University of Saskatchewan Certificate of Art & Design (USCAD)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is USCAD?

USCAD is a Certificate of Attendance Program that is designed to help you build skills, confidence and understanding in the visual arts. All courses are structured into a programmed approach that develops incremental skills and culminates witha portfolio review and final exhibition. Once successfully completed, you will be granted a University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Certificate of Attendance.

USCAD is for you if:

1. You don’t want to pursue a degree but do want to develop skills in art and design
2. You don’t want to leave Saskatchewan to enroll in an art and design college
3. You want to take a program that will prepare you for formal education in the arts and want to develop a portfolio before entering degree-level studies
4. You are a non-credit art student who would like formal acknowledgement for your studies
5. You are a non-credit art student who prefers structured learning environments where courses are linked and knowledge is enhanced through continuity.

Please contact our office for more information

What is “General Interest”?

General Interest students are those who are taking classes that are offered through the USCAD program but are not registered as certificate students. General Interest students do not receive grades for their coursework and are not applying classes toward credit for a certificate.

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What does a typical USCAD class look like in terms of student body and enrolment numbers?

USCAD is flexibly designed to accommodate all kinds of learners—from the novice to the mature student. A typical class may have a few recent high school graduates who are working on their portfolios, some new retirees who are exploring their passion in art, and a wide-range of people in between. Class sizes are small—usually less than 10 or 15 people. Small class sizes help ensure that you have one-on-one time with your instructor and will help to foster a collaborative learning environment where you can easily connect with fellow students.

Please contact our office for more information
 

What if I want to take art classes but don’t want to enroll in the certificate program?

Anyone can take USCAD courses for General Interest. Just pick what you want from the program list. Make sure that you match the experience level and/or have any required course prerequisites. There is always a mix of certificate and non-certificate students in every class. If at some point you reconsider and want to apply courses that you’ve already taken toward a certificate, you will be given an opportunity to do so. Information is provided in the sections on Transfers from General Interest to USCAD and/or Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR).  

Please feel free to talk to your instructor or program staff to learn more about the USCAD program and to find out if a certificate is right for you. 

What if I want to transfer from General Interest to the USCAD Certificate Program?

The USCAD Certificate programis designed to be as flexible as possible. We realize that you may want to test-drive a course before you commit, so you will be given an opportunity to apply to the certificate program before your course is over. Should you choose to apply, the course that you have been taking will be credited, providing that the evaluation and admission requirements are met.

If you have taken several courses for general interestand decide that you want to transfer into the certificate program, providing that the transfer to USCAD occurs within 6 months after completing your course(s), you can apply to USCAD and submit a fee to have your coursework evaluated. Course Evaluation Fees are $70/course. 

After six months, you may still transfer from General Interestinto USCAD, but you will need to go through the Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR) process.

Please contact our office for more information

What is Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR)?

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a formal evaluation process where you can get credit for what you have already learned.

With USCAD, you may be able to obtain prior learning recognition from courses previously taken

• from the University of Saskatchewan or other post-secondary institutions,
• from the University of Saskatchewan Community Arts Program and General Interest courses, or
• from self-directed learning.

To apply for PLAR, you will need to

• download the PLAR Application Form,
• fill it out and submit it to the USCAD office along with the PLAR processing fee, and
• participate in an interview

You will also need to provide

• a portfolio of artwork (minimum of 10 pieces/maximum of 20),
• a written statement detailing why your previous study should be used for an exemption from certain USCAD coursework and how you plan to apply what you have already learned (2 word-processed pages - font/times: size/12 - double spaced), and
• a record/list of previous visual art and design courses (institutional documentation if possible).

Documents will be reviewed and we will provide you with details regarding your interview date, time and location. You will also be notified (in writing) of your PLAR standing and course exemptions in a timely matter so we can quickly facilitate the USCAD Applicationapproval and course registration process.

PLAR can be applied to an exemption of up to but not over an equivalent to 117 Credit Hours of study or 3 courses. PLAR cannot be applied to USCAD portfolio reviews, interviews, Open Project Courses, Educational Travel, manageculture.com, Final Project Course, oral defense or exhibition. PLAR also cannot be used to exempt the student from all courses in any one major stream course area.

Application and fee payments for PLAR are accepted on a continuous basis. No deadlines apply. 

Please contact our office for more information

What are the USCAD admission requirements?

Please set up an appointment with the USCAD Program Manager to discuss admission requirements in greater detail. If you have questions about your abilities or require assistance with the program application and course decisions, please contact the USCAD Office. 

Regular Admission

Applicants must be 17 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent and submit a completed application formalong with the non-refundable $50 Admission Fee. Exceptions may be made for high-school students who demonstrate maturity and a strong aptitude for art. 

Special or Mature Admission

Applicants must be 21 years of age or older, have a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, recognized artist, or person with similar qualifications (who has known them for a at least two years) and submit an application form along with the non-refundable $50 Admission Fee. 

Probationary Admission

Applicants who would not qualify for admission based on the above two categories can register through PLAR or as a General Interest (non-certificate) student. For the latter, you must register in two Core Courses and apply to have your coursework evaluated.  If an average grade of 75% is achieved, you will have met admission requirements.

Please contact our office for more information

What if I want to withdraw from the Certificate Program?

You may withdraw from the USCAD certificate program at any time without penalty of failure. To do so, you will need to first fill out the Withdrawal Form and submit it to the USCAD Office. In doing so, your status will officially be recognized as Withdrawal Incomplete.

You will also need to let your instructor(s) know that you plan to withdraw so that your status can be properly recorded on your class record. By doing so, in the event that you decide to return to the program, your completed and evaluated coursework can still be counted toward the certificate. If the Withdrawal Form is not submitted, you will receive a Fail status and will have to undergo the PLAR process should you ever decide to re-enter USCAD.

Please contact our office for more information

What if I want to withdraw from a Course?

You may withdraw from a course at any time. You will need to submit a Course Withdrawal Notification Formto the USCAD Office. A $50 withdrawal fee will be levied if you withdraw from a course up to 2 weeks prior to the course start date. Remaining course funds are returned upon presentation of the original receipt. Please review our withdrawal policy for details.

What happens if I have to miss a class?  Are there make-up classes?

There are no make-up classes. However, we realize that sometimes there are circumstances beyond a person’s control and in such cases; we will try to accommodate you. Please contact the USCAD Office if you are going to miss more than 3 classes.

Can I transfer from one course into another?

Yes. Should you wish to transfer from one course to another, you may do so providing that the transfer happens before the third week of the course session. Transfers will not be processed after this time. You will need to submit a Transfer Application Formto the USCAD office and a $50 administration fee will be charged. Transfers are not applicable to weekend classes and can only be done within the same calendar year (May 1 – April 30).  If you transfer and then decide not to take the course there is no refund of either the course fee or the administration fee. Please contact our office for more information

How many courses are required to complete the USCAD Certificate?

You will need to complete a minimumof 429 credit hours of study and receive a minimum overall grade average of 75% to obtain the USCAD certificate. This includes:

• Six foundation courses (234 credit hours)
• Two major stream courses (78 credit hours)
• A minimum of two electives (78 credit hours)
• And a Final Project Course and Exhibition (39 credit hours)

Fall and winter courses are delivered on campus for 13 weeks (average of 3 hours/week), concurrent with the U of S Academic Calendar. Some courses are delivered through weekend workshops. Spring courses are delivered on campus during May and June.

Once all Core, Major Stream and Elective Courses are complete, you will undergo a graduating portfolio review and interview to get approval to enroll in the compulsory Final Project Course, which finishes with an exhibition and oral defense (39 credit hours).

Once you have successfully completed all 11 courses, the portfolio review and the exhibition and oral defense, you will be ready for graduation.

Please contact our office for more information

How long will it take to complete the USCAD program? Can I study on a part-time or full-time basis?

Depending on whether you are enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis, you can complete the program in as little as 1 year and up to a maximum of 5 years.

Full time students can register in the fall and complete 10 courses throughout fall, winter and spring terms. The project course and exhibition can be completed during spring and summer terms.

Part-time students need to complete a minimum of 2 courses per year in the first 4 years of the program. The remaining 2 courses, the project course and exhibition will need to be completed in the 5th and final year.

Part-time study will give you flexibility (with approval of program staff), but all courses must be completed by the 5th year. Part-time students are not allowed to take more than 5 courses plus their project course and exhibition in the 5th year. If you are not able to complete the program in 5 years and want an extension, you will need to submit a written explanation and detailed plan outlining how you plan to complete the program. Extensions are granted with approval from program staff.

If you do not complete the program within the maximum 5-year allocation and have not applied for an extension, you will need to submit your portfolio and a written statement detailing the circumstances. You will also need to reapply to the program and submit a prior learning assessment recognition application.

Please contact our office for more information

Are there any deadlines to register for USCAD courses?

There are no registration deadlines.You may register in any course at any time. However, since classes are small and many courses fill up, we strongly suggest that you register early.

How much do courses cost?

Fees vary based on how many hours a course runs. On average, most 39-hour courses are $325. Some exceptions apply. All course fees are listed on the Registration Form.

Is GST charged on courses?

There is no GST charged on USCAD and General Interest courses.

Are students issued a tax receipt?

A T2202A receipt will be mailed out for classes which meet tax guideline criteria, ie) class must be at least 3 weeks in duration with a minimum of 12 hours per month.

What other administrative fees exist?

USCAD administrative fees are as follow:

USCAD Admission—$50
Transcripts & copies—$15
Course Withdrawal—$50
Graduating Portfolio Review Course Evaluation—$250 
Prior Learning Assessment Recognition (PLAR)—$200 >> download form
USCAD Extension Application—$30

Will I have opportunities to show my work?

As part of the USCAD certificate program, you are encouraged to exhibit your work at the USCAD Instructors’ and Students’ art show, annually held at St. Thomas Moore Gallery on the University of Saskatchewan Campus. This show is an excellent first-step toward fulfilling your aspirations of becoming a practicing artist.

Other exhibit and sale opportunities include the University of Saskatchewan Arts Council (USAC) initiative. 

What is USAC?

USAC stands for the University of Saskatchewan Arts Council. It is a member council of the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC) and provides adjudication opportunities for Saskatchewan artists >> learn more

Is there a formal Graduation Ceremony?

Yes. Once you have successfully completed all required USCAD courses, the portfolio review and the exhibition and oral defense, you will be considered for graduation. Deadline to apply for graduation is June of each year. Once you are considered for graduation, you will be required to attend a Graduation Workshop that will go over the requirements for the graduating show. Graduation ceremonies are held during the Final Show Art Reception in August at the Gordon Snelgrove Gallery on the University of Saskatchewan Campus. You will need to first submit an Application for Graduation Form to receive the official USCAD Certificate of Attendance document.

Is parking available?

Yes. Parking is available at the meters behind the Williams Building (221 Cumberland Avenue) or on the street in front of the Williams Building on Cumberland Avenue.

You may also purchase a parking pass for the Williams Building parking lot, located behind the building and away from the meters.

Costs are as follow:

            Single evening class   $25 per term + GST (plus a $2 handling fee)

            Two or more classes   $50 per term + GST (plus a $2 handling fee)

Parking Passes for fall and winter evening classes are available for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday night and weekend parking is free. Parking for evening classes during the spring term (May and June) is also free.

Passes are not available for daytime parking because the parking lot is used for staff vehicles during office hours. If you are taking daytime classes, you can park at the meters located behind the Williams Building or on Cumberland Avenue.

How can I find out more about the USCAD program?

You are welcome to join us at any one of our USCAD information sessions offered in late-summer and early-winter. Information Sessions are held at the University of Saskatchewan Centre for Continuing & Distance Education in Room 118, Williams Building, 221 Cumberland Avenue North. Saskatoon. Please contact our office for the next information session date.

Questions?

Call Val Miles, Program Manager at 306.966.5530 or Carol Koch, Office Coordinator at 306.966.5574.
Email us at community.arts@usask.ca 

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