1 DS MFA Studio Guidelines & Policies

By virtue of being enrolled in the Human Ecology MFA: Design Studies program, MFA students agree to the MFA Studio Guidelines & Policies outlined below.

1. Studios are assigned to students for the duration of their time as an actively enrolled, full-time graduate student. In order to be eligible for a studio, you must be enrolled for credits through the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as a full-time student (taking a minimum of 8 credits each semester). Continuing students who are actively enrolled for the upcoming fall semester do not need to take summer credits. Departing and graduating students must enroll for 2 departmental studio credits during the summer session to keep their studios through the summer (this is for your final summer semester only).
2. Students are limited to six semesters of studio occupancy (including summers in between the 2nd and 3rd year). After six semesters of studio occupancy, a graduate student is only eligible for a studio assignment once all other students have been accommodated. Students are not eligible for studio space after they have graduated.
3. Priority is given to MFA students.
4. Students will work together with the graduate faculty advisor to divide the space equally. The Graduate Studio Coordinator will reassign space if this policy is not followed.
5. Students may not switch studios with each other without approval of the MFA Coordinator. The movement of studios should not occur while classes are in session unless under special situations.
6. Studios are assigned for the production of art/design work only. Studio may not be used as a storage space. Studio may not be opened up to the public for sales, exhibitions, etc. Studio may not be used to conduct office hours. Studio may not be used for living (no beds, cots, or other items).
7. If students are meeting with their advisor, they should email the other students at least 24 hours in advance. Students should respectfully use headphones to minimize distractions while a studio meeting is in progress.
8. Studios are shared educational facilities. Students should consider not only their own needs, but also adopt procedures that are conducive to the productivity of everyone else who is assigned to the building. Please respect your studio mates and use headphones when listening to music.
9. Studio space must be used for significant production and the MFA Studio Coordinator will make periodic inspections to assure the space is being properly used.
10. Studio privileges are contingent on proper use and maintenance including being considerate of your neighbors. Failure to comply with regulations may result in disciplinary action.
    1. Violations should be reported in writing to the Graduate Studio Coordinator, whom will discuss with the DS Graduate Committee.
    2. Inspections will be made periodically.
11. Use of studios must be in compliance with university fire and safety regulations.
    1. Keep all doors to the outside closed and locked at all times. Do not prop open doors.
    2. Do not place your furniture, work or your supplies in the hallways, in entry/exit areas, or in basements.
    3. Use only three prong extension cords and do not run cords across doorways.
    4. Be good neighbors with other departments and university staff assigned to the same or neighboring buildings.
    5. No aerosols, spray paint, or hazardous materials and processes are not allowed in the studios.
12. Studios are subject to all other university regulations. You may lose studio privileges if you violate University regulations on University property. For example: Smoking is not allowed in any campus building. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in any studio facility.
13. Students must report any unsafe situations to BITS along with the MFA Studio Coordinator. Additional campus phone numbers that may be helpful.
    1. Campus Police: Non-Emergency (608)264-COPS, Emergency: 911
    2. SAFEwalk/SAFEride: (608) 262-5000
    3. For maintenance problems contact BITS (608-265-0534)
    4. Do not contact Physical Plant
14. The University, SoHE or any faculty member are not responsible if you hurt yourself working in your studio. Workers compensation is not applicable.
15. Neither the Design Studies Department nor the University is responsible for loss or damage to your personal property. Any personal property you keep in your studio is kept there at your own risk.
16. At the end of your occupancy, it is your responsibility to clean out the studio and to make any repairs necessary in order to return the studio to as good or better a condition as it was in when you accepted it. Do not leave any materials behind.
17. State law does not allow pets and animals in any state facility except seeing eye dogs.
18. No bikes are allowed in the studio facilities.
19. These rules will be periodically updated. The DS Graduate Program Committee (GPC), in consultation with the MFA Studio Coordinator, is responsible for setting graduate studio policy and resolving studio assignments.

Studio Check Out

At the end of the 6th semester, all MFA students will be required to be completely moved out by two weeks after the commencement.