University of North Carolina School of the Arts

2018-2019

School of Dance

Policies and Information Handbook (Undergraduate College)

Susan Jaffe, Dean jaffes@uncsa.edu

Brenda Daniels, Associate Dean

danielsb@uncsa.edu

Jared Redick, Assistant Dean – Ballet Program redickj@uncsa.edu

Abigail Yager, Assistant Dean – Contemporary Program

yagera@uncsa.edu

Corey McClain – Academic Programs Director 336-770-3209/mcclainc@uncsa.edu

Debbie Johnston – Finance Officer 336-770-3208/johnsd@uncsa.edu

*Dance students will not be allowed to attend dance classes until the student has signed that they have read and understood the School of Dance policies and that the student agrees to abide by them. The parent or guardian's signature of a student who is under the age 18 when school begins is also required; no parent or guardian signature is required of a student who is age 18 or older.

Contents

I. Attendance Policy

II. Observation Policy

III. Performance Policy

IV. Dress Code

V. Special Requirements for Dance & Dance Related Courses

VI. Other Important Policies and Information

I. ATTENDANCE POLICY The following policies apply to all classes in the School of Dance. Please read carefully.

A. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Regular and punctual attendance is a student obligation. The UNCSA School of Dance expects all students to attend all classes, rehearsals, required meetings, and special events in which they are en-rolled.

2. Excessive absences will impact grades, class placement, casting, eligibility for merit scholarships,

and ultimately continuation in the program. Students who demonstrate an inability to attend class consistently will be required to schedule a meeting with the appropriate Assistant Dean, Associate Dean, and Dean of Dance to determine the students’ commitment to the program.

3. Weekend and evening rehearsals are considered regular class meetings and fall under the guidelines

of the attendance policies that follow.

4. The School of Dance recognizes injury as being an occupational hazard and makes special accom-modations for students to allow them to rehabilitate from injury without being penalized for being unable to participate fully in class. (See OBSERVATION POLICY below.)

5. Injured students must be seen and evaluated by the Athletic Trainer in the UNCSA Wellness Center.

The Athletic Trainers will determine whether students are advised to continue taking class or restrict-ed as follows:

• “AS TOLERATED” students take and modify class as they feel needed. • “LIMITED” students take class but restrict movement as advised by the Athletic Trainers. • “OUT” Students may not physically participate in movement classes or rehearsals.

6. Students who wish to seek care from outside providers may do so, yet must still consult with the

UNCSA Athletic Trainers to determine any possible restrictions from taking class.

7. It is the student’s obligation, to know whether the Athletic Trainer has restricted his or her ac-tivity, to advise their technique teachers of the restriction, and to seek understanding of ways to rehabilitate the injury.

8. Students who are put on the “OUT” list MAY NOT physically participate in classes or rehears-

als until they have been cleared by the Athletic Trainers. Students who disregard the Athletic Trainer’s evaluation or fail to follow up as requested are putting themselves at risk for further injury and are considered to be in violation of School of Dance policy.

9. Students must participate in at least 75% of originally scheduled class meetings for a course in

a single semester in order to receive credit for that course for that semester.

10. All attendance policies may be amended on a case-by-case basis by the instructor, in conversa-tion the Dean of Dance.

B. ABSENCES (A)

1. The School of Dance expects 100% attendance, yet recognizes that under certain circumstances, it is necessary for students to miss class or rehearsal in order to care for themselves or others, for off-campus appointments (medical, legal etc.) or for personal/family events.

2. To accommodate these needs while maintaining a standard of excellence, the School of Dance places

a cap on the number of Absences a student may take in a given course without risk of penalty as fol-lows: • A maximum of 5 absences for courses that meet 5 times per week. • A maximum of 3 absences for courses that meet 3 times per week. • A maximum of 2 absences for courses that meet 2 times per week. • A maximum of 2 absences for courses that meet 1 times per week.

5. Absences that exceed this cap may impact a student’s grade as determined appropriate by the instructor.

6. STUDENTS WHOSE ABSENCES EXCEED DOUBLE THE ALLOWANCE DEMON-STRATE AN INABILITY TO COMPLETE COURSE AND WILL FAIL THE COURSE.

• Students who are absent 11 times in courses that meets 5 times per week will receive a fail-

ing grade. • Students who are absent 7 times in courses that meets 3 times per week will receive a failing

a grade. • Students who are absent 5 times in courses that meets 2 times per week will receive a failing

grade. • Students who are absent 4 times in courses that meets 1 time per week will receive a failing

grade.

7. Letters of Warning will be sent to students as they approach and/or cross attendance thresholds.

8. Students whose absences exceed thresholds will be called in for conferences with the Deans and shall have their eligibility to perform revoked.

9. Students who are absent from all of his or her classes for more than 4 consecutive days due to pro-

longed illness may request special accommodation under the attendance policy. Students requesting special accommodation must provide medical documentation, signed by the health care provider. Ac-commodations will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the faculty in conversation with the Dean of Dance.

10. To avoid injury, students who do not participate in morning technique classes must request permis-sion from the instructor of the subsequent classes, rehearsals and/or performances before actively par-ticipating in those activities. Permission may be granted in instances when students are able to do a thorough warm up. Failure to comply with policy may result in having one’s eligibility to perform re-voked.

11. As a professional courtesy, it is the student’s responsibility to communicate all absences in a profes-

sional manner by notifying each of his or her instructors in advance of classes he or she will miss.

12. In the case of emergencies that require a student to leave campus suddenly and without explanation, students are required to provide a written statement to Corey McClain, signed and dated upon return to school.

13. TARDINESS – 3 unexcused tardy arrivals constitute 1 absence. Students arriving within the first five

minutes of class may be permitted to participate in class. Students arriving more than five minutes late to class may be required to observe. Students may not schedule appointments with Division of Liberal Arts teachers, trainers or counselors that cause late arrival to class. In the event that a teacher, trainer or counselor requires a student be tardy for class, it is the student’s responsibility to provide a signed note from the teacher, trainer or counselor providing explanation for the delay.

14. DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS – 2 Dress Code violations constitute 1 absence. The faculty reserves

the right to require students who fail to meet dress code to observe class. (See DRESS CODE policy below.)

15. Students must request permission to leave class while in progress and are expected to return prompt-

ly. Failure to do so may constitute an absence as determined by the instructor.

C. PROFESSIONAL EXEMPTIONS (PE)

1. The School of Dance exempts absences deemed to contribute to the student’s development, that facil-

itate entrance into the professional workplace. To accommodate these activities while maintaining a standard or excellence, the School of Dance places a cap on the number Professional Exemptions a student may be granted in a given semester as follows:

• AUDITIONS/INTERVIEWS: Maximum of 6 days per semester per course for college seniors.

Maximum of 2 per semester for college juniors. • VOLUNTARY SCHOOL-RELATED ACTIVITIES Study abroad or other school trips: Maxi-

mum of 6 per semester per course. • PRE-APPROVED PROFESSIONAL RELATED ACTIVITIES including, but not limited to out-

side residencies, internships, performances or competitions: Considered on a case-by-case basis.

2. A TOTAL MAXIMUM of 6 Profession Exemptions per semester for pre-approved activity will be granted unless these absences interfere with production related activity or exceed the 25% threshold. Professional Exemptions that exceed this threshold will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Dean of Dance.

3. Professional Exemptions must be discussed and approved of in advance by the Dean of Dance, are

calculated separately from Absences and do not impact students’ grades.

4. Students who wish to apply for approval of Professional Exemptions must submit a completed Re-quest to be Excused Form to the Dean of Dance at least two weeks in advance of anticipated absenc-es. Forms can be found outside of the Dance Administration Office.

5. Students must gain approval prior to making travel plans. The UNCSA is in no way responsible

for financial loss incurred by not following proper protocol.

6. Under no circumstances other than for religious reasons will students be granted Professional Ex-emptions for absences that conflict with technical rehearsals or performances.

7. On rare occasions when students anticipate that Professional Exemptions will require them to miss

more than 25% of class meetings, they may request permission from their instructor to take an IN-COMPLETE. (Situations that might require such an accommodation are more likely to occur in courses that only meet once per week.) Requests for INCOMPLETES must be made in writing and submitted to both the individual instructor and to the Associate Dean of Dance. Permission will be

granted on a case-by case basis given the reason for request and the instructor’s ability to create a vi-able way for the student to make up missed class time.

8. EARLY DEPARTURE/LATE RETURN/LATE REGISTRATION

It is the student’s responsibility to be present for scheduled registration and all classes including the first and last days of the semester, exams etc. Students who, for professional reasons, are unable to attend scheduled registration dates or who wish to leave school before the official end of a term must follow the procedure for Professional Exemptions stated above. Approval will be granted on the ba-sis of the criteria stated above as well as previous attendance records and grades.

Students unable to attend scheduled registration dates must notify the Associate Dean of Dance and the Registrar’s Office in writing in advance of registration. Please refer to the Late Registration Poli-cy in the College Bulletin for more information.

D. SCHOOL EXEMPTIONS (SE)

1. Absences incurred for school-related activities that are required of the student are deemed School Exemptions (SE) and shall not be held against a student in any way.

2. Examples of eligible school-related activities include but are not limited to: performances, rehearsals,

outreach activities, donor events, student government meetings and school trips, and nationally ad-ministered standardized exams.

3. Students who are required to miss classes for school related activities must complete a Request to be

Excused for School Related Activity Form found outside the Dance Administration Office. E. RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE (RO)

1. In accordance with UNCSA policy, the School of Dance affords two excused absences each academ-ic year for religious observance required by the faith of the student. For the purpose of this policy, the term “religious observance” shall include religious holidays, holy days, or other similar observances required by the student’s religion that necessitates absence from class.

2. Students must submit Request to be Excused Forms to the Dean of Dance no later than three weeks

after the first class day of the semester. Forms can be found outside of Corey McClain’s office. In exceptional circumstances, the instructor may waive this notice requirement.

3. When appropriate notice is provided by a student, the instructor will work with the student to provide

a reasonable means of making up course work missed. With regard to any test or other assignment that a student would miss due to a required religious observance, faculty members may require the student to complete the test or assignment in advance of the originally scheduled date.

4. Students who believe a discrepancy lies between an exaction of a penalty for unsatisfactory class at-

tendance and the stated policy, should first request consideration from the instructor. If desired, the student may further appeal to the Dean of Dance, and finally to the Chief Academic Officer.

5. The complete UNCSA policy for Religious Observance can be found

at: http://faculty.uncsa.edu/dp/pages/pdf/religious_observances_policy.pdf

F. CLASS OBSERVATION (O)

1. The School of Dance recognizes injury as being an occupational hazard and makes special accom-

modations for students to allow them to rehabilitate from injury without being penalized for being unable to participate fully in class.

2. Injured students who are unable to physically participate in class may still earn credit by actively ob-

serving class and demonstrating that they are continuing to absorb and process information. It is up to each instructor to determine what constitutes active observation. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Analyzing class to refine one’s understanding of how and why particular exercises given help

students to grow. • Reflecting on pedagogic methodology and approach. • Taking notes on discoveries made while watching, or of improvements/areas of challenge in their

classmates etc. • Drawing images to express what cannot be captured in words. • Asking questions and offering comments when appropriate.

3. Sitting passively at a distance, doing homework for other classes, sleeping, or using a mobile device

does not constitute active observation. Students doing so will be marked absent.

4. In place of observing class, the Dean of Dance, the Athletic Trainer, or individual instructors may recommend that students use class time to rehabilitate injuries. Students granted permission to use class time in this way may make a plan in consultation with their instructor to earn credit for doing therapeutic exercises on the side of class, with the Athletic Trainer, or in the Pilates Studio, as ad-vised.

G. EXTENDED LEAVES OF ABSENCE

• When a student is unable to participate in dance classes for an extended period of time due to serious injury, illness, personal, or family crisis, he or she should consult with the Dean of Dance or Associ-ate Dean of Dance who may recommend that the student file to withdraw from classes for the re-mainder of the semester or from the UNCSA entirely. (See the UNCSA College Bulletin for details on the policy for Withdrawals with Extenuating Circumstances).

II. INCOMPLETE POLICY A. Students unable to participate in at least 75 % of originally scheduled class sessions due to Profes-

sional Exemptions, prolonged illness and/or injury, are eligible to receive an INCOMPLETE or when necessary, be withdrawn from a course.

B. INCOMPLETES will be granted to those students who present required documentation of Profes-

sional Exemptions, injury and/or prolonged illness, have actively observed classes, rehabilitated their injuries, and/or took measures to recuperate from illness as directed by the Athletic Trainers and/or health care providers.

C. INCOMPLETES MUST BE MADE UP WITH SUPPLEMENTAL WORK. Individual instruc-

tors shall work with students to determine a viable means to make up missed course work. Ex-amples include, but are not limited to:

• Written essay • End of semester meeting to assess the student’s growth that resulted from observations. • Meeting during the following semester to assess growth that the student and faculty observe in

his/ her dancing as a result of rehabilitation or class observations. • Attendance at a summer workshop or festival

D. Students have until the end of the following semester to complete missed work as determined by the individual instructor.

E. Graduating college students unable to satisfactorily complete their arts credits due to “INCOM-

PLETES” or “WITHDRAWALS” in arts courses will not graduate until all course work has been satisfactorily completed.

F. Graduating college students who must repeat failed courses should inquire with the Registrar’s

Office about returning to campus and as a part-time student and paying per credit. G. COURSE SUBSTITUTION - On rare occasions, the Dean of Dance may grant permission to a student

to substitute one course in place of another to accommodate a particular injury. As all courses in the School of Dance curriculum are required, this determination is left to the discretion of the Dean of Dance.

III. PERFORMANCE POLICY ARehearsal and performance is an integral part of the training program. If a student is selected to rehearse and/or perform by the faculty, he/she must do so, unless the Dean makes an exception. Rehearsals are sched-uled as needed by the stager or choreographer, and include evenings and weekends. Failure to meet obliga-tions during any production may result in dismissal from the performance and/or possibly from the School. If called, students must attend all auditions for UNCSA Dance productions, unless otherwise excused by the Dean. Casting for all productions is primarily based on the needs of the piece and a student’s suitability for the role. Casting is not based on seniority. The choreographer or person staging the work will choose the cast in con-sultation with the Dean and/or faculty assisting the choreographer. Ultimately, the Dean reserves the right to consider casting decisions based on a student’s attendance, behavior, academics, work ethic, and adherence to school policies. The Dean or the faculty may seek the participation of students for certain optional performances outside of the curriculum and will formally inquire to the student’s interest and availability. This Performance Policy applies to student choreography as well, such as Emerging Choreographers and M3 Spree.

*Dance students who exceed attendance caps in any of their classes run the risk of being barred from performing. Students who violate the code of conduct or the honor code will be barred from perform-ing; either during the semester that the infraction occurs, or the following semester. IV. DRESS CODE Each student is responsible to adhere to the dress code. Two dress code violations will result in an ab-sence. Students must wear appropriate undergarments. There will be no exceptions to the dress code. BALLET TECHNIQUE CLASSES

Ladies (Ballet Concentration) Class Placement Period: August to September Black leotards with pink, footed tights and presentable pink ballet slippers with elastics sewn on shoe. Presentable pink pointe shoes (with sufficient strength to support the foot) with appropriate elastics and ribbons sewn on shoes. Women who need the support must wear a bra. Hair must be neatly put up in a bun.

Regular Class Meetings: October to May After class levels are assigned, beginning Monday, October 3rd, Ballet Ladies 1 through Ballet Ladies 6 students are required to wear class level specific Prima-Soft brand leotard colors and styles. No warmers or sweats will be allowed unless the class is a "warm-up".

BL6 = Black (please note that the option for long sleeves is for the black colored leotards only) BL5 = Royal Blue BL4 = Navy BL3 = Purple BL2 =Lilac BL1 = Powder Blue

Specific instructions on how to order will be emailed to each student at the beginning of the school term. Website: www.prima-soft.com.

Men (Ballet Concentration) White leotard with black, footed tights, supported by a belt at the waist and rolled over the belt at the waist. Black ballet shoes with elastics sewn on shoe. Dance belt must be worn. No warmers or sweats will be allowed unless the class is a "warm-up".

Ladies (Contemporary Concentration) Students may wear their contemporary dress code with ballet footwear in Ballet for Contemporary clas-ses. Men (Contemporary Concentration) Students may wear their contemporary dress code with ballet footwear in Ballet for Contemporary clas-ses.

CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUE CLASSES The Dress Code for all contemporary dance classes regardless of concentration is the following un-less otherwise stated by instructor: Women

Solid black unitards or black leotards and black tights. Tights may be worn inside or outside the leo-tard. Unitards and tights must continue below the calf muscle. Leotards should be worn as designed

without alterations. Women who need the support must wear a bra. All classes are conducted in bare feet. No warmers or sweats will be allowed unless the class is a "warm-up".

Men Solid black unitards or black tights with black leotards or form fitting black "T" shirts or tank tops (no print or logos). Unitards and tights must continue below the calf muscle. Dance belt must be worn. All classes are conducted in bare feet. No leg warmers or sweats will be allowed unless the class is a "warm-up".

IMPROVISATION AND COMPOSITION CLASSES (Ballet and Contemporary Concentrations)

Students may wear warmers or sweats while sitting and observing, or at any time the instructor chooses to allow them. Warmers or sweats are in addition to the dress code and do not replace it. All classes are conducted in bare feet.

REPERTORY REHEARSALS (Ballet and Contemporary Concentrations)

Students regardless of concentration must adhere to specific dress code requirements of the director of the rehearsals. Students may wear warmers or sweats while sitting and observing, or at any time the in-structor grants permission.

GENERAL DRESS CODE RULES For health and safety reasons, no dangling earrings, other jewelry or watches should be worn.

Stud earrings may be worn in classes and rehearsals.

Fingernails must be kept short; natural color polish may be worn in class, rehearsals and performances.

Form-fitting warm up clothing may be allowed on a cold day or for floor work at the discretion of the instructor.

Extraneous clothing such as shorts, loose sweaters, plastic coverings of any sort, sweat bands on wrist, head bands, bandanas* may not be worn. *Men may be allowed to keep hair out of their face with a black or dark color bandana.

Students are required to keep their hair in a state that is relative to the art form they are practicing.

Students wishing to alter their hairstyle prior to a performance must first receive permission of the Dean, and/or choreographer and assisting faculty before any changes are made.

The Dean has the authority to implement specific hairstyles for any performances.

Men must be clean-shaven.

Please bring sewing materials to keep clothing in proper repair. Unsightly rips, runs or holes will not be tolerated.

All students must wear clean practice clothes for all classes and rehearsals.

No street clothes are to be worn by any student participating in a class or rehearsal, regardless of venue.

Daily personal hygiene is paramount. Use of deodorant is strongly encouraged and may be required when wearing costumes provided by the Dance Costume Shop.

Even if a student has been typically allowed to depart from the dress code for rehearsals, the student may still be required to rehearse in dress code upon notification. Again, this is at the discretion of the person running the rehearsal. Rehearsal attire must be tasteful and appropriate.

V. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR DANCE & DANCE RELATED COURSES In our efforts to improve our dancers' general health and insure their safety, there are mandatory health

screenings twice a year, which include a height/weight and body fat assessment, a questionnaire regard-ing female dancers' menstrual history, and general self-care. All dancers must attend their scheduled

health screenings. Failure to do so will result in a $20 rescheduling fee. CHECK THE DANCE BUL-LETIN BOARD UPON ARRIVAL FOR YOUR HEALTH SCREENING APPOINTMENT TIME!! If you have a schedule conflict, you must go to the Wellness Center to re-schedule. All dancers must at-tend their health screening.

All students must provide their own make-up. We encourage you to bring with you any stage make-up you might have.

All ballet women must bring black character shoes with 1/2", 1" or 1 ½” heel and mid-calf length, full circular black character skirts. Character shoes and skirts will be used for character classes, repertory classes, rehearsals and performances.

All ballet women must bring a personal pair of pink ballet briefs, suitable for wearing under tutus. All ballet women must bring a personal pair of small to medium sized “diamond” stud earrings to wear

in performances. All men (ballet and contemporary) must bring skin-toned dance belts. All men (ballet and contemporary) must bring black lace up jazz shoes. These shoes will be used for

character classes, repertory classes, rehearsals and performances. All contemporary women must bring personal skin-toned bra and thong, suitable for wearing under uni-

tards. VI. OTHER IMPORTANT POLICIES AND INFORMATION

Your campus mailbox and your artist.uncsa.edu email address are where all correspondence from all UNCSA offices is sent. It is your responsibility to check them daily whether you live on or off campus.

Cell phones must be turned off during all classes, rehearsals and performances.

When a student is required to make an appointment with the Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean,

Faculty and/or Staff of the School of Dance, it is the student's responsibility to make that appointment within 48 hours of notification.

Only students, who are trained in the proper use of Pilates equipment and have completed and signed

the necessary form, will be allowed to use School of Dance Pilates equipment room. Any student that has not had the proper training, does not need to fill out this form and will not be allowed to use the equipment. If and when a student receives the proper training, they may, at that time, fill out and sign the form permitting them to now use the equipment. NOTE: If the student is under age 18 when school begins, a parent/guardian signature is also required.

Parents who wish to schedule an appointment with an individual faculty member to discuss their

child's progress can reach faculty members at their numbers below. (Area code 336)

Trish Casey – 734-2886 Angelina Sansone – 734-2887 Fanchon Cordell – 734-2888 Sean Sullivan – 734-2889 Brenda Daniels – 734-2885 Misha Tchoupakov – 770-1431 Dayna Fox – 734-2882 Laura Martin – 734-2884 Jared Redick – 631-1559 Eric Schwartz – 770-1433

Abigail Yager – 734-2883 Ming –Lung Yang – 770-1430 Jennet Zerbe – 734-2859 Eva Draw – 631-1274

Students may not participate in School of Filmmaking student productions until they have filled out

the Student Actor Release form and had it signed by the Dean. The form must be completed even if a dance student is acting in a production over a weekend when no classes or rehearsals will be affected.

We encourage students to keep their personal belongings with them at all times. There are lockers available for personal use in the dressing rooms. You should bring a combination lock with you to ensure protection of your belongings.

Food and beverages are not permitted in the dance studios at any time; however, water/water bottles

are allowed in studios.

Students are not allowed in the Studios when the School of Dance is not in session.

Alcohol and Drug Use: The SoD does not tolerate illegal alcohol or drug use. In addition to UNCSA sanctions, any student found responsible of an illegal alcohol or drug related infraction will be taken out of School of Dance performances for the semester in which the act was committed, unless the per-formances are already finished for that term. In those cases, the student will be pulled from perfor-mances in the following semester.

Bullying: The SoD does not tolerate bullying, or harassment of any kind, which includes texts,

emails, Facebook postings, Facebook messages, blogs, secret websites, or verbal, emotional, or physical abuse of ANY kind. In addition to UNCSA sanctions, if a student has been confirmed of bullying, they will be called into the Dean's Office and issued a warning, and may be suspended from their Dance program at the Dean's discretion. If a student is issued a warning and there is a sec-ond infraction, the student will be suspended from the dance program entirely.