studio, you need to submit a portfolio of work done in Fine 120 and Fine 121. You also need to have either taken or be currently enrolled in Fine 112. Portfolios are adjudicated by the Fine Arts Department faculty late February/early March. Those wishing to major in Art History or Film Studies should see their instructor, and speak to the undergraduate advisor.

How can I use the Slide Library?

The slide library is located in room 1216, and is open from 9:00am until 4:30pm Monday through Friday, and is closed one hour each day for lunch. If an assignment in one of your Fine Arts courses requires you to use the slide collection, observe the following regulations:

  • Consult Jean Stevenson for help and advice in finding slides.
  • Remember that slides are for use in Fine Arts courses only and do not leave the library except for class time.
  • Replace any slide pulled with a card indicating clearly your name and course for which the slide is being used.
  • Leave selected slides in boxes or carousels on the "reserved" shelves, marked with your name and course number. Leave a list of slides with the carousel or box.

Where and how do I find art books in the Arts Library?

The Dana Porter Arts Library maintains an excellent collection of books on Fine Arts. The majority of these are located on the 8th floor, although film and photography books are mostly housed on the 10th floor. For help in using this collection, contact the Fine Arts Librarian, Michelle Laing, at extension 5135.

How can I use the studios and workshop?

Studios and workshop facilities are provided for the purpose of carrying out assigned projects, and their use is restricted to students enrolled in Fine Arts studio courses. All students must complete WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training at the University of Waterloo. In addition, all studio majors, at the second year or above, are required to complete workshop tool safety instruction in order to have access to the studios and to the workshop. The workshop is available to currently enrolled and trained students to use to complete work for Fine Arts Department courses, at the second year level or beyond. The workshop is open from 9:30 to 12:30 and from 1:30 to 3:30 Monday through Friday. You must provide and use your own personal safety equipment.

Can I use the building at night or on weekends?

Students are encouraged to work in the studios outside of regular class hours, as long as the classroom is not in use. The building is normally unlocked each day at about 8:30am and locked at about 10:00pm Monday through Thursday and at about 6:00pm on Friday nights. You will be given a code that will allow you to access the building outside of these times. That code will open the side door near hallway 1522; individual classrooms also have coded locks - your instructors will give you the codes for these rooms. It is important that you not share these codes with others, and that you never block open the outside door.

What happens at the end of each term?

A clean-up date is set for each term, and is listed on your course outlines. All artwork, equipment and material must be removed from your workspace and lockers before that date. Any unused materials, tools, and artwork left in classrooms and lockers will be auctioned off by SOFA at the beginning of the fall term.

How can I show my work?

Aside from displays of class work in the halls, and occasional shows of undergraduate work in the gallery space, many opportunities are available for our students to show their work. Upper year students can apply for a group exhibition in the front Gallery; those interested should see Doug Kirton, early in the fall term. All students are also invited to join the faculty, staff and friends of the department in participating in the annual miniature sale, held at the end of November.

What does the Fine Arts Film Society do?

From time to time, the Film Society sponsors and organizes showings of films from countries whose films are rarely, if ever, seen in Canada. Many of the highly significant and memorable films screened by the Film Society have been North American premieres. See Jan Uhde for information about this year's plans.

What is SOFA?

SOFA (Society of Fine Artists) is your departmental student organisation. It raises money through its various activities to enhance student life. SOFA encourages each student to become involved; watch for announcements of their meetings. Elections to SOFA are held each year in March.

Can I earn money while studying?

If you are on OSAP, you may be employed on a work/study basis in the Fine Arts Department. See the Student Awards webpage or see one of the staff members for further information. The University of Waterloo Art Gallery offers both work/study and casual pay positions.

Can I study toward my UW Fine Arts Degree overseas?

Yes! The Arts Faculty of the University of Waterloo has established exchange programs with the University of Belfast and the University of Mannheim, among other institutions. Under the terms of this program, students can choose to study at any one of these institutions for a term or more. This gives students the opportunity to benefit from the exploration of visual arts in another cultural environment.

How do I avoid being charged with an academic offence?

Read "How to Avoid Plagiarism and Other Written Offences: A Guide for Students and Instructors", and carefully follow its guidelines. This very useful guide to avoiding these problems can be accessed here. It should be noted that instances of plagiarism are not confined to written assignments; submitting someone else's drawing, resubmitting work that was done in the past for another course, or handing in an unacknowledged copy of another person's work - all qualify as acts of plagiarism. Talk to your instructor if you have any questions.