early college : student life

Gallery of Student life

Gallery of self portraits and additional student work from Early College 2007

Our Students

Early College students come from throughout New England and across the nation. Most students attending the program live in the college residence hall. The Early College program creates a small, intensely-focused community at MECA, and many students form close bonds during their time here.

Who May Apply?

Early College 2008 is open to students who have completed their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school as of June 2008. Although a portfolio is not required for entrance to the program, classes are at college level, and students are expected to focus intently on their artwork, regardless of what skill level they bring to the start of the program. Early College proceeds at a rigorous pace with a workload similar to the first semester of an art college. It is expected that students will be strongly committed to four weeks of intensive daily studio classes and additional evening and weekend open studios.

Extracurricular Activities

Weekends bring a mix of required group activities and free time. Part of each weekend is spent on an excursion, such as a trip to the beach or to one of the islands in Casco Bay. Most students take advantage of some weekend time to work on project assignments in the studios. All students spend at least 10 hours per week in Open Studios, usually Sunday afternoons plus several evenings during the week.

Housing and Meals

Students live in the College’s Oak Street residence hall. The residence is co-ed and offers double rooms and laundry facilities. Early College rooms are segregated in the dorm by gender, and students have a common socializing area. Adult supervision is

provided by Early College residence advisors living with the students. The College provides a complete food service program for students, with vegetarian as well as traditional options. Students who live nearby may commute to the program, but should be aware that there are required studio activities both in the evening and on weekends. Commuting students may purchase a meal plan.

Safety and Rules

It is our priority to ensure a safe and comfortable educational environment. Early College students are expected to maintain high standards of personal conduct and must comply with the residence hall curfew of 11:30 pm Sunday through Thursday and 12:30 am on Friday and Saturday. Students are expected to be familiar with all the regulations of the Early College program and to observe them fully during their time at the College.

Automobiles

Early College students living in the dorm may not operate motor vehicles while in residence. Commuters are advised that parking is limited in the campus area.

Grades/Credit

Students will receive grades for their work in Early College, and 4 studio elective credits upon successful completion of the program.Early College students who apply to MECA’s BFA program may waive the $40 application fee. Students may ask instructors for letters of recommendation before the end of the program.

Supplies

Basic consumable art supplies for all classes are covered by the studio supplies fee. Registered students will receive a short list of items to bring with them such as scissors, metal-edged ruler, and sketchbook. Photography students bring a 35mm camera with manual exposure capability. There is an art supply store on campus.

Calendar

Sunday, July 13         

Oak Street Residence Hall opens 10:00 am

Monday, July 14

Classes begin

Friday, August 8          

Final critiques

Saturday, August 9          

Student exhibition and reception for family and friends

Residence hall closes 2:00 pm