Frequently
Asked Questions
Prospective Students
What courses should I take in high school to prepare for architecture or
landscape architecture?
Pursue a rigorous high school academic schedule that includes honors
courses (if available), and take all Advanced Placement (A.P.) exams.
Take high
school art, drawing and design courses to help you develop your visual
thinking skills. These courses will be much better preparation than architectural
drafting courses which tend to emphasize purely mechanical skills.
Take high school math and science courses to prepare you for the required
Physics (two semesters) and advanced math (one semester). Trigonometry
and analysis courses are helpful in preparing for the landscape architecture
program. Take biology, geology, geography, and horticulture courses for
a better understanding of the natural environment.
Get into the habit of reading about, drawing, and looking at architecture
and landscape architecture.Is there a separate application for the School
of Architecture?
No. Students who are admitted to the University of Arkansas and declare
architecture or landscape architecture as a major are accepted into the
School. However, due to space constraints, we are limited to the number
of students we are able to place in the beginning design studios for
the fall spring rotation. Studio placement will be based on early application
deadlines, ACT/SAT scores, and high school grade point average.
Should I attend a School of Architecture campus visit?
Yes! Visiting the campus and the School will give you a better understanding
of the curricula in architecture and landscape architecture. It will
orient you with the campus and allow you to meet current faculty, students
and
staff in the School. You will be able to meet with an academic counselor
to discuss expectations and instructions for getting started in the School.
This is especially important if you are considering a transfer into the
program! To arrange a visit, contact the Advising Center at 479/575-2399.
Are scholarship and financial aid options available to me?
Absolutely! For University scholarship and financial aid information
visit the U of
A financial aid web site or contact the Scholarship office
at
479/575-4464 or the Office of Financial aid at 479/575-3806.
In addition to those offered by the University, the School of Architecture
offers up to four freshman scholarships each year. Submissions must be
received prior to April 15th for consideration.
Is it possible to transfer into the School of Architecture program?
Yes. Contact Melinda Smith at 479/575-2399 for information on transferring
into the School.
Current Students
How does the grading scale work?
Because the School of Architecture offers professional degrees in architecture
and landscape architecture, our grading scale is a +/- system….see
below
A = 4.00
A- = 3.67
B+ = 3.33
B = 3.00
B- = 2.67
C+ = 2.33
C = 2.00
C- = 1.67
D+ = 1.33
D = 1.00
D- = 0.67
F = 0.00
How do I check my grades/class schedule or get a schedule of classes?
Online! You may now access all this information by going to the following
web site: http://www.uark.edu/academic.html
How do I apply for grade forgiveness?
Students receiving a grade of “D” or “F” in any
course may apply for grade forgiveness by filing a written petition through
the Registrar’s office for the course. The petition must be completed
and approved prior to graduation!
When do I meet with my advisor for registration?
Students must meet with their academic advisor prior to registration
in order to obtain an advising number. Notification of scheduling period
is sent to the students via the School of Architecture student list
serve as well as being posted on the student info boards in Vol Walker
and
Memorial Hall.
Are scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to me?
Absolutely! For University scholarship and financial aid information,
visit the U of A financial aid web site, or contact the Scholarship
office at 479/575-4464 or the Office of Financial aid at 479/575-3806.
In addition to those offered by the University, the School of Architecture
offers a variety of scholarships for students studying in architecture,
landscape architecture or architectural studies. Scholarship applications
are available through the Advising Center and a Scholarship Fair
is held the third Monday in November. Deadline for applying for School
scholarships
is DECEMBER 1 annually for the following academic year
Alumni
How can I locate fellow graduates?
We're eager to connect old friends, but also wish to protect your
privacy. If you're interested in locating a classmate, please
contact Karen
Stair.
How can I make a donation to the School of Architecture, and
is it needed?
Contributions at all levels are very important to the School.
From funding student travel to bringing in distinguished lecturers,
alumni support
directly contributes to the high caliber of our programs. If
you
have any questions or would like additional information, please
contact Charlotte Taylor at chtaylo@uark.edu or
479/575-7384, or visit http://advancement.uark.edu/depts/advancement/giving.html.
How can I stay involved with the School of Architecture?
We welcome your involvement! Opportunities are available to
join the Professional Advisory Board or the Dean's Circle,
or to share
your
expertise with students. You also may contribute by hosting
an event in your home
or office, or by helping to organize a class reunion. For
more information, contact Karen Stair.
Resources
Will I need my own computer and, if so, what are the basic
requirements needed to complete School of Architecture
projects and coursework?
You will need your own computer at the start of the spring
semester of 2nd year studio, when digital tools are introduced
into the
curriculum. Your professors will provide a list of computer
specifications in
the fall of your 2nd year; we recommend that you wait until
then to purchase
one. Visit the archlabs site for more information on computer
requirements.
Does the School provide computers for students who haven't
yet purchased their own?
In an effort to make advanced computer technology available
for all faculty and students the School of Architecture
maintains two laboratory
facilities
accessible 24 hours a day for design work, research and
coursework. The labs provide access to two- and three-dimensional
computer
aided design
and modeling software, digital manufacturing software,
and programs
for animation, image processing and graphical layout.
The labs also provide
access to equipment such as flatbed scanners, color inkjet
printers, and high-quality, large format color plotters.
The lab staff
holds office hours daily to answer technology related
questions and assist
users with
hardware and software. For more information on computer
resources visit the Visualization Lab site.
What does the Media Center have to offer students?
Slides and videos related to modern architecture, architectural
history, landscape architecture and the arts are available
for overnight check-out,
and current issues of major architecture journals are
available for browsing.
Two slide scanners, a small flat bed scanner, image editing
software, and a fully-equipped studio for photographing
work are available
by making a reservation.
Digital cameras, 35 mm cameras, and 8mm and VHS video
cameras are available for student check-out. The Center
also has
a PC laptop,
two digital
projectors and a desktop PC/projector unit available
for student presentations. However, you will need to
contact
the Media
Center to reserve the equipment
in advance. For more information visit the C. Murray
Smart Media Center site.
Where can I build models and projects?
Located in Vol Walker Hall, the Materials Lab is staffed
by one full-time technician and is available to students
and faculty
for design, coursework,
and research projects. The facility includes a workshop
that provides access to numerous power tools, hand
tools, and
a computer
numerically
controlled (CNC) router. For more information visit
the Materials Lab site.
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