POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM GUIDE 2013-2014 1
POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN: PROGRAM GUIDE Table of Contents Section 1: PB in GDC PROGRAM: FRAMEWORK + COURSES Section 2: ACADEMIC POLICIES AND INFORMATION Section 3: MID-PROGRAM REVIEW Section 4: COMMENCEMENT EXHIBITION Section 5: OTHER PROGRAM ACTIVITIES + OPPORTUNITIES Section 6: APPENDIX: FORMS AND COMMUNICATION This program guide was developed by the Continuing Education Department (CE) for the use of students enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Program in Graphic Design (GDC) at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). The information found in this guide is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of Fall 2013. The information and policies contained in this guide are presented as a matter of information only and are not intended to create, nor is the guide to be construed to constitute, a contract between MCAD and any student. MCAD has the right to alter, amend, modify, deviate from, or otherwise terminate any privileges, provisions, or obligations contained in this guide at any time if it so chooses with or without notice to a student. Changes to this guide will be announced via e-mail. If you have any questions about the contents of this guide, please contact the Director or Assistant Director of Continuing Education. The MCAD Student Handbook covers many policies, procedures, and services of the College not specifically mentioned here. These policies also apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Graphic Design, unless otherwise noted in this GDC program guide. This guide is designed to complement, not replace, the primary MCAD Student Handbook. The MCAD Student handbook can be found on the MCAD intranet at https://intranet.mcad.edu/modules/ds/assets/037/student_handbook1213_web.pdf 2
section1 POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM MCAD s Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Graphic Design program is a 30-credit graphic design program. The GDC was designed exclusively for busy working professionals who seek advancement or entry into the field of graphic design. MCAD s GDC program blends theoretical and practical work in the graphic design related topics of design history and theory;; ideation processes;; design for print and Web;; workflow and client relationships. Throughout the two-year program, students will gain in-depth and actionable knowledge and experience, putting graphic design skills into practice through a variety of project-based assignments relevant to the real world experience of graphic designers. The GDC program is a 30-credit, 2 year, cohort-based program. Intake occurs once per year in the fall and students complete the same series of courses as a group. Successful completion of all of the courses in the Certificate sequence is required. MCAD's Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Graphic Design is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). GDC Framework Year Fall Spring Summer 1 Design in Context (3 Typography Foundation (3 credits Adobe InDesign and Photoshop Workshop (0 2 Web Foundation (3 Print Studio (3 Mid-Program Review Print Foundation (3 Motion Graphics Foundation (3 Adobe InDesign and Illustrator Workshop (0 Typography Studio (3 Advanced Projects Studio (3 Projects Studio (3 Professional Practice Seminar (3 Commencement Exhibition Required Course Descriptions 3
Design in Context Because the outlines of the profession continually change, the graphic designer must know how to integrate an understanding of visual literacy with broad-based cultural knowledge. This seminar provides a foundation examination of the theoretical basis of graphic design, defining basic concepts and vocabulary used by the profession, such as information architecture, pattern-recognition, grids, proportion, rhythm, sequence, and gestalt. In addition, the course will explore the contemporary history of graphic design from the mid-19th century to the present, with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary inspiration, varied cultural influences, technological innovation and expanded applications. Great emphasis will be placed on thorough research as an integral part of the ideation process. Throughout the course, weekly exercises and small projects that build on one another provide the student with a comprehensive understanding of the discipline of graphic design. Typography Foundation This course covers research, ideation, and application related to branding, publications, systems, signage, mapping, and other information architecture projects. By the end of the course, students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in the handling, use, and application of typography. Print Foundation The production of high quality printed materials requires the graphic designer to possess a well-developed understanding of prepress requirements and equally well-developed computer skills. This course will focus on the production of print-ready files using Apple hardware, Mac OS X and the Adobe Creative Suite of applications (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat). Students will work with the capture, transfer, manipulation, and delivery of images as well as how to produce print-ready electronic files while learning various aspects of prepress, such as color management, bleeds, image resolution, pre-flighting, proofing methods, and RGB vs. CMYK vs. Pantone usage. Students will visit a printing firm to discuss these topics further with a print vendor and discuss technological innovations in the printing industry. Motion Graphics Foundation This course will direct efforts to understand typography as both image and message that can be enhanced through the manipulation of motion, timing, and sound. Students will work on broadcast, film, and video-based motion graphics projects, exploring aesthetic possibilities and practical solutions. Projects Studio This course covers the development of research-oriented projects, varying from personal and public audiences, with an emphasis on the ability to logically and thoroughly communicate proposed design solutions to a broad spectrum of audiences. Projects rely on the accumulated skills and knowledge students have obtained and cultivated throughout their progress thus far. 4
Web Foundation This extensive examination of web design and its applications includes development of logical information architecture, research into technological possibilities, and limitations and applied typographic aesthetics. Specific topics include: designing frameworks for variable content, developing interactive narratives, usability, conceptual and physical structure of the Internet, and a survey of common software employed in creating, serving, and viewing web content. Print Studio During this class, students will build on the skills learned and developed during the Print Studio class. The skills to both conceptualize and create high quality work will be further developed through a variety of exercises and projects. A strong emphasis will be placed on process, design-thinking, unorthodox executions, and limitations. These limitations will include: time, budget, and challenge in execution. The curriculum will be heavily project focused, with outcomes consisting of either physical final deliverables, and/or presentations. Typography Studio This course covers large-scale projects in branding, publications, signage, mapping, and identity systems, as well as working with outside professionals to explore real-world needs. Advanced Projects Studio Student-selected capstone projects are produced which will vary from mapping, packaging and print to new media. Each will require an accompanying high-quality presentation and process paper. The scale of proposed projects and their final articulation are to be developed and executed during the course in consultation with faculty. Professional Practice Seminar This course offers advanced work in audience research and extensive portfolio preparation with an emphasis on interaction with outside organizations, corporations and design studios. Students are expected to produce professional, high-quality presentations of their work and accompanying process papers. 5
section 2 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND INFORMATION Computers and Technology All students registered in an MCAD degree or certificate program receive an MCAD Login, email address, student home directory (server account), and website. Student computer accounts are established, maintained or closed each semester based on a student s registration status for the upcoming semester. All students enrolled in the GDC program must have a laptop computer with the required software package (currently Adobe Creative Suite version 6). MCAD automatically purchases a laptop with the required software at a steep discount for each enrolled student. However, students may purchase the computer and software on their own from a vendor of their choosing. During the summer prior to the start of year 1 of classes, students will be asked to either commit to purchasing the laptop and software through MCAD or will need to fill out and submit a laptop waiver form by a specific deadline. If the laptop waiver form is not submitted by the deadline, the student will be held liable for the cost of the laptop and software. The Computer Support Help Desk focuses on academic and administrative computing. They offer troubleshooting and technical support for the college's workstations, computer labs, network and laptop program. They can be contacted either by phone or e-mail. Registration, Advising, and Required Enrollment Authorization Course schedules will be set approximately 6-8 weeks before the start of the semester. Once the schedule is set the dates and instructor information will be sent via e-mail to each student. During the official MCAD registration period the Director of Continuing Education will complete a Course Registration Form for each student and submit them to the Records Office. In order to be officially enrolled at MCAD, all students must successfully electronically sign all documents required by the Business Office prior to the start of the Fall and Spring semesters. Students will validate their enrollment by receiving an email confirming that all tuition and fees are paid in full or that satisfactory payment arrangements have been made with the Business Office. Duplicate paid fee statements are available at the Business Office for $5.00 (cash only). Class schedules will be deleted for those students who have not completed electronic document signing process by the end of the Add/ Drop period. Students may appeal to the Student Affairs Office for reinstatement provided that they are able to pay in full the balance owed to the college. There will be a $200 reinstatement fee for any student whose schedule is reinstated. Credits and Grades Successful passing of each class is required for all credits applied toward the 6
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate, and all coursework must be taken for credit. Failure to pass will be recorded with the representative letter grade and credit-hours will not be accumulated. Incomplete and Withdrew will be recorded in appropriate instances. Reasons for requesting an Incomplete grade include medical emergencies or other events outside of the student s control. In the event that an Incomplete is recorded, the Incomplete should be resolved within the succeeding semester or a permanent failing grade will be recorded for the semester. Students who wish to withdraw from the college during a semester are required to schedule an appointment with the Director of Continuing Education and must receive formal approval to withdraw from both the Director of Continuing Education, as well as complete a Notification of Student Withdrawal form. An official letter grade or Withdrew will appear on each student s transcript for all credits attempted. Credit Hours According to MCAD s accrediting body, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), in lecture/discussion courses requiring outside preparation, a minimum of one hour of credit represents one hour each week in class, and two hours of work outside of class. Therefore, a three-credit lecture course requires a minimum of 3 hours in class per week and 6 hours outside of class. In studio/laboratory courses, one hour of credit represents a minimum of 1.5 hours each week in class and 1.5 hours of credit outside of class. Therefore a three-credit studio course represents a minimum of 4.5 hours in class per week and 4.5 hours of work outside of class per week. All classes in the GDC program are considered studio/laboratory classes. Progress to Degree In addition to individual course evaluations, GDC students are also required to participate in the Mid-Program Review (see section 3) and the Commencement Exhibition (see section 4). Academic Probation According to College policy, a grade lower than a C- for any course* places a candidate on probation for the subsequent semester. If progress does not become satisfactory the following semester, dismissal from the program is considered. Readmission following dismissal may be granted upon recommendation of the Director of Continuing Education after a period of at least one semester. A meeting between the student and the Director of Continuing Education begins the process of consideration of readmission. Failure to pass the Mid-Program Review does not automatically place a candidate on academic probation. * Submitted by a course instructor and confirmed in consultation with the Director of Continuing Education section3 MID-PROGRAM REVIEW 7
During the third week of October during the fall of year 2 in the program, each student is required to present a portfolio of work during a Mid-Program Review to the Mid-Program Review Committee. The other students in the cohort will observe and other students enrolled in the GDC will also be invited to observe the review for their own educational purposes. The Director of Continuing Education sets the specific date(s) and time(s) for the Mid-Program Review. The review will typically take place during a regular class meeting time, however, an additional meeting may be required if there are more students presenting their work than can be accommodated during one class period time. The date(s) and time(s) of the review will be communicated via e-mail to all of the students in the program approximately 4 weeks beforehand. The purpose of the Mid-Program Review is for the Mid-Program Review Committee to assess individual student progress and provide feedback on their work and give direction for future improvements. The review process also provides an opportunity for the student to present and discuss their work to a group of professionals. The student will give a short (~10 minutes) formal presentation showing both digital images and actual examples of projects they have completed during the program. The Mid-Program Review Committee will ask questions of the candidate and provide feedback. During a review the candidate is expected to: Present 3-5 examples of work created during classes in the GDC program. Articulate the ideas and objectives of each portfolio piece and explain why they are presenting these particular pieces. Discuss how they have grown as a graphic designer during the course of the program. The Mid-Program review committee will be comprised of working professionals within the graphic design field as well as faculty members from MCAD s Graphic Design department. section 4 COMMENCEMENT EXHIBITION During the summer during year 2 of the program, all students will exhibit work in a commencement exhibition. Participation in the exhibition is a required part of the program. The exhibition will typically take place in Gallery 215. The exact dates of the exhibition will be set by Academic Services staff in consultation with the Director of Continuing Education and the Director of the MCAD Gallery. The dates of the exhibition will be communicated to the students via e-mail early in the spring prior. Students will be expected to exhibit projects created during the GDC program that demonstrate a high level of graphic design skills and knowledge. Students will work with staff from Academic Services and the Director of Continuing Education to develop accompanying exhibition materials, such as labels, vinyls, wall signs, etc. There is a modest budget for these materials. Students are expected to install and remove their own work. They may ask Academic Services for advice 8
as well as the use of tools, podiums, pedestals, shelving, etc. The installation period will last approximately 5 days and students will be expected to remove their work completely by the Monday following the closing date of the exhibition. During the Professional Practices Seminar class, the students will work together to design material for the exhibition, including vinyl and signage designs, as well as a promotional postcard. section 7 ADDITIONAL PROGRAM ACTIVITIES + OPPORTUNITIES Adobe Workshops Although students are expected to enter the GDC program with knowledge of, and experience using, the Adobe Creative Suite, there is an understanding that some students may need additional training on, and practice using, the software. During the fall and spring of year 1 of the program, single day, daylong workshops on Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign will be offered to students in the program free of charge. These workshops carry no credits. Participation in the workshops is not required, but is very strongly recommended. The dates of these workshops will be communicated via e-mail approximately 4-6 weeks in advance. AIGA Opportunities No classes will be scheduled during the weekend of the annual AIGA Design Camp held each fall. Although not required and no financial assistance is available, students are encouraged to attend if so inclined. Students in the Post-Baccalaureate of Graphic Design program will be offered the opportunity to get an AIGA membership at a deeply discounted rate through MCAD s Graphic Design club. The price and procedures for obtaining this membership will be communicated to the students in the fall. Career Services The Career Services Office helps students intelligently, aggressively, and successfully pursue their career and life goals. Services/Resources: 1] Professional Opportunities and Resources: www.mcadcareerservices.com 2] Internship/Externship Programs 3] Career Resource Library and Professional Development Handouts 4] Recruiting and Networking Resources 5] Resume, Cover Letter, Interviewing, and Portfolio Preparation Assistance 6] Career Counseling and Planning 7] Fax and Copier (no charge for relevant use) 9
Each spring Career Services holds the Emerging Talent Showcase, to which GDC students are invited. The Emerging Talent showcase provides students with an opportunity showcase a portfolio of work and network with industry professionals. Financial Aid GDC Students are eligible to apply for financial aid. Students seeking financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA online at www.fafsa.gov.ed by the specified deadlines. Financial aid applications completed by the deadline will be considered for priority funding. Award letters for the upcoming year will be mailed in the spring for students who have completed their financial aid file. Students are required to complete a new financial aid application each year. While the amount of financial aid a student may receive is dependent upon financial need, the student must also be making satisfactory academic progress to be eligible for funds. Specific dates for deadlines and notifications can be found by consulting MCAD s Academic Calendar. Financial Aid Records Financial aid applicants are required to submit a free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and supporting documents each year of attendance at MCAD. These documents are available only to persons working directly with financial aid. Information on awards for loans which are based on financial need are confidential and will not be released to unauthorized persons. Federal regulations require colleges to maintain financial aid files for five years after a student graduates or leaves school. Students who receive the Federal Perkins (NDSL) loans will have their files maintained until the loan is repaid. Records are destroyed at the end of the applicable time period. Town Halls Between semesters, the Continuing Education office, in cooperation with the Graphic Design department, will organize a town hall meeting for students and faculty of the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate. These town hall meetings will consist of either presentations or discussion around some graphic-design related topic. Guest speakers will be invited to present and/or share their work. Walker Insights Each spring the Walker Art Center hosts a series of lectures on design by prominent creative professionals as part of the Insights Design Lecture Series. The Continuing Education office will purchase a ticket for one of the lectures for each student upon request. Faculty will be encouraged to choose one lecture to which their class will attend as a group. At the instructor s discretion, this may or may not be part of regular class time. Web Site Post-Baccalaureate students are invited to submit their work for inclusion on the student gallery 10
section of the MCAD Web site. section 6 FORMS AND INFORMATION Primary communication will be through the Continuing Education office. All dates and forms will be posted on the admitted student page: mcad.edu/admitted/gdc 11