The following is taken from the 2002-2003 Graduate Student Handbook. Refer to the Handbook for additional information:

Rutgers-Princeton Exchange Program
Rutgers and Princeton Universities have an informal exchange program. Exchange is limited to one or two graduate courses per term per student, and any such course must be part of the student's degree program and unavailable at the home institution. To participate, a Rutgers student must register for Princeton Exchange (16:001:816) (BA), normally 3 credits. In addition, the student must obtain forms from the Rutgers graduate registrar and obtain the signatures of the Graduate Director, the Dean of the school, and the Princeton course instructor. The form is then submitted to the Dean of the Graduate School at Princeton.

Rutgers Courses in Other Departments
Graduate courses outside the Visual Arts Department may be taken for degree credit if they are relevant to the program, on the approval of the graduate director.

Transfer of Graduate Credits
Transfer of graduate credits from another program cannot be considered until the student has completed 12 credits (generally, one semester) in the Mason Gross graduate program. Transfer of Credit forms are available from Anine Wagenhoffer, the Graduate Secretary in the Visual Arts Office.

Extra Graduation Credits
Graduate students who have deficiencies in any academic area will be required to pursue extra graduation credits toward the elimination of the deficiency. For example, entering students showing a lack of knowledge of contemporary art may be asked to take a remedial course. The requirement for extra graduation credit will be disclosed by the faculty, through the Graduate Director. All such written statements will become part of the student's file.

Continuation beyond the Normal Two Years
Any student working full time at outside employment or otherwise having difficulty fulfilling degree requirements within two years can apply to the Graduate Director for a third year in which to complete the requirements. In some circumstances the director or the faculty may suggest that a student continue beyond the second year. A studio is not provided to a graduate student in the third year.

If the graduate thesis is the only requirement left unfulfilled and it will be completed by October of the academic year following, the student need not register for a third year. However, if the thesis will not be completed until the end of the Fall semester, the student must register for "Matriculation Continued." Maintaining "Matriculation Continued" status until all requirements are completed is important for avoiding problems of readmission. The time limit for completing the degree is four years from the time of matriculation.

Studios and Studio Regulations
Studio space is issued to students based upon availability. Although every student will receive studio space, studios may have to be shared. Incoming students may move into their studios beginning July 1st. A studio maintenance deposit fee of $150.00 is to be paid before moving into a studio. Deposit forms are available from Anna Marie DiCostanzo, the Department Coordinator, and payment is to be made at Waller Hall, Douglass College. Return the paid fee slip to Anna Marie in the Visual Arts Office, and she will issue the keys. There is a $10 replacement fee for lost access cards.

At all times hallways must be clean. NOTHING MUST BE PLACED IN THE HALLWAYS. Periodically and without prior notice the Fire Department inspects the building and if necessary will issue warnings and then fines. Studios may be locked with University locks only. This is a University regulation enforced by the Division of Fire and Safety, which also imposes other conditions upon students 'use of their studios. ALL ART WORK AND POSSESSIONS USED IN STUDIOS AND THE GALLERY ARE NOT COVERED BY RUTGERS UNIVERSITY INSURANCE. All students must comply with the University's fire-regulation code. Caution should be used with all flammable materials. No bedding is permitted in the studios. Studios are not to be used as a place of residence. Hot pots are illegal, as are hot plates, toaster ovens, and microwaves. The Division of Fire and Safety regularly exercises its right of access to the studios, and violations of the Fire Code may cause the student to lose his or her studio privileges. Eating and smoking are not permitted in the studios.

Unless the studio is completely sealed off acoustically, students may not operate radios in their studios without earphones. Use of studios is contingent upon following EPA Guidelines for the Safe and Environmentally Responsible Use of Art Materials, which are available to students in printed form and is part of the introductory lecture in studio courses where appropriate. Failure to comply will result in revocation of studio privileges.

Studios are to be spackled, sanded, painted with white latex paint, and left empty and clean by graduating MFA students by May 31. Spot painting is not acceptable. Materials or work in hallways must be removed by the same date. Storage of materials and personal property cannot be granted to anyone beyond the period of full matriculation. A studio deposit fee will be refunded when these conditions are met and keys are returned.