University Printing Programs -- The Next Impression

A first-of-its-kind in the United States, the New Media program, which focuses on color management and digital workflows, is combined with a B.S. in Printing Management, which teaches basic print operations management, customer service and estimating.

These two degrees, home to 125 undergraduates, fall within the College of Technology at this Big Rapids, MI, university to create a program that is under constant revision to meet the ever-changing needs of the industry.

"We have a very active and aggressive advisory board that has provided us with outstanding information about the trends and future of our industry," says Patrick Klarecki, department chair, Printing and Imaging Technology Management. "The New Media degree was the first in the nation and has now been followed by schools like RIT. Other schools have shifted their programs to more of a design or animation emphasis because that is what kids want. We have held fast to our focus of production skills—what employers want despite a flat enrollment."

In the mountains of Boone, NC, Appalachian State University's Thomas W. Reese Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology (GAIT) program is currently working on adding a teaching degree in Trade and Industry with a skill concentration in graphic arts.

"We know there is a need for graphic arts teachers, and Appalachian has a foundation in education," explains Robin Williams, program coordinator. This four-year program, boasting 150 undergraduates, is also looking to educate the next generation of printers with more convenience.

"We are teaming up with community colleges to begin offering our program off-campus," explains Williams. "GAIT is also working on offering online courses. We have our first online course beginning in the spring."

Keeping up with technology and industry trends are not the only issues on which graphic communications educators fixate. There is also the conundrum of how to acquire modern equipment.