Assessment of Student Learning - Minnesota State University Moorhead

Minnesota State University Moorhead
Graphic Communications
Approved 3-5-04

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD MISSION
The mission of Moorhead State University is to foster excellence in teaching and learning. The University strives to provide an educational environment that supports intellectual development, that welcomes diversity, and that develops the skills and talents of women and men so that they have the capacity to live usefully, act responsibly, and be learners all their lives. The academic programs at the University are founded upon a common liberal studies experience and emphasize developing the unique talents of each person. The University provides baccalaureate-level programs in the liberal arts, natural and social sciences, teacher education, business and technology, the fine arts, and professional areas. It provides selected graduate programs in response to regional needs.

The University encourages scholarly and creative endeavors that promote a commitment by faculty and students to their disciplines, to continuing professional development, and to excellence in learning.

The University enhances the quality of life of the region with the professional, cultural, and recreational services offered by its students, faculty, and staff.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS -- the processes and industries that create, develop, produce, and disseminate products utilizing or incorporating words or pictorial images to convey information, ideas, and feelings. GC products facilitate learning, enjoyment, motivation, and commerce. Graphic Communications includes the family of market segments embracing the technologies of printing, publishing, packaging, electronic imaging, and their allied industries; they are often referred to as the graphic arts, print, or imaging industries.

GCOM Mission Statement: To provide quality education in Graphic Communications fulfilling the needs of the students and the industries that utilize our graduates.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS GOALS

Goal #1		To enhance the professional and technical knowledge, and skills necessary for entering and continuing in graphic communications.
	MSUM Long Term Goals Addressed: I-1, 3, 4; II-1; III (a)-2
	How is this Goal #1 measured GCOM 452: Graphic Communications Project Management (pdf) GCOM 459A Final Project A and GCOM 459B Final Project B (pdf) Employer Survey (pdf) Alumni Survey (pdf) Senior Exit Survey (pdf)
Goal #2		To improve the quality of the graphic communications and related activities through curriculum developed and ongoing communications with the industry
	MSUM Long Term Goals Addressed: I-1, 2, 3; II-1; III(a)-2
	How is this Goal #2 measured? Employer Survey (pdf) Alumni Survey (pdf) Senior Exit Survey (pdf)
Goal #3		To enhance efficient graphic communications processes and products through improved technical and artistic skills.
	MSUM Long Term Goals Addressed: I-1, 3; II-1
	How is this Goal #3 measured? GCOM 459A Final Project A and GCOM 459B Final Project B (pdf) Employer Survey (pdf) Alumni Survey (pdf)
Goal #4		To enhance the Graphic Communications student's creative problem solving skills.
	MSUM Long Term Goals Addressed: I-1, 3; II-1
	How is this Goal #4 measured? GCOM 459A Final Project A and GCOM 459B Final Project B (pdf) Employer Survey (pdf)

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS STUDENT OUTCOMES:

The program of study is designed to prepare a professional graphic communicator who possesses skills and knowledge acquired through education and hands-on experience necessary to secure entry-level employment in one of the following areas: graphic and digital design, multimedia authoring and development, web authoring and development, and computer animation.

Outcome #1: Communication Skills

The student will be able to demonstrate effective oral, written, graphic skills.

Program Goal: 1, 2, 3, 4

Measurement tool: GCOM 452, GCOM 459A & 459B, Employer Survey, Alumni Survey, Senior Exit Survey

Outcome #2: Technical Skills

The student will be able to demonstrate various forms of manual and computer technology inclusive in the development and production of the visual image. This includes the many hardware and software applications of industry standards used by the graphic communications industry.

Program Goal: 1, 2, 3, 4

Measurement tool: GCOM 452, GCOM 459A & 459B, Employer Survey, Alumni Survey, Senior Exit Survey

Outcome #3: Graphic Communications Methods

The student will be able to apply the methods of the graphic communications industry as described by the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), Printing Industries of America (PIA), and Graphic Communications Association (GCA).

Program Goal: 1, 2, 3, 4

Measurement tool: GCOM 452, GCO< 459A & 459B, Employer Survey, Alumni Survey, Senior Exit Survey.

Assessment Instruments:

GCOM 452: Graphic Communications Management

The student will be able to understand the sequence of estimating work. This includes the design and implementation of a company, the establishing of BHRs, equipment selection, workspace design, and job estimation. Please refer to the attached GCOM 452 evaluation sheets.

GCOM 459A Final Project A and GCOM 459B Project B

Upon entering the student's senior year he or she will propose a culminting project that will pull together the skills and knowledge obtained from their previous semesters. Some exampl eof acceptable projects would be: website design, a multimedia enhanced DC-ROM, an animated interpretation of a music piece or storyline, or the cretion of a series of digitally designed pieces (to be printed and displayed in a presentaiton format). Please refer to the attached GCOM 459A & B evaluation sheets.

GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM ADVISORS

The student will need to make contact early and continuously with their program advisors for assistance and direction while completing the Graphic Communications program of studies at Minnesota State University Moorhead.