Graduate Program Handbook

Graduate Program

Handbook - 2022/23

Theatre MFA

Reference this handbook to learn about the unique

policies, requirements, procedures, resources, and

norms for graduate students in the Theatre MFA

Programs

Last updated: April 21, 2022

Letter of Welcome

Welcome to Theatre UCF and our MFA Programs. This handbook will provide guidance and

reference policies that will be important to your UCF experience. Please read through the

handbook and become familiar with the contents. Many of your questions will be answered in

this handbook but the faculty is always available to help you navigate your time with us. With

many diverse programs under our MFA umbrella, this handbook provides a general overview for

all our MFA tracks—MFA in Acting, MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences and MFA in

Themed Experience. Each individual MFA track might have additional resources specific to their

requirements.

Table of Contents

Letter of Welcome .................................................................................................................................................. i

Navigating Policy and Resources at the University of Central Florida..................................................................... 1

How to Use This Handbook ........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.

Who to Contact for Questions................................................................................................................................... 2

Onboarding ............................................................................................................................................................... 3

Introduction/Overview Section ............................................................................................................................. 4

Complete Name of Degree ........................................................................................................................................ 4

College ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Department ............................................................................................................................................................... 4

Program Type ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Program Website ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Program Overview Narrative .................................................................................................................................... 5

Program Accreditation/Certification......................................................................................................................... 5

Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies .............................................................................................................. 5

Student Expectations ................................................................................................................................................ 6

Program Professional Conduct/Ethics Statement ..................................................................................................... 6

Professional Internships ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Advising/Mentoring .................................................................................................................................................. 7

Giving & Receiving Feedback .................................................................................................................................... 8

Program Costs and Fees ............................................................................................................................................ 8

Organizational Chart ................................................................................................................................................. 8

Program Assessment ................................................................................................................................................ 9

How to Get Involved .................................................................................................................................................. 9

In Our Discipline ................................................................................................................................................... 9

In Our Program/Department................................................................................................................................ 9

Curriculum Section .............................................................................................................................................. 10

Admission Requirements ......................................................................................................................................... 10

Degree Requirements.............................................................................................................................................. 12

Practicum ................................................................................................................................................................ 16

Independent Study .................................................................................................................................................. 16

Other Program Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 16

Sample Plan of Study/Course Sequence/Completion Timeline ............................................................................... 17

Statement of Graduate Research ............................................................................................................................ 18

iii

Examination Section ............................................................................................................................................ 21

Comprehensive Exam

Thesis and Dissertation Section ........................................................................................................................... 22

Master’s Thesis – Overview..................................................................................................................................... 22

Master’s Thesis – Committees ................................................................................................................................ 23

Master's Thesis – Enrollment .................................................................................................................................. 23

Master's Thesis – Request for Thesis Project Approval ........................................................................................... 24

Master's Thesis – Written Document ...................................................................................................................... 24

Master’s Thesis – Defense ....................................................................................................................................... 25

Program and Institutional Policies ....................................................................................................................... 26

Absences ................................................................................................................................................................. 26

Conduct/Integrity .................................................................................................................................................... 26

Academic Standards ............................................................................................................................................... 27

Accommodations .................................................................................................................................................... 29

Annual Review ........................................................................................................................................................ 30

Appeals/Grievances ................................................................................................................................................ 30

Communication ....................................................................................................................................................... 30

Continuous Enrollment ............................................................................................................................................ 31

Disability Statement ................................................................................................................................................ 31

Dismissal/Discipline ................................................................................................................................................ 32

Diversity Statement ................................................................................................................................................. 32

Enrollment in Thesis Hours ...................................................................................................................................... 34

Golden Rule ............................................................................................................................................................. 34

Harassment ............................................................................................................................................................. 34

Plagiarism ............................................................................................................................................................... 35

Probation ................................................................................................................................................................ 35

Satisfactory Progress .............................................................................................................................................. 35

Time Limits to Degree Completion .......................................................................................................................... 36

Transfer Credit ........................................................................................................................................................ 36

Turnitin/Ithenticate ................................................................................................................................................. 36

Other Relevant Program/Institutional Policies ....................................................................................................... 37

Additional Program Details .................................................................................................................................. 39

Financial Aid Funding .............................................................................................................................................. 39

Graduate Assistantship Details ............................................................................................................................... 39

Professional Development ...................................................................................................................................... 43

Graduation Requirements ....................................................................................................................................... 44

Job Search and Career Pathways ............................................................................................................................ 45

Student Associations ............................................................................................................................................... 45

Graduate Student Center ........................................................................................................................................ 45

Graduate Research Forum/Symposium .................................................................................................................. 46

Forms ...................................................................................................................................................................... 46

Useful Links/Resources............................................................................................................................................ 46

Graduate Faculty .................................................................................................................................................... 47

Navigating Policy and Resources at the University of Central

Florida

How to Use This Handbook

This handbook is one of many sources to consult as you become familiar with the policies,

procedures, requirements, resources, and norms of graduate education at the University of

Central Florida.

Who to Contact for Questions

Many of your questions about how to meet expectations and thrive as a graduate student will be

answered by the various sources of policies, procedures, requirements, resources, and norms

listed in this document. Several key positions in this department and on campus are ready to

answer your remaining questions. In addition, each graduate program will have at least one

department staff person typically called a Graduate Program Director who serves as a point

person for program policy and procedures. Graduate Program Directors are well versed in most

elements of graduate education that extend beyond academic instruction in your program and

will likely be your first stop for questions related to anything in this handbook.

Michael Wainstein, School Director, Coordinator of MFA in Acting.

Michael.wainstein@ucf.edu

Julia Listengarten, Graduate Program Director, Artistic Director. [email protected]

Vandy Wood, Coordinator of MFA in TYA. [email protected]

Peter Weishar, Coordinator of MFA in Themed Experience. Peter.Weisha[email protected]

Earl Weaver, Coordinator, MA in Musical Theatre, Earl.Weav[email protected]

Keith Koons, Associate Director, School of Performing Arts, Advisor for Student Advisory

Board, [email protected]

Carla Gripp, Head of Graduate Programs, College of Arts and Humanities, [email protected]

Lauren Becker, Academic Support Coordinator, [email protected]

Graduate Program Director

Each graduate program has one faculty member designated to direct its educational vision and

structure. Julia Listengarten serves in this capacity.

Names and contact information of your Graduate Program Director and as well as Area

Coordinator of your respective graduate track can be found on your program’s page in the

Graduate Catalog. Simply navigate to the Programs tab in the catalog and then navigate to the

program name.

Graduate School Services

For general graduate inquiries and graduate student services from the Graduate School, please

review the College of Graduate Studies website as an additional resource.

Onboarding

Each graduate student will work with their area coordinator to become familiarized with specific

requirements during the onboarding process. Those processes will be explained through direct

communication from your coordinator.

Introduction/Overview Section

Complete Name of Degree

MFA In Theatre

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Department

Theatre UCF

Program Type

Master of Fine Arts

Program Website

https://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu/study/#theatregrad

Program Overview Narrative

Theatre MFA

Together, the Graduate Student Handbook and your graduate program handbook should serve as

your main guide throughout your graduate career. The Graduate Student Handbook includes

university information, policies, requirements and guidance for all graduate students. This

program handbook describes the details about graduate study and requirements in your specific

program. While both of these handbooks are wonderful resources, know that you are always

welcome to talk with faculty and staff in your program and in the College of Graduate Studies.

The MFA program in Theatre seeks to develop theatre artists of the highest quality by providing

a select number of graduate students with the training, education and experiences necessary for

the successful pursuit of professional careers in the Arts and Entertainment Industry.

• The MFA in Acting is a highly selective, rigorous professional training program

emphasizing both practical training and research. The curriculum is rooted in the fact

that classroom study and practical experience in the theatre are of equal and

complementary value. The assistantship in your first two years is intended to enhance

your career opportunities by providing you with further practical experience within

your profession while also assisting you with living expenses. The required

residency/internship component in the third year at Orlando Shakes will integrate the

UCF conservatory training and academic study within a well-established professional

theatre company and is a required part of your degree program.

• The MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences is a highly selective, rigorous professional

training program emphasizing both theatre for youth training and practice. The

TYA curriculum is rooted in the fact that classroom study and practical experience in

the theatre are of equal and complementary value. The production and education

programs at The Orlando Repertory Theatre are integrated into the curriculum. The

assistantship is intended to enhance your career opportunities by providing you with

further practical experience within your profession while also assisting you with

living expenses. The assistantship component with the Orlando Repertory Theatre

during the first 2 years will integrate the UCF training and academic study within a

well-established professional theatre company.

• The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre, Themed Experience track, prepares students to be

the next generation of creative leaders in the themed experience industry. The

program teaches the unique creative and production skills, process and concepts

utilized to design and produce themed environments such as theme parks, zoos,

aquariums, themed retail, dining, museums, virtual worlds and exhibitions.

Program Accreditation/Certification

All degrees within the theatre graduate program are accredited by the National Association of

Schools of Theatre.

Student Learning Outcomes/Competencies

The Theatre MFA program degrees are designed in such a way as to develop students’ research

and practical skills through various means of intellectual and artistic engagement. Through the

curriculum and artistic projects, students are challenged to develop their cultural, intellectual and

technical skills, analyze complex ideas, synthesize theoretical and practical concepts and venture

into cross-disciplinary environments. A wide range of research and practice-based projects

encourage students to foster their creativity, address larger cultural and political concerns,

develop new methodologies and experiment with cutting-edge technology. By applying

traditional and non-traditional approaches to theatre making, students further develop their

ability to collaborate within and across disciplines and communicate information and knowledge

they acquired in both traditional theatre settings and non-traditional artistic venues such as site-

specific performances or devised theatrical events. There has always been a desire among

graduate students to explore devised and self-created work and we support those projects, when

possible, by providing space and available resources.

Student Expectations

The breadth of competence is manifested through various theoretical and artistic collaborative

projects, in which each student develops a set of relationships with students from other graduate

tracks by creating a shared vocabulary across different fields of theatre such as performance,

dramaturgy, technical direction, lighting design, etc. The department offers a multitude of

opportunities to engage graduate theatre students in projects with students from other disciplines.

Opportunities include class related collaborative projects and performances produced in

collaboration with other departments or partnership organizations.

Students are engaged in a variety of academic and professional activities that train them to

become professionals. These activities include class-related projects in career development,

practicum and professional internship assignments, as well as professional, partnership-based

relationships which result in graduate students working as understudies for professional theatres

and fulfilling graduate assistantship responsibilities in various departments such as education,

grant writing, development, etc. The graduate programs are rooted in the belief that students

should be encouraged to acquire the career development and entrepreneurial techniques

necessary to advance themselves according to their area of specialization and their own career

objectives. Three examples include MFA TYA students working for the entirety of their study

time at the Orlando Rep, the MFA Acting students spending their third year in residence at the

Orlando Shakes, and MFA Themed Experience students doing a one-semester internship with

major themed experience venues throughout the city of Orlando.

The majority of graduate students with a GTA (Graduate Teaching Assistant) assignment in their

second and third years have opportunities to teach undergraduate theatre courses for both non-

theatre and theatre majors. During their first year, GTA students assist in a classroom while

being mentored by respective faculty members, thus gaining teaching experience. In preparation

for their teaching, graduate students are also required to attend a two-part teaching workshop at

the College of Graduate Studies--online and face-to-face. Furthermore, graduate students are

encouraged to develop their teaching techniques by participating in various training workshops

provided by the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning. Their teaching performance is

evaluated each semester by a faculty supervisor.

Program Professional Conduct/Ethics Statement

Attendance and Lateness

It is expected that all graduate students attend all classroom sessions. It is further expected that

all students arrive prior to the class start time. Each professor, through their syllabus, will outline

their specific lateness and absence policies. We take punctuality very seriously as part of your

training to function well in professional spaces after graduation. Turning in work on time,

attending classes, arriving on time and being present, staying off devices and respecting the

classroom environment is all part of that training.

Professional Internship

Each MFA program includes a professional internship as part of the degree.

The MFA in Acting requires 8 internship credit hours. The MFA in TYA and Themed

Experience, require a minimum of 6 credits with the option of taking up to 12 credits.

The MFA in Acting internship occurs in the third year and is a full-time commitment wherein

students work 6 days per week at the Orlando Shakes Theater. During the internship, students are

involved in classes, appearing in productions in roles and as understudies, and functioning as part

of the Orlando Shakes company.

The MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences requires students to complete a professional

internship as teaching artists, directors and in other artistic and/or educational capacity with a

well-established theatre company or any other professional theatre venue previously approved by

the area coordinator. This internship occurs in their third year.

In addition, the MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences is partnered with Orlando Repertory

Theatre and during the first two years, students are required to complete an assistantship

component with the Orlando Repertory Theatre where they have the opportunity to integrate

the UCF training and academic study within a professional theatre committed to family

program.

The MFA in Themed Experience requires students to engage in a one-semester internship with a

leading company in the themed experience industry.

Advising/Mentoring

Advising and mentoring are two very important elements in a graduate student’s career, and it is

essential that the graduate student seek appropriate guidance through advising and mentoring as

they begin the program.

Your primary advisor is the Graduate Program Director. The Graduate Program Director

provides guidance on overall academic requirements, program and university policies and

procedures. In addition, the Graduate Area Coordinators can provide guidance and assistance on

track specific issues and questions.

Your Area Coordinator serves as an additional advisor and mentor in providing information on

your specific track, as well as professional guidance in internship decisions, career development

and thesis development.

Your thesis advisor also serves as a mentor providing academic guidance on thesis requirements,

implementation, and defense. For further information please see section on Thesis Guidelines.

It is the student's responsibility to keep informed of all rules, regulations, and procedures

required for graduate studies. Graduate program regulations will not be waived or exceptions

granted because students plead ignorance of the regulations or claim failure of any adviser to

keep them informed.

It is the student’s responsibility to check their schedule every term to make sure the courses are

accurate. If the student believes s/he was enrolled incorrectly by the department, it is the

student’s responsibility to notify the department immediately.

Giving & Receiving Feedback

The area coordinators will schedule regular sessions throughout your studies that will give you

an opportunity to voice any feedback you might have. There is also a Student Advisory Council

and each degree track will have a representative on that Council to channel concerns and

questions.

Students will receive feedback regularly in their classrooms and in a review with faculty held at

the end of every semester.

Program Costs and Fees

All students will be required to pay university fees even if they are in GTA positions. More

information about the fees can be found here. They are paid every semester in addition to any

tuition the student might be responsible for.

https://studentaccounts.ucf.edu/tf-graduate/

Organizational Chart – Theatre UCF

The Director of the School of Performing Arts is responsible for the administration and

coordination of curricular and production aspects of the program. The Artistic Director is

responsible for artistic oversight of all productions. Final decisions concerning both academics

and productions must be approved by the Director of the School of Performing Arts in

conjunction with the Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.

The Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies, the Graduate Program Director, and the Area

Coordinators report to the Director of the School and assist in the overall administration of all

academic programs.

Students experiencing any problems or difficulties should first express their concerns to their

immediate supervisors, advisors, or Area Coordinators before bringing them directly to the

attention of the Director of the School of Performing Arts (SPA) and the Artistic Director of

Theatre UCF. If your supervisor, advisor, coordinator or Graduate Program Director is unable to

assist you, or you are dissatisfied with their consultation, please do not hesitate to make an

appointment with the Director.

Program Assessment

The MFA program is assessed annually by the Graduate Program Director in coordination with

the Area Coordinators. The assessment results are evaluated annually and a new plan is proposed

for the next assessment cycle.

How to Get Involved

As a graduate student at UCF, you have a multitude of opportunities to become involved on

campus and in your academic discipline. This involvement often enhances your academic,

professional, and personal growth through developing advanced leadership, communication, and

collaboration skills. It also provides opportunity for professional networking.

In Our Discipline

We have various student opportunities for students to be involved in the governance and

activities of the department. Those include serving as a representative on the Student Advisory

Council, serving in leadership positions with various student clubs like Project Spotlight, and

serving on the Season Selection Committee. More opportunities are announced through our list-

serve mailings on a regular basis.

In Our Program

• The Student Advisory Council

1-2 student representatives are chosen from among each cohort to represent that cohort.

The council meets every month to discuss ongoing issues with the council faculty

advisor, Keith Koons.

Curriculum Section

Admission Requirements

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all

prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants

must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

MFA in Acting

In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program

must provide:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.

• A 3.0 Theatre GPA in previous study.

• The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

• An essay stating applicant's academic and professional goals.

• Résumé.

• An 8 X 10 headshot.

• Three letters of recommendation.

• An audition.

• Interview.

• Complete the general entrance and area-specific undergraduate prerequisites or their

equivalents.

• Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the

United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA calculation.

Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services (WES) or Josef Silny and

Associates, Inc. only.

Auditions, Portfolio, and Interview Requirements:

MFA Acting applicants are required to participate in an interview and perform two

contrasting monologues.

For more details about these requirements, contact the School of Performing Arts

at https://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu

General Entrance and Area Specific Prerequisites -- Students applying for entrance into

the MFA Acting Program must have successfully completed the following undergraduate

courses or their equivalent:

Script Analysis or Play Analysis, Theatre History or Dramatic Literature, Stage Voice,

Stage Movement, Advanced Acting.

Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final

admission is based on the evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance,

recommendations, match of this program and faculty expertise to the applicant's

career/academic goals, and the applicant's potential for completing the degree.

No part-time students will be admitted into the MFA program.

MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective

students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply

online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program

must provide:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.

• Undergraduate degree in Theatre or equivalent.

• The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

• A 3.0 Theatre GPA.

• Essay stating applicant's academic and professional goals.

• Résumé.

• An 8 X 10 headshot.

• Three letters of recommendation.

• An audition.

• Interview.

• Complete the general entrance and area specific undergraduate prerequisites or their

equivalents.

• Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the

United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA

calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services

(WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

Auditions, Portfolio, and Interview Requirements:

MFA Theatre for Young Audiences applicants are required to participate in an onsite interview

and students must either audition (perform two contrasting monologues, not to exceed three

minutes total) or give a creative presentation.

For more details about these requirements, contact the School of Performing Arts

at https://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu

General Entrance and Area Specific Prerequisites—Students applying for entrance into the

MFA TYA Program must have successfully completed the following undergraduate courses or

their equivalent:

Script Analysis or Play Analysis, Directing I, Theatre History or Dramatic Literature, as

well as experience in some area of theatre and/or education.

Meeting minimum UCF admission criteria does not guarantee program admission. Final

admission is based on evaluation of the applicant's abilities, past performance, recommendations,

match of this program and faculty expertise to the applicant's career/academic goals, and the

applicant's potential for completing the degree.

No part-time students will be admitted into the MFA program.

MFA in Themed Experience

For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective

students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply

online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.

In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program

must provide:

• One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.

• The GRE is not required for admission to this program.

• A statement of interest.

• Three letters of recommendation from former professors and/or professional individuals.

• Resume.

• Portfolio comprised of visual art and design or creative written work.

• Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the

United States must provide a course-by-course credential evaluation with GPA

calculation. Credential evaluations are accepted from World Education Services

(WES) or Josef Silny and Associates, Inc. only.

Degree Requirements

MFA Core (required for all MFA programs)

6 Total Credits

• Complete the following:

o THE5910 - Research Methods in Theatre (3)

o TPP5087C - Theatre Careers in Performance (3)

Specializations

MFA in Acting

• Earn at least 41 credits from courses found in next section under Timeline for Completion

Thesis

6 Total Credits

• Earn at least 6 credits from the following:

o THE6971 - Thesis (1 - 99)

Internship

8 Total Credits

• Earn at least 8 credits from the following:

o THE6948 - Professional Internship (4)

MFA in Theatre for Young Audiences

Specialization

26 Total Credits

• Complete the following:

o THE6756 - Methods of Teaching Drama (3)

o THE5385 - Dramatic Literature for Children (3)

o TPA5081C - Design Concepts for Youth Theatre (3)

o TPP5386C - Directing for Young Audiences (3)

o THE6726 - Advanced TYA Seminar (3)

o TPP5289C - Acting Methodologies (2)

o THE6507 - Dramatic Theory and Criticism (3)

o TPP6216C - Theatre for Young Audiences Tour (3)

o TPP6247 - Theatre for Social Change (3)

Elective Courses

11 Total Credits

• Earn at least 11 credits from the following:

o TPP6686 - Playwriting for Young Audiences (3)

o TPP5246C - Circus Arts (2)

o TPA5885C - Puppetry (2)

o TPP5125C - Improvisation Studio (2)

o TPP5248C - Storytelling as a Theatrical Art Form (2)

o TPP5935C - Contemporary Practices in Youth Theatre (2)

Thesis

6 Total Credits

• Earn at least 6 credits from the following:

o THE6971 - Thesis (1 - 99)

Internship

12 Total Credits

• Complete 1 of the following

All Internship - 12 Credit Hours

o Earn at least 12 credits from the following:

 THE6946 - Internship (1 - 99)

Internship/Elective Combo Option - 12 Credit Hours

o Earn at least 12 credits from the following types of courses:

If students decide to only take the minimum 6 internship credits, the remaining 6

credits must be taken in the electives area.

Themed Experience

Themed Experience Concentration

15 Total Credits

• Complete the following:

o TPA6158 - Small Project Studio (3)

o TPA6186 - Immersive Experience Studio (3)

o TPA6187 - Themed Experience Seminar (3)

o TPA6188 - Visualizing Themed Environments (3)

o TPA6921 - Collaborative Project Studio (3)

Restricted Elective/Internship Courses

12 Total Credits

• Complete all of the following

o Students may choose from a course list of restricted electives and/or enroll in

internships for a total of twelve (12) hours of elective credit. Students must select

one course each from the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS)

and the Rosen College of Hospitality Management. Additional courses that

qualify for elective credit are pulled from a variety of disciplines across several

colleges at UCF.

o Earn at least 12 credits from the following:

 AMH5077 - Colloquium in Twentieth Century Tourism (3)

 ARH5897 - Advanced Seminar in Art History (3)

 ART5284 - Design Theory and Methods (3)

 DIG5487 - Media Aesthetics (3)

 DIG6136 - Design for Interactive Media (3)

 DIG6432 - Transmedia Story Creation (3)

 DIG6551 - Theory and Practice of Interactive Storytelling (3)

 EIN5251 - Usability Engineering (3)

 EIN6258 - Human Computer Interaction (3)

 ENG6808 - Narrative Information Visualization (3)

 ENT5619 - Creativity and Entrepreneurship (3)

 FIL5422C - Experimental Cinema (3)

 HIS5088 - Readings in Curation and Public History (3)

 HIS6094 - Seminar in Curation and New Media (3)

 HIS6096 - Seminar in Historic Preservation (3)

 HMG6291 - Hospitality Entrepreneurship: Concept Creation to

Capitalization (3)

 HMG6449 - Smart Travel and Tourism (3)

 HMG6476 - Feasibility Studies for the Hospitality/Tourism Enterprises (3)

 HMG6533 - Hospitality/Tourism Industry Brand Management (3)

 HMG6566 - Principles of Destination Marketing and Management (3)

 HMG6757 - Advanced Theme Park and Attraction Management (3)

 IDC6700 - Interdisciplinary Approach to Data Visualization (3)

 IDS6267 - Understanding Humans for Modeling and Simulation (3)

 THE5288 - Period Costumes, Architecture and Decor I (3)

 THE5289 - Period Costumes, Architecture and Decor II (3)

 THE6948 - Professional Internship (4)

 TPA5346C - 3D Modeling for Theatre (2)

 TPA5885C - Puppetry (2)

 TPP5248C - Storytelling as a Theatrical Art Form (2)

o Note: Acceptable Rosen electives begin with an HMG prefix and CECS courses

are identified by an EIN prefix.

Practicum

THE 5945L (Theatre Practicum I), THE 5946L (Theatre Practicum II) and THE 6947L (Theatre

Practicum III) are the graduate theatre practicum courses created to foster a “practice as

research” approach to studying and practicing theatre. Students engage in an approved practice-

based project throughout the semester. These activities may include, but not limited to, directing

a scene or a fully produced production, devising a performance, or providing dramaturgy to a

production team.

Independent Study

THE 6908 Independent Study is a course of study created outside of the standard-format

formal courses offered by the university. Independent Study must have a formally defined core

of knowledge to be learned by the student(s). The core of knowledge to be learned by the

student(s) must be specified in written form and approved by the student(s), the instructor, and

the program director prior to enrollment in Independent Study. Independent study may be taken

for a total of no more than six semester hours.

Other Program Requirements

• Fifty percent of the program’s requirements should be at the 6000 level.

• Students must maintain a minimum “B” (3.00) overall Theatre grade point average to

continue in the major.

• Theatre courses with grades of less than "C" will not be counted toward degree

requirements.

• Continuation in the MFA program requires a positive annual evaluation from the

graduate faculty.

• Students meet with graduate faculty at the end of every semester

• If a student receives “below expectation” at the end of semester review, they will

be “on probation” for the following semester.

• Two failed reviews in a row will result in removal from the program

• All graduate students must consult with their Graduate Area Coordinators.

• All MFA Acting majors are required to audition for all fall and spring productions

and must accept the roles assigned.

• All MFA students must successfully complete a professional internship accompanied

by written assessments.

• All MFA students must successfully complete a thesis project (thesis proposal must

be approved in advance). The thesis is the culminating experience for the MFA

Program.

Sample Plan of Study/Course Sequence/Completion Timeline

Acting Track

1st Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Research Methods (3)

• Acting Studio I (3)

• Movement Studio I

(2)

• Stage Voice I (2)

• Contemporary Theatre Practice

(3)

• Acting Studio II (3)

• Movement Studio II (2)

• Stage Voice (2)

• Musical Theatre Lab (1)

• Optional

Semester

Semester Total: 10 credit hours

Semester Total: 11 credit hours

2nd Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Drama Theory and Criticism (3)

• Acting Studio III (3)

• Movement Studio III (2)

• Stage Voice III (2)

• Theatre Careers (3)

• American Theatre (3)

• Acting Studio IV (2)

• Movement Studio IV (2)

• Stage Voice IV (2)

• Optional Semester

Semester Total: 13 credit hours

Semester Total: 9 credit hours

3rd Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Advanced Scene Study (2)

• Internship (Residency) (4)

• Thesis (3)

• Acting Studio V (2)

• Internship (Residency) (4)

• Thesis (3)

• Optional Semester

Semester Total: 9 credit hours

Theatre for Young Audiences Track

1st Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Research Methods (3)

• Methods of Teaching Drama

(3)

• Dramatic Literature (3)

• Puppetry (2)

• Theatre for Social Change

(3)

• Storytelling (2)

• Design Concepts (3)

• Elective (3)

• Practicum (1-2)

• Optional

Semester

Semester Total: 11 credit hours

Semester Total: 11-12 credit hours

2nd Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Drama Theory and Criticism (3)

• Directing (3)

• TYA Tour (3)

• Elective (3)

•

Optional Semester

• Elective (2)

• Careers in Theatre (3)

• Adv. TYA Seminar (3)

• Practicum (1-2)

Semester Total: 11 credit hours

Semester Total: 10-11 credit hours

3rd Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Residency or Electives (6)

• Thesis (3-5)

• Residency or Electives (6)

• Thesis (1-3)

• Optional Semester

Semester Total: 9-11 credit hours

Semester Total: 7-9 credit hours

Themed Experience Track

year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Research Methods (3)

• Period Costumes, Architecture and

Decor I (3)

• Themed Experience Seminar (3)

• Design Seminar for Theatre (2)

• Small Project Studio (3)

• Period Costumes, Architecture and

Decor 2 (3)

• Visualizing Themed Environments

(3)

• Practicum (1)

• Optional

Semester

Semester Total: 11 credit hours

Semester Total: 9-10 credit hours

Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Storytelling as a Theatrical Art Form (2)

• Immersive Experience Studio (3)

• Elective (3)

• Collaborative Project Studio (3)

• Careers in Themed Experience (3)

• Elective (3)

• Practicum (1)

• Optional

Semester

Semester Total: 11 credit hours

Semester Total: 9-10 credit hours

Year of Graduate Training

Fall

Spring

Summer

• Thesis (3)

• Internship or Elective 5-6)

• Practicum (1)

• Thesis (3)

• Internship or Elective 5-6)

• Practicum (1)

• Optional

Semester

Semester Total: 8-11 credit hours

Statement on Graduate Research

Ethics in Research

Researchers in every discipline have a responsibility for ethical awareness as the status of the

profession rests with each individual researcher. It is important to be honest and ethical in

conducting research as well as in taking classes. The ethical collection and use of information

includes, but is by no means limited to, the following: confidentiality, accuracy, relevance, self-

responsibility, honesty, and awareness of conflict of interest.

The University of Arizona’s Code of Research Ethics provides our students with guidelines for

responsible practice in research. This code of ethics can be found here:

facultygovernance.arizona.edu/sites/facgov/files/code-of-ethics-research.pdf .

Human Subjects

Human Subjects: Any student who uses human subjects during the course of his/her study (i.e.

surveys, interviews, etc.) must gain IRB approval prior to beginning the study. For access to the

IRB submission form and sample consent forms, please visit the Office of Research IRB website.

You must include a copy of your human subjects’ permission letter as an appendix in your ETD,

even if your study received exempt status.

Academic Behavior Standards

University of Central Florida is committed to a policy of honesty in academic affairs. Examples

of conduct for which students may be subject to academic and/or disciplinary penalties including

expulsion are:

• Cheating, whereby non-permissible written, visual, or oral assistance including that obtained from

another student is utilized on examinations, course assignments, or projects. The unauthorized

possession or use of examination or course-related material may also constitute cheating.

• Plagiarism, whereby another's work is deliberately used or appropriated without any indication of the

source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student's own. Any student

failing to properly credit ideas or materials taken from another has plagiarized.

• Unauthorized assistance: communication to another through written, visual, or oral means. The

presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained solely through

someone else's efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment or project. The

unauthorized possession or use of examination or course related material may also constitute cheating.

• Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling notes, handouts, etc. without authorization or using

them for any commercial purpose without the express written permission of the university and the

Instructor is a violation of this rule.

NOTE: A student who has assisted another in any of the aforementioned breach of standards

shall be considered equally culpable. In cases of cheating or plagiarism, the instructor may take

appropriate academic action ranging from loss of credit for a specific assignment, examination,

or project to removal from the course with a grade of "F." Additionally, the instructor may

request disciplinary action through the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities as outlined

in The Golden Rule.

Research/Creative Activities

Graduate Students are encouraged to present their research/creative projects at the Annual

Graduate Research Forum, hosted by the UCF Graduate Studies and the Graduate Student

Association. For more information about UCF Research Week, please visit the

researchweek.ucf.edu/.

Students are encouraged to present at regional and national conferences such as SETC (South

Eastern Theatre Conference), ATHE (Association for Theatre in Higher Education), KC/ACTF

(Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival) and USITT (United States Institute of

Theatre Technology).

Students are encouraged to participate in the Graduate Student Association’s workshops on

thesis and dissertation formatting, library research, and writing essentials. For additional

information about Graduate Student Association’s events, workshops, and opportunities, please

visit: Graduate Student Association page.

Graduate Presentation Fellowship

The Graduate Presentation Fellowship (https://graduate.ucf.edu/presentation-fellowship/)

provides funding for UCF master's, specialist, and doctoral students to deliver a research paper

or comparable creative activity at a professional meeting. Students must be the primary author

and presenter.

Examination Section

Comprehensive Examination

A comprehensive departmental theatre exam is administered to MFA TYA students at the end of

their course work. The department allows two attempts at a comprehensive exam.

The Comprehensive Exam is graded upon the following criteria: clarity and maturity of

expression; accuracy of facts; knowledge and understanding; and analytical skills.

Thesis and Dissertation Section

Master’s Thesis – Overview

The thesis project is the culminating or comprehensive experience of all academic and

production work in the course of study in the Department of Theatre at the University of Central

Florida.

The University allows up to seven years to complete your degree requirements. Once the

coursework and residency are completed, students must enroll in a continuing thesis credit for

every semester thereafter until their defense if they wish to keep their student status as “active.”

Students who need to interrupt their thesis work for extenuating circumstances must submit

a Leave of Absence Form to the College of Graduate Studies. Submission and approval of the

form must be obtained prior to the first day of classes for the term of non-enrollment.

It is highly recommended that MFA Acting students finish the performative aspect of their thesis

before the fall of their third year and finish writing their thesis before mid-spring semester of

their last year.

The College of Graduate Studies Thesis and Dissertation page contains information on the

university’s requirements for dissertation formatting, format review, defenses, final submission,

and more. A step-by-step completion guide is also available on Thesis and Dissertation Services

Site.

All university deadlines are listed in the Academic Calendar. Your program or college may have

other earlier deadlines; please check with your program and college staff for additional

deadlines.

The following requirements must be met by thesis students in their final term:

• Submit a properly formatted file for initial format review by the format review deadline

• Submit the Thesis Release Option form well before the defense

• Defend by the defense deadline

• Receive format approval (if not granted upon initial review)

• Submit signed approval form by final submission deadline

• Submit final thesis document by final submission deadline

Students must format their dissertation according to the standards outlined in Thesis and

Dissertation Webcourse. Formatting questions or issues can be submitted to the Format Help

page in the Thesis and Dissertation Services site. Format reviews and final submission must be

completed in the Thesis and Dissertation Services site. The Dissertation Approval Form is also

available in the Thesis and Dissertation Services site.

The College of Graduate Studies offers several thesis and dissertation Workshops each term.

Students are highly encouraged to attend these workshops early in the dissertation process to

fully understand the above policies and procedures.

The College of Graduate Studies thesis and dissertation office is best reached by email at

[email protected].

Master’s Thesis—Committees

A student writing a thesis must have a Thesis Advisory Committee consisting of at least three

members who are approved members of the Graduate Faculty. This committee will recommend

to the Dean of the College regarding the student's program of study, provide continual guidance

for the student, and be the principal mechanism for the evaluation of the student's thesis and

performance in any general examinations. At least two members of the Thesis Advisory

Committee must be Graduate Faculty, one of whom must serve as the chair of the committee.

Graduate Faculty Scholars may serve as a member or co-chair of a thesis advisory committee but

may not serve as the chair.

These committee members must also be approved members of the Graduate Faculty or Graduate

Faculty Scholars. Graduate Faculty members must form the majority of any given committee.

Additional information regarding the criteria for serving as a member, co-chair, or chair of a

Thesis Advisory Committee is provided in the updated Graduate Faculty policy.

UCF faculty members must form the majority of any given committee. Once the committee’s

chair has been determined, the student will propose other thesis committee members in

consultation and agreement with the committee chair. Committee membership must be approved

by the Program Director and submitted to the College of Graduate Studies. All members must be

in fields related to the thesis topic. The UCF College of Graduate Studies reserves the right to

review appointments to a Thesis Advisory Committee, place a representative on any Thesis

Advisory Committee, or appoint a co-chair. A student may request a change in membership of

the Thesis Advisory Committee with the approval of the Program Director and re-submission to

the College of Graduate Studies.

All committee members vote on acceptance or rejection of the final thesis. The thesis proposal

and final thesis must be approved by a majority of the committee.

Master’s Thesis—Enrollment

Prior to enrollment into THE 6971 Thesis, your thesis committee must be reviewed and

approved by the College of Graduate Studies. For this form, refer to Thesis Advisory Committee

Form. Remember to resubmit this form anytime there are changes to the student’s committee.

The MFA student is required to complete six credit hours of thesis work prior to or concurrent

with the defense of their thesis project. Students are allowed to defend their thesis project when

the thesis has been written and satisfies the committee.

After completion of other course requirements, master's level students may be considered full-

time if they enroll in at least three credit hours of thesis (THE 6971) hours only. They

subsequently must enroll in three thesis hours each semester continuously (including summers)

until the successful completion of minimum program coursework and thesis hours. After which,

with the approval of the thesis committee chair or adviser, students may enroll in a minimum of

one thesis hour per semester. Students enrolled in thesis hours simultaneously with coursework

hours must be enrolled in a combined nine credit hours to be considered full time for the fall and

spring semesters, or six credit hours to be enrolled full time in the summer semester.

Master’s Thesis—Request for Thesis Project Approval

For approval of their thesis proposal, the student must submit a list of their proposed thesis

committee (which the student will choose in consultation and agreement with the committee

chair) and a brief thesis abstract to the Graduate Program Director. The thesis abstract should

include specific assignment request with brief justification of scope and appropriateness of the

thesis project as well as its anticipated outcomes. The thesis abstract and thesis committee should

be approved by the SPA Graduate Committee in a semester prior to the student’s enrollment in

thesis hours. After the thesis abstract and thesis committee are approved by the SPA Graduate

Committee, the Department will submit the Thesis Advisory Committee Form to the College of

Graduate Studies.

If the student chooses a thesis project that is linked to a specific production, the student must

initiate a thesis proposal process within a two-week period after notification of casting or any

other production assignment. Any student who uses human subjects during the course of their

study (i.e. surveys, interviews, etc.) must gain IRB approval prior to beginning the study. For

access to the IRB submission form and sample consent forms, please visit the Office of Research

IRB website. You must include a copy of your human subjects’ permission letter as an appendix

in your ETD, even if your study received exempt status.

Master’s Thesis—Written Document

Once the proposal abstract is approved, the student should begin their work on a written outline,

which describes preliminary research and analysis of the topic. The thesis outline should also

include a preliminary working bibliography, which presents the resources the student plans to

use to guide them in the research process. The student should work with the selected committee

chair to tailor a plan for the specific project and discipline. Students are strongly encouraged to

keep in touch with their committee as they develop their thesis outline. The thesis outline should

be submitted to the thesis committee for approval before beginning any production work.

Deadlines for the thesis outline will be extended if necessary.

After the approval of the thesis outline by the thesis committee, the student will work

primarily with the committee chair on the body of the document. Once the document is in an

appropriate form, the committee chair will let the student distribute a revised draft to each

committee member for comments. Allow at least two weeks for each committee member to

respond. The student will then proceed to write the final draft of the document. The final

document is to be completed and submitted to the entire committee two weeks prior to the

scheduled defense. The final document must be formatted in accordance with the latest version

of the MLA Handbook and the University of Central Florida Format requirements, which are

available from the College of Graduate Studies at graduate.ucf.edu/ETD_Student_Services/.

The university requires all students submitting a thesis as part of their graduate degree

requirements to first submit their electronic document through iThenticate.com for advisement

purposes and for review of originality. The thesis chair is responsible for scheduling this

submission to iThenticate.com and for reviewing the results with the student's advisory

committee (typically during the student's final semester). Please see the Thesis and

Dissertation page for comprehensive information about originality and using iThenticate.com.

Master’s Thesis—Defense

The thesis project defense, which is an oral defense of the entire thesis project, must be approved

by a majority vote of the thesis committee. Defend your thesis or dissertation by the deadline.

The thesis project defense will be evaluated upon the following criteria:

1. The student shows a recognition of the nature and extent of the information needed.

2. The student utilizes appropriate search techniques to locate relevant information.

3. The information is used effectively in support of the assignment.

4. The document is formatted in an appropriate manner.

5. Information and its sources are appropriately documented (including quotations and footnotes).

6. Bibliographic sources are appropriately documented.

7. The content of the document establishes the main purpose of the assignment.

8. The content of the document shows good command of the topic, including awareness of the background

of the topic, familiarity with pertinent literature, etc.

9. The content of the document achieves its main purpose.

10. The prose is effective and clear, based on spelling, grammar, and similar writing skills

The Thesis Approval Form from the Thesis and Dissertation Services Site must be signed by the

committee. Further approval is required from the Program Director, Director of the School of the

Performing Arts, Dean or Dean designee and the College of Graduate Studies before final

acceptance of the Thesis in fulfilling degree requirements.

Program and Institutional Policies

Absences

It is expected that all MFA students attend all classroom sessions and rehearsals when they are

cast in shows. It is further expected that all students arrive prior to the class or rehearsal start

time. Especially in productions, MFA students set the bar for the undergraduate students and

therefore professional rehearsal behavior is expected.

Each professor, through their syllabus, will outline their specific lateness and absence policies.

Students who anticipate that they may not be able to enroll continuously due to external

circumstances should apply for Special Leave of Absence. Specifically, students who are taking

courses should apply for a Special Leave of Absence when they cannot enroll in more than two

consecutive semesters. Students who are in thesis/dissertation hours should apply for a Special

Leave of Absence when they cannot enroll in every semester (including summer).

To qualify for a Special Leave of Absence, the student must demonstrate good cause (e.g.,

illness, family issues, financial difficulties, personal circumstances, recent maternity/paternity,

employment issues). The specific reason for the Leave of Absence request must be indicated by

the student on the Leave of Absence Form. Due to current U.S. government regulations,

international students must be enrolled every fall and spring semester. For students in this

category, a Special Leave of Absence is only available for documented medical reasons.

Conduct/Integrity

The central activities and missions of a university rest upon the fundamental assumption that all

members of the university community conduct themselves in accordance with a strict adherence

to academic and scholarly integrity. As a graduate student and member of the university

community, you are expected to display the highest standards of academic and personal integrity.

Here are some resources to help you better understand your responsibilities:

• Academic Honesty

• Academic Integrity Training - Open to all graduate students at no cost

• Plagiarism

The University of Central Florida is a community brought together by the tenets of the UCF

Creed: Integrity, Scholarship, Community, Creativity, and Excellence. These are the values that

guide our conduct, performance, and decisions. Please review the Golden Rule that students are

expected to adhere to while at UCF. The Golden Rule is a University handbook specifically

created to provide the answers to questions regarding university rules and regulations. It attempts

to define a student’s rights and responsibilities as a member of the university community and to

give them a better understanding of their role as a student at UCF.

It is the student's responsibility to keep informed of all rules, regulations, and procedures

required for graduate studies. Graduate program regulations will not be waived or exceptions

granted because students plead ignorance of the regulations or claim failure of the adviser to

keep them informed.

Academic Standards

A graduate status GPA will be calculated based on the graduate courses taken at UCF since

admission into the program. The graduate status GPA is used to monitor the student's progress in

the program. The university requires that students must maintain a graduate status GPA of at

least 3.0 or higher in order to maintain regular graduate student status, receive financial

assistance, and qualify for graduation. This GPA requirement cannot be waived.

In order to earn a graduate degree or graduate certificate at the University of Central Florida,

students must have a minimum 3.0 Graduate Status GPA. To ensure that graduate students

adhere to this requirement, the College of Graduate Studies conducts GPA audits at the end of

each semester. Any student not achieving this mark will be placed on Academic Probationary

Status. This is a formal designation. Students may also be placed on Academic Probation or

Dismissed for S/U graded courses, but the College of Graduate Studies will not conduct audits of

S/U grades. See Maximum Hours of Unsatisfactory Grades for these performance requirements

and Review of Academic Performance and Student Conduct for other grounds for probation or

dismissal.

When Graduate Status GPA falls below a 3.0, the following occurs:

1. Impacted students will receive notice from the College of Graduate Studies.

2. The probationary status will be imprinted on the student’s advising transcript and will

remain for each successive semester while on probation. This information remains as a

permanent record on the transcript.

3. Students will have a maximum of 18 graduate credit hours of graded A-F course work

from their Graduate Plan of Study to increase their Graduate Status GPA to 3.0 or higher.

4. Students who have fewer than 18 credit hours of course work left in their Graduate Plan

of Study will only have the number of remaining credit hours toward degree completion

to attain the 3.0 Graduate Status GPA.

5. Students who cannot mathematically attain a 3.0 Graduate Status GPA, either through the

18 credit hours of course work or through the remaining credit hours to degree

completion, will be formally dismissed without the probationary period. Exceptions can

be made for students who start their final semester of coursework with a 3.0 (or higher)

Graduate Status GPA, but fall below a 3.0 when grades post at the end of the final

semester of coursework. In this case, the student will be put on probation and may enroll

in up to 6 credit hours of electives from their graduate program's approved list of

electives. If the student cannot remedy the GPA in the 6 hours, the student will be

dismissed.

6. At the end of each semester, the College of Graduate Studies will continue to monitor

each student on probation. If further audits reveal that it is mathematically impossible to

attain the 3.0, students on probation will be dismissed from the program.

7. Once the 3.0 Graduate Status GPA is met, the student will automatically be removed

from Academic Probationary Status and be notified by appropriate communication from

the College of Graduate Studies.

8. Students who are placed on probation with Incomplete (I) grades on their record or who

earn I grades while on probation are expected to complete their work to satisfy the course

requirements as soon as is possible. Once the grade has changed to an A-F letter grade,

Graduate Status GPA will be recalculated retroactively to the semester in which the I

grade was earned. This updated Graduate Status GPA may cause a student to be

dismissed (if it is no longer mathematically possible to earn a 3.0 in the probationary

period) or removed from probation (if the 3.0 is now achieved).

9. Incomplete grades can also cause a student who was not on probation to be placed on

probation retroactively to the semester of the I grade (when the updated Graduate Status

GPA is now lower than a 3.0). All grades following that semester will now be part of the

probationary period.

10. International students placed on Academic Probationary Status will be sent to UCF

Global for advisement regarding the immigration status implications of this action.

11. Students enrolled in multiple graduate programs may be placed on probation for all

graduate programs, depending on their initial admit term to each program. When a

student's initial admit term is the same for multiple programs, then the student who falls

below a 3.0 will be placed on probation for all programs. If the student's initial admit

term is different for each graduate program, the probation is determined for each

program, based on the Graduate Status GPA since the initial admit term for each

program. In this case, the student may be placed on probation for one or more programs,

depending on that calculation. The College of Graduate Studies will inform students

about their standing in each program.

Students placed on probation are required to meet with their graduate program director to create

a Probation Plan. This plan will state the maximum number of hours that the student can remain

on probation (if there are fewer than 18 hours left of graded courses in the student's Graduate

Plan of Study) and may include specific direction on courses to be taken and the timing of those

courses. In addition, the plan may include other conditions as necessary for the continued

enrollment of the student in the program such as retaking courses, taking remedial course work

in specified areas, or completing special projects to better prepare the student for success in the

program. Failure to meet any of the conditions of the Probation Plan may result in dismissal

without any further appeal. The plans are signed by the student and the graduate program

director and submitted to the College of Graduate Studies for review and approval. The primary

responsibility for monitoring the progress of the student in meeting the terms of the Probation

Plan rests with the degree or certificate program, although the appropriate academic college and

the College of Graduate Studies may also monitor the plans for compliance.

After dismissal for low GPA, the student may re-apply to the graduate program from which

he/she was dismissed after one year of non-enrollment in that program. The student must submit

a completely new application (application fee, letters of reference if applicable, AND a statement

describing why the student thinks he/she is more capable now to successfully complete the

program). If the program admits the student, the student will continue to have the original

dismissal denoted on the transcript and will continue with the same graduate status GPA that the

student held prior to dismissal. Also, the student is admitted on restricted status. The restriction is

that the student must bring their cumulative Graduate Status GPA up to at least a 3.0 in the next

9 hours of enrollment. Graduate programs may not readmit students in cases where it is not

mathematically possible to achieve a 3.0 Graduate Status GPA in the next 9 hours of enrollment.

A student may apply a maximum total of six semester credit hours of "C" grades, or the "C"

grade credits associated with at most two classes, whichever is greater, to satisfy degree program

requirements.

Exceeding six semester credit hours of unsatisfactory grades is grounds for dismissal for all

degree-seeking and nondegree students. A course in which a student has received an

unsatisfactory grade may be repeated, however, both grades will be used in computing the GPA.

There is no forgiveness policy for any course taken while in graduate status.

A grade of "I" (incomplete) is assigned by the instructor when a student is unable to complete a

course due to extenuating circumstances, and when all requirements can clearly be completed in

a short period of time following the close of regular classes. In all circumstances where the "I"

grade is received, the student and faculty member must complete an agreement form that

specifies how and when the incomplete grade will be made up. This agreement form is submitted

with the instructor grade rolls at the end of the semester, and a copy of this agreement is given to

the Graduate College for further follow-up. For those students on financial assistance such as

loans, the incomplete "I" must be made up by the agreement date. Failure to complete course

requirements by that date may, at the discretion of the instructor, result in the assignment of an

"F" grade, or a "U" grade for thesis, dissertation, or research report hours. It is the student's

responsibility to arrange with the instructor for the changing of the "I" grade.

Grades of "I" must be resolved within one calendar year or prior to graduation, whichever comes

first. Incompletes in regular course work left unresolved will be changed to "F" if not changed in

the allowed time period, and this time period may be sooner for those receiving financial

assistance. The exception to this in enrollment in the thesis (THE 6971) hours where the

incomplete grade will be allowed to continue until graduation. UCF fellowship students cannot

receive fellowship funds while holding incomplete grades and have thirty days from the issuance

of the Incomplete to remedy it in order to continue to receive fellowship funds.

Accommodations

UCF admits a diverse graduate student population. Some of those students may need an (or a

variety) of accommodations to help them be successful in the program. Students in the program

will be provided information related to how the program approaches accommodations for its

students. This link to Student Accessibility Services can also be included in your statement here:

https://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/accommodations/

Annual Review

Continuation in the MFA program requires a positive annual evaluation from the graduate

faculty.

• Students meet with graduate faculty at the end of every semester

• If a student receives “below expectation” at the end of semester review, they will

be “on probation” for the following semester.

• Two failed reviews in a row will result in removal from the program

Appeals/Grievances

There will be instances where students will not agree with an assessment related to their

development or progress in a program. In these instances, it is essential that students understand

the proper course of action to come to a resolution. Programs should provide their students with

the step-by-step details of how to handle this at both the program level as well as the institutional

level should it arise. Programs can reference the Academic Grievance section under General

Graduate Policies in the graduate catalog.

Communication

The pathway for communication is as follows:

For classroom issues: first speak to the instructor, and if you feel the instructor cannot address or

is the problem, speak to your advisor/area coordinator or program director. The next step is to

speak with Keith Koons, Associate Director, who deals directly with student issues, grievances

and concerns. The final step within the school is to speak to the School Director. Students can

choose either email or in-person communications. It is important to review all emails to ensure

accurate recording of discussions.

Student Responsibility for University Communication

UCF uses email as the official means of notifying students of important university business and

academic information concerning registration, deadlines, financial assistance, scholarships,

student accounts (including tuition and fees), academic progress and problems, and many other

critical items for satisfactory completion of a UCF degree program. The university sends all

business-related and academic messages to a students Knights Email address to ensure that there

is one repository for that information. Every student must register for, and maintain a Knights

Email account at https://extranet.cst.ucf.edu/kmailselfsvc and check it regularly to avoid missing

important and critical information from the university. Any difficulty with establishing an

account or with accessing an established account must be resolved through the UCF Computer

Services Service Desk so that a student receives all important messages.

Additionally, each student must have an up-to-date emergency e-mail address and cell phone

number by which to be reached in case of a crisis on campus. This emergency contact

information will be used only for emergency purposes. Also, both permanent and local mailing

addresses must be on the record, so that any physical documents that must be mailed can be

delivered.

It is critical that students maintain and regularly check their Knights Email account for official

announcements and notifications. Communications sent to the Knights Email address on record

will be deemed adequate notice for all university communication, include issues related to

academics, finances, registration, parking, and all other matters. The University does not accept

responsibility if official communication fails to reach a student who has not registered for, or

maintained and checked on a regular basis, their Knights Email account. Please ensure that this

information is current and that any changes in contact information are made online through the

myUCF portal at https://my.ucf.edu/.

Continuous Enrollment

Students must be enrolled for at least one semester of every three consecutive semesters in order

to maintain active student status. Students who do not meet this enrollment requirement breach

continuous enrollment and will be removed from active student status. These students must

reapply for admission. Readmission is not guaranteed.

Students with extenuating circumstances that will compel them to be unenrolled for three

consecutive semesters or more may complete a Leave of Absence Form to petition to remain in

active student status. This form must be submitted no later than the end of the add/drop period of

the third semester of non-enrollment. See the Special Leave of Absence section for details.

1. Because of current U.S. government regulations, international students must be enrolled

every fall and spring semester. For students in this category, a Leave of Absence is only

available for documented medical reasons.

2. A student who is discontinued for breach of continuous enrollment will lose the option of

fulfilling the degree requirements originally listed in his/her official program of study

already on file and will instead be subject to the degree requirements listed in the

graduate catalog in effect at the time the student is readmitted to the program.

For further information, please reference the institutional policy from the graduate catalog on

Continuous Enrollment and Continuous Enrollment and Active Students.

Disability Statement

ACCESS matters

Purpose: We envision UCF to be a fully accessible campus and inclusive environment for

people with disabilities. We do this by:

• Acknowledging disability as an aspect of human diversity;

• Cultivating awareness of the environment’s disabling barriers;

• Collaborating on and proactively facilitating accessible environments and experiences;

• Educating faculty and staff to create and maintain access in their spheres of influence;

• Shifting to an inclusive-minded attitude;

• Supplementing with reasonable accommodations as a last resort measure to ensure

access.

Dismissal/Discipline

It is a reality that some students will not be able to remain in good academic standing or will not

be able to meet the standards of internships or practicum experiences. Some students may also

not be able to meet program level professional/behavior standards. This could result in the

necessary avenue to either formally discipline students or dismiss students from the program.

Diversity Statement

UCF Diversity Statement

One way to promote a safe and caring classroom community is to encourage each student’s

unique voice, perspective, and presence. The following diversity statement gives professors

language for explaining how students’ contributions will be valued:

The University of Central Florida considers the diversity of its students, faculty, and staff to be a

strength and critical to its educational mission. UCF expects every member of the university

community to contribute to an inclusive and respectful culture for all in its classrooms, work

environments, and at campus events. Dimensions of diversity can include sex, race, age, national

origin, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, intellectual and physical ability, sexual

orientation, income, faith and non-faith perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology,

education, primary language, family status, military experience, cognitive style, and

communication style. The individual intersection of these experiences and characteristics must

be valued in our community.

Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, including sexual misconduct, sexual violence, sexual

harassment, and retaliation. If you or someone you know has been harassed or assaulted, you can

find resources available to support the victim, including confidential resources and information

concerning reporting options at https://letsbeclear.ucf.edu and http://cares.sdes.ucf.edu/.

If there are aspects of the design, instruction, and/or experiences within this course that result in

barriers to your inclusion or accurate assessment of achievement, please notify the instructor as

soon as possible and/or contact Student Accessibility Services.

For more information on diversity and inclusion, Title IX, accessibility, or UCF’s complaint

processes contact:

• Title IX – OIE http://oie.ucf.edu/ & askanadvocate@ucf.edu

• Disability Accommodation – Student Accessibility Services – http://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/ &

sas@ucf.edu

• Diversity and Inclusion Training and Events – www.diversity.ucf.edu

• Student Bias Grievances – Just Knights response team – http://jkrt.sdes.ucf.edu/

• UCF Compliance and Ethics Office – http://compliance.ucf.edu/ &

complianceandethics@ucf.edu

• Ombuds Office – http://www.ombuds.ucf.edu

UCF School of Performing Arts Diversity and Inclusion Statement

The University of Central Florida School of Performing Arts considers the diversity of its

students, faculty, and staff to be a strength and critical to its educational mission. UCF expects

every member of the university community to contribute to an inclusive and respectful culture

for all in its classrooms, work environments, and at campus events. Dimensions of diversity can

include but are not limited to sex, race, age, size, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity and

expression, intellectual and physical ability, sexual orientation, income, faith and non-faith

perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology, education, primary language, family

status, military experience, cognitive style, and communication style. The individual intersection

of these experiences and characteristics must be valued in our community.

Members of the UCF School of Performing Arts are committed to actively listening to

perspectives that are different than their own, and actively affirming and including different

perspectives in the creative process, including but not limited to sex, race, age, size, national

origin, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, intellectual and physical ability, sexual

orientation, income, faith and non-faith perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology,

education, primary language, family status, military experience, cognitive style, and

communication style. We aim to demonstrate our commitment to diversity through selection of

content to be performed, course content, recruitment, leadership, faculty makeup, and a

constantly evolving conversation with students, faculty, patrons, and the UCF community.

We, as members or the School of Performing Arts,

1. Will not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, religious intolerance,

ageism, or hate speech in any form.

-“Racism is a marriage of racist policies and racist ideas that produces and normalizes

racial inequities.”

2. Affirm that students, faculty and staff will be heard, acknowledged, supported, and safe

from any retribution for expressing their needs and opinions.

3. Will reflect equity and diversity in the curriculum, theatre season selection, concert

selections, marketing, leadership and casting.

4. Will strive to ensure that artistic and creative teams pursue inclusion on those teams of

the people whose stories they are telling, so that the stories of diverse ethnic and social

backgrounds are told responsibly. All teams should reflect the diversity of the student

body whenever possible.

5. We will take an interdisciplinary approach to equity and diversity, both at UCF and in our

Orlando community.

6. Support all members of the School of Performing Arts community to include their

personal pronouns in their email signatures.

7. Will establish and clearly display Conflict Resolution Paths to assist students, faculty,

and staff in seeking help for problems in the classroom, rehearsal hall, or otherwise.

Members of the Conflict Resolution Path will be trained.

If you need to report an issue at the university, please use the UCF IntegrityLine.

Enrollment in Thesis Hours

The MFA student is required to complete six credit hours of thesis work prior to or concurrent

with the defense of their thesis project. After the successful completion of minimum program

coursework and thesis hours, and with the approval of the thesis committee chair, students may

enroll in a minimum of one thesis hour per semester until the successful defense of their thesis

project. Students are allowed to defend their thesis project when the thesis has been written and

satisfies the committee. For more information see the Thesis Section in this Handbook and

Thesis and Dissertation Information at https://graduate.ucf.edu/thesis-and-dissertation/

Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is the university's policy regarding non-academic discipline of students and

limited academic grievance procedures for graduate (grade appeals in individual courses, not

including thesis and dissertation courses) and undergraduate students. Information concerning

The Golden Rule can be found at www.goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/. Section 11, Student Academic

Behavior, addresses appeals of graduate program actions or decisions.

Harassment

The University of Central Florida values diversity in the campus community. Accordingly,

discrimination on the basis of race, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status,

parental status, veterans status, sexual orientation, or genetic information is prohibited.

Sexual harassment, a form of sex discrimination, is defined as unwelcome sexual advances,

requests for sexual favors, or verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature including any of these

three situations.

1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of

an individual's employment or enrollment.

2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for

employment or enrollment decisions affecting such individual.

3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's

work performance or enrollment, or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive

working or academic environment.

Sexual harassment is strictly prohibited. Occurrences will be dealt with in accordance with the

guidelines above and university rules. Employees, students, or applicants for employment or

admission may obtain further information on this policy, including grievance procedures, from

the OIE Coordinator. The Director of the Office of Institutional Equity Programs is the campus

Equity Coordinator responsible for concerns in all areas of discrimination. The office is located

on the main campus, in Barbara Ying CMMS Building 81, Suite 101. The phone number is (407)

823-1336. Policies and guidelines are available online at http://www.eeo.ucf.edu.

Plagiarism

Understanding plagiarism is essential to the academic integrity of both programs and the

institution. Programs can use this section to describe their philosophy and approach to

plagiarism. Description of the consequences of plagiarism can also be included. Students can be

directed to the College of Graduate Studies website on this topic:

https://graduate.ucf.edu/plagiarism/

Reference to the College of Graduate Studies webcourse: “Pressures to Plagiarize – Current Grad

Students” can be provided in this field. This is offered through the Pathways to Success

program.]

Probation

See the section on Academic Standards. Students can also reference the Academic Progress

and Performance section from the Graduate Catalog.

Satisfactory Progress

GPA: Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher to remain in their program. If the GPA

slips below 3.0 the student will be placed on academic probation and be given one semester to

raise their GPA above 3.0. If the GPA remains below 3.0 for two semesters in a row, the student

could be dismissed from the program.

Continuation in the MFA program requires a positive annual evaluation from the graduate

faculty.

1. Students meet with graduate faculty at the end of every semester

2. If a student receives “below expectation” at the end of semester review, they

will be placed “on probation” for the following semester.

3. Two failed reviews in a row will result in removal from the program

Time Limits to Degree Completion

The student has seven years from the date of admission to the master's program to complete the degree.

Students may transfer in coursework according to the Transfer of Credit policy, however, courses older than

seven years at the time of admission will not be transferred into the student's Program of Study.

Students who anticipate being out for an extended period of three consecutive semesters or longer should apply

for a Special Leave of Absence no later than the end of the add/drop period of the third semester of absence.

Students who do not maintain continuous enrollment without a Special Leave of Absence (see Continuous

Attendance and Special Leave of Absence in the General Graduate Policies) must file for readmission to the

university, although seven years is measured from when the student was first admitted to the program.

Transfer Credit

There are a variety of students who come to UCF graduate programs with previous academic

courses that they would like transferred in. There are also current UCF students who might be

switching programs where transfer courses might be applicable. For information regarding

transfer credit, please review the Transfer of Credit Policy in the graduate catalog: Transfer

Credit

Turnitin/Ithenticate

The university as well as our graduate programs are very conscious about academic integrity and

the authenticity of thesis and dissertation documents. As such, before publication and the passing

of a thesis or dissertation documents as it relates to the completion of a degree, each document

must go through either a Turnitin or Ithenticate review. Description of this process is provided in

this section. Relevant details related to the consequences of plagiarism can be described.

Review for Original Work

The university requires all students submitting a dissertation as part of their graduate degree

requirements to first have their electronic documents submitted through iThenticate for

advisement purposes and for review of originality. The dissertation chair is responsible for

scheduling this submission to iThenticate and for reviewing the results from iThenticate with the

student's advisory committee. The advisory committee uses the results appropriately to assist the

student in the preparation of their dissertation.

Before the student may be approved for final submission to the university, the dissertation chair

must indicate completion of the Review for Original Work through iThenticate by signing

the Dissertation Approval Form.

Other Relevant Program/Institutional Policies

MFA in Acting Production/Audition Policies

MFA in Acting Audition and Performance requirements for UCF Season Productions

Auditions and Performances

Theatre UCF exists as a performance laboratory servicing departmental, university and

community `, and all MFA Acting candidates are required to participate in university productions

as part of their degree program.

All students enrolled in the MFA in Acting degree must audition for all UCF mainstage shows

during each of the first two years they are in the program. They must accept the roles they are

cast in. There is no limit to the number of roles they can do in each year, as long as the rehearsal

and performance periods do not overlap, or if they do, the productions going into rehearsal can

work around their performance schedule if there is a conflict.

Exceptions

There are limited exceptions that will be granted to the audition policy.

1) The student has an opportunity to perform a leading role in a local theatre that offers a rare

educational experience. They must secure permission from the MFA Acting Coordinator before

auditioning for any role outside the Theatre UCF season of shows.

• If they are granted permission to audition for the production outside UCF, and if they are cast

in that production, they will be excused for all conflicting productions within the UCF Season

• If they are cast in the outside show, they will still be required to audition for other UCF

shows that do not conflict with rehearsals or performances of the show outside UCF and to

accept any roles offered.

• If they are already cast in a UCF show and another exceptional opportunity arises, only in

rare circumstances will they be released from the UCF production. This request should be made

at least 30 days before the first rehearsal.

• Considerations for this exemption will be based on 1) the value of doing the outside role to

the student’s educational experience, 2) the faculty’s conclusion that the role will serve the

student better than the performance in a conflicting UCF show, 3) the student’s GPA and other

factors related to their academic work that would indicate that the commitment will not cause

negative issues in their academic work

• Any student with lower than a 3.0 GPA will NOT be permitted to do outside work

2) The student has an exceptional opportunity to appear in a major professional project such as

a TV show, series, film or commercial.

• In rare cases should the opportunity merit, students can be released at any time before or

during rehearsals. This permission would only be granted if the opportunity rises to the level of

“exceptional” and the MFA Acting Coordinator, the show director and the Theatre UCF Artistic

Director both approve of the release. A two-day shoot at Disney, for example, would not qualify

for this exemption.

3) Financial or Family hardship

• In cases of extreme financial hardship requiring the student to work and therefore not be able

to regularly attend rehearsals, the student will be asked to confidentially provide proof of the

hardship and the MFA Acting Coordinator will consider the request.

• In cases of family illness or death of a family member the student will be excused for as long

as the situation requires.

4) Student Health Issues: If the student is dealing with mental or physical health issues, they can

be excused from this requirement. A doctor’s statement will be required as evidence of the

hardship.

Off-campus Performance Policy

Students are permitted to perform in shows outside UCF in certain circumstances. If they are not

cast in a UCF show, they may spend that time performing in another venue as long as the

rehearsals and performances don’t conflict with UCF responsibilities. They will not be excused

from classes during rehearsals or performances for a show off-campus.

Despite not being cast in a UCF production, if a student wishes to audition for a production off-

campus, they must inform the Coordinator of the MFA in Acting to secure permission. Once

permission is granted, they are free to accept the role.

Minimum Performance Requirements

All MFA in Acting students must perform at least two principal roles in UCF productions during

their first two years and are guaranteed two roles during their residency at Orlando Shakes.

Creating or producing on-campus show

MFA Acting students can be granted the opportunity to create their own work, direct the work of

student organizations or work on devised work with their peers with the permission of the MFA

Acting Coordinator. That work must not interfere with classes or performance assignments.

Lateness and absences from classes are not excusable due to conflicts with shows in this

category.

Additional Program Details

Financial Aid Funding

For information on scholarships available to students in the Theatre program at UCF, visit the

Scholarships webpage on the Theatre Department website.

International Students

Several types of employment are available to international students, including on-campus

employment. For more information about the types of employment available to international

students, and the requirements and restrictions based in visa-type, please see the International

Services Center’s website: global.ucf.edu/ > Current Students > Employment.

Graduate Assistantship Details

Graduate assistants receive a stipend for the duties that they perform, and UCF provides tuition

remission and health insurance coverage for all qualifying assistantship appointments.

For complete information about university assistantship and tuition waivers, please see the UCF

Graduate Catalogue: graduatecatalog.ucf.edu > Financial Information.

To be employed and to maintain employment in a graduate position, the student must be:

• In good academic standing

• Enrolled full time

To be awarded and continue receipt of a tuition waiver, the student must be:

• In good academic standing

• Enrolled full time

All graduate assistantship appointments require full-time enrollment in a graduate program.

Students who have graduate teaching assignments are required to complete UCF GTA

training before beginning their assistantships. International students who have graduate teaching

associate or assistant positions will need to pass the Versant English Test administered by

the UCF English Language Institute before beginning their assistantships.

Assistantships

An assistantship is our usual method of supporting graduate students, and is classified as

either Graduate Teaching Assistantships (GTA), Graduate Research Assistantships (GRA),

or Graduate Assistantships (GA). Details about your assistantship level of support are

provided in the Graduate Financial Support Proposal letter, and your assistantship payments

will be bi-weekly, starting near the end of September.

Assistantships are intended to supplement the student's academic program of study in order

to give the student professional experiences that will enhance the student's development and

prepare them for post-graduation employment. While these activities provide the opportunity

for students to be graduate assistants, their overriding purpose is to help develop the skills,

abilities, and professionalism of the student.

The standard assignment for graduate assistants is a full-time appointment (0.5 FTE

assignment

approximately equivalent to 20 hours per week).

Assistantships are usually renewable contingent upon satisfactory performance of assigned

duties, the availability of funds, and continued academic progress towards your degree including

the maintenance of a graduate GPA of 3.0. Your responsibilities will be assigned by your

Graduate Program Director.

• A GTA enables you to assist in teaching within your profession and requires you to

complete a GTA training offered in the first weeks of each semester prior to

beginning the assistantship. International students may also be required to take a

Versant test to ascertain your proficiency with spoken English.

• A GRA enables you to gain valuable experience working as a researcher within your

profession.

• A GA enables you to work outside of your program area, although your duties may

be closely related to your profession.

UCF Fellowships

The University of Central Florida offers a variety of fellowships with each having unique

eligibility requirements. Many are directed toward students pursuing specific degrees in specific

professions, while others are broader in their eligibility requirements. In all cases, the fellowships

are competitive and most require nomination by your program. University-wide fellowships do

carry an obligation to fill service responsibilities and are provided solely to allow you to focus on

your studies without undue financial or outside work distractions. However, some college or

departmental fellowship may have other requirements. Work outside of the university is

discouraged when receiving a fellowship. Your fellowship may also be supplemented by a UCF

assistantship. Payment of your fellowship will usually occur through the Office of Financial Aid

by a direct deposit or a check once per semester. Continued funding of your fellowship is

contingent upon your continued academic progress towards your degree including the

maintenance of a graduate GPA of 3.0.

Tuition Remission

The term “tuition remission” refers to all ways that the university pays tuition costs for students

receiving assistantships or fellowships.

The level of tuition remission will be commensurate with the level of the student’s

assistantship appointment:

• A half-time appointment (10 hours per week) receives remission of one-half of the

resident (in-state) tuition

• A full-time appointment (20 hours per week) receives full resident (in-state) tuition

remission

Tuition remission requires full-time enrollment in required coursework taken as part of your

degree program.

Tuition remission covers the resident (in-state) tuition fee, but not the local university fees

(student activity fee, athletic fee, transportation fee, etc.). See UCF Tuition and Fees for details

about these charges.

MFA Provost Fellowship

The MFA Provost’s Graduate Fellowship requires students to be nominated by their programs

directly to the College of Graduate Studies. This is a competitive award given to students who

possess outstanding credentials. All students nominated for MFA Provost’s Graduate

Fellowships should have qualifications that meet or exceed the top 25 percent of the entering

class from the previous year in that program. The award consists of $10,000 ($5,000 each in fall

and spring semesters). Additionally, the university provides tuition waivers and health insurance

for MFA Provost’s Graduate Fellowships. However, the tuition award does not cover non-tuition

fees. The award is for two years only, and no service obligation (e.g. teaching, etc.) is linked to

the award.

GTA Teaching Assignments

All GTA’s will sign a GTA contract for the following semester that will stipulate the classes they

are assigned. Students will be expected to prepare for those classes and be ready to teach them on

the first day of classes. They will be responsible for creating syllabi and posting those syllabi

prior to the first day of classes. They will be assigned a mentor (s) who they will assist to become

familiar with teaching and the associated tasks involved.

GTA Training Requirements

In order to be appointed as a GTA (graduate teaching associate, assistant, or grader), students

must have completed the UCF GTA Training requirement by the semester deadline. There are no

exceptions to the GTA Training requirement.

In addition to completing the required trainings, all student employees must complete UCF’s

Kognito training for faculty and staff that addresses mental health and suicide prevention.

Registration information for Kognito is available at https://hr.ucf.edu/files/Kognito-Course-

Completion-Guide.pdf.

Completion of the Preparing Tomorrow’s Faculty program satisfies the requirement for GTA

Grader, Assistant, and Associate Trainings. The Preparing Tomorrow’s Faculty course will only

meet the GTA Training requirement if completed in a prior semester. It is not sufficient to attend

the Certificate course concurrently with your first teaching experience if you have not taken the

GTA Grader, Assistant, and Associate Trainings.

Semester Deadlines

• Summer 2022 – Friday, May 13

• Fall 2022 – Friday, August 19

• Spring 2023 – Friday, January 6

GTA Associates must complete online Grader, Assistant, and Part I Associate Training and also

attend an Associate face-to-face workshop (see below).

There is no exception to the GTA Training requirement. Students who complete this requirement

by the stated deadline may be hired as GTAs. Students who do not complete the GTA Training

requirement as described above may not be hired as GTAs for the current semester. In particular,

the late hiring of GTAs, international considerations, and the existence of departmental training

programs do not obviate or mitigate the GTA Training requirement

GTA Associate Training

The GTA Associate Training is mandatory before any graduate student will be permitted to teach

independently and have full responsibility for all pedagogical aspects of the assigned

course(s). To qualify as a GTA Associate, students must complete the GTA Grader and

Assistant online modules, as well as the GTA Associate online module in UCF Webcourses

and attend a face-to-face workshop presented by the Faculty Center for Teaching and

Learning. The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) typically hosts the face-to-

face workshop prior to the start of the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

To serve as a GTA Associate, students must have completed a master’s degree in the teaching

discipline or have completed 18 graduate semester hours in the teaching discipline prior to the

start of the term of the assistantship.

Please register for the GTA Training to complete all required training for your assistantship prior

to the start of the term. To register for the GTA Training (Grader, Assistant, and Associate Part I

online modules), visit https://webcourses.ucf.edu/enroll/RNANYW. New GTA Associates must

also complete the GTA Associate online Zoom meeting (face-to-face GTA training).

Registration for this portion of the GTA Associate training is available

at https://ucf.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bNFRaP6Ln4CTpm6. More details are below.

English-speaking Ability for Graduate Teaching Associates and Assistants

Students who plan to serve as graduate teaching associates or assistants (GTAs) and for whom

English is a second language are required to pass the Versant English test. The Versant English

test evaluates an individual's English-speaking skills. This requirement applies to all students

from countries where English is not the native language; however, such students will be exempt

if they have completed a previous degree from an accredited U.S. college or university

recognized by UCF, from a country where English is the only official language, or from a

university at which English is the only official language of instruction, or they have received a

score of 26 or higher on the Speak portion of the ibt TOEFL. Only exempted students and those

who have attended the UCF GTA Training and satisfactorily passed the evaluation of their

English-speaking skills may be assigned as GTAs.

For more information about this requirement and the free English-speaking training that the

university provides, see English-speaking Ability for Graduate Teachingin the Assistantships

section of this graduate catalog and https://graduate.ucf.edu/graduate-teaching/. See Graduate

Teaching in the UCF Graduate Student Handbook for Information on registering for GTA

Training and Versant English testing.

GTA Performance Appraisal

At the completion of each semester the student is employed as a GTA, the student’s performance

will be evaluated by the faculty advisor. These assessments will be used to review strengths and

weaknesses in the student’s performance in preparation for future employment.

Professional Development

For information about Artistic Partnerships and the Professional Advisory Board visit the

Professional Affiliations webpage on the Theatre Department website.

For more information about research/creative work opportunities, please refer to the Research/

Creative Activities section in the Handbook.

Development in Instructor Training

The Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning (FCTL) promotes excellence in all levels of

teaching at the University of Central Florida. To that end, they offer several programs for the

professional development of Graduate Teaching Assistants at UCF.

• GTA Training (mandatory for employment as a GTA): This training provides

information and resources for students who will be instructors. The training covers a

variety of topics, including course development, learning theories, lecturing, and

academic freedom. Those interested in additional training can also attend an optional

training session that normally follows the mandatory training.

• Preparing Tomorrow's Faculty Program: This certificate program (12-weeks)

consists of group and individualized instruction by Faculty Center staff and

experienced UCF professors. Textbooks and materials are provided.

• The University Writing Center (UWC) (uwc.cah.ucf.edu) provides workshops,

one-on-one consultations, phone and online consultations on a wide variety of topics

relevant to graduate-level research and writing including electronic thesis resources,

thesis revisions, grant writing, and fellowship applications.

For more information about GTA Training, visit: graduate.ucf.edu/graduate_teaching/

Graduate Excellence Awards

Each year, students can submit a portfolio for nomination of College and University level awards

of excellence. These are intended to showcase student excellence in academic achievement,

teaching, research, leadership, and community service.

These awards include the following:

• Award for Excellence by a Graduate Teaching Assistant - For students who

provide teaching support and assistance under the direction of a lead teacher. This

award focuses on the extent and quality of the assistance provided by the student to

the lead instructor and the students in the class. (Not intended for students who are

instructor of record)

• Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Teaching - For students who serve as

instructors of record and have independent classroom responsibilities. The focus of

this award is on the quality of the student’s teaching and the academic contributions

of those activities.

• Award for the Outstanding Master’s Thesis -To recognize graduate students for

excellence in the master's thesis. The focus of this award is on the quality and

contribution of the student's thesis research. Excellence of the master's thesis may be

demonstrated by evidences such as (but not limited to): publications in refereed or

peer reviewed journals, awards and recognitions from professional organizations, and

praise from faculty members and other colleagues in the field.

For more information about these awards, please see the College of Graduate Studies website:

graduate.ucf.edu/awards-and-recognition/.

For more information about the Council of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS) thesis and

dissertation awards, please see their website: csgs.org/awards/.

Pathways to Success Workshops

Coordinated by the College of Graduate Studies, the Pathways to Success program offers the

following free development opportunities for graduate students including workshops in

Academic Integrity, Graduate Grantsmanship, Graduate Teaching, Personal Development,

Professional Development, and Research. For more information and how to register, please visit

graduate.ucf.edu/pathways-to-success/.

Career Services and Experiential Learning

Graduate career development issues are unique and include evaluating academic and

nonacademic career choices, discussing graduate school effect on career choices, as well as

learning, evaluating, and refining networking and interviewing skills. Whatever your needs, the

offices of Career Services and Experiential Learning offer services and resources to aid in the

career exploration and job search of Master and Doctoral students in every academic discipline.

Graduation Requirements

There are many important deadlines and milestones that students should be aware of as they

progress through their academic career. The Commencement webpage is designed to provide

graduate students with this important information to keep you on track with your plans for

earning your graduate degree and help you navigate the graduation process.

Students should check with their program adviser for information on the important milestones

associated with their Plan of study and degree requirements. Please refer to the Graduate

Catalog and your Program Handbook for this program-

Job Search and Career Pathways

The job search for students in this discipline begins with networking through the Professional

Advisory Board. Students should also attend professional conferences to audition and interview

for opportunities in the field. It is also important to attend on-campus workshops with various

actors and directors from the industry to seek both internship and job opportunities in the field.

UCF’s Career Services department offers a wide range of programs and services designed to

assist graduate students. These services include evaluation and exploration of career goals,

preparation for the job search and job search resources. To learn more, visit their website at

www.career.ucf.edu.

Atlantic Center for the Arts

We also encourage you to apply for scholarships for the Atlantic Center for the Arts

(atlanticcenterforthearts.org/) where you will be able to work with world-renowned authors.

Student Associations

The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is UCF's graduate organization committed to enrich

graduate students' personal, educational and professional experience. To learn more or get

involved, please visit facebook.com/groups/UCFgsa/. For individual department or graduate

program organizations, please see program advisor.

United States Institute for Theatre Technology Student Chapter provides grounds for

discussion for ideas and inventions concerning technical theater, whether this be rigging,

lighting, scenery, CAD, carpentry, electrician work or any other area of expertise. To learn more,

please visit usitt.org/studentchapters/.

Graduate Student Center

UCF is fortunate to have its own Graduate Student Center. It is a great place to relax, practice a

presentation in one of our conference rooms, have your lunch, and to meet other graduate

students. A brief description of the Grad Student Center can be provided in this section. The

following link can be provided: Graduate Student Center

Graduate Research Forum/Symposium

Many of the graduate students who come to UCF will be involved in research. The College of

Graduate Studies hosts an annual Research Forum to provide a conference setting for our own

students to showcase their work either with poster presentations or a face-to-face presentation.

This section can be used to describe this to students in your program. The following link can be

provided: Graduate Research Forum

Forms

• College of Graduate Studies Forms and References

A complete listing of general forms and references for graduate students, with direct

links, may be found here.

• Graduate Petition Form

When unusual situations arise, petitions for exceptions to policy may be requested by

the student. Depending on the type of appeal, the student should contact his/her

program adviser to begin the petition process.

• Theatre Department Guides and Forms

A listing of guides, forms and manuals, specifically for students in the Theatre

programs.

• Traveling Scholar Form

If a student would like to take advantage of special resources available on another

campus but not available on the home campus; for example, special course offerings,

research opportunities, unique laboratories and library collections, this form must be

completed and approved.

Useful Links

• Theatre Website

• College of Arts and Humanities Website

• College of Graduate Studies

• Academic Calendar

• Bookstore

• Campus Map

• Counseling Center

• Financial Assistance

• Golden Rule Student Handbook

• Graduate Catalog

• Graduate Student Association

• Graduate Student Center

• Housing and Residence Life

• Housing, off campus

• Knights Email

• Library

• NID Help

• Pathways to Success

• Recreation and Wellness Center

• Shuttles Parking Services

• Student Health Services

• Thesis and Dissertation (ETD)

• UCF Global

• University Writing Center

Graduate Faculty

Asterisk = has previous committee experience, which qualifies the person to serve as vice chair

Boyd, Belinda