Important Message Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19) Link
Right now, we would like nothing more than to welcome you to campus. However, following New York State recommendations related to large gatherings and in an abundance of care for your family and ours, we have made the decision to suspend all campus visits, student-led tours, and admissions programming until further notice.
We understand that this cancellation is disruptive and disappointing. As soon as the global health situation allows, we will resume on-campus visitation. In the interim, we hope you can participate in our virtual sessions listed below. All times listed are EDT.
Sessions include a presentation about VPA, including overviews of the School of Art, School of Design, Department of Transmedia, Department of Drama, Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, and the Setnor School of Music. We will also discuss application processes, talent requirements such as auditions and portfolios, and answer any questions you may have.
Lubin House/New York City VPA Academic Interest Program Link
Sessions include a presentation about VPA, including overviews of the School of Art, School of Design, Department of Transmedia, Department of Drama, Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, and the Setnor School of Music. We will also discuss application processes, talent requirements such as auditions and portfolios, and answer any questions you may have. This session will also include current students and alumni from VPA.
Join representatives from Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Newhouse School of Public Communications, and the Office of Admissions to learn more about academic opportunities, hands-on experiences, and the application process for students looking to pursue film, photography, or design.
Note: once you submit the registration form, a confirmation email will be sent to the student's email address. Log in instructions will be sent via email the day of the event. *Registration will close at 6 p.m. EST on the day of the event*
Communication & Writing
Do you enjoy communicating your ideas to others? We’ll help you develop these skills even further. From creative writing to broadcasting, and from written prose to photography, you will receive expert instruction and feedback as you become a skilled communicator.
Join representatives from Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and the Office of Admissions to learn more about academic opportunities, hands-on experiences, and the application process for students looking to pursue communications (literature, journalism, photography, creative writing, etc.).
Note: once you submit the registration form, a confirmation email will be sent to the student's email address. Log in instructions will be sent via email the day of the event. *Registration will close at 5 p.m. EST on the day of the event*
Policy, Government, & Social Justice
Develop the skills necessary to tackle today’s challenges. Whether it be in social and economic policy, conflict and collaboration, public wellness, energy and the environment, national security, international relations, or another field, you will develop a deep understanding of important issues.
Join representatives from Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, College of Visual and Performing Arts and the Office of Admissions to learn more about academic opportunities, hands-on experiences, and the application process for students looking to study policy, government, and social justice.
Note: once you submit the registration form, a confirmation email will be sent to the student's email address. Log in instructions will be sent via email the day of the event. *Registration will close at 6 p.m. EST on the day of the event*
Student ambassadors reveal what academic and campus life as a student in the College of Visual and Performing Arts is like. Check under school/departments sessions for discipline-specific insight from the ambassadors also!
VPA 101: An Intro to the College of Visual and Performing Arts
Join the College of Visual and Performing Arts for a special event where you will meet Dean Michael Tick and members of his leadership team, including Jenny Saluti, director of the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, Carol Ruffin, director of the Office of Academic and Career Advising, and Patti Bevans, assistant director of career services. After you receive an overview of the college, we will offer breakout sessions for your specific area of interest: School of Art, School of Design, Department of Transmedia, Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies, Department of Drama, and Setnor School of Music. Breakout sessions will be hosted by faculty and staff.
Families are welcome and encouraged to join together. Registration is required; please click your preferred date to attend for registration form:
Virtual Book Party with JumpStart Creator Robb Armstrong ’85
Armstrong is a VPA alumnus and creator of daily comic strip JumpStart, which appears in more than 300 newspapers nationwide. He will discuss how JumpStart got its start and how he creates his characters and story lines. We’re excited to host a virtual book party to celebrate the launch of On A Roll! A JumpStart Treasury.
Wednesday, October 14 at 4 p.m.
Registration required. Once registered, you will be provided with the Zoom Meeting link to use on the day of the event.
School of Art Visiting Artist Lecture Series
Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
This year, as we face several epidemics: the coronavirus, pervasive racial injustice, social inequity, immigrant incarceration, and ecological collapse, among others, the School of Art focuses the Fall 2020 lecture series on Art and Activism.
Sessions will provide information about portfolio requirements for the School of Art, School of Design, and Department of Transmedia as well as tips on preparing and presenting your final submission. To register, click the date below.
Want to get some advice on your artwork before submitting your final portfolio to Slideroom. Available by appointment only for students interested in the visual arts. To make an appointment, please email .
Mondays and Fridays between 1-4 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m.-Noon
National Portfolio Days
The National Portfolio Day Association has made the decision to move all events online for the upcoming season.Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts will be represented at all online events this year.
The following event dates are for students interested in pursuing an undergraduate degree:
National Portfolio Days are designed to provide a unique opportunity for you to meet individually with professional representatives of accredited colleges and universities and receive valuable feedback and guidance on your portfolio before you submit it as part of your application. Use this as an opportunity to be inspired, to gain advice as to how to improve or present your portfolio, and to experience a small taste of what it is like to attend a professional art and design program. All Portfolio Day events are free, open to the public
Prospective students may have an “advise only” review at National Portfolio Day events. Applicants must also submit a final portfolio to Slideroom by the application deadlines.
The Inside Scoop with VPA Ambassadors: Exploring Art Virtual Student Roundtable
Come with us on a tour and get an in-depth view of the student experience.
This session is led by VPA Ambassadors who will speak about their experiences as current VPA students, show you around some spaces, and leave plenty of time for Q&A.
As an elite group of student volunteers in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the VPA Ambassadors help prospective students and their families gain valuable insight into life at Syracuse University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
The Inside Scoop with VPA Ambassadors: Exploring Design Virtual Student Roundtable
Come with us on a tour and get an in-depth view of the student experience.
This session is led by VPA Ambassadors who will speak about their experiences as current VPA students, show you around some spaces, and leave plenty of time for Q&A.
As an elite group of student volunteers in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the VPA Ambassadors help prospective students and their families gain valuable insight into life at Syracuse University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
The Inside Scoop with VPA Ambassadors: Exploring Transmedia Virtual Student Roundtable
Come with us on a tour and get an in-depth view of the student experience.
This session is led by VPA Ambassadors who will speak about their experiences as current VPA students, show you around some spaces, and leave plenty of time for Q&A.
As an elite group of student volunteers in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the VPA Ambassadors help prospective students and their families gain valuable insight into life at Syracuse University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
The Inside Scoop with VPA Ambassadors: Exploring CRS Virtual Student Roundtable
Come with us on a tour and get an in-depth view of the student experience.
This session is led by VPA Ambassadors who will speak about their experiences as current VPA students, show you around some spaces, and leave plenty of time for Q&A.
As an elite group of student volunteers in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the VPA Ambassadors help prospective students and their families gain valuable insight into life at Syracuse University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Sessions will provide information about audition requirements for the Setnor School of Music and Department of Drama as well as tips on preparing and presenting your final submission. To register, click the date below.
Want to know what a music lesson from Setnor faculty is like? Schedule a music lesson with them to find out!
Music College Fairs
Music Admissions Roundtable Inaugural Virtual Performing Arts College Fairs will be held on the following dates (all times are Eastern):
Monday, September 21: 9 a.m.-noon
Thursday, October 8: 9 p.m.-midnight
Sunday, October 25: 2-5 p.m.
Thursday, November 12: 8-11 p.m.
Monday, November 23: 7-10 p.m.
You don’t need to register in advance to attend the fair and the panels, and there is no cost to attend. To connect with Setnor during the fair, just find us on the exhibitor list or click directly on our Zoom link. You will fill out a short registration form, and then you’ll be able to meet with representative and get all of your questions answered!
After submitting your recorded audition materials to Acceptd, you will be provided with a link to the required theory test. Once you have completed your theory test, you will be granted access to schedule your required live interview. During the interview, faculty will conduct sightsinging/sightreading exercises, test aural skills, and/or ask for specific scales to be performed. There will also be opportunity for conversation, Q&A and discussion about your goals and interests with the faculty during your interview.
November 14, 2020 (Early Decision)
December 5, 2020
December 12, 2020
January 16, 2021
January 23, 2021
January 30, 2021
February 6, 2021
The Inside Scoop with VPA Ambassadors: Exploring Music Virtual Student Roundtable
Come with us on a tour and get an in-depth view of the student experience.
This session is led by VPA Ambassadors who will speak about their experiences as current VPA students, show you around some spaces, and leave plenty of time for Q&A.
As an elite group of student volunteers in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the VPA Ambassadors help prospective students and their families gain valuable insight into life at Syracuse University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Sessions will provide information about audition requirements for the Setnor School of Music and Department of Drama as well as tips on preparing and presenting your final submission. To register, click the date below.
After submitting your recorded audition materials to Acceptd, you will be granted access to schedule the required live/synchronous interview. The interview will provide opportunity for Q&A, discussion about your goals and interests, and "get to know you" time from both sides.
November 14, 2020 (Early Decision)
December 14, 2020
December 15, 2020
January 14, 2021
January 15, 2021
January 16, 2021
January 30, 2021
The Inside Scoop with VPA Ambassadors: Exploring Drama Virtual Student Roundtable
Come with us on a tour and get an in-depth view of the student experience.
This session is led by VPA Ambassadors who will speak about their experiences as current VPA students, show you around some spaces, and leave plenty of time for Q&A.
As an elite group of student volunteers in the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the VPA Ambassadors help prospective students and their families gain valuable insight into life at Syracuse University and the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Tour Crouse College, home of the Setnor School of Music
A glimpse inside Sims Hall, home of CRS
A sneak-peak at the Department of Transmedia’s photo lab, animation and film studios, equipment cage, sound recording and editing room, and post-production studios.
