Current Program

Visual Communication develops computer artists and graphic designers who prepare camera ready copy and art for most types of printed material including advertisements, packages, video and web-based imagery. Students enroll in the program to meet requirements for transfer to four-year institutions, for retraining or upgrading job skills, and to gain skills to obtain employment in the field. In recent years changes in technology and the increasing use of computers have dramatically changed the Visual Communication profession, requiring changes in the college program. A complete restructuring of the program takes effect in Fall 2003. Other changes affecting the program include changes in student interests and students' basic skill levels, as well as the college not replacing full-time faculty when they retired.

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

Personnel - At this time the program requires three full-time faculty and three part-time faculty members.

Teaching Methodologies - Teaching methods used in the program include lecture, lecture/lab, lecture/demonstration, labs, self-paced instruction, service based learning and computerized instruction.

Technology - No online or distance education technologies are in use at this time, although the latest in high tech computers will certainly be needed to keep pace with industry standards.

Equipment - Chairs and desks in two of four rooms, approximately six monitors that have failed and computer tables in one room all are in need of repair. Computers need upgrading.

Facilities - The computer lab in Room H209 lacks air conditioning. Classrooms are adequate at this time, but both computer labs are smaller than required.

Future Program

The program will need to adapt over the next ten years or so to changes in technology, teaching methods, curriculum development, student academic preparation, college recruitment strategies and facilities. Because of the program restructuring, students are more likely to take advantage of individual classes and shorter certificate programs, with the result that program enrollment in the mid term (five years) should increase at a faster rate than overall college enrollment. In the long term (ten years), however, once enrollment has increased and stabilized, program growth should remain at a steady, stable level. See Program Projections.

Degrees and Certificates - With the restructuring of the program, additional Certificates of Completion will be offered in appropriate fields.

Personnel - See Projected Faculty and Staff Needs.

Teaching Methodologies - Additional teaching methods may be employed in the future as technology and computers enter the classroom allowing for computerized large screen presentations and demonstrations.

Technology - Online technology could be added for some courses, but most classes at this time demand intensive student/teacher interface with hands-on guidance, demonstrations and verbal interaction.

Equipment - Computer technology and security needs to be upgraded within the next five years to keep pace with the industry. Chairs and desks will need to be replaced

Facilities - The computer lab in Room H209 needs air conditioning and both computer labs need to be expanded. Offices for faculty are needed. Expanded computer use will require a storage and repair room for supplies, servers, and expensive printers and computers that will need to be secure.

Staff Development - Staff Development activities on topics relating to computer applications are desirable.

Special Recommendation

The department should explore adding lab space, and revise class scheduling to accommodate larger class sizes and provide more opportunities for students to access the program. Eventually, the department should be combined with the current Sign Graphics department into a single Computer Graphics Art and Design program.