Department of Graphic Communications

Junior/Senior Initiatives 2008-09

Professional Development

The support for students accompanying faculty on professional travel to conferences continues to offer Graphic Communications (GC) students a direct link to professional networks. We continue supporting our GC students to attend events recognized by our discipline as providing the greatest opportunity for students to derive the greatest benefit. During the past several years, an average of over 100 GC students have participated in events sponsored by major printing industry groups, ranging from national and international professional and technical events to consortiums of companies.

Technology Infrastructure Support

New technologies in software and hardware were introduced at Drupa in Dusseldorf, Germany, the world’s largest print tech show on a four-year cycle, impacting our ability to bring the most current technology into our lab experiences. We will identify and select the most applicable releases during the summer and early fall. Funding supporting securing technologies for our Junior/Senior level students to experience new digital tools for print manufacturing is always a priority. This need remains critical as our graduates enter their careers in a field where employers and clients expect our GC students to be current. 

Past Enhancements

Primary use of Junior/Senior funding was directed to provide lab technology and travel support for Graphic Communications students.

• Travel supported students attending technical conferences and networking opportunities:
  TAGA San Francisco, PLGA Miami and Graph Expo Chicago were among the scheduled events. More than 100 GC students participated. Travel also included several plant visits in 400 level courses. This year’s Graph Expo event included an evening with Graphic Communications alums. The opportunity to meet industry leaders representing a very broad view of our field has proven most positive for the GC students. They discuss current projects while developing a network for the careers they will soon begin.
• Several small-scale projects by seniors included an “Atrium facelift” with furniture pieces and a bookcase for technical and trade publication storage.   Graphic Communications seniors proposed the project to provide an area for study, discussion and meetings.
• A significant upgrade to Adobe CS3 for prepress labs with install expected in June 2008. The software upgrade includes access on over 88 computers used by students throughout the Godfrey lab facility via our network.