Architecture Program Report Tulane University New Orleans ...

Because the thesis year is situated at the end of the student’s educational
career, as might be expected, discussions regarding the efficacy of the
thesis year is a central topic in curriculum discussions. Hence, the
assessment of this particular component of the program is carried on
throughout the school year.
EXTERNAL GROUPS
From beyond the University, the NAAB Accreditation Reports provide a
valuable point of comparison with other architecture schools. Alumni
opinions are sought through a formalized Dean’s Advisory Council.
Oftentimes, alumni are invited to studio and thesis reviews, and are present
at various school events (including Homecoming) where panels of alumni,
faculty, staff and student leaders convene to discuss current trends in the
university and profession, and the School's consequent proactive and
reactive measures in light of these trends. Members of the A.I.A. local
Chapter often offer the practitioner's point of view on the School's activities
both informally and formally, at the annual Chapter meeting at the School of
Architecture, which presents A.I.A. members with the year's Thesis work.
As well, the President of the local chapter sits on many Thesis Reviews,
and returns to us written assessments of each project’s merits and failures.
As is currently the case, the Dean of the School of Architecture, along with
a number of faculty, are AIA members. Several faculty have served as
Presidents of the local AIA chapters; currently, the Dean Emeritus of the
School of Architecture is President of the state chapter of the A.I.A.
DEAN’S ADVISORY COUNCIL
In 1998, the Dean’s Advisory Council was established with the purpose of
elevating the stature, support, resources, infrastructure and affiliations of
the School, assisting it in becoming a pre-eminent contributor to the
national architectural community by way of its people, research, thought
and the professional performance of its graduates. The stated missions of
the council are multiple: developing a long-term development strategy for
the School of Architecture, strengthening the connections to the profession,
establishing an international network of alumni and friends of the school
while also providing a channel for alumni input, and advising the Dean and
the Executive Committee of the Faculty in setting goals and policy. The
dean seeks each member’s advice on an intermittent basis, in particular
with issues specific to the expertise of each member.
Currently, the Council exists of 19 members appointed by the Dean of the
School of Architecture. The membership of the council is diverse; members
are selected from the profession and related fields (engineering,
development, education, etc.), the alumni, and the business community.
Such diversity results in an Advisory Council that promotes the School
within the profession, offers pedagogical insight, and assists in fundraising
needs. To date, meetings of the council have been very encouraging in
these respects.