Program areas at MCAD
Academic affairs:- achieved accreditation approval from the higher learning commission for the new masters of creative leadership.- target corporation sponsored an mcad course entitled, color for all, which aimed to create fashion color palettes for diverse guests.- dr. patience lueth joined mcad to take the newly-formed position of director of foundation studies, and together with faculty will redesign the first year experience.- the hyflex initiative was in full swing this academic year and resulted in positive feedback from students and faculty. The media center team worked with the online teaching and learning team to create documentation on how to utilize hyflex classroom spaces, and established policies and best practices.- the Art history faculty revised our first year Art history curriculum to reflect a more global perspective that embraces the concepts of multiple modernisms and anti-colonialism.- the bajus foundation for innovation in animation fund was created to support visiting faculty and co-curricular offerings in mcad's growing animation program.- mcad's mfa program hosted a series of well-received professional practice sessions that were free to the public and online.
Academic services:- career development expanded the summer alumni series incorporating industry professionals that represent all sectors of the creative industries.- mcad held an exhibition at homewood studios entitled material and media exploration, which featured the work of our first year students.- the library received significant donations: 20 large format comic book facsimiles ("artist editions") from mcad alum andrew carl and from target, archroma's color atlas, a standard resource that is actively used in the textile industries and contains over 5,000 dye swatches.- faculty member aki shibata brought new energy and a deepening commitment to mcad's connection to the little earth community, culminating with an exhibition of the native youth arts collaborative at mcad.- the gallery actively worked with 26 mcknight and jerome fellows in the 2021-22 year.- the mcad gallery, co-sponsored with continuing education, held an in-person exhibition closing reception and artist talk with wael morcos on friday, nov. 5 and an arabic lettering workshop on saturday, nov. 6.
Student affairs:- a ft learning specialist was hired in the learning center. This position was created from a previous pt position. - a revamped, more intensive training program for the peer mentors was implemented for fall 2021. Peer mentors were also the orientation crew, a change to better engage mentors with new students. - peer mentors started to host group study halls to bring students together to do homework. - new student orientation consisted of virtual and in-person sessions. This is a shift from the in-person only sessions held prior to covid.- an emergency parachute fund was created to assist students during the pandemic who have unforeseen financial emergencies. This fund is sponsored by mcad donors. The fund continues to be available for students. - laundry was made free for all residents on campus. - a 3/4 time mental health counseling position was added to increase opportunities for students to meet with a counselor on campus.- new support groups were created to increase the number of students having contact with a member of the counseling staff. - a ft academic advising coordinator was hired. This position had been open for a number of years. - during covid academic advising occurred virtually. This year, appointments were offered both in person and virtually. - some new events that were hosted: sticker swap, trans day of visibility, cooking events in the cafeteria, and studio snack breaks.- disability services continues to see an increase in the number of students requesting accommodations.
- we completed various projects including a revisioning of two student studios, construction of a new welcome desk, renovations and expansions of all gender restrooms, upgraded an exterior building envelope and various other campus improvements. - we completed the acquisition of two adjacent properties that allows continued support of the campus master plan.- we developed an extensive update to the campus master plan.- we performed an analysis of the on campus apartment buildings leading to approval to purchase new furniture for all units. This work is planned for the summer of 2022.