First Day of Semester is Wednesday, 1/29/2025
Be sure to have your equipment and supplies ready. Check in to each of your classes on the Student Portal. Students in synchronous virtual sections can find class Zoom links on the Student Portal. If you have any questions reach out to architecture@academyart.edu
ARH BLOG: OUR VIRTUAL HUB
The ARH Blog is our virtual hub for sharing important information and exciting announcements. This frequently updated blog offers valuable resources and is a great way to get to know the ARH community. Find resources specifically for new students, faculty bios, examples of student work, alumni stories, scholarship opportunities, resume and portfolio advice, our diversity equity inclusion efforts, and much much more!
Please visit and be sure to bookmark on your browser: https://architecture.academyart.edu
COMMUNICATE WITH FACULTY
Your success in online classes relies heavily on the effort you make to communicate. Make it a priority to regularly dialogue with your teachers EACH week during the semester, by attending weekly office hours (many questions get asked and answered there). Correspond with your teachers regarding any challenges or questions you may have in completing or understanding your work. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially if you are not understanding something. Questions count as participation, and everyone in your class will benefit from your questions!
STUDIO CULTURE
Building a Studio Culture in an online Studio class requires time and effort. Attending live Zoom sessions is the best way to do so. Within a robust Studio Culture, architecture students learn not just from their faculty but also from their peers. Build a relationship with your design studio faculty and contribute to the Studio Culture by attending live Zoom sessions each week. Connecting with faculty and peer students through synchronous interactions will enrich your design education in immeasurable and profound ways.
Zoom in Online Studio Classes
In online studio classes, students have live interactions with faculty on a weekly basis in synchronous Zoom meetings. There is a strong correlation between Zoom sessions and student success. Receiving live feedback from Studio faculty is a time efficient way to learn for busy online students. Online students are required to check in with studio instructors at least once a week via Zoom.
For more information and to see the Zoom session times, please click this link.
Credit Hour Requirement
The Department of Education requires universities to design curriculum so that a student spends 9 hours (minimum) per week to earn 3 college credits. A student who is taking a course load of 12 credits must set aside 36 hours (minimum) each week. Architecture is known to be a challenging major – Architecture courses require more hours than the required minimum.
A student who is working full time must set realistic expectations for how many courses are feasible. We recommend a lower course load, especially for the first semester, for students who are balancing work and school.
Architecture courses are fast-paced so missing more than a week of class will make it challenging to get caught up. Please have course supplies, computer, and internet access on the first day of the semester to avoid falling behind.
Page 5 of this document shows the federal definition for Credit Hour.
Required Equipment
In online classes, a computer with a webcam and microphone is required starting in the first week of the semester. Tablets and mobile devices are inadequate for online classes and not substitutes for a computer. A computer set up with two monitors is highly recommended – we recommend 27” or larger for the 2nd monitor. If purchasing a new computer, please choose PC over Mac. After the 1st year, students need to use software, Revit, that is optimized for PC.
If you are purchasing a new computer, please refer to this Guidance on Computer Acquisition.
Important Note: Your computer must have reliable internet connection – please test BEFORE the first day of classes. Tablets and mobile devices are inadequate for online classes and not substitutes for a computer.
A digital camera or a smartphone is needed to photograph drawings and models so that you can submit your work each week.
Required Software
- Rhino 3D from McNeel is industry standard software that is used in all years of the architecture program. McNeel offers deeply discounted student pricing for a perpetual license. This is a one-time purchase and not an annual subscription. This means you do not have to purchase it every year and you can continue to use it after graduation. McNeel also offers a 3-month free trial.
- Zoom is available at no additional cost. Please install the app (or update) before first day of class. We recommend installing the app on your mobile device as well.
- Adobe Creative Cloud (includes Photoshop and InDesign) is available to all registered students at no additional cost – Create an account at Adobe.com using your academyart email address.
- Conceptboard is used in all online studio classes. There is no additional cost. You do not need to create an account. Join as “guest.”
Required Supplies
Supplies for ARH 110 and ARH 170 overlap so you do not have to purchase anything twice. ARH 110 Studio 1 Conceptual Design Studio requires additional tools and materials for physical model-making. Please check your courses for the FULL list of supplies for each class.
See the list below if you are waiting for financial aid and can only purchase a partial list of supplies during the first two weeks of classes. You will need the items listed below on your first day of class. As funds become available, you can purchase the full list of supplies.
Supplies Needed During the First Two Weeks
Drawing
Blick Item No.
20442-2041 CretaColor Monolith Woodless Pencil 4B Or any sketching pencil
10322-1003 Canson Universal Sketch Pad, 9″x12″, 100 sheets Or any similar sized sketchbook
24153-1005 Blick Drafting Tape 1/2” x 60 yds Or any non-permanent removable adhesive tape
10530-1218 Blick Studio Tracing Rolls 18″ x 50 yds White (any brand)
55709-1012 Staedtler Triangular Scale 12″, Architectural (any brand)
12731-1030 3M Scotch Postal Wrapping Paper – 30″ x 15′ roll For Body Tracing assignment. Can be substituted with a blank side of gift wrap paper in similar widths
21316-2001 Sharpie Marker (any brand)
20098-1049 Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk – Asstd Colors, Set of 4 (any brand)
Model Making
Blick Item No.
58991-1009 Blick Cutting Mat Translucent 18″X24″ or larger (any color, any brand)
55489-1018 Westcott C-Thru Flexible Stainless Steel Ruler, 18″ (any brand)
57445-1101 X-Acto #1 Knife (any brand)
57558-1105 X-Acto #11 Blade, Stainless Steel, 5 pk (any brand)
23887-1007 Elmers Glue All/7.625OZ (or any white craft glue)
13145-3146 Utrecht Chipboard – 29″ x 46″, 0.031″ thick (any brand)
13900-3040 1/8” or 3/16” thick Corrugated Cardboard (30″X40″) ** It is not necessary to purchase this new if you are able to repurpose used boxes. Recycled cardboard is acceptable if it is in good condition and correct thickness. (any brand)
*Note: Students in the in-person section of ARH 110 will be provided with Brown craft paper and markers.