The new visual and performing arts (VPA) subject area requirement is now in effect.

In order for students in the class of 2003 and beyond to be eligible for UC admissions, they must complete a year of VPA coursework in one of four arts disciplines: music, dance, theatre or visual arts. A gradual implementation timeline allows students in the class of 2003 to take two semester courses in two different disciplines of the arts (e.g. dance and photography). For the classes of 2004 and 2005, students can also take two semester courses, but they must be in the same arts discipline (such as photography and ceramics in the visual arts). Students in the class of 2006 and beyond must take a full-year course in the same discipline.

In order to meet the requirement, VPA courses may either be beginning or advanced level, but must address all five strands of the state VPA standards, and have as their primary focus the development of fundamental skills and knowledge in the arts.

The UC faculty has worked alongside arts instructors from high schools and Cal State University campuses to clarify additional criteria for approval of VPA coursework, including the following:

• Acceptable courses require co-curricular work
• Technology rich courses (i.e. animation, graphic design) must utilize technology as a tool for students to express themselves artistically, as a paintbrush would be used in a painting course
• Private, community-based study of the arts is not acceptable to meet the requirement, but may, at the discretion of school staff, serve as a prerequisite for advanced and/or honors level courses
• UC-transferable 3-semester unit (4-quarter unit) community college and university courses are acceptable
• Acceptable honors courses include AP, IB, UC-transferable community college and university courses, as well as other honors courses that meet both the general and discipline-specific criteria.