Yale School of Architecture Handbook

The faculty of the School is composed of scholars and professional practitioners. With the exception stated in Section IV.D, teaching and grading of graduate students’ course work for credit in the School is the exclusive responsibility of the faculty. In addition, the faculty is responsible for the curriculum, the awarding of degrees, and establishing the rules and procedures of the School as allowed by the University.

The Dean’s Office schedules regular faculty meetings, chaired by the Dean. Any member of the student/faculty body may submit items to be included in the agenda of these meetings to the Dean’s Office no later than one week prior to the scheduled faculty meeting. The Dean’s Office distributes minutes of each meeting to the faculty. Quorum is established by the presence of one-third of the members of the faculty with multi-year and tenure appointments, but all members of the faculty may vote. Voting is decided by simple majority of those faculty members in attendance at the time of the vote.

For more details regarding the faculty, refer to the Yale University Faculty Handbook.

Various standing committees, composed of faculty members appointed by the Dean and in some cases elected student representatives, assist the Dean in the formulation and implementation of policies governing activities of the School. The Dean appoints the chairperson of each committee and also appoints faculty members in consultation with the respective chairperson. With the exception of the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Student Grievances and the Admissions Committee, the student body shall elect the designated student committee members (see Section IV.C). Each committee’s chairperson is responsible for the committee’s organization, activities and reports.

In the standing committees, except the Executive and Design Committees, quorum is established by the presence of one-half of the appointed and elected committee members. For the Executive Committee, quorum is established by the presence of one-half of the committee members not on leave. For the Design Committee, quorum is established by the presence of one-half of the faculty members hired on a one year or longer contract and who teach in the design studio. For all standing committees, except the Executive Committee, voting is decided by simple majority of the committee members in attendance at the time of the vote. For the Executive Committee, voting is decided by simple majority of the committee members in attendance at the time of the vote that are qualified to vote on the particular issue.

1. The Registrar’s and Admissions Office handles all matters relating to student admissions and records.

2. The Financial Aid Office handles all student financial aid matters.

3. The Business Office is responsible for dealing with administration and finances of the School.

4. The Digital Media Office is responsible for maintaining the School’s academic digital equipment.

1. If a student has falsely represented their proficiency with the English language, the School reserves the right to withdraw admission into the School at any time.
   
2. M.E.D. applicants must demonstrate their proficiency with the English language through both their written proposal and their conversations with the M.E.D. Committee chairperson. If such proficiency is deemed to be lacking, the M.E.D. Committee may decide against the acceptance to that student.
   
3. Before a letter of admission is sent to applicants for special student and/or advanced student status, conditions of admission should be verified by the Rules Committee for conformance to the rules of the School.
   

1. School Registration. Students are required to register in person on the first day of School of each semester. A fee will be charged for late registration.
   
2. Course Registration. Unless otherwise approved or directed by the Rules Committee, students must take all required courses and do so not later than the semester specified in the School Bulletin (see Section II.D.1 for policy on the waiver of required courses). It is a student’s responsibility to maintain an accurate course schedule with the Registrar’s Office. Each semester students must submit their course selections not later than one (1) week after commencement of classes. A fee will be charged for late course selection. Any change (add or drop) from the initial course selection shall be immediately reported in writing (Rules Form) to the Registrar’s Office. No full-time course(s) may be added after two (2) weeks from commencement of classes. No half-time course(s) may be added after one (1) week from the commencement of half-term classes. Courses dropped up to six (6) weeks from the time of registration will not appear on a student’s transcript. Courses dropped thereafter will appear on a student’s transcript with a recorded grade of “Withdrawn”. No course may be dropped after the last day of classes. Prior to dropping any course, it is recommended that students discuss their intentions with the dean responsible for academic affairs.
   

M.Arch.
a. Unless a student is admitted with advanced standing or is a joint-degree candidate, degree requirements for the M.Arch I program consist of the following:
i. satisfactory completion of at least 114* credits, and
ii. enrollment in the equivalent of at least six (6) full-time fall/spring semesters and one early summer session.
Degree requirements for the M.Arch II program consist of the following:
i. satisfactory completion of at least 72 credits, and
ii. enrollment in the equivalent of at least four (4) full-time fall/spring semesters.

*108 credits if matriculation occurred prior to the 2018-2019 academic year

b. The School Bulletin specifies the required number of required and elective course credits for each semester. Students beyond their first year may take up to a maximum of three (3) extra credits in any semester with the permission of the Rules Committee. Students may not be enrolled in more than one (1) studio per semester.

Students not in their last semester who wish to take nine (9) credits or less per semester need prior approval from the Rules Committee.

M.E.D.
a. Unless a student is a joint-degree candidate, degree requirements of the M.E.D. program consist of the following:
i. satisfactory completion of at least 72 credits, and
ii. enrollment in the equivalent of at least four (4) full-time fall/spring semesters.
b. M.E.D. students who have satisfied the requirements of a professional program are not encouraged to participate in studios normally offered in the M.Arch. program.

c. After the first year a student, with permission of the Rules Committee, may take up to a maximum of three (3) extra credits in any semester.

d. Extension of Thesis Work. If after the completion of four (4) semesters of M.E.D. course work, an extension of time (designed to offer the student the opportunity to raise research standards) is desired for completion of a student’s thesis, such an extension may be granted by the M.E.D. Committee, with approval of the Rules Committee, in response to a written request by a student that has the endorsement of his or her advisor.

If the thesis is sufficiently developed to a degree that the student, advisor, and the M.E.D. Committee feel that the work can be completed without consultation of an advisor and/or use of other University facilities, the extension may be in absentia without additional tuition. If the thesis is sufficiently developed to a degree that the student, advisor, and the M.E.D. Committee feel that the work can be completed without consultation of an advisor, but the work will require the use of University Facilities, the extension may be in absentia with an In Absentia tuition fee as set in the School’s Bulletin. However, if the student, advisor, and the M.E.D. Committee consider that the thesis is still in an undeveloped state and requires continuing supervision, the student will be required to enroll at half tuition for each academic semester until the work is completed or can otherwise qualify for In Absentia status. Regardless, a student’s thesis work may be extended for no more than two (2) years.

Transfer Students. Transfer students must spend at least four (4) semesters at Yale. No transfer students are allowed in the M.E.D. program.

Joint Degree Students. Joint degree students must fulfill the requirements as outlined in the School Bulletin.

As designated in the School Bulletin, each regular course and studio is assigned a specific number of course credits that upon satisfactory completion of the course and studio are awarded toward the degree requirements.

Required Course Waivers. If a student can demonstrate competence and passing grades from an accredited school in the material covered in a required support course, that student may be waived from that class. Course waivers are initially approved by the appropriate Study Area Coordinator, who passes them on to the Curriculum Committee and Rule Committee for final approval. Course waivers do not reduce the number of credits necessary to graduate.

Independent Study. Credit for independent study exists in the curriculum for students whose interests are beyond the available course options and who are not on Academic Probation. Independent study proposals cannot duplicate existing course material. M. Arch. students may earn a maximum total of six (6) credits for independent study, but can take no more than one (1) independent study course not exceeding three (3) credits in any given semester. Special exceptions may be made by the Rules Committee in cases where advanced credit has been obtained for required courses prior to admission to the School for M.Arch.I students. M.E.D. students may earn a maximum total six (6) credits for independent study when it is in lieu of elective requirements, but not in lieu of independent research. M.E.D. students may elect to take all six (6) credits in one semester.
- All independent study course proposals must be submitted to the Curriculum Committee for approval by no later than the Monday of final examination week for the semester prior to the proposed independent study course. Such proposals must include written approval from the proposed faculty advisor. The Curriculum Committee shall make its determinations prior to the end of the first week of classes of the semester of the proposed independent study course. No new students or faculty members may be added to the proposal in the interim.
- The Curriculum Committee will send all approved proposals to the Rules Committee for confirmation of the student’s eligibility under the rules. Although two students may work jointly in a design-based independent study course, all library/research-based independent study courses are limited to one student per proposal. Faculty members may advise a maximum of three independent study students, including undergraduates, during a semester. Faculty advisors must be teaching during the semester in which the independent study is conducted. Students must post their independent study work as designated by the School by the Monday of examination week for review by the Curriculum Committee. Faculty advisors shall be responsible for the grading and evaluation of a student’s independent study work.

Auditing Classes. In order to audit any class at the University, a student needs to secure the instructor’s permission to do so as well as meet any other criteria that the instructor and/or the department (or School outside of the School of Architecture) may require. Generally, auditing a course involves only attending class sessions—faculty members are not expected to grade or evaluate any auditing student’s work. Audited courses taken by a student in the School of Architecture are not recorded on the student’s transcript.

Credit for Courses at Institutions Other Than Yale University.
​a. Prior to Matriculation to Yale. For transfer students or students granted advanced standing, the Director of Graduate Studies must approve credit for courses previously taken at other institutions.

b. After Matriculation to Yale. Students are not usually allowed to take courses for credit at other institutions after matriculation. An exception may be allowed under the following procedure:

The student presents her/his petition to take courses at another institution to the School’s Rules Committee. The petition will be accompanied by a written opinion from the Study Area Coordinator and, when applicable, from the faculty member teaching an equivalent Yale course. The Rules Committee will transmit its recommendation, along with the student’s petition and opinion of the involved faculty member(s), to the Dean for policy decision. If an exception to the School’s policy is warranted, the decision will be forwarded to the Rules Committee for implementation.

Studio and Course Attendance. All students currently enrolled in a course are expected to attend and fully participate in all class sessions. Students with two or more absences in a course may be subject to failure by the primary instructor. Student project-based work will not be accepted for judgement unless it has received regular criticism in the studio.

Leaves of Absence. Students are expected to follow a continuous course of study at the School. Leaves of absence are available as listed below. In all cases, leave requests are subject to review and approval by the Rules Committee who will, in turn, consult with the appropriate faculty and administration offices of the University.

1. Medical Leave of Absence. Students may request or may be placed on a medical leave of absence.
   
   1. Students requesting a medical leave of absence are required to get a written letter from their doctor indicating that they are so required to withdraw from some or all of their academic course work. This letter will go to both the Registrar and the chairperson of the Rules Committee.
      
   2. The School reserves the right to place a student on a medical leave of absence when, on the recommendation of the Chief of the Division of Mental Hygiene of the University Health Services, the dean of the School determines that the student is a danger to self or others because of a serious medical problem.
      
2. Elective Leave of Absence. Students may be granted an elective leave of absence for periods up to, but not exceeding, one year. Such leaves may be for further career development (for example, professional or scholarship activities) or for personal reasons (for example, parental leave or financial reasons). Requests for elective leaves must be submitted to the Rules Committee no less than three weeks prior to the end of the semester preceding the period of requested leave. Students should not assume such requests will be automatically granted.
   
   1. Required Leave of Absence. The School has the right to require a student to take a leave of absence from the School. The cause of such a determination may be the result of a lack of academic performance (such as studio and/or course failure(s) (see Section II.H) and/or by a student’s failure of the Design Committee Review (see Section II.G.4).

Return From Leaves of Absence.

1. Return From Medical Leaves of Absence. Students on a medical leave of absence requesting re-entry into the School must provide a letter from their doctor stating that the cause of their leave has been remedied. In addition, before re-registering, a student on medical leave must secure written permission to return from a physician at the University Health Services. The date of return from a medical leave of absence must be discussed with and approved by the Dean to allow for successful completion of course work and requirements.
   
2. Return From Elective Leave of Absence. Those granted elective leaves must file formal notice of return two months before the end of the semester immediately preceding return to the School.
   
3. Return From Required Leave of Absence. Students on a required leave of absence because of academic cause must consult with the chairperson of the Rules Committee at least one month prior to the expiration of the designated leave in order to re-matriculate into the program.
   

A student is in “Good Academic Standing” so long as the student is not on Academic Warning, Academic Probation, or has been required to withdraw. The following chart indicates the resulting Academic Standing for students who may receive grades of Pass with Concern, Low Pass or Fail:

The Dean responsible for student matters is advised to notify in writing any student whose status has changed to Academic Probation.

A student shall be required to withdraw from the School for receiving a grade of “fail” in 5090c, Architectural Foundations. A student may appeal the requirement to withdraw from the School to the Rules Committee, who will review the case with appropriate representation from the Design Committee. If the Rules Committee upholds the requirement to withdraw, the student may appeal the action to the Dean.

Prior to the first day of classes of each semester, the Design Committee will also review students on “Academic Warning” who have passed with concern in a studio course completed the previous semester. The Design Committee may decide, based on an overall review of design performance: 1.) that the student remain on Academic Warning; or 2.) that the student return to Good Academic Standing.

Prior to the first day of classes of each semester, the Design Committee will review students on “Academic Probation” who have received a grade of “fail” or “pass with concern” in a studio course or a flagged Concern in any two studio courses. The Design Committee may decide, based on an overall review of design performance: 1.) that the student remain on Academic Probation; 2.) that the student’s standing be changed to Academic Warning; 3.) that the student has not shown sufficient promise of design success and, as a result, may require the student to take courses that are not in the normal sequence, take additional course(s) beyond those normally prescribed in order to graduate, and/or take a Required Leave of Absence (see Section II.E.2.b); or 4.) that the student withdraw from the School. The Design Committee’s action will be forwarded to the Rules Committee. A student may appeal the Design Committee’s action to the Dean.

Prior to the first day of classes of each semester, the Rules Committee will review all students on Academic Probation not subject to review by the Design Committee (see prior paragraph) and may decide, based upon a review of academic performance: 1.) that the student remain on Academic Probation; 2.) that the student’s standing be changed to Academic Warning; 3.) that the student has not shown sufficient promise of academic success and, as a result, may require the student to take courses that are not of the normal sequence, take additional courses that may delay graduation, and/or take a Required Academic Leave of Absence (see Section II.E.2.b): or 4.) that the student withdraw from the School. A student may appeal the Rules Committee’s action to the Dean.

Students on Academic Probation may be denied appointment as Teaching Assistants or Teaching Fellows and may be subject to the loss of the appropriate proportion of Yale loans and scholarship awards until there is proof of improvement and/or completion of course and/or studio work.

Grades.

All faculty members shall submit semester studio grades not later than the end of the examination period and shall submit semester non-studio grades not later than one week after the end of the examination period. Grades for studios and courses at the School are limited to the following:
1. Pass
2. Pass with Concern (as further defined in the Student Evaluations)
3. Fail
4. Incomplete
5. Withdrawn (see Section II.B.2)

For the grade of Pass, credits in the appropriate number will be granted toward a student’s degree requirements.

No credits will be granted toward degree requirements for the grades of Fail, Incomplete, and/or Withdrawn.

Should a student receive a final grade of “Fail” in a studio, the studio instructor shall immediately inform the Registrar and Dean responsible for student matters and inform the student in person prior to the end of the examination period. If a student receives a grade of “Fail” in a studio in any semester or year, that student will normally be required to take an additional semester of studio work during a subsequent year, and will not be permitted to take a make-up problem or problems during the summer.

The grade of “Incomplete” is a temporary grade that may be awarded only for extenuating external circumstances. In order for a grade of “Incomplete” to be awarded for non-medical reasons, a student must request such a grade in writing to the Dean prior to the final examination and/or final review. In order for a grade of “Incomplete” to be awarded for medical reasons, a student must make such request in writing to the Dean accompanied by a doctor’s letter as soon as reasonably possible. If approved, course work shall be made up by a date set by the Dean, in consultation with the appropriate faculty member, but in no case later than the end of the next semester in which the student is enrolled. Work not satisfactorily completed by the established time will be recorded as a “Fail.”

Grades for non-studio courses at the School are limited to the following:
1. High Pass (for exemplary work)
2. Pass (sufficient grasp of material and level of effort)
3. Low Pass (minimal effort necessary to complete the course)
4. Fail (unsatisfactory work)
5. Incomplete
6. Withdrawn (see Section II.B.2)

For the grades of High Pass, Pass, and Low Pass, credits in the appropriate number will be granted toward a student’s degree requirements.

A grade of “Incomplete” in a studio may be made up by additional work or an extra problem as determined by the Rules Committee in consultation with appropriate faculty. All such work may occur only under an approved critic and according to an approved program. Incompletes from the fall semester may be completed, if appropriate, during the January semester break for no additional tuition charge. If it is not possible to complete the work during the semester break, such work may be completed during the following summer. Incompletes from the spring semester must be completed during the following summer. All work that requires more than two weeks to complete during the summer shall be charged an additional 1/8th of the following year’s annual tuition rate.

Progress Evaluations.

a. Interim Evaluations. Faculty members are advised to provide a written evaluation informing any student clearly in danger of failing any course or studio. Such letters should be copied to the Registrar and the Dean responsible for student matters. Since the timing of the evaluation of a student’s work may not allow for a written warning, failure to provide any such notice to a student shall not create the assumption of a passing grade.

b. Final Evaluations. Faculty members shall write performance evaluations of each student enrolled in their course and/or studio. These evaluations shall be given to the students as well as put into their permanent record.

c. Concern. Should a student’s performance in a course warrant a Pass (P) yet reveal a serious Concern, the faculty member should flag that Concern in the student’s Final Evaluation. Students receiving a Concern will be required to meet with members of the Design Committee (for studio courses) and/or with the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs (for non-studio courses) in an advisory capacity to outline a course of action moving forward.

Portfolio Requirement.

In addition to the required completed course credits, students working towards an M.Arch. degree must maintain a digital portfolio of work done in their studio courses. Demonstration of professional development acquired outside of School through experiences, such as self-directed research, fellowships, or paid employment, must also be included in the portfolio and identified separately. This portfolio should be maintained and updated as the student progresses through the program.

While this portfolio may emphasize the best work of the student’s choice, it must also provide comprehensive coverage of the student’s work, including each studio project for every term the student is enrolled. Students are encouraged, but not required, to supplement their design studio work with work from other courses. This other work may be accommodated in either a separate section of the portfolio or in a second book.

The portfolio must include the student’s name, program, date, and a passport-sized photo on the title page. Each project should be clearly labeled, stating the name of the project, term, date, and instructors. Collaborative projects must be clearly credited.

The digital portfolio must be submitted (uploaded as a PDF) for evaluation at the end of the fourth term for M.Arch. I students and at the end of the second term for M.Arch. II students and before graduation at a time and date established by the Dean’s Office for all M.Arch. students.

In order to receive their diploma, graduating students are also required to submit to the School a hard-media exact copy (CD or DVD) of their final digital portfolio. This copy will be placed in the University Archives, where, upon receipt, it will be open to all researchers.

Design Committee Review.

The Design Committee shall review the M.Arch. students for consideration of promotion at a time and place to be determined by the Chair of the Design Committee in accordance with the schedule listed below. The Design Committee will require the submission of students’ portfolios prior to the review. This review uses students’ portfolios as the basis for discussion of a student’s general design progress.

Prior to any final review determinations by the Design Committee, the Rules Committee shall review and approve such determinations for conformance to the Rules of the School. After the Rules Committee has approved the Design Committee’s determinations for such conformance, the Design Committee will forward to students not eligible for graduation a letter indicating the results of the review.

Students may pass this review; may pass this review but be put on notice that there is cause for concern; or may fail this review (despite their having passed their design studios). Students passing but put on notice may be asked to do additional work as well as to resubmit their portfolio at a later date. The Design Committee has the authority to require that students who fail this review follow non-standard requirements, such as: resubmit their portfolio at a later date, take courses that are not of the normal sequence, take additional courses that may delay graduation, take a reduced course load that may delay graduation, and/or take a Required Academic Leave of Absence (see Section II.E.2.b), or be required to withdraw from the School.

Students who pass this review but are put on notice or who fail this review are entitled to meet individually with a review panel of the design faculty where the concerns of the Design Committee will be discussed with the student. At this discussion with the design faculty, students may be asked to submit their design work from any or all semesters. This discussion will occur at a time and place to be determined by the chairperson of the Design Committee at the earliest possible date, but no later than one week after the letter of action has been issued.

After the review panel discussion, a student may appeal the Design Committee’s action to the Dean.

a. Design Review Schedule. The initial M.Arch.I review process shall be held and completed after the spring semester of the second year, and the initial M.Arch.II Review process shall be held and completed after the spring semester of the first year. All students eligible for graduation shall be reviewed after the completion of their degree requirements.

Beyond the Design Committee Review (see Section II.G.4), the Rules Committee may decide, based on an overall review of performance that a student has not shown sufficient promise of academic success and, as a result, may require such a student to take courses that are not of the normal sequence, take additional courses that may delay graduation, take a Required Academic Leave of Absence (see Section II.E.2.b, or may be required to withdraw from the School.

A student may appeal the Rules Committee’s action to the Dean.

Graduate coursework in architecture frequently requires that students build on previous design work or scholarship or collaborate with other students. The following definitions help clarify the proper procedures for conducting and documenting such collaborations and the expectations of the School of Architecture. For a fuller discussion of these issues, see the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning pages on AI Guidelines and Understanding and Avoiding Plagiarism.

1. Multiple Submissions
   

Students may not submit the same work, or substantially the same work, in more than one course. If topics for two courses coincide, a student must have written permission from both instructors before either combining work for submission in two courses or revising an earlier work for submission in a new course or in a different iteration of the same course.

1. Cheating on Examinations
   

It is cheating to copy answers from other students or to discuss or obtain answers from another person via any form of communication. Students are prohibited from referring without written permission to notes, books, laptop computers, cellular phones, or other programmable electronic devices during an examination. It is also cheating to change answers on a returned examination and then request re-grading.

1. Plagiarism
   

Plagiarism is the use of someone else’s work, words, or ideas as if they were one’s own. Any materials submitted for critique or evaluation, including drafts, must not include any plagiarized work. Plagiarism takes many forms, but it falls into four main categories: using a source’s language without citation or attribution; submitting work produced by generative AI without disclosing the use of AI in preparing the work; using identical material from a source without citation or attribution; and paraphrasing or relying in part on a source in a form that stays too close to the original without attribution. The Poorvu Center provides additional guidance on its website; please see When You Must Cite for a fuller discussion of how to avoid plagiarism and see the Fair Paraphrase section for a discussion of how to use an idea from another source in your own argument.

You must always make clear in your design and written work where you have borrowed from others. This obligation holds whether the sources are published or unpublished and whether they are in print or in any other form. This also includes work created by instructors, colleagues, classmates, and others in the community. If you use AI in any form in work submitted for evaluation, be transparent about how you used it and make sure your use of such tools is permitted by the specific course policies. See the YSOA Policy on Artificial Intelligence (AI) discussed below for additional guidance.

1. Reliance on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools Proper Use of AI Tools
   

Unlike previous digital tools, AI instruments, ranging from large language models to generative algorithms to autonomous agents, may act autonomously and exercise authorial capabilities. For this reason, any use of AI that materially contributes to the substance of submitted work must be acknowledged and, where required, documented, in accordance with the University and School of Architecture academic integrity, plagiarism, and attribution requirements noted herein. Improper use of AI will be treated as a violation of academic integrity, which may include plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, or fabrication, and is subject to disciplinary action. The Yale School of Architecture Policy Regarding Artificial Intelligence, provides a full discussion about permissible use of AI.

Course Policy Requirements

Instructors will stipulate the AI policy for their specific course in their syllabus and explain it at the beginning of the term. These terms may range from explicit prohibition to broad permission. Irrespective of course policy, students must acknowledge any use of artificial intelligence in the preparation of their work and, where required, provide specific documentation, which might include, for example, prompts, AI-revised text, AI-generated code, or AI-generated images, renderings, and design output. Instructors may identify routine, embedded uses (such as basic spelling and grammar correction) that do not require acknowledgment. The Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning provides deeper discussion and guidance about the permissible use of AI.

How and whether instructors permit you to use AI tools at the School of Architecture will vary widely from course to course and is always subject to each instructor’s discretion and policy. Always check with your instructor before using these tools. Guidelines about these practices may change over time, so be sure to ask for the most up-to-date policy.

1. Falsification of Documents
   

Forging, altering, misrepresenting, providing false information on, or otherwise falsifying any transcript, academic record, attendance log, application for admission or financial aid from the University, identification card, or other official document.

1. Harassing Behavior

Harassing behavior, including, but not limited to, sexual harassment or discriminatory behavior.

1. Disruptive Behavior
   

Disruptive behavior, including, but not limited to, threatening colleagues, faculty, or staff members with violence; theft; hazing; or willful property damage. Students must maintain appropriate standards of behavior for studio and classroom work, which include, but are not limited to, adherence to attendance requirements, preparedness, punctuality, cooperation, and honesty.

1. Possession of Weapons
   

Possession or use of explosives, incendiary materials, or weapons on or about the University campus or at any University event or activity. 5. Drugs Unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs on University property or as part of any University event or activity.

1. Illegal Activity
   

Any behavior prohibited by law may be subject to a disciplinary charge in addition to any potential criminal charges or sanctions. 7. Disrespect or Property Damage

Disrespect or damage to University facilities or property, including, but not limited to failure to comply with the following rules:

a. Trash. Studio areas, furniture, floors, and stairways must be kept neat, and aisles clear of debris. Use proper surfaces and equipment for cutting and other model-making activities. Items left on the floor may be discarded as trash by the custodial crew.

b. Defacement. Defacement of the building and/or objects within it will not be tolerated. Damage to the building or its contents will be subject to Rules Committee action and penalties may include a restitution charge to restore the building or object to its original condition. The use of tables and carpets as cutting surfaces is strictly prohibited (always use a proper cutting mat).

c. Spray Booths, spray painting and foam cutting. Spray painting, foam cutting, and the use of designated poisonous/toxic materials are strictly prohibited in Rudolph Hall. Under limited circumstances, use of sprayed materials may be allowed under supervision in the Fabrication Shops. For details of this policy see http://yalearchitecture.org/msi/.

d. Sharps/Razor Blades: For the safety of the community, all razor blades, glass, and other sharp objects must be disposed of in the designated ‘Sharps’ containers located on each studio floor (near the freight elevator). The use of tables and carpets as cutting surfaces is strictly prohibited (always use a proper cutting mat.)

e. Air Vent and Overhead Light Fixtures: All permanent light fixtures and air vents must remain open and uncovered at all times.

f. Student Kitchen: Students are responsible for keeping the fourth-floor student kitchenette tidy and using it exclusively as a break room. Other uses of this room are prohibited.

g. Desktop Kitchens. The use and installation of personal refrigerators, hotplates, microwaves, coffeemakers, and other kitchen appliances should be limited to the Student Kitchen.

h. Bicycles and Scooters. Bicycles and scooters may not be parked in any stairwell, in any egress path, or anywhere on any studio floor. Motorcycles are not allowed to be parked on the sidewalk in front of the building. Electric micromobility devices, including e-bikes and scooters, are not permitted in any Yale building under the University’s Electric Micromobility Device Policy. Yale Police will remove any bicycle or motorcycle parked illegally. The Bicycle Storage Room SB19 is to be used exclusively for the storage of non- electric bicycles and scooters. These restrictions do not apply to mobility devices approved by Student Accessibility Services as an accommodation.

i. Fire alarms. All occupants of Rudolph or Loria Halls must leave the buildings immediately in the event of a fire alarm and follow the instructions from emergency personnel.

j. Roof/Terrace Use. There are designated terraces that are available for student use. Roof access is strictly prohibited for safety reasons, and terrace furniture should not be used to gain access to any roof.

k. Smoking. The University maintains a tobacco-free campus. This policy extends to vaping and marijuana. Smoking/vaping is not permitted in the buildings, on the terraces, on the stairways, or within 25 feet of the YSOA building. (see https://tobaccofree.yale.edu/).

Violation of University policies, rules or functions may result in Rules Committee action.

1. Disruption of a legitimate function or activity of the University community, including disruption of classes and meetings, blocking entrances and exits to University buildings, unauthorized occupation of any space on the Yale campus, or preventing the free expression or dissemination of ideas.

2. Unauthorized or fraudulent use of University services, equipment, or facilities, such as computer equipment, shop equipment, printers, telephones and letterhead.

3. Misuse, alteration, or fabrication of University credentials or documents, such as an identification card, academic transcript, or grade list. All members of the community are required to use their Yale.edu email address for School communications unless specifically granted permission by the Dean’s Office.

4. Violation of University rules for using information technology services and facilities, including computers, the University network, and electronic mail.

5. Violation of University rules regarding intellectual property.

6. Misuse or unauthorized removal of materials in University libraries or studios.

7. Trespassing on University property to which access is prohibited.

8. Theft or misuse of funds.

9. Refusal to comply with the direction of University officials, including members of faculty and University Police Officers acting in the performance of their duties.

10. Interference with the proper operation of safety or security devices, including fire alarms, electronic gates, or sprinkler systems.

11. Failure to comply with any University or School policy, including, but not limited to:

    • The Learning and Teaching Policy;
      
    • The Alcohol Policy;
      
    • The Smoking Policy;
      
    • YSoA Fabrication Shop Rules and Policies;
      
    • YSoA Student Travel Policies;
      
    • The University Postering and Chalking Policy;
      
    • The Yale School of Architecture Policy Regarding Artificial Intelligence.
      

The following penalties are among those that may be imposed for violations of the Academic Integrity Rules, Additional Unacceptable Conduct or violations of any of the University Policies, Rules or Functions as outlined above:

1. Reprimand. Reprimands are a matter of internal record only.

2. Restriction. Restriction is denial of the use of certain School facilities or the right to participate in certain activities or to exercise certain privileges.

3. Probation. A cautionary period during which the student’s continued enrollment is conditional on adherence to University and School regulations. The commission of a serious offense while on probation will normally result in suspension or expulsion. Students on probation may not serve as Teaching Fellows and are not permitted to apply for Independent Study.

4. Suspension. Suspension is separation from the School and University for a stated period of time. A suspended student forfeits all privileges of enrollment, attendance at classes, participation in organized extracurricular activities, and the use of any University facilities. Students on suspension may not miss more than one year of studio coursework and students on repeated suspension require the approval of the Dean in order to re-matriculate into the program. Suspension will also result in limitations on participation in summer travel programs.

5. Expulsion. Expulsion is permanent separation from the School and the University.

6. Restitution. Recompense to the University, School or another person for injury or loss.

1. Submission of matters to the Rules Committee
   

Any member of the Yale University community may report concerns regarding student conduct that may violate the above-noted Regulations. Such reports should be made in writing to the Chair of the Rules Committee or to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. The Chair of the Rules Committee and/or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs will review the report to determine whether the reported conduct, if true, would violate University or School policy. In making this determination, the Chair of the Rules Committee and/or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs may interview relevant individuals or review pertinent documentation.

If the Chair of the Rules Committee and/or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs determines the reported conduct would not violate University or School policy, or if there is a lack of evidence or sufficient seriousness, the Chair of the Rules Committee and/or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs will dismiss the matter. Otherwise, the Chair of the Rules Committee and/or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs will refer the matter to the Rules Committee.

The University-Wide Committee on Sexual Misconduct addresses discipline that involves sexual misconduct.

1. Procedures for consideration of a matter by the Rules Committee
   

a. Notification of the Student. When a matter is referred to the Rules Committee, the Chair of the Committee shall issue a charge letter notifying the student in writing of the alleged policy violations.

b. Student Statement. Students may respond in writing to the charge letter within one week of receiving the letter. This statement allows the student to provide their perspective on events and any broader context or other information that will help the committee to better understand the situation. In that written statement, the student may acknowledge responsibility for the conduct described in the charge letter and request that the matter be resolved by the Dean and without review by the Rules Committee.

c. Request for Resolution by the Dean. In matters where the student has acknowledged responsibility for the conduct described in the charge letter and requested a determination by the Dean of the School of Architecture without review by the Rules Committee, the Dean may, in the Dean’s sole discretion, grant such a review. The Dean will then determine and issue a penalty. Such a decision is final and is not subject to appeal. If the student does not acknowledge responsibility for the alleged conduct, or if the Dean does not grant a request for resolution without Committee review, the matter will proceed to Committee review.

d. Consideration of the matter by the Rules Committee. When a matter proceeds to Committee Review, the Rules Committee will receive a copy of the charge letter and any relevant information gathered by the Chair of the Rules Committee, the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, and/or an appointed investigator. The student will receive copies of materials made available to the Committee for its review of the charges.

e. Meetings before the Rules Committee may take place in person or via video conference or other remote technology. At the discretion of the Committee, matters involving multiple students may be considered through group meetings.

f. Committee members must excuse themselves from the Committee review if there is a conflict of interest that makes them unable to be objective about the matter. If the charged student or another Committee member believes a conflict exists, they should notify the Chair of the Committee. The Chair will determine, in the Chair’s discretion, whether a conflict exists that would render the Committee member unable to be objective. If the Chair determines that such a conflict exists, the Chair will appoint another faculty member to serve on the Committee.

g. The Committee will invite the student to share additional relevant information that the student wishes to provide. The student may choose a support person from the School of Architecture faculty or staff to accompany them to the Committee meeting. In cases involving offenses against persons or property, the student may select an attorney as a support person. The support person may attend but may not participate in the meeting.

h. Students are expected to tell the truth in all their dealings with the Rules Committee. The members of the Rules Committee will give such credence and weight to the student’s statements as they believe appropriate.

j. The Committee will then determine, by a preponderance of the evidence, whether the student’s conduct violated University or School policy and, if so, the appropriate penalty (including, but not limited to, a written reprimand, suspension, or dismissal). The Committee will make its decisions by majority vote, except that a recommendation of expulsion requires a unanimous vote. The Committee will submit its determination and any penalty determination in writing to the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs. The Chair of the Rules Committee will issue a decision letter to the student informing the student of the Committee’s decision, including any associated penalty.

k. Appeal. The student may appeal the Rules Committee’s decision, including any associated penalty, by submitting a written appeal to the Dean or the Dean’s Designee within five business days of the date of the Rules Committee’s decision letter. Appeals will only be granted if the Dean determines that: (1) new information not available at the time of the Committee review has been discovered and such information may be material to the determination of a policy violation; or (2) material errors in procedure, including failure to follow University or School policy or procedures, substantially affected the decision. The Dean may uphold the Committee’s decision, modify it, or refer the matter back to the Committee for further review. The Dean’s decision to uphold or modify the Rules Committee’s decision is final.

1. Confidentiality in Rules Committee Matters
   

The Rules Committee and all members of the Yale community who are involved in a matter before the Rules Committee are expected to maintain the confidentiality of its proceedings and any information circulated in regard to those proceedings. All documents, and other materials prepared by, prepared for, or received from the Rules Committee in connection with a Rules Committee proceeding must be held in strict confidence. Students may not disclose Rules Committee materials to anyone other than their family members, and attorneys. Students must inform these recipients that Rules Committee materials and documents are strictly confidential and may not be further disclosed.

Disciplinary action may be taken against a student who discloses any Rules Committee documents or materials in violation of these procedures, or who is responsible for the improper disclosure of such documents or materials by others. In addition, disciplinary action may be taken against a student who retaliates against a participating member of a Rules Committee proceeding.

The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs may disclose information regarding a disciplinary matter as necessary to protect the health and safety of the student or other individuals.

With the exception of the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Student Grievances and the Admissions Committee, student representatives are elected to the School’s standing committees through general elections. Elections are initiated by the Registrar’s Office and are to be held within three weeks of the beginning of the fall semester. Representative slots designated to a particular program and/or year are to be elected among and by the students enrolled in those particular programs and/or years. For the Admissions Committee, student appointments are made by the School based upon student applications. For the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Student Grievances, the Dean appoints the student representative.

Elected student representatives serve for one year or until the results of the next elections are announced. For the Rules and Curriculum Advisory Committees, one student per committee may be nominated by committee members to serve for a term of two years maximum, subject to the regular student voting procedures during normal scheduled student elections.

The School offers teaching fellowships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and administrative assistantships. Duties of these positions vary according to the position. Students may be given teaching responsibilities or asked to lead course sections in Yale College; assist faculty members of the School of Architecture in teaching their classes; conduct research for faculty members; provide clerical support to the staff; install exhibitions; or act as monitors for the various labs, such as digital media, woodshop, photography, etc. Teaching Fellowships offer stipends (fixed payments) and the various assistantships offer financial support on an hourly basis according to the level of work. It is not necessary to qualify for financial aid in order to hold any of these appointments.

Graduate students in the School, with the exception below, are not permitted to teach any of the School’s graduate course work for credit. Graduate students in the M.E.D. program, if qualified, may lead discussion sections and/or grade course work for M.Arch. students.

Fellowships and assistantships are one-semester appointments made by the Dean’s Office at the request of the faculty. These appointments are usually made at the end of the semester for the following semester.

Several departments of Yale College, including History of Art and many foreign languages, offer teaching fellowships to students of the School who may have appropriate expertise.

Due to the requirements of academic life, student involvement in fellowships and assistantships is limited to the equivalent of a maximum of 20 hours per week.

1. Pets. Pets are not permitted in the Art & Architecture Building and will be removed by Campus Police. Please make arrangements to leave pets at home or with a friend during the time that you are in the building.
   
2. Smoking. Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the A&A Building.
   
3. Toxic Chemicals. The use of materials such as spray paint, spray adhesive, spray fixative, bondo, and resins that pose a significant health risk are permitted only in designated places in the Art & Architecture building.
   
4. Personal Property. The School is not responsible for any lost or stolen personal property. While the School is happy to receive packages on your behalf, we will accept them with the understanding that any such packages and/or mail will be stored for you at your own risk.
   

Revised and Adopted
September 9, 2010
Revision to Section I.B.2, Rules Committee

Amended by Dean’s Office
September 27, 2011
Revision to Section II.C.2.d:

Amended by Dean’s Office
October 12, 2011
Revision to Sections II.E.3.b and c

Revised and Adopted
February 25, 2013
Revision to Section II.F, Academic Standing

Revised and Adopted
February 24, 2014
Revisions to Section II.C (becomes 2 separate sections), renumbering of remaining sections

Amended by Dean’s Office
September 11, 2014
Changed “credit hours” to read “credits”

Revised and Adopted
September 21, 2015
Revision to Section II.H.3, Portfolio

Amended by Dean’s Office
September 21, 2015
Changed grade of “Withdraw” to read “Withdrawn”

Revised and Adopted
January 29, 2018
Revision to Section II.D, Degree Requirements, M.Arch I Program

Revised and Adopted
April 28, 2022
Revision to Section II.F, Attendance and Section II.F.2.b, Elective Leave of Absence

Revised and Adopted
May 8, 2024
Revision to Section II.G, Academic Standing and II.H, Evaluations

Amended by Dean’s Office
May 24, 2024
Revision to Section III.A, Unacceptable Conduct