H.A.S. enjoys an 85% average retention rate, while the national average rate is 42%.
Group and individual critiques form the basis for assessment of student progress within particular courses of study. The analysis of a particular student’s progress in a major area of study requires more comprehensive forms of assessment. All sophomore and junior-level students at the Hartford Art School are required to participate in year-end comprehensive reviews of their progress in meeting established goals within the major. The purpose of the sophomore and junior reviews is mainly advisory. Faculty assessment of a student’s strengths and weaknesses is shared with the student. This provides the student with some direction for building on strengths and remediating weaknesses.
In some departments, the sophomore and junior reviews are used to gauge the likelihood of the student’s continued success and development in that particular major. Students not meeting the minimum expectations of competence for the major may be required to repeat courses or may be counseled to pursue another major altogether.
During the senior year of study, assessment takes the form of capstone experiences. These experiences vary from department to department and may include senior projects, senior portfolio classes, assessment by outside referees, juried departmental shows, senior thesis exhibitions, and/or participation in special programs (e.g., University Scholar).