Chapter 1 / Academic Information

Calendar

Season production shows are posted on SPA webpage calendar which is found on the current student page.

Academic calendar information can be found on myWSU.

Degrees

We offer the following degrees and certificates:

BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) in:

BA (Bachelor of Arts) in:

Theatre

Minors:

Dance
Musical Theatre
Theatre

Certificates:

Stage Management
Directing
Commercial Dance
Physical Performance Studies

Curriculum

SPA General Education consists of 42 total credit hours:

12 credit hours-of Foundation Courses: ENGL 101 and 102, COMM 111, and MATH 111 or 131
21 cr.hrs. of Introductory level courses in specific areas
9 cr.hrs. of Further Study and Issues & Perspective courses

Always check with your Academic Advisor for specific requirements.

SPA Core curriculum for all degrees consists of 8 total credit hours:

Student Eligibility

Performance Roles, Production Leadership (including design, technical & management assignments) & Travel

To be eligible for any Performance Role, Production Leadership (including Design, Technical & Management Assignments) and Travel, students must:

• In their first two semesters, Freshmen, Sophomores & all Transfer students must illustrate potential for academic success by maintaining at least a 2.5 overall GPA in all coursework.
• Juniors and Seniors must have a minimum MAJOR GPA of 3.0.
• Enroll in at least 6 credit hours in MAJOR courses each semester at Wichita State University.
• Complete all four general education foundation courses (English 101, English 102, Math, & Public Speaking) before enrolling in any SPA capstone course(s).

Note 1: Individual programs may have additional specific requirements.  See the Program Director for more details.

Note 2: Other arrangements may be considered at the discretion of the Program Director.

Note 3: Not meeting the minimum GPA requirements at the end of the Fall semester may negatively impact consideration for travel in the Spring semester and performance roles and production leadership in the following Fall semester.

Note 4: Not meeting the minimum GPA requirements at the end of the Spring semester may negatively impact consideration for travel, performance roles, and production leadership in the following Fall semester.

Note 5: Off-campus performances and production work (non-SPA productions) should never overlap your obligations during SPA productions.  Always consult a faculty member before accepting a non-SPA assignment.

Scholarships

To be considered for scholarships, students must:

• Illustrate potential for academic success by maintaining at least a 2.5 WSU GPA in all coursework. Additional need-based requirements and other academic standing may be necessary for specific scholarships.
• Maintain any and all program specific service requirements. See Program Director for additional details.
• Submit a renewal application every year regardless of scholarship guidelines.

Student Travel

Eligibility across the school requires: good academic standing; active participation in the program; ability to partially fund their trip; and maturity to represent WSU and SPA as a student ambassador while traveling. For specific requirements see: Student Eligibility above

Advising

Students have two advisors during their academic career—a Faculty Advisor and an Academic Advisor.  Assignment to a Faculty Advisor is usually done during the first or second semester.

• Faculty Advisors help guide you towards your professional career; assist with major course selections, advancement & placement, career counseling; and recital/exhibition/jury information.
• Academic Advisors will oversee your adherence to degree requirements; help with General Education selections; enter clearance for enrollment; assist with Drop/Add’s and enrollment; liaison with other campus resources; create your Strategic Enrollment Plan (SEP); complete final degree audit for graduation.

OneStop

Enrollment

• Course schedule is available online in early March and early October.
• Look at your DegreeWorks degree evaluation and your Strategic Enrollment Plan (SEP) to determine what classes you need and begin planning your next semester schedule on the Registration Worksheet.
• Schedule your Faculty Advising appointment in March/April or Oct/Nov.
• You will take your completed Registration Worksheet to your Faculty Advising appointment. Your advisor needs to sign it after discussion.
• Be sure to list all information including CRN’s and Days/Times of classes.
• After you have a completed, signed Registration Worksheet, schedule a time to meet with the Academic Advisor who will review your degree audit and clear you to enroll – you can enroll while at this appointment.

Degree Audits

Student Enrollment Plans (SEP)

Application for Degree (AFD)

FERPA

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. 

Assessment

Student assessments measure a student’s progress in their field of study and provide feedback for further development. Academic standing, skill development, and professionalism, are evaluated during assessments. Refer to each program area for specific program information.