A check list? This is sent to graduates a few months before graduation.

I thought it would be good to go over my checklist before I leave for final residency.
This is a check list that came from School.


Graduating MFA-IA Vermont Students,

The following are important graduation deadlines and requirements.
Please use this checklist to be sure you’ve addressed them all, so
that we can issue you your diploma at commencement:


All right, " so that we can issue your diploma," that is good enough reason to check of things from this list. 
REGISTRAR'S OFFICE
√ Done
Final Product: Be certain to format and organize your final product in
the manner specified in your program addendum or student handbook.  A
title page bearing the original signatures of your advisor and second
reader is required. 
 To do
Thesis binders must be purchased from the Registrar's
Office and can be purchased at the time you hand in your final
product. The last opportunity to hand in your final product is
Saturday, February 4, 10:00 a.m. - noon.


I do know that the binder must be signed by both the advisor and second reader.  So, I'll be sure to track them down early. I was not sure about where the binder needed to be handed into, but now I got it. So my plan is to get things signed, and then go up to the registrars office, In the library, and hand the portfolio/thesis in while also paying for and requesting my transcripts. My goal... to have this done before Friday afternoon. 
SIS:  All narrative student evaluations must be submitted in SIS prior
to the commencement residency.  Course equivalents (which are
optional) for all semesters must be submitted and approved prior to
the commencement residency. Please make certain your course
equivalents are correct and complete before graduation.
 To do:  Although I have had course equivalents created and approved by all of my advisors throughout my time at Goddard, I have just printed them out and asked my husband to look them over.  I want to be sure these are correct no misspellings, or in some cases I might be able to exchange a word to make the reading more dynamic. With approval of my advisor, of course.  
Diplomas: Be certain to respond to the “How do you want your name on your
diploma?” email.
√   ?  I have never seen this e mail.  Hmmm. Guess it will be a surprise.  

Presentation: If you have permission to miss your commencement
residency, documentation of your off-campus thesis presentation must
be received prior to commencement.
√ Done
Be sure to indicate your intent to graduate when prompted to do so by SIS.
√ Done


Office contact: Lara De Lucca (lara.delucca@goddard.edu)

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
Be certain to read all email from Robin Mascitti and
studentaccounts@goddard.edu.  Pay your graduation
fee by the specified deadline. If your student account is not “clear,”
you will not receive your diploma at commencement.
√ Done  Paid all of those fees necessary to graduate.  Booked room and board for the 4 days. 
Office contact: Robin Mascitti (studentaccounts@goddard.edu)

LIBRARY
Be certain to return all library materials or reimburse the library
for lost items. The deadline to do so is noon on Saturday before
graduation. If you have outstanding library materials or library fees,
you will not receive your diploma at commencement.

Office contact: Paula Tamburello (paula.tamburello@goddard.edu)
√ Done   Actually, I have not taken out books this semester. I find it much easier to go to my own library. 

FINANCIAL AID
Students who borrowed Federal Loans should have received a student
federal loan exit interview packet via email.  Students were
instructed to complete the exit interview online.
√ Done    Yes, I did an exit interview that asks you a bunch of different ways, "Do you realize you have a huge debt to pay now that you are graduated?  Do you understand it is your responsibility to pay this debt? "  My personal goal- to work my (#*$%& off and get all student loans paid off in 1-2 years.  

If you received Stafford Loans (subsidized and/or unsubsidized), you
can complete the loan exit interview process online at:
http://mappingyourfuture.org/oslc/counseling/index.cfm?act=Intro&OslcTypeID=2

If you received both Stafford and/or Graduate PLUS Loans, you can
complete the loan exit interview process online at:
http://mappingyourfuture.org/oslc/counseling/index.cfm?act=Intro&OslcTypeID=29

Please contact Manuel O'Neill (manuel.oneill@goddard.edu) if you did not
receive your loan exit interview packet or have questions regarding
your loan paperwork.

ACADEMIC SERVICES
Graduating Student Presentation and Residency Workshop Scheduling
Request links are in email notification(s) sent to your Goddard
email account.

Office Contact: Academic Services Mailbox (academicservices@goddard.edu)
√ Done   and booked, even if my presentation is during dinner.  Oh well, it is just the last thing on this check list. 
Please let me know if you have any questions about the above!

best,
Lara


Is that really it? No more hoops? Certainly I must be forgetting something? 

Things I'll miss after leaving Goddard.

The fire starter with a music maker.

• Here is a list of things that I am going to miss after I leave Goddard.  By far, one of the things I love best is the fire pit at night, and the music. 

A podcast about going back to school.... and graduating.

This is my daughter setting my cap for graduation from

Vermont College where I received my undergraduate 

degree. Now she will be with me on Sunday as 

I receive my masters from Goddard. 

Some who read this blog might or might not know that I have been doing podcasts for three years now. They have become a big part of my graduate study. This week my daughter interviewed me for the podcast. She asked me all sorts of questions about going for my undergraduate work at Vermont College and my Graduate study at Goddard College. I thought you might like to listen to the podcast and so I am including a link here. Just click on this link and a new browser will come with the podcast.

If you are interested in my other podcasts you can find them at:

Art and Technology 

and Inspiration Generations and Creative Christian podcasts. 

Transcripts?

We are all going to need transcripts.  But what about after graduation?  How long do I have to wait?

I spoke with the registrars office and they said that you can order transcripts from them.  They are $25.00 for the first set.  With this they give you both a sealed copy and a student copy. I asked, "Can I order them now?"   The reply was to wait until residency to be sure that the transcripts were processed with my graduation.  So there you have it.

FYI registrar is in the library building.

Wondering... is that where we pick up the black binder for the portfolio?  More on that at a later date.

A copy of the schedule?

I was not sure if I could get this up on the blog, but if anyone wants to see how very, very busy the schedule at Goddard residency can be check out this link. 

Revealing the directions to my special place.

In the summer, spring fall, This is a great place to go if you need a break from campus. It is about a 10-15 minute walk. Bring a lunch and your camera, as well as a friend. It is guaranteed to refresh you.   If you don't want to bring a lunch bring money- the pizza place is on the way. Also, please note:  I have noticed with the flooding in Vermont over the last couple of years that the look of the stream changes drastically from season to season.

For those who prefer a map.  Double click to make it bigger. 

DIRECTIONS
Walk off of campus behind The Manor through the clearing to the intersection of route 2 and 214.

I loved this rock behind the dug out.  A bit tricky to get to,
but great for relaxing.

214 has sidewalks on the left hand side as you are going down, but only part of the way.  Watch the traffic.Make a right at the light to main street.  Then another right on mill street, another right on recreational field. You will feel like you are in the middle of a residential area, but at the end of this street is a park on the right. You can drive down there. There is parking, if you prefer.  Park and then walk in the field heading toward the playground at the far end. You will see a dug out on your right. When we first arrived we climbed down here and sat on rocks. Here is a picture of me sitting on my favorite rock in that spot.  If you prefer to walk in to the stream then follow the trail that is to the right of the playground. It is smooth walking and has a rock beach as seen in the pictures below. Last residency my entire group went here for our time off of campus. I brought a blanket.

When you are walking through the field you will see a dug out.
this is the stream behind the dug out.  You do have to
step down into this, but there were some wonderful flat rocks
When I was there last.  If you prefer to walk into the stream
continue to walk in the field to the playground equipment and
Then make a right. take that trail to the beach area. 

Going past town on Main street headed to Mill st. 

As you pass the main buildings and cross over the stream ,
look to your right, eventually we will see this falls
from down stream. 

Laugh at the funny signs you see on the way. 

Make a right down Recreational Field. This is across from
Positive Pie. FYI if you wanted to check it out,
don't turn and go straight the food co- op is on your left. 

I challenge a friend to wade across and try to climb a
giant rock.  I'm so thankful for friends who are adventurous. 

This is the spot, or one of them. 

Here is the group having our time away from campus at the beach
area.  Most enjoyed skipping rocks. I was off trying to balance them.

Getting ready

So much to do before leaving.  

• Look at my packing list, make sure I have those things that make me feel more comfortable while at Goddard.  I have already started to set out my items in the spare room.  Hey, who took my power strip?  
• Complete all of the to do lists for the welcoming committee.  This is my last time serving on this committee and I'm glad there are people that see the need for it and can keep it going. Yesterday I made a sign up for those interested in signing up to help in the future.  Shhh I have surprises for my team, that will be presented thursday. 
• Graduation Presentation- All graduates present and for those newcomers, you will find that the first part of your schedule- until Sunday at graduation is filled with orientation and graduating presentations. You are not required to go to  all the presentation. When I first came I found it very difficult to know who is who. I wish they would put the graduates pictures next to their descriptions. New people don't know everyone by name. 

They sent us the schedule and it looks like my presentation is during dinner. I was going to ask that it be changed, but instead I'm going  request that they add "bring your dinner and snacks will be provided."

• On my list is not to forget GB- GB is Graduation Bear, I will be creating a photo journal of his travels through graduation.  I have already made him a scarf and coat for the trip.  Oh,  and GB has informed me that he is very much into planking, so my traveling companion and I will be encouraging GB to plank along the way. Well...as well as a bear with a fat tummy can plank. 

• Finish the website for the Goddard Network. I have been working hard on this and hope to have it complete before residency.  I have mentioned it quite a bit on this blog. It was created by and for students and alumni of the Goddard MFA-IA.  Here is a link to the new Goddard Network.  
• I'm working diligently with about 12 students and alumni to create a video presentation about the Goddard network. I hope this can be presented to the student body at opening sessions. 
• Print out my portfolio- I don't want to carry this portfolio in my suitcase. I'm tempted to mail it up prior to residency.  If so, two copies will need to be in the mail tomorrow.   
• Then of course, I still have my own work to complete.  

A new student e mailed me today...

I am so glad that a new student e mailed me today. It is good to know that this blog, the welcoming committee and all that I have tried to do at Goddard has made a difference, even if it is just for one person.

The new student mentioned that they had not received anything from Goddard except notification that they had gotten in. My first experiences with Goddard were the same. I did not receive anything but a bill!  It left me feeling a bit irritated and with a sense of floundering about in the abyss that is G1s first pre residency.

If there were one thing I would change about all that I have tried to do is that I wish I could contact each of the new students personally. I used to do this at Vermont College, but Goddard does not allow this.  E mail notification is not enough, many don't use e mail or prefer something to hold in their hands.  I apologize for this part of our program, it can, without explanation, make you wonder, did I really do the right thing by applying to this college?  Did they just want my money and now I'm left in the cold?  Hang in there.  It will all be worth it.

The blog helps with all of these things, It is communication between a student and new student.  It is however, very blunt, very real  It is not in association with the College, so you can see the good and the bad.  I hope that it does not discourage, but instead gives you some tools.

WHAT IS NEW?
In light of the new G1's coming to campus I thought I might post some of the news that they are not getting, and additional thoughts.

These things came through e mail- I'll post more when they arrive!

FOOD 
"We have a new bakery on campus turning out all our bread, pastries etc. you can make your own waffles at every breakfast. Meatless Monday is no more - but we hold fast to the ideas - we have vegetarian and vegan entree options at every meal. Lots of Gluten Free options as well. We're making just about everything from scratch, using as much locally sourced food as possible. "


"Paul and I have the dining room open 24 hours during residencies - meaning you can always get coffee, tea, snacks. No more waiting for coffee if you're an early riser. "  THIS WAS HUGE IN THE PAST- many students complained that they could not get coffee first thing in the morning.  


"Lastly - I'll have the kitchen serving hot food till 10pm on Thursday the 2nd - So if you're arriving late - don't worry. We got you covered. "

I'm intimidates or... this is graduate work?

If you are new and come to Goddard,  don't be intimidated by the caliber of artists at Goddard. There are indeed some professionals in our midst. Also, don't go to a Goddard graduate presentation and think, "This is graduate work?" said with distaste.

 I have met more than one person at Goddard who has come to Goddard as a highly accomplished artist in one area and then decides to push themselves in another area. Some even use the term "reinventing themselves".  Many won't even talk about what they used to do.  

In fact, in my case I had to do something different, they would not let me do what I was already doing.  What you see in these graduation presentation, may be the difficult areas where a lot of individuals had  to push past their comfort level.  It might have been a personal healing journey, unexpected, but still a part of their study.  And by the time that person has gone through 5 semesters and 6 residencies with you, or longer, you have watched the personal growth, you celebrate with their trials, difficulties and reinventing! 

You give a standing ovation, not for a perfect performance, or the best artwork. You celebrate the individual you have come to love who has gone the extra distance, who has challenged themselves and completed this journey with all of the difficulties and surprises that come as you are on it. 

And in light of the fact that our graduation ceremony takes place on Super Bowl Sunday, I'll say that no matter how ungraceful the play might have been, you stand up and scream. Their were no fumbles in this play and this is definitely a touch down! 

Draft of schedule came today!

Two weeks before arriving at Goddard and they send the tentative schedule for students and presenters to check.  Love seeing my  graduate presentation highlighted in orange, not crazy about having to compete with eating dinner.

Taking it in as Whole: An Introspection of a Sculptor and Writer, with graduating student Bridgette Mongeon. Sculpting and developing a relationship with the deceased, printing body organs, digital technology, haiku, a novel, God, atheism, memoir, podcasts, creating connections- only at Goddard MFAIA program can a person have a wide array of engagements and connect them through their own process. “Taking it in as a whole” is a visual journey of the introspection of a sculptor and writer who looks at the symbiotic relationship- life is reflected in art, and art in life. The journey of discovery is phantasmagoric. 

Looks like I'm presenting Saturday evening during/after dinner
Wish it were not so. I know everyone has to eat. Checking to see if this can be changed.

What to do at graduation?

OK up and coming graduates. It is hard, if not impossible to find out who is actually graduating in your group.  Unless, you had e mails of all of the people expecting to graduate and then contacted them directly.  I'm still not sure that everyone who is graduating is being contacted by the school.

I'm sure there are groups who are more organized and more cohesive than ours is.  I'm surprised at how little I care about what is actually happening at the graduation, is there a ceremony after or before, who is speaking, is there music playing who is playing, is the speaker booked, are we going to have a slide show of work and photos playing as we come in, is there an art show?  These are the questions that apparently need to be answered before we come. I think if you asked me last residency, I would have said I care about all of them.  The only thing I care about is... that I can walk up and get my official paper, and that it looks different from the ones they gave out last year.

I was contacted by Sarah Hooker at the school, she asked what we were doing. I emailed Jackie and said can we have a list of students? I'd be happy to get us all together, then the next thing I know Peter- advisor is emailing us all. So, for those who are coming after us, if all of this stuff matters, try to keep in touch with everyone and figure these things out before hand.

But note:  Not everyone you expect to graduate will graduate, some will have to take extensions, some won't even be at residency.  Things happen—my final semester is an example.  It is difficult to broach this subject with everyone as it may be sensitive for some who won't be graduating. Be sensitive.

Goddard takes online payment but... beware!

It send you to Pay Pal, not that Pay Pal is bad, it is just that it often takes several days for something to clear through pay pal, so unless you just happen to have a balance in your Pay Pal account, then you may have to put money in there.  That is, if you are waiting like me, until the very last day to pay for your student account.

What are G's?

These are how the school divides up each semester- G1-G2-G3-G4-G5 etc. If you are in a certain G or about to enter that G, then do a search on this blog for that G. I'm sure you will get lots of information.  You can also find the updated information in the addendum. There are two books for Goddard the handbook and the addendum. Get these, highlight them and study them.  You can find them on the Goddard website.

Someone asked me
"Also, is it written, noted anywhere, what happens in each semester. I find myself completely mystified, with only an inkling that there is a practicum to develop and a thesis to write, in semesters 3 and 5r respectively? Or do I have even that slight inkling wrong? And should i just peruse your blog from beginning to end for all the juicy details?"

So here is my response. 

Yes, go through this blog. There is so much information. I have said," crap I wish I would have had a blog like this when I was going through the program." A few others in the program have said the same thing. I'm sure it will help, and if anyone is confused, feel free to e-mail me and I'll clarify in a post.

A quick overview

G1- get to Goddard, go through residency, say wow, I can design my own study... cool. then get home and wonder what the heck you have gotten yourself into. Create your first packet and say, "Hey, maybe I can do this."

G2- come to residency and say, "Wow, without having to do all of that orientation crap, I can actually find time to take a hike in the woods."  ( when this happens do a search for "my special place" and I will send you to a really cool spot, don't bother checking I have not written the post yet.) You are thinking... I can do whatever I want this semester and hey, I know the program, so this will be a breeze.  WATCH OUT!  yes, you have a report in this semester. No. it is not in place of your packet, but in addition to your packet. I guarantee when you start this report you will say, "how do I know if I am doing what I said I was going to do. Didn't I just start this program?"

( Oh and I would be thinking in advance of the practicum. I would even be kicking it around to the "powers that be" when you are at G2 residency. Go to the meetings on practicum.

Hint.. I know I have said this before on this blog. You are in graduate school to learn how to ... well, I call it defend your practice, but I  am sure there is a more academic term.  If you find that the advisors are pushing you in a direction that you absolutely don't want to go, push back, learn how to defend what you want.  I relate it somewhere else on the blog about a writer.  I asked her if she had a hard time getting away with some of her sentence structure. She said if she could justify it to her editors, then there was no problem.  Don't take it personal, learn to justify what you want and your direction.  Learn to speak in academic terms and defend the direction you are going.

( Now there is a fine line here, Some of the most interesting things that I discovered were when I was pushed beyond the limits that I found comfortable.  So there you have it- more confusion to your MFA-IA.  )

Yes, you can do what you want, but remember, you really only have this semester to do that, well they tell you otherwise, but read on.

G3
Practicum- though I hear it does not always have to be done in G3.  It can span two semesters or be done at a different time.  The choosing of a practicum and having it accepted has caused many tears and grief throughout the student body.  There are others where it worked fine. Take my advice from the above paragraph about justifying and not taking it personal and you will be fine.  The idea of the practicum is to go outside your box, do something you have not done before. If you have never taught, than it might be teaching.  Mine, was, of all things, to create just to create.  This was strange to me as I create alone, but Goddard pointed out that because I am a commissioned artist I am always working in collaboration.  Doing work just to create was a stretch for me.  I heard one guy did nothing for his practicum. I guess that was a stretch for him. But everyone is different and there is much about practicum on this blog, so I will go on.

Oh yea, there is a practicum report due at this time. Though my advisor did not ask me to do one, I would check on this. I ended up doing one in my G5 so that it would be in my paper work.

G4
This is a semester to do what ever you have not had the opportunity of getting accomplished before graduation. Are you missing a point in the degree criteria? You have to get this done here. If you have done all of the degree criteria, and it feels like you are pretty full in each of the areas, then it is another semester to experiment. However..... I would highly suggest that you do a few things.



G5 work your butt off getting your portfolio done.

Now in hindsight I would have tried to divide my study up into course equivalents (CE) for clarity. That really helped me. I have a lot on CE's on this blog.  Not everyone needs them, but I did and while doing them I did find I could understand my study better.

If I would have done my study differently I could have had 18 hours of credit in 3 different areas. I would have made one of those areas art history, and tried to get enough credits for art history. This is the most available job at the college level.  Instead, I had a dual plan—writing and digital art in the traditional studio.

Dividing my time into 3 hour course equivalents let me know the real direction I was heading, even if that changed.  now, everyone works differently.

So that is the run down of each of the G's. At least all that I can think of right now.

Are you a new student coming to Goddard College?

Are you a new student coming to the Goddard College Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Arts program? 


If so, this blog has so much information on it.  I  thought it might be a good idea to highlight a few of the pages. 

• Here is a list of new student questions 
• What about the dorms and a map of the campus? 
• More about the campus and map
• Is there a trail map for hiking? 
• What about Packing? I have several blog posts on packing
• My detailed and growing packing list
• Packing List for a one week residency
• What another post on a packing list? 
• How do I get from the airport to the campus? 

OK you are at school and they are telling you that you need to come up with two things in one weeks time.
1. An overall Study Plan
2. A semester study plan


Don't freak. If you are like me then if you can see what others have done, it helps to be able to do it yourself. Each person handles their study plan differently, but here is a peek up my skirt to see what I was up to in G1.  This blog also has different study plans on it.  NOTE: the criteria for Goddard College may change, be sure you are aware of any changes. 


Be sure to know the people in the Unofficial Welcoming Committee . They can answer all of your questions. 

WELCOMING COMMITTEE FOR FEBRUARY MFAIA VERMONT -still updating

There is still time to get on this committee. Please send me your photo and short bio as below.


It is, once again, time to post for the Unofficial Welcoming Committee. This will be my last post on this topic as I am graduating and others will be taking over. There is still time to become a part of this great team. I have asked each of those individuals who are a part of the Unofficial Welcoming Committee to send me a photograph and information about them to put in a flyer and on this post. This will be handed out at residency to the new students that come in. That way, they can put a face with a name. Some committee members will give me permission to include their photographs here. So I'll be adding to this post as they come in.

(Also a suggestion- If you are new to Goddard, friend these people on Facebook. That way we can chat before residency. Start with me if you like, I'll suggest friends for you- Bridgette Mongeon)

Let me start the introductions.

Bridgette Mongeon

Bridgette Mongeon- Unofficial Welcoming Committee Chair- Vermont- Graduating this residency.

My area of study is sculpting, digital technology and

bridging the gap between the traditional and digital studio. I also have a dual track of creative writing. 

I'm from Texas and work from my studio behind my home.  I have a blog I have kept for my entire time at Goddard and it can be found at http://www.perpetuallearner.blogspot.com/ 


If you need me at residency I'm in Kilpatrick 117, first floor make a left. If you have a question or need something or perhaps just want to chat come on by. If I'm not there leave a post it on my door. I also love to spend evenings at the music room and fire.

If you need a map of the campus I posted about dorms and maps here.

This will help if you are filling out your application and trying to figure out which dorm to ask for. Ask some of our committee members if they like their dorm. All are different.

Oh, yes, I have a graduating presentation this residency titled Introspection of a Sculptor and Writer- Not sure when the graduating presentation is schedule, but I hope you can make it. 

I'll add more committee members as they come in and I have permission to post them.

John Ollom- The New Chair for
the Unofficial Welcoming committee

We are happy to announce that John Ollom will be taking Bridgette Mongeon's place as the new chair for the Unofficial Welcoming Committee.  Thank you John for stepping up to the plate. 


John Ollom-cochair of the Unofficial Welcoming committee soon to move up to chair!  G2- Vermont
John lives in Inwood at the top of Manhattan, NY, NY.    John Ollom is the Artistic Director of Ollom Movement Art/Prismatic Productions, Inc.  He has been teaching, choreographing and directing in New York City and around the country since 2000.  He was just recently the Artist in Residence for Eastern Michigan University for the 2010-2011 academic year.  The full list of his past performances, choreographic works and films are listed at www.prismaticproductions.com.  
Feel free to email John at his company at ollomdance@aol.com with any concerns or thoughts....


IF YOU ARE A RETURNING STUDENT and want to be a part of the committee. Here is a post on what it entails and how to get involved.

Jeff Rudnick

Jeff Rudnick Vermont- G4

Jeff is a G4 studying Art as Vessels for Stories. This includes, pottery,

puppets, sculpture, and the art of illuminated text. Jeff likes to explore stories visually and has great interest in tradition and the traditions of artisans. You might find him taking hikes in the woods if he is not in his room in Doolin (I think it was #6).

Jeff is from Kentucky. He is the Dean of

Students for Residence Life at Brescia University.

Ladianne Mandel

Ladianne Mandel Vermont - G4

Is a Charlotte, North Carolina based artist. Mother of two. Engaged to be married to an amazing woman. her creative work spans visual, sound, word, and movement disciplines - and is supported by a line of inquiry into ideas around identity and communication.  Her dorm " Fisher, she things, but is not sure. First dorm on left as you leave the haybarn and walk up dorm row." 

Sequana Skye

Sequana Skye ,Vermont G5, loves films. When she isn't writing them, she's thinking about them, discussing them (with anyone within earshot), watching them, analyzing them. And lest you think she takes any time off from this passion, she also dreams about them. A lot. She expects to write and direct her own films and create a film making company for, by and about women.

Maryann Donagher

Maryann Donagher,




Vermont-Graduating  is a high school ceramic art teacher in Connecticut. Her current MFA studies as a G4 include large-scale, figurative, wood fired sculptures, her personal memoirs integrated with contemporary feminist theory and the archaeological discoveries of Marija Gimbutas and her writings of the religion of the goddess civilizations of pre-historic “Old Europe.”