Grading Scale
Based on the “General Regulations for Students at Zurich University of the Arts” (enacted on 18 December 2017), student performance is graded as follows:
A Outstanding (6): distinguished performance
B Very good (5.5): above-average performance
C Good (5): good and solid overall performance
D Satisfactory (4.5): average performance
E Sufficient (4): performance satisfies minimum requirements
Fx Fail (3.5): some rework is required (up to one year for resubmission of work)
F Clear fail / Gradation: 3 = insufficient, 2 = weak, 1 = very weak, i.e., no work done, absent student or plagiarised work — no rework possible as a rule.
The predicate “With distinction” is awarded to students whose performance has received a Grade A or a 5.75 and more.
Repeated absences and lateness will impact your grade.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation criteria consist of three components:
(1) Regular and punctual attendance (at least 80% of all classes; students who fail to meet this requirement will automatically “fail” the respective course/seminar/module).
(2) Active participation in classwork and coming to classes prepared.
(3) Timely submission of complete course assignments/projects etc.
Viewing Grades Online
Students may view their grades online: https://www.zhdk.ch/?meinebewertungen.
Plagiarism
The Interaction Design Programme considers plagiarism to constitute the violation of any intellectual, visual, or acoustic property pertaining to the copyrighted pictorial-, video-, and sound material created by any third party. Plagiarism also includes the unauthorised use of any scientific findings, hypotheses, teachings, or research approaches under presumption of authorship.
Use of Music
It is strictly prohibited to use created by third parties without obtaining the respective rights of use. Solely the use of music for teaching purposes is permitted in accordance with applicable copyright law.
IAD staff and students have access to the outstanding music produced by ZHdK-based composers (existing and specially composed pieces). Contact daniel.hug@zhdk.ch for details.
In addition, there are a number of online music repositories (often referred to as “mood music” or “production music”). Such repositories are subject to more open licensing (e.g. Creative Commons) and are available at affordable conditions or partly even free of charge:
https://licensing.jamendo.com/de/katalog
http://www.proudmusiclibrary.com
https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary/music
Etc. etc.
IMPORTANT: Not all providers are serious and have honest intentions. Also, they require users to accept terms and conditions that the university’s legal services are unable to verify in each and every case. Most “free music” is subject to licensing fees if accessed online or in public, or if synchronised on video. SUISA fees might also be levied. Please ensure that you check both the applicable terms and conditions of use and the provider’s cost model, and proceed accordingly, before using tracks.
It is sometimes worth contacting SUISA directly, since in the case of multimedia licenses there is a certain leeway in interpreting publishing platforms and their reach.
A SUISA guide is available from:
In case of doubt, please contact ZHdK Legal Services: https://www.zhdk.ch/index.php?id=87256
Uploading/File Sharing
Time and again, cases emerge of students in particular downloading and distributing films via file sharing. Such practices often prompt copyright holders (especially US production companies like Paramount Pictures) to take legal action. Uploading copyrighted materials using file sharing (especially bit torrent technology) is prohibited in Switzerland. Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK) declines any liability whatsoever for such practices. Responsibility lies entirely with any individual who infringes against applicable law. Individuals must also bear the costs of any legal proceedings arising in connection with unlawful behaviour. ZHdK cannot be held accountable for such actions and would be required to divulge the names of those responsible in any formal procedure. ZHdK reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any persons who violate applicable legislation.
ZHdK draws attention to its IT User Regulations, according to which uploading and file sharing are strictly prohibited (see clause 3.5). Based on these regulations, ZHdK reserves the right to adopt disciplinary measures and sanctions in case of contravention (see clause 9).
If you have any questions, please contact either Barbara Flaad (ITZ, service.itz@zhdk.ch) or Mischa Senn (Head of Legal Services, mischa.senn@zhdk.ch)