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Students

What will I be doing?

Working on the goals and objectives of the research project. This could also include topic exploration, literature, reviews, preparing for talks or paper submissions, mounting installations, building prototypes, creating visualizations and graphics, writing scripts… anything, really! You’ll also be meeting regularly with your faculty mentor, your teammates, and reporting on your work.

Will I be graded?

Yes. FEAST is a two-semester course, for which you will receive the same letter grade for both semesters.

FAQ

General info

  • FEAST is a 4-credit course spread over two semesters (Winter/Fall). You'll typically register for 2 credits each semester. Like any credit-bearing course, expect to put in 3–4 hours per credit hour per week (roughly 6–8 hours total, including team meetings, research, and individual work).

  • A few options exist depending on your situation:

    • Graduating in May? Some teams will take you for just one semester if you have skills that are useful in that shorter timeframe. Mention your graduation date in your personal statement.

    • Can't start in Winter? A Fall/Winter start may be possible for some projects. Indicate this in your application, but note you're more likely to match if you start in Winter.

    • Credit constraints? Credits can sometimes be split unevenly across semesters (e.g., 1 credit then 3). Some professors also accept volunteers. Talk to the Arts Initiative if this applies to you.

  • Typically teams range between 5–7 students, though it varies based on project needs.

  • Yes, with your professor's approval. Continuing students often take on leadership and mentorship roles.

  • At the end of the Winter semester you'll receive a Y grade (work in progress). Your professor will issue a final letter grade covering both semesters at the end of the Fall term. Grading is based on progress toward project goals, team collaboration, and weekly reports (not tests or traditional homework).

  • Possibly. Check with your academic advisor or department.

  • Life happens—the Arts Initiative will work with you and your professor if a real need arises. That said, simply changing your mind or poor schedule planning could result in a failing grade, so make sure you're genuinely committed before you accept an offer.

APPLYING

  • Three things:

    • A current resume (PDF)

    • A short personal statement for each project you're applying to

    • A video (MP4) for each project that requests it

  • A couple of paragraphs addressing: what strengths and experience you bring to the team, what knowledge you already have that will help, what you're hoping to learn, and what excites you about the project. Check the "More Information" section of each project listing for any additional prompts from the faculty lead.

  • Yes. Use the save button—you’ll receive an email with instructions on continuing your application.

  • Some projects may require a short in-person or Zoom interview. This will be noted & scheduled when you apply.

  • Notifications go out in November. Waitlist offers continue on a rolling basis after that.

MATCHING & TEAM SELECTION

  • You rank the projects you'd be happy to join, in order of preference. Faculty rank applicants for each role on their team. You'll receive one offer: the project where both you and the faculty ranked each other highest.

  • Apply to as many projects as you'd genuinely be happy to join and apply for every role you have some skill or interest in. More applications and more roles increase your chances of a strong match. Just be honest with yourself: if you get an offer, you're expected to accept it. If you decline, you won't receive another offer in this round.

  • You'll have the opportunity to move to the top of the waitlist and re-rank any teams that still have open spots. Students do get matched off the waitlist.

  • You have 7 days to accept or decline. If you decline, your spot goes to someone on the waitlist and you won’t receive another offer in this round.