For students interested in a fine arts degree, the portfolio review typically occurs during the sophomore year after the student completes all of the foundation requirements, including two semesters of art history and one semester of English composition and English literature, and 9 credit hours of 200-level studio courses. The student must also have a 2.5 cumulative studio grade point average and a 2.0 overall cumulative grade point average. A student may not take any 300-level or higher studio classes until advancement has been approved. Transfer students ready to register for 300-level courses must submit a portfolio for review. Students who are eligible for advancement will be notified by the Student Services Office. Review dates and guidelines will be determined by individual degree programs.

Students proceed to the junior- and senior-level Visual Communication program must maintain a Heron studio grade point average of 3.0 in their major studio courses and an overall grade point average of 2.0. Students falling below these requirements will be notified, placed on probation, and required to submit a portfolio for review. Students on probation failing to submit a portfolio will be denied advancement to upper-level Visual Communication courses.