POST-BACCALAUREATE CERTIFICATE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN PROGRAM GUIDE

POST-­BACCALAUREATE  CERTIFICATE

IN  GRAPHIC  DESIGN

PROGRAM  GUIDE

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

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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 credits)

● Typography  Foundation  (3 credits

● Adobe  InDesign  and Photoshop  Workshop  (0 credits)

● Print  Foundation  (3 credits)

● Motion  Graphics Foundation  (3  credits) ● Adobe  InDesign  and

Illustrator  Workshop  (0 credits)

● Projects  Studio (3  credits)

2 ● Web  Foundation  (3 credits)

● Print  Studio  (3  credits) ● Mid-­Program  Review

● Typography  Studio  (3 credits)

● Advanced  Projects Studio  (3  credits)

● Professional Practice  Seminar (3  credits) ● Commencement

Exhibition

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.

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.

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ACADEMIC  POLICIES  AND  INFORMATION

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

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

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.

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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

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.

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ADDITIONAL  PROGRAM  ACTIVITIES  +

OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

section  of  the  MCAD  Web  site.

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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