What is the Sophomore Portfolio Review and what is required?
The Sophomore Portfolio Review is held once a year in June and is a process of reviewing student work and identifying those that are the most ready to go on into junior year. To qualify for this review a student must complete the freshman and sophomore blocks of courses (see Curriculum). A maximum of 12 students are accepted yearly into the junior program and we reserve the right to select less than 12. Typically, 18 to 32 students apply each year for the review.
A list of portfolio requirements for WWU 's ID program is as follows:
1. Cover page with name, home address, GPA, and photo on the lower right hand side.
2. One page design statement. This statement may explain why student desires to pursue Industrial Design as a career, their goals, intentions, design philosophy, etc.
3. A résumé with work history and past university or college experience and high school.
4. A portfolio consisting of no more than (7) pieces of the student's best work. Work should represent the student's capabilities and skills in industrial design as well as art, engineering, CAD, other computer skills, photography, and any other related field. Original work is preferred unless the project is too large to bring in; then photographs or graphic reproductions will suffice. Each student must show examples of the following:
- perspective booklet completed in ETec 311
- hand rendering/sketching examples that show creativity
- at least one Sophomore ID project
- evidence of computer skills (preferably part of an original project, no tutorials)
5. Sketchbook(s) that demonstrate the students thought process, sketching abilities, and creativity.
Two weeks prior to the review, hand the following things in to the Engineering Technology office.
1. Official academic transcript(s) that show all classes taken from all universities with grades listed. No copies or scans.
2. A list of classes yet to be taken in the junior and senior year and a schedule of when they are to be taken. Must have 90 credits or less remaining to graduate and a written plan to complete the classes. A promise to attend summer school during the following summer does NOT count toward the 90 credits.
3. The following courses must be completed or in progress before the review: Etec 110, 214, 215, 216, 231, 311, 312, and 315. One art history course; 5 studio art courses, Math 114, 115, and Phys 114, 115.
What is a portfolio and what does it consist of?
A portfolio is a documentation and compilation of a designer's work and skills. It should include evidence of sketching skills, computer abilities, a sketchbook, models, art work, photography, etc. With every project you complete, document the process leading up to the final result (e.g. photos, written descriptions, functions and features of your concept).
As far as portfolios preparation goes, save everything from each project. As a project is completed, go back and organize the steps or phases of your design process and document them professionally. Your professors and upperclassmen can help you with advice in laying out your work.
What are my options if I don't get in the junior year?
Those who do not make it into the program may reapply the following year after improving certain skills, pursue an Industrial Technology degree (which accepts most credits taken thus far), or change majors. Counseling on this matter is provided.
Can I declare a Liberal Studies faculty-student designed major and still take industrial design courses? Yes, however, the only industrial design courses you may take are those prior to the portfolio review which include: ETec 214, 215, 216, 311, 312, and 411. Make sure you also fulfill any prerequisites for these courses as well.
To begin the process, contact the Liberal Studies office in AH309 to pick up forms. Form a committee of faculty members from the department areas you plan to study; they will assist you in creating your plan of study. The Chair of Liberal Studies must give final approval of your plan before you take it before the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee.
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