Occupational Program Review
Year: 2012
Program: Graphic Design Technology
Prepared by:
Fran Rossi
Approved by:
Pam Carswell
Date Submitted: 6/11/13
Recommended Program Review Timeline
October
Section 1- Overview
November
Section 2- Collaboration
December
Section 3 - Resources
January
Section 4 –Accomplishments
February
Section 5– Learning Outcomes
March
Section 6– Student Performance
April
Section 7 - Strengths and Weaknesses
May
Section 8 – Goals
June
Section 9 – Action Plan
July
Final Reports Due to RIE
July-August-September
Report Validations
October – November--December
Executive/Administrative Review Meetings
Florida Gateway College Academic Program Review Report
Purpose of Program Review
Program review is part of Florida Gateway College’s (FGC) ongoing institutional effectiveness
process to achieve its mission and goals through strategic planning, research, evaluation, and
the use of information and data to guide decisions and actions. Academic programs and
administrative and student support departments are systematically reviewed as part of the
process.
The purpose of program review is to evaluate the quality of education, efficiency of services
and processes, and adequacy of institutional resources. It is also a tool used to document the
achievement of goals and objectives. The results of evaluation are analyzed and actions are
taken to address areas that need improvement.
Contact:
Department of Research and Institutional Effectiveness
Becky van Hoek, Coordinator of Planning & Accreditation
Ext. 4491
The Program Review should reflect the consensus of the faculty and staff within the program or department. It is meant to provide a broad understanding of current trends related to student learning and how the program or department serves to meet the overall mission and goals of Florida Gateway College.
1. Overview
Mission
Identify the program mission/purpose and identify or outline how it serves the mission of the
college.
The purpose of the Graphic Design Technology program is to prepare students for employment in the graphic design industry by offering quality training in a computer production environment using current industry standard software. Graduates will have the skills to work in advertising, desktop publishing, Web publishing, electronic photo enhancement, and digital illustration. Graduates are prepared to be self-employed or to work for businesses employing graphic artists. This serves the mission of the college in providing a superior, yet affordable, program of quality education that leads to Certificate and an Associate degree and prepares students for direct entry into a high demand technology-based occupation.
Description
Provide a description of the program. Include criteria for admission, related degrees and
certificates, students served, any relative historical information, etc.
Florida Gateway College offers an Associate of Science (A.S.) in Graphic Design Technology (GRAT) and a College Credit Certificate (C.C.C.) in Graphic Design Production (GDPD). The A.S. in Graphic Design Technology is a two-year program requiring 64 credit hours in twenty-one courses. Students are required to complete seven computer graphics courses , two computer science courses, and classes in studio art, photography, English, math, business, speech, and either art history or art appreciation. The C.C.C. in Graphic Design Production is a three semester program requiring completion of 24 credit hours in eight courses. This includes five computer graphics classes, one computer science class, design fundamentals, and digital photography. All course work completed in the C.C.C. articulates into the A.S. degree. Students must pass each core course with a “C” or better for the A.S. and C.C.C.
To be officially accepted into this program a student must:
•
have a high school diploma or GED certificate,•
take a placement exam as prescribed by State board of Education Rule, and•
successfully complete any necessary preparatory classes and 16 semester hours of corecourses.
The program sequence begins Fall Semester each year with two core courses that are prerequisites for the remaining core graphics courses. Each of the core courses is offered once per year. There is a recommended sequence of classes that will allow students to complete the A.S. program in two years and the C.C.C. in three semesters. This sequence is published in the college catalog. It should be noted that a placement exam is required to place students in the appropriate classes for English and Math. For those students who need to take preparatory classes, the length of time to complete the program is increased.
Florida Gateway College Academic Program Review Report
The graphic design program is not only open to students seeking the Certificate and the Associate of Science degree but also enrolls students seeking to transfer to four-year institutions, dual enrollment students, and those who are seeking job enhancement skills and personal enrichment. Students develop technical and creative skills with layout, illustration, typography, digital graphics and photography, page layout, and Web design.
Employment of graphic designers is expected to increase by 13 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations according to the Occupation Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The demand for graphic designers in the specific field of
computer systems design and related services is expected to grow by 61% over this period. With the increased use of the Internet, designers will be needed to create designs and images for portable devices, websites, electronic publications, and video entertainment media. According to U.S. Department of Labor, graphic designers earned an annual compensation between a low of $26,200to a high of $76,910 annually. In 2010, about 29% of the graphic designers were self-employed. The trend in graphic design is in the sales and marketing of products as designers work with website design and other interactive media.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, Graphic Designers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm (visited January 05, 2013).
External Accreditation (If Applicable)
Describe external accreditation process and status, if applicable
External accreditation is not applicable at the time if this review. Florida Gateway College became licensed in November 2012 to offer Adobe Certification tests in the software taught in the Graphic Design Technology Program. This accreditation testing will be available for current and future students. Accreditation is not a requirement for employment.
2.Collaboration
Internal
Relationships with other college departments and programs.
What collaborative efforts have you undertaken with other departments and educational
programs?
There are two computer science courses, two art courses, two business courses, and approved program electives in computer science and art that are required in the Graphic Design Technology program. Two graphic design courses are required in the Certificate in Game Design. Collaboration with instructors in computer science, business, and art is undertaken in curriculum planning and scheduling.
External
Community Service/Outreach Activities
List activities or projects you have undertaken with other educational institutions, the
community, or business/industry. How do you assess the effectiveness of these activities?
Community Service/Outreach Activity
Assessment
Provided workshops in Flash animation at theCareer Pathways Festival, January 2012 & January 2013. High school students from our five-county district attended.
A survey for 2013 indicates a 66.7% excellent rating and 33.3% very good rating. The survey for 2012 indicated 62.5% of the participants were very satisfied, 25% were satisfied, and 12.5% were neutral.
Recruiting visits to Columbia High School, Fort White High School, and Baker County High School
Informally through inquiries and/or enrollment in courses.
Guest speaker at Art League of North Florida,
May 2012 The ALNF has invited me to return as a guest speaker in May 2013. Juror for Live Oak Art Guild Art Show and Art
League of North Florida Art Show NA
Graphic Design Technology Advisory Board Businesses provide externships for students, and job placement of graduates. Five second year students participated in externships shadowing graphic designers this Spring 2013. Some of the companies that have hired FGC graduates are The Suwannee Democrat, Hunter Printing, The Lake City Reporter, The Florida Times Union, Office Max, Speedy Signs, Print-O-Matic, The Baker County Press, The Hometown Journal (Baker County), Harmon’s Photo (Gainesville), and Interline Brands (Jacksonville).
Florida Gateway College Academic Program Review Report
3. Resources
Describe types of facilities, equipment, and technology used and whether or not they meet
program needs. Discuss how technology is used to deliver or enhance services.
Facilities:
The graphic design technology lab is housed in Building 2 Room 6. There is sufficient room for the equipment, technology, and work stations and tables in the back of the room.Equipment:
There are 22 Macintosh computers, 2 large format Epson inkjet printers, 2 Epson scanners, and an LCD projector. The Macs, LCD projector, and one scanner are new, installed prior to the start of Fall Semester 2012. The Epson 4880 printer is two years old.The other scanner is a few years old. Wacom Bamboo tablets and Canon EOS Digital SLR cameras are available for students to check out. All the equipment is current and meets the program needs.Technology:
In addition to the technology equipment the following software is installed on each computer: Adobe Illustrator CS5, Adobe Photoshop CS5, Adobe InDesign CS5, AdobeDreamweaver CS5, Adobe Flash CS5, Adobe Acrobat, QuarkXPress 9, and Microsoft Office. The software and technology are used by students in a computer production environment.
List faculty and staff and describe whether they are full-time/part-time, position, and
qualifications.
Faculty/Staff Name FT/PT
Position Title
Qualifications
Fran Rossi FT Professor ofVisual Arts B.A. and M.Ed., Art Education, University of Florida & M.A.T., Computer Science Education, Jacksonville University
Discuss the extent to which faculty/staff engage in professional development activities. Address
the types of activities pursued and degrees, certificates, honors, and awards received. Also
discuss any professional development needs that are apparent.
Name
Professional Development
Activities
Degrees/Certificates
Honors/Awards
Needs
Fran Rossi•
Art Educator’s Forum,Savannah College of Art and Design, Summers 2008 and 2009
•
Digital Portfolio Workshop, Ringling College of Art, Fall 2010•
The Southeastern College Art Conference, Fall 2011•
Museum visits: Harn Museum, Cummer Museum, Museum of Contemporary ArtJacksonville, Dali Museum, & Chihuley Museum
•
Awards for photography exhibited in Art League of North Florida Juried Shows 2007 – 2011•
NISOD Award•
Professional development on designing for new media, digital workflow techniques, and output/printingComments:
4.Accomplishments
Response to Prior Review Recommendations/Action Plan
Action Plan Goal
1.
Increase the scheduling options.2.
Recruit a qualified adjunct instructor.3.
Inform students about any pre-requisites for the certificate program.4.
Increase the number of relationships with area graphic design businesses to ensure all training needs are met.5.
Develop an assessment plan for student workshops and other recruitment initiatives to provide evidence of their effectiveness.6.
The A.A.S. in Graphic Design Technology was added effective Fall Semester 20057.
The C.C.C. was added effective Fall Semester 2005.8.
Increase enrollment of Graphic Design Technology (GRA) majors in the two foundation core classes by 2 students each year to reach the maximum program capacity of 20.9.
Increase retention of GRA majors by Fall Semester 2006 to 70% of those who enter the program.10.
Develop externships (career shadowing) and internships with businesses and organizations that require employees with skills in graphic design technology to provide students with essential workforce experience.Outcome/Results
What were the actual results of the tasks/activities? (Status)
Gap Analysis
Describe the difference between the expected outcome and actual outcome
Use of Results
What strategies will you use to make changes? 1. No additional sections have been
scheduled. To schedule additional sections of graphics courses an additional instructor is needed. This need was reviewed and an adjunct wasn’t available.
Evaluate the demand for additional sections and, if needed, request advertisement for an adjunct instructor.
2. The two core courses continue to be
offered Fall Semester only. An additional instructor is needed to offer the two core courses Spring Evaluate the demand for offering GRA 1103C and GRA 1117C in Spring or Summer terms and,
Semester. This need was reviewed and
an adjunct wasn’t available. if needed, request advertisement for an adjunct instructor. 3. The program information in the
College Catalog identifies the prerequisites for the Certificate and Associate of Science Programs.
This recommendation has been
addressed. None needed
4. The Graphic Design Advisory Board meets twice a year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring. A primary goal of this board is to ensure that the Graphic Design Technology Program is preparing graduate to meet these employers’ needs.
The Graphic Design Advisory Board has been instrumental in making
recommendations that have resulted in improvements in the curriculum.
Continue to recruit representatives from businesses that employ graphic designers to serve on the Graphic Design Advisory Board.
5. The Career Pathways Festival held in January uses a survey to assess the effectiveness of the workshops. A formal assessment for the
effectiveness of high school visits has not been developed.
The graphic design workshop has received positive feedback for the Career Pathways event.
Review the graphic design workshop for the Career Pathways contents to fit the time allocated. Develop a survey for students to complete following visits to high school art classes and academies.
6. The A.A.S. offered students a science alternative to the math required for the A.S.
The A.A.S. degree has been discontinued. NA 7. The C.C.C. offers students a shorter
completion time before entering the workforce. It articulates into the A.S. in Graphic Design Technology.
With completion of the C.C.C. students may choose from three options: a. With this early exit point students
may choose to join the workforce. b. The C.C.C. articulates into the A.S.
and some students will remain enrolled to complete the A.S. c. Some students remain enrolled and
complete A.A. degrees; these students plan to earn bachelors’ degrees in graphic design, another art field, or a non-art field.
With input from the Graphic Design Advisory Board, develop a list of advantages to
completing the A.S. after completion of the C.C.C. for those students who do not plan to transfer to a college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree. Make graphic design majors aware of advantages in their marketability with an A.S. degree.
Florida Gateway College Academic Program Review Report
8. The number of graphic design majors enrolled in the two core courses was13 students in Fall 2009, 15 students in Fall 2010, and 14 students in Fall 2011.
The goal to reach 20 graphic design majors enrolled in the two core courses is ongoing.
Continue to recruit at district high schools, participate in workshops for high school
students on campus, and in area businesses that have employees who need training.
9. Retention of graphic design majors who began the program Fall 2009 was 83%, Fall 2010 was 73%, and Fall Semester 2011 was 86%.
The goal has been met. Continue to work on retention.
10.Externships and an internship
course are in place. The goal has been met. Continue to maintain relationships with area businesses and the Graphic Design Advisory Board.
Other Significant Changes/Improvements
List significant changes and improvements that have occurred within the last 3 – 5 years that were not identified on the prior review. This
includes curricular improvements, improvements in the efficiency of department processes, integration of new technology, more effective
assessment processes, etc.
At the recommendation of the Graphic Design Advisory Board a new course, Digital Prepress, has been added to the curriculum.
Wacom Bamboo tablets were provided by a grant from the Florida Gateway College Foundation. These tablets allow students to control the computer with a stylus applied to the surface of the tablet rather than with the mouse.
The darkroom in Building 7 was remodeled prior to the start of Fall Semester 2012; the facility was expanded from 4 darkroom stations to ten and is now accessible to students with disabilities.
During the last three years we have had a work study student who was/is a second year graphic design major as a peer tutor in the graphics lab in Building 2 Room 6 during open lab hours.
5. Student Learning Outcomes Assessment
Summarize the assessment of student learning outcomes. Include outcome, expected results, actual results, and use of the results.
Plan
1
Intended Learning Outcome
2 Related Courses
3
Evaluation Method/Tool (Research Paper, Speech, Essay, Departmental Exam National Exam)
4
Performance Standard
(How will you measure successful outcome achievement)
Students will apply design theories.
(2009-2010) GRA 1103C – Graphic Design Basics
Sketchbook exercises, journals, projects, critiques, self-evaluations, etc.
80% of the students who complete GRA 1103C Graphic Design Basics will earn a C or better on all course assignments.
Students will create electronic
content.(2009-2010) GRA 1117C – Introducti on to Computer Graphics
Hands-on exercises (textbook lessons and instructor designed), independent projects, critiques, self evaluations, etc.
80% of the students who complete GRA 1117C Introduction to Computer Graphics will earn a C or better on all course
assignments.
Results
Actual Outcome/Result
What was the actual result of the assessment?
Gap Analysis
Describe the difference between the expected outcome and actual outcome
Use of Result
What strategies will you use to make changes? 92% of the 12 students enrolled in GRA
1103C Fall Semester 2009 earned a C or better on all course assignments.
The rate of success exceeded the goal. Continue with the current instructional and evaluation methods.
95% of the 19 students enrolled in GRA 1117C Fall Semester 2009 earned a C or better on all course assignments.
The rate of success exceeded the goal. Continue with the current instructional and evaluation methods.
6. Student Performance
The information needed to complete the following tables will be provided by the department of
Research & Institutional Effectiveness.
List all degree and related certificate programs in your area and the number of declared majors
and program graduates over the past three years
Declared Majors/Graduates
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
Program
Majors
Grads
Majors
Grads
Majors
Grads
C.C.C. Graphic Design ProductionProgram Data Analysis attached
1
Program Data Analysis attached12*
Program Data Analysis attached6
A.S. Graphic Design TechnologyProgram Data Analysis attached
0
Program Data Analysis attached5
Program Data Analysis attached2
A.A.S. Graphic Design TechnologyProgram Data Analysis attached
1
Program Data Analysis attached2
Program Data Analysis attached2
*My records indicate that one additional student earned the C.C.C. in 2011 than indicated in the attached Program Data Analysis.Program Success Rates:
Total Ws ABC DF W Rate ABC Rate DF Rate
Total for 2006-2007 197 17 174 6 9% 88% 3% Total for 2007-2008 195 21 161 13 11% 83% 7% Total for 2008-2009 172 24 135 13 14% 78% 8% Total for 2009-2010 212 6 193 13 3% 91% 6% Total for 2010-2011 244 6 218 20 2% 89% 8% Total for 2011-2012 211 15 171 25 7% 81% 12% Total for 2012-2013 175 4 154 17 2% 88% 10%
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7. Summary – Strengths and Weaknesses
Based on the information in the review, summarize the strengths and weaknesses of the
program.
Strengths:
Enrollment in the introductory courses, GRA 1103C and GRA 1117C, is at or close to capacity with 65-75% of the enrollment declared graphic design majors (indicated from 2009-2011). Student success averaged 89% for 2009 – 2012. Retention of graphic design majors was 83% in 2009-2010, 73% in 2010-2011, and 86% in 2011-2012. Student success measured by the ABC rate was 93% in 2009-2010, 90% in 2010-2011, 84% in 2011-2012, and 92% in Fall 2012.Areas for Improvement:
Program completion rates need to improve. The majority of graphic design majors attends school part-time and takes two to three courses a semester during Fall and Spring. This part-time student averages 3-1/2 to 4 years to complete the A.S. degree.Recruiting and retention are ongoing goals to have all 20 seats in the two foundation graphics classes filled with graphic design majors and to support student success in completing the A.S. degree.
Florida Gateway College Academic Program Review Report
8. Goals
What are the program goals? Which of the college’s strategic priorities do they support?
Program Goals
Strategic
Priority #
Continue to evaluate and update the A.S. program to provide coursework thatmeets the current trends for skills in graphic design technology. 1, 4 Ensure graduates have the skills currently in demand in the industry. 1, 4 Support faculty professional development opportunities in current technologies
for graphic design 2
Strategic Plan
Strategic Priority 1: STUDENT SUCCESS
Strategic Priority 2 – FACULTY, STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION Strategic Priority 3 – INSTITUTIONAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT Strategic Priority 4 - COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND INVOLVEMENT Strategic Priority 5 – FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND AFFORDABILITY
9. Action Plan
Based on the summary of strengths and weaknesses, develop an action plan. The action plan should focus on objectives and outcomes
that will strengthen and improve the department and support the program goals stated above in section 7.
Program Outcomes
Objectives
What do you want to achieve?
Tasks/Activities
How are you going to do it?
Timeline
When will you do it?
Outcome
What do you expect to happen because of the action?
Assessment Measure
How will you know if you are successful?
Resource Needs Do you need additional resources to achieve the objective? Designers need to be trained to create designs and images for portable devices, websites, electronic publications, and video entertainment media.
Revise curriculum for appropriate courses to integrate design skills in new media.
Beginning
Fall 2014 Graduates will have the skills to be work in print media, web design, and interactive media. The multiple skills will make them more attractive to employers.
80% of the students will earn a C or better on each assignment.
Faculty will require professional
development in new media.
Increase the number of relationships with area businesses who employ graphic designers to ensure all training needs are met.
Invite graphic design professionals from a variety of businesses to serve on the Advisory Board. Fall and Spring Semesters annually
The number of industry representatives from a broader spectrum of media serving on the board will increase.This will provide input on current trends and needs.
Survey Advisory Board Members and employers of our graduates to measure success in meeting training needs.
Course content will cover the objectives required to pass the
Revise course content to cover the objectives required to pass the
Beginning Spring Semester
Students passing the certification tests will indicate competencies
Baseline data on pass/fail rates will be obtained. Curriculum
Florida Gateway College Academic Program Review Report
Adobe Certification tests in InDesign and Illustrator
Adobe Certification
tests. 2014 when the Illustrator and InDesign courses are taught. in the software to
prospective employers. and instructions will be modified to achieve a 70% pass rate on certification tests within 3 years. Faculty will acquire
skills in current technologies in graphic design. Faculty will participate in professional development opportunities.
Ongoing This will improve the
quality of instruction. The curriculum in appropriate courses will be revised to integrate design skills in new media.