Foundation Review Instructions

Please thoroughly read ALL the information on this page, then review the specific degree program instructions in the menu links to the right, before you register for an interview.

FOR STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE SPRING 2025 FOUNDATION REVIEW, THERE ARE TWO PARTS:
 

PART 1: PORTFOLIO and WRITTEN STATEMENT
The portfolio is comprised of the required course books produced during the Foundation Year. A written statement based on a provided prompt is required for each degree program to which you are applying.

  • On Mon Apr 21, you will receive an email containing a link to your individual Box folder.

  • The deadline for uploading the required materials is 5 pm Wed Apr 23. Missing the deadline will result in forfeiting your ability to participate in the Foundation Review.

  • Export each required course book as a separate multi-page PDF and upload to your Box folder. Please do not create any sub-folders or submit duplicate course books as faculty from each degree program will have access to all uploaded materials.

  • Export a written statement for each program that interests you as a separate single-page PDF and upload to your Box folder. See menu links to the right for more details and writing prompts.

  • Materials to produce each Foundation course book should be provided by your section instructor. All course book cover templates/fonts are also available in this Box folder. Be sure to update each book cover with your information. Please email your instructor if you are missing anything, or feel free to contact the course coordinator if the instructor isn’t available:
    DES 120 / TBD
    DES 130 / Mike Seskauskas (mseska2@uic.edu) 
    DES 140 / Jake Rynkiewicz (jrynki@uic.edu) 
    DES 150 / Linda Bracamontes (lindabr@uic.edu) 
    DES 160 / Lauren Nichols (laurenmn@uic.edu) 
    DES 170 / Jennifer Wandro (jwandr3@uic.edu)
     

PART 2: THE LIVE INTERVIEW
All interviews will be held in person in our A+DS building on Fri Apr 25. Please arrive in Room 3304 at least 10 minutes before your scheduled interview, and plan to remain there until the start of your time slot—no congregating in the hallways or atrium will be allowed in order to reduce noise distractions during interviews.

  • On Mon Apr 14, you will receive an email containing a link to the interview sign-up sheet—you must be logged into your UIC account to access this form.

  • The deadline for interview registration is 5 pm Fri Apr 18. 

  • BA Design Studies has limited interview slots—if interested in this program, sign up for this interview as soon as possible. BDes programs have much larger windows of interview time, so plan accordingly.

  • When selecting a time slot on the sign-up sheet, be careful not to accidentally delete another student’s information.

  • It is not possible to reschedule your interview once you have selected a time slot.

  • You may register to interview for multiple degree programs, but only one time slot per program is allowed—be careful not to select conflicting time slots.

  • The faculty conducting your interview will display your work on a classroom monitor, so there is no need to bring a laptop. However, feel free to bring any physical items that might contribute to the discussion.

  • As for attire, wear what best represents you in an interview setting. 

GUIDANCE and FEEDBACK
In the weeks leading up to the Foundation Review, various student groups (AIGA and IDSA) will advertise informational sessions and mock reviews to help prepare students. Homework Hangout design mentors are available 12–12:50 pm Mon–Wed in Room 3430. We also recommend reaching out to your instructors and classmates for feedback.

FOUNDATION REVIEW RESULTS
The School will email results and registration information within 2 weeks after the Foundation Review. Students may not register for any second year design classes until they have received acceptance into a degree program. You may, however, register for general education courses, including Art History, at your designated registration time.

STUDENTS WHO DO NOT PLAN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FOUNDATION REVIEW
Please meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your future academic plans. You might want to consider these related programs in the School of Art & Art History:

  • BA Interdisciplinary Education in the Arts (IDEAS) prepares students to think and work both critically and creatively in preparation for cutting-edge, multifaceted careers linking the arts to each other within a context that includes the emerging digital landscape. This degree can be completed in 2 years by taking courses in all the areas of the College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts.

  • BFA New Media Arts offers students a unique, interdisciplinary curriculum in which leading practitioners come together to work with students as they develop aesthetic and critical perspectives in emergent technologies.

  • BFA Art / Moving Image focuses on creative and alternate approaches to both experimental and documentary forms of filmmaking.

To discuss transferring to these programs, please email the School of Art & Art History’s Academic Advisor Liv Jordan.

LINKS TO INFORMATION ABOUT EACH DEGREE