Portfolio Policy
(Adopted Fall 2002; revised 11/10/23)
The Portfolio Reviews are the School’s main comprehensive exam for students who have been admitted into the graduate program. It is a test given to SACD students at two pivotal points in their academic path and used to determine if they are ready for the next stage in the architectural program. Portfolio Review is not based on a student’s grades, though a student must have a 3.0 GPA to submit. It is based solely on the portfolio’s contents. There is a separate portfolio review for students who are applying to enter into the graduate program.
Portfolio reviews help the faculty evaluate the progress of individual students and of the program as a whole. Only students whose portfolios are deemed passing will be eligible to progress to taking Advance Design Studios (first portfolio) and be admitted into the Master's Project Planning course (second portfolio). Student portfolios are also used to determine the granting of scholarships and awards. Further, these portfolios aid students in obtaining part-time and long-term employment.
The National Architectural Accrediting Board, the NAAB, establishes criteria for student learning outcomes. These outcomes are developed and assessed by the program on a recurring basis.
The School of Architecture & Community Design's portfolio policy is as indicated below.
A. Every student must maintain a bound portfolio recording their work undertaken in the school for every academic term. This portfolio must include, but is not limited to, the following:
- Design projects from each studio course, identified by course name, by instructor, and by the year and semester taken.
- Visual documentation must be accompanied by a project title and a written description.
- The required text should comprise of 200 to 500 words per project and should describe both the Full attribution of authorship must be given to collaborators on all group projects documented in the assignment and the student's own concept.
- Keep the focus on the work. Do not include random travel images, for example.
- OPTIONAL:
- Visual and written documentation from studio-like elective courses
- Other evidence of creative or scholarly accomplishments within or beyond formal academic requirements.
B. In order for the faculty to review and assess student progress, portfolios will be submitted and reviewed at least twice during each student's matriculation through the program. First, after completion of Core Design Studios I – III, and second, prior to admission into the Master's Project Planning cours