Navigating the Academy of Art University Academic Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide

The Academy of Art University, a proprietary institution in San Francisco, California, offers a wide array of programs in art and design. Understanding the academic calendar and associated policies is crucial for prospective and current students. This article provides a detailed overview of the academic calendar, graduation requirements, leave of absence and withdrawal procedures, transfer credit policies, and other essential information.

Academy of Art University: An Overview

Founded in 1929, the Academy of Art University provides associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees across various disciplines. These include fine arts, acting, advertising, animation, architecture, fashion, film and television, game design, illustration, industrial design, interior design, photography, Web design, and new media. The university enrolls approximately 18,000 students, with a significant international student population comprising about one-third of the total enrollment. Admission is noncompetitive, making it accessible to a broad range of aspiring artists and designers. The academic calendar is divided into semesters, providing a structured framework for academic pursuits.

Graduation Requirements for MFA and CFA Students

Master of Fine Arts (MFA) and Certificate of Fine Arts (CFA) students must fulfill specific requirements before commencement to graduate. Any student who fails to fulfill the requirements by the deadline will not graduate and will not participate in the commencement ceremony. Once all graduation requirements are fulfilled, the students will receive their diploma and officially graduate.

Auditing Courses

Current Academy students have the option to audit courses within their program of study. While audit courses allow students to attend classes regularly and participate in in-class activities and assignments, they do not confer credit or affect the GPA. The grade for an audit course is “AUD.” Participation in out-of-class assignments should be discussed with the faculty. Students must attend classes regularly according to the Academy’s attendance policy and the faculty’s requirements.

Leave of Absence

The Academy’s policies and procedures regarding a leave of absence are detailed in the Student Handbook. Applications for a leave of absence must be submitted to the Registrar for processing. A leave of absence may be granted for up to one year.

Non-Medical Leave

Requests for non-medical leave (for personal or professional matters) must be submitted to the Registrar before the end of the semester preceding the intended leave. Approval from the Faculty Committee is also required. A formal notice of return must be received by the Registrar before the end of the semester immediately preceding the requested return to the Academy. Students that take a leave of absence from the Academy may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that they have received or were scheduled to receive. Students should refer to the Academy’s Federal Return of Title IV Funds Policy (R2T4) and the Withdrawal, Refund and R2T4 Policies & Procedures Section in the Student Handbook.

Medical Leave

Students who need to interrupt their studies due to illness may be granted a medical leave of absence. This requires the approval of the Faculty Committee and a written recommendation from a physician. Students on medical leave are not eligible for financial aid, including loans, and are not permitted to use Academy facilities and resources. Before returning, a student on medical leave must secure and submit to the Registrar written permission to return from a physician who can vouch for the student’s ability to resume studies in the Academy setting.

Withdrawal Procedures

The Academy uses the term "withdraw" to formally indicate that a student has dropped one or more courses within a given semester. Withdrawing from the Academy entirely is different than dropping classes. A withdrawal is completed in consultation with the Provost and the Faculty Committee. To officially withdraw from the Academy, a student must submit the Academy’s Withdrawal Request Form to the Registrar after consultation with the Provost and the Faculty Committee. The Registrar records the exit date and reason on their academic record in the Academy’s registration software and keeps a copy of the Withdrawal Request Form in their academic file. A statement indicating withdrawal from the Academy will be added to the student’s transcript.

Depending on the date of withdrawal, the student may be entitled to a pro-rated refund of tuition. Students that withdraw from the Academy may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV funds that they have received or were scheduled to receive. It is crucial to refer to the Academy’s Federal Return of Title IV Funds Policy (R2T4) and the Withdrawal, Refund and R2T4 Policies & Procedures Section in the Student Handbook.

Federal Return of Title IV Funds Policy (R2T4)

Title 34 CFR 668.22 of the Higher Education Act mandates that institutions determine the amount of federal financial aid (Title IV programs) a student has earned at the time of withdrawal. The Title IV programs covered by this law include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs), Federal Direct Stafford Loans, Federal Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Perkins Loans.

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When a student withdraws during the payment period or period of enrollment, a specific federal formula determines the amount of Title IV program assistance earned up to the withdrawal date. If the student received less assistance than the amount earned, they may be eligible for additional funds as a post-withdrawal disbursement.

Transfer of Credits

The Academy rarely accepts the transfer of credits from other institutions. This is due to the unique, designated sequence in which the Academy’s curriculum is structured to carry out its mission of presenting a rigorous, specific and traditional skill set in the first year of study. The determination made by the U.S. Secretary of Education is not on its own sufficient for the transfer of credits into the Academy’s programs.

In the rare instances when the Academy has accepted the transfer of credits from other institutions, the faculty and administration have maintained strict policies to assure that the overall educational experience of the transferring student is at least equal in quality to that of the student completing all of his or her work at the Academy. These policies include a rigorous examination of the incoming portfolio to determine the student’s potential to achieve amongst peers who entered the program through the normal admission cycle and successfully completed technical skill-based coursework, as well as developing a thorough knowledge of the program from which the transferring student wishes to leave.

Students accepted into the Academy’s programs may request transfer credit for relevant courses completed at regionally accredited institutions. Transfer of credit is subject to the approval of the Admissions Committee.

Accreditation and Student Achievement

The Academy of Art University is accredited with a Notice of Concern, reflecting the Commission's finding that the institution, while it currently meets WSCUC Standards, is in danger of being found out of compliance with one or more Standards. Each institution is assigned a staff liaison who is their primary point of contact for accreditation activities.

WSCUC Standards require that institutions regularly generate, evaluate, and make public data about student achievement, including measures of retention and graduation, and evidence of student learning.

Academic Programs and Facilities

The Academy offers over 120 art and design programs, catering to various skill levels and career aspirations. Whether changing careers, testing the waters, or pursuing a degree, the Academy provides hands-on, fast-moving education tailored to individual needs. The curriculum focuses on sharpening skills, working on real projects, and building a portfolio that showcases practical abilities.

Film and Media

The film program offers real films and real credits, training students with Pixar pros and studio veterans in a STEM-designated environment. Students learn core skills in art, software, and storytelling, with in-depth training in CG, 2D, 3D, stop-motion, modeling, rigging, and lighting. StudioX provides a real-world training ground for film and TV work.

Interior Architecture & Design

The School of Interior Architecture & Design offers a CIDA-accredited, STEM-designated program that teaches students to create transformative interiors. The curriculum covers fundamentals to full commercial projects, with hands-on experience in 2D- and 3D-design, BIM, and visualization tools. Sustainability is a key focus, integrating eco-conscious materials and resource-saving strategies.

Fashion

At the School of Fashion, students work with world-class mentors to master sewing, pattern making, and AI fashion tech. The program covers design, merchandising, styling, journalism, and product development, with hands-on projects including runway shows, press launches, and sustainability strategies.

Online Education

The Academy’s 24/7 online classes offer the same award-winning pros and industry-tested curriculum as the San Francisco campus. These classes are designed for beginners, with no prior experience required, and cater to students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. International students can start art and design classes while building language skills through the English for Artists Program (EAP).

Facilities

The Academy provides extensive facilities for its students. Fine art and jewelry students have access to personal studios, while filmmakers and photographers can borrow cameras and lights for free. Designers, architects, and fashion students can utilize materials libraries. Painting facilities include full-time anatomy studios and a multimedia room, equipped with easels, tabarets, model stands, spotlights, cleaning stations, and painting storage racks. The prop room is well-stocked with fabrics and props for reference. The Academy also has eight soundstages, fully equipped with lighting grids, and a metal shop supporting a full range of fabrication processes, including welding. The lab is fully equipped for screen printing with more than 700 silkscreens, repeat yardage tables, U.V.

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