Current Program

In Sign Graphics, students learn how to design and execute a wide variety of signs including temporary signs like posters and paper banners plus permanent signs on wood, metal, canvas, vehicles, walls and glass. Students learn the fundamentals of lettering, design, composition, color while practicing hand and eye coordination. Students also learn to both draw and hand brush a diverse set of alphabets and a variety of both interior and exterior signs. In addition students study how to design and execute signs on "sign-specific" software including patterns, vinyl lettering, vinyl application plus how to use plotters, scanners, and clip art. Students enroll in the program for retraining or upgrading employment skills and to pursue careers that make use of their artistic interests and abilities, both manually and using a computer. Course offerings have been affected in recent years by the increasing use of technology, by the addition of weekend classes at the college, and by changes in student interests, students' basic skill levels, and technology.

Degrees and Certificates - An Associate in Arts degree and a Certificate of Completion are offered.

Personnel - At this time one full-time faculty member teaches in the program.

Teaching Methodologies - The primary teaching methods in Sign Graphics are lecture/lab and lecture/demonstration.

Lecture, labs, self-paced and some computerized instruction are used as well.

Technology - No online or distance education technologies are used in the program.

Equipment - A computer system is needed at this time.

Facilities - The location of the program is excellent, although ground floor access would be best. Maintenance and cleaning of facilities is poor.

Future Program

Sign Graphics will need to adapt over the next ten years to changes in technology, college recruitment strategies and curriculum development. It is expected that both in the mid term (five years) and long term (ten years), enrollment in the program will remain steady at best, as students are less likely than before to commit to two years of training in the field. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - No additional degrees or certificates are planned.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - Changes in teaching methods are not expected.

Technology - New technology in Sign Graphics will likely be adopted for use in classrooms, but new teaching technologies such as distance learning will probably not be utilized for instruction, as classes are intensive hands-on sessions where students engage in production as well as theory and design.

Equipment - Computer software will require several upgrades within the next five years as digital technology evolves for use in the industry, and there is a possibility that new digital plotters will need to be purchased.

Facilities - More space for additional computer lab computers is needed.

Staff Development - Additional opportunities for training in advanced digital technology is desirable.

Special Recommendation

The department should explore new methods of instruction and alternative delivery systems (including larger class sizes) to provide more opportunities for students to access the program. New hardware and software technologies, involving graphics, graphic design and computer graphics, should be incorporated into the program as well. Eventually, the department should be combined with the current Visual Communication department into a single Computer Graphics Art and Design program.