Welcome to
PAC Independence University april 17, 2014
Salt lake city
welcome Thank you for volunteering to take time out of your day to be part of our Graphic Arts Program Advisery Committee (PAC). You have been chosen because you have vital experience both within the field of graphic and education and I look forward to hearing your ideas and wisdom regarding our program. Please take a little time to review this packet of information and be ready to discuss, at our PAC meeting, your thoughts on the questions associated with each section. It is my hope that together we can create a dynamic dialogue over the course of the hour-long time we are together. Please come ready to jump in with your input and don’t be shy with your thoughts! I believe the only way to improve our student experience is through constant evaluation and reflective practice on a high, administrative level. Your eyes, thoughts, and ideas will provide a much needed “outsider” look at all we are doing thus helping me and my team in future planning. If you have any questions, please let me know and look forward to connecting this Thursday in our PAC meeting. cheers, Lisa Hammershaimb Senior Associate Dean of Graphic Arts
independence
university mission statement
We are dedicated to helping our students graduate and get a much better job sooner. We focus on educating people for rewarding careers and enriching lives. Our goal is for students to achieve success in career-oriented programs and enhancement of skills in critical thinking, communication, problem solving, and using technology culminating in satisfactory career placement or advancement in current employment.
history Independence University dates back to 1891. Beginning in 1978, Independence University operated as California College for Health Sciences until 2005, when it became Independence University, a name that more accurately reflects the institution’s broader range of programs and its philosophy that education should lead to greater independence. In 2010, Independence University merged with its affiliated institution, Stevens-Henager College, becoming a branch of Stevens-Henager’s main campus in Ogden/West Haven, Utah. The main campus is located at 1890 South 1350 West, West Haven, UT 84401. Today, IU is comprised of four colleges: the College of Health Sciences; the College of Business; the School of Graphic Arts; and the School of Technology. Our institution has dedicated itself for more than 35 years to providing distance education to working adults. Specializing in allied health programs, IU made its mark in areas such as respiratory care education, becoming the first institution to offer accredited respiratory care programs at a distance. IU has also reached beyond the barriers of traditional on-campus education to offer programs not only to working adults across the United States but also to those serving in the military and to international students living in the U.S.
graphic arts
program
mission statement The graphic arts program is dedicated to transforming the previously anonymous spaces of online learning into human-centered, dynamic creative communities so that students gain not only a comprehensive education in technical skills but also become confident creative contributors to the larger graphic design discourse.
graphic arts student profile Associate program: 376 students Bachelor Program: 180 students average age range: 25–40 years old location: distributed across all 50 states
graphic arts faculty profile 16 part-time adjunct instructors 2 full-time instructors 5 associate deans 1 senior associate dean
part one:
action item
review
The following two action items emerged from our Fall PAC meeting held in November 2013. They are listed below along with their current status. If you have additional questions or comments, please voice them during the PAC meeting.
suggestion: Replace CSS299: Professional Development with a Graphic Arts Specific Resume course. action: Rejected. After examining the overall program flow and course structure, it was deteremined by the Senior Associate Dean that students have adequate time to prepare graphic design resumes/portfolios in both DES250 and DES499. In addition the new Design Club initiative has begun and represents another space where students can refine their own personal design presentations. The CSS299 class as-is provides a good space for students to learn basic interview skills and practice presenting themselves professionally to diverse clients.
suggestion: Require a shadowing experience, or watching of “a day in the life of a professional� tutorial in order for students to have a real understanding of what a graphic designer does. action: In progress. Senior Associate Dean, Associate Deans, and staff are assembling a list of professionals who can guest lecture or visit key classes within the curriculum. In addition, as a department we are working closely with Career Services thorugh the Design Club initiative to connect students to designers in their geographic locations and encouraging students to join local AIGA chapters
part two:
course objective
review Please look over the following course objectives and be prepared to answer the following question during the PAC meeting.
After reviewing the graphic arts course objectives, are they sufficient to meet the needs of the industry for the jobs available based on the level of education provided?
graphic arts
course objectives app 101: computer fundamentals DES 103: ILLUSTRATOR BASICS b Use each part of the Microsoft office suite to create simple data objects, such as documents, spreadsheets, presentations and web sites. b Explain the use of different software capabilities in Microsoft Office.
b Identify and apply all the panel tools in Illustrator. b Demonstrate proficiency with the Pen tool. b Convert a raster graphic into a vector version. b Create and manipulate text using typographic tools.
DES 104: photoshop
DES 105: page layout principles
b Identify and apply all the panel tools in Photoshop. b Explain and apply the image editing tools to correct and manipulate images. b Demonstrate “non-destructive editing� principles. b Create and successfully apply layers and masking.
b Identify and apply all the panel tools in InDesign. b Demonstrate effective grid usage b Use and manipulate master pages. b Create and apply document styles and text styles. b Utilize and manipulate text using typographic tools.
DES 109: graphic design 1
DES 113: typography
b Summarize the role of the graphic designer. b Identify the principles and elements of design. b Apply graphic design process. b Learn a basic overview of Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
b Understand typographic history and the influences it has on modern-day graphic design. b Identify fonts based on fundamental characteristics. b Combine and utilize complimentary fonts in various mediums. b Correctly use typographic hierarchy.
DES 114: print production & color theory
DES 209: graphic design 2
b Demonstrate knowledge in color theory practice and application in a variety of media b Identify the different software and press requirements for print production b Write print specifications for the bidding process b Manage a project from concept to pre-press and print production
b Demonstrate proficiency in the design process from inception to completion. b Identify the components and types of grids used in layouts. b Write and execute a creative brief. b Demonstrate intermediate-level software skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign
des 242: logo & identity design
des 243: layout design
b Evaluate logo effectiveness through analysis of case studies. b Demonstrate appropriate use of typeface and color in logo development. b Develop a logo usage guide. b Present ideas to the client.
b Demonstrate effective traditional grid usage b Demonstrate effective experimental grid usage b Produce print-ready InDesign document
des 244: package design
des 245: advertising design
b Evaluate and critique package design b Create and modify die lines b Mock up and present package design using Photoshop 3D capability
b Identify visually persuasive messages in advertising b Define a core concept exclusively through visuals b Mock up and present an advertising campaign
des 250: portfolio design
des 314: advanced color theory
b Define personal style and brand b Refine and adjust projects as necessary b Create basic personal website
b Discuss advanced theoretical considerations of color theory b Describe the major means of media reproduction and their impact on color b Demonstrate ability to adapt projects to different production methods while preserving underlying color goals
des 323: intermediate photoshop des 324: intermediate illustrator b Create masks, adjust colors and make selections using the Channels Panel. b Adjust and enhance images with speed and proficiency. b Determine and implement proper strategies for file optimization.
b Demonstrate refined pen tool and tracing skills b Apply shading, blending, masking, and mesh tools b Apply gradient and basic 3D effects
des 336: graphic design 3
des 340: branding & identity
b Discuss major styles of graphic design, including historical and cultural influences b Analyze projects to determine style choices, target audience, effectiveness, and cohesiveness with broader corporate design projects and business image b Demonstrate proficiency at all aspects of design process
b Demonstrate marketing research skills b Evaluate brand & identity effectiveness through analysis of case studies b Develop branding & identity strategies appropriate for the client b Develop a corporate identity style guide
des 344: adv. print production
des 355: graphic design business
b Demonstrate understanding of specialty printing processes b Explain strategies for meeting output goals using multiple printing processes for a single project b Explain how to maintain cohesive output for projects spanning multiple production process, such as billboard, magazine ad, cardboard package, and a web site. b Demonstrate how changes in pre-press production can significantly impact output evelop a corporate identity style guide
b Demonstrate knowledge of legal requirements for setting up a graphic design business in the location of the student b Develop a graphic design specific business plan
des 370: advanced logo design
des 375: advanced package design
b Revise a company logo from an existing logo to a new logo based on a new corporate mission statement, area of focus, and/or stated identity goal(s) b Discuss the success and failures of various existing logos in terms of visual appeal, connectivity to broader corporate messages, surrounding culture, and originality b Collaboratively design a logo as part of a design team
b Discuss the success and failures of various existing package designs b Create a package design campaign executed acorss multiple containers using 3D mockup
des 380: advanced illustrator
des 460: advanced photoshop
b Demonstrate advanced techniques using the Mesh tool. b Create one, two, and three point perspective illustrations with the Perspective tool. b Utilize 3D effect tools.
b Transform and maximize Smart Objects and apply Smart Filters creating complex effects. b Demonstrate how to use the record actions feature. b Demonstrate how to batch-process a group of images.
des 470: adv. advertising design
des 475: digital photography
b Create multi-format advertising that is connected including various print and digital media b Demonstrate ability to create effective advertising based on external copy provided by marketing b Discuss theory and practical application in advertising of persuasion and color psychology
b Display a basic working knowledge of the Digital SLR Camera. b Explain depth-of-field, exposure, focus, resolution and file formats (RAW, compressed and uncompressed) as related to digital photography. b Apply composition in shooting products, clothing, models, and food.
des 499: Design Capstone b Demonstrate advanced skills in Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign b Demonstrate ability to work with a supervisor and adapt projects on the fly for the best possible results. b Present all projects as unifed and consistent with personal design brand
part three:
curriculum
review Please look over the following course objectives and be prepared to answer the following five question during the PAC meeting.
b Which courses do you feel are most appropriate to the degree being offered? b Are any of the courses not appropriate? b What additional courses would you include in this degree? b Are the courses offering enough depth and breadth for the degree offered? b Is program length sufficient to handle the content being delivered and sufficient to handle the needs in the industry for training?
graphic arts: aAS degree
curriculum overview degree: Associate of applied science length: 20 months full-time; 99.5 credits program overview: This program prepares students for an entry-level career in graphic arts. With a diversity of program courses, the student will build a strong foundation in all areas required to be successful in this field: advertising design, multimedia applications, web design, marketing, and graphic design.
Design Courses:
Computer Fundamentals Web Page Design Principles Illustrator Basics Photoshop Page Layout Tools Graphic Design I Typography Print Production and Color Theory Graphic Design II Information Design* Web Design* Logo and Identity Design Layout Design Package Design Advertising Design Flash* Portfolio Design Advertising Principles
general education Courses: Psychology of Motivation Professional Development English Composition Communication Arts American Civilization College Algebra Introduction to Logic Sociology Marketing Entrepreneurship Internet Commerce
*offered in collaboration with the Computer Science Department
graphic arts: BS degree
curriculum overview degree: bachelor of science length: 36 months full-time; 183 credits program overview: The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Arts prepares students to plan, analyze, and create visual solutions to communication challenges. The combination of the study of theory and a mastery of in-studio visual communication methods enables students to get messages across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods, such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques. general education Courses: Psychology of Motivation Professional Development English Composition Communication Arts Advanced Interpersonal Communication American Civilization U.S. History Since the Civil War College Algebra Introduction to Logic Critical Thinking Biological Psychology Sociology Sociology of Aging Statistics Entrepreneurship Internet Commerce Advertising Principles Marketing Strategies Selling and Sales Management Organizational Design and Change
Design Courses:
Computer Fundamentals Web Page Design Principles Illustrator Basics Photoshop Page Layout Tools Graphic Design I Typography Print Production and Color Theory Graphic Design II Information Design* Web Design* Logo and Identity Design Layout Design Package Design Advertising Design Flash* Portfolio Design Web Portfolio Design* Advanced Color Theory Intermediate Photoshop Intermediate Illustrator Graphic Design III Branding and Identity Advanced Print Production Graphic Design Business Management Flash Animation* Flash Action Scripting* Advanced Logo Design Advanced Package Design Advanced Illustrator Advanced Photoshop Advanced Advertising Design Digital Photography Design Capstone Project *offered in collaboration with the Computer Science Department
part four:
equipment All students receive a MacBook Pro preloaded with Adobe CS6 upon entry into the program. Please prepared to answer the following two question during the PAC meeting.
b Would you suggest any additional equipment or upgrades? b Is the equipment sufficiently current for all types of employers?
part five:
trends Please prepared to answer the following three question during the PAC meeting.
b What are the trends you are seeing in your industry regarding new technology? b What are the trends in procedures or developments in the design industry b What skills would you like to see in new graduates?
part six:
Action
plans
The following two action items have been identified by the graphic arts team to help increase our student engagement, successful program completion, and overall connection to the profession of design. Please read the overviews of each action item below and if you have additional questions or action items, please bring them up during our PAC meeting.
action item 1: graphic design club b Begin a Graphic Design Club where students can develop their own networking skills by connecting with real-world working professional designers, form intentional student community with others going through the program, and further develop their own identities as networked digital learners through open networks. b Work closely with Career Services to aid in the transition from learner to professional. action item 2: quarterly student design competitions b Hold a month-long design competition each quarter so that students can hone their own creative skills, learn how to present their ideas in a professional manner, and gain comfort in the high stakes, competitive world of professional design. b Invite guest professionals in as judges to bolster our program reputation within the professional design world.