GRAPHIC DESIGN

Website: http://www.ufv.ca/pages/graphicdesign.html

Note: The Graphic Design program is not accepting new students for the 2003/04 year. The program is under review for 2004/05. For further information contact department assistant Margaret Brackett by email at brackettm@ufv.ca

Graphic design involves planning and connecting a series of ideas for coherent visual communication. It imparts messages and information to a specified target audience or the public at large. Graphic design is a key component of the ads we see every day on billboards and in newspapers, of the websites we surf to, of the packaging on our consumer goods, of the corporate and organizational logos we identify with, of the promotional posters and brochures we see, and of the magazines and books we read.

It promotes, sells, and advocates products and ideas for a wide selection of client groups, including businesses, institutions, governments, and educational and cultural establishments.

The information age has submerged us in a fiercely competitive visual environment. Vast amounts of information are delivered by the minute. Successful graphic design has to be distinct and memorable in order to be seen and read. This is achieved through intelligent and imaginative solutions that articulate the values and beliefs of any given culture.

The range of graphic design is broad and may take the form of a single poster for an institution or a logo and complete corporate identity for a large company. Graphic designers may be asked to design packaging for a product or to design and illustrate a book or magazine for a publishing house. They may design an exhibit utilizing all of the above. More importantly, designers are currently expected to be familiar with designing web pages and online information packages. They will be called upon to participate in an interactive team using multimedia strategies.

In order to achieve maximum impact designers need, therefore, to be skillful in typography, illustration, art direction of photography, two  and three dimensional design, and electronic design.

The Graphic Design diploma program at UCFV has a curriculum serving two purposes - to offer an intensive vocational training that prepares graduates for employment in the industry, and to immerse students in critical thinking and lateral thinking skills that are essential for creative original concepts. The program is intent on preserving the classical traditions of drawing, typography, and fundamental design principles. At the same time students will be immersed in the major graphic software programs through a creative exploration of electronic design.

UCFV graphic design instructors are accomplished working professionals who share commitment between their design and illustration consultancies and the Graphic Design program.

Entrance requirements

• B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent or minimum age of 19 years of age before the first day of classes.
• Attend orientation session.
• Be prepared to write a 250 word essay, to be completed on campus
• Complete a design exercise, demonstrating problem solving ability, to be completed on campus
• Complete a drawing exercise, demonstrating current skills, to be completed on campus
• Submit a portfolio at the time of interview. Please prepare your portfolio to include 15  to 20 original pieces. Work should be recent and varied in nature. The work may be general or specialized; however, it is important to demonstrate both drawing and design ability. Sketchbooks are a useful inclusion. Slides and/or photographs can be submitted over and above the maximum number of original work. Please be advised that completion of fine art courses is highly preferable but it is not an automatic guarantee of admission. Completing a communications, English, or MACS course prior to entering the program would be beneficial.

Applicants will be evaluated on the following point system:

Applicants must score a minimum of 30 points out of 40 in order to be considered for the program.

How to apply

1.  Submit the application fee along with your UCFV application for admission form to the Admissions and Records office. Application forms are available from any A&R or Student Services office. You can also print an application form from our website at http://www.ufv.ca/ar/, or you can apply directly through the internet at www.pas.bc.ca.

Additional documents required for a complete application:

• proof of B.C. secondary school graduation or equivalent

2.  In April the Admissions and Records office will inform you of an interview or orientation that you must attend. You must bring to the interview a portfolio of recently created art works.

3. Upon admission to the program you will be provided with registration information. A deposit is required when you register. This money will be applied to tuition fees and is not refundable. Final payment of all course fees is due by the end of the second week of classes.

In cases where interim transcripts are submitted, an admission decision may be made conditional upon completion of academic requirements. Proof of completion of entrance requirements is due the end of the first week in August.

Fees and additional costs

Fees stated are in effect for 2003/04 and are subject to change for 2004/05.

Tuition fees for most full-time students are about $1,700 per semester (based on enrolment in five courses or 15 credits). Books and additional supplies cost approximately $100 per course. See the Fees and Other Costs section for more information.

There are other related costs which must be considered by Graphic Design students over the two-year program. Students will be expected to finance their own laptop computer at a cost of approximately $3,000.

* Certain materials may be requested by individual instructors as the need arises.

Program requirements

Graphic design is a two-year full-time program. A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required in order to receive a diploma.

Standing required for continuance

Graphic Design diploma students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (CGPA).

Course repetitions

Students may not repeat Graphic Design courses without permission of the department head.

Academic warning

Students whose grades fall below a 2.0 CGPA will be placed on Academic Warning for the next semester. A student on Academic Warning may not register in a course overload. Students who achieve a semester grade point average of 2.0 will continue on Academic Warning until the CGPA equals or exceeds 2.0.

Required to withdraw

Students who do not achieve a minimum semester grade point average of 2.0 while on Academic Warning will be withdrawn from the Graphic Design program. A student who has been required to withdraw may continue to take courses as a General Studies student.

Readmission to the program

To be readmitted to the Graphic Design diploma program, you must complete nine university-level credits (can be duplicate courses), with a minimum 2.0 CGPA. Once these criteria are met, you may apply for readmission at the Admissions and Records office. When readmitted, you will remain on Academic Warning until your overall CGPA is 2.0.

Graduation

It is the student's responsibility to ensure all program requirements are met. This should be done by regular consultation with the Graphic Design department head.

Diploma candidates who qualify to receive a UCFV Graphic Design diploma must be approved by the UCFV Arts division and the University College Board.

Students must apply for graduation by completing a Request to Graduate form available at the Admissions and Records office. We recommend this be done in the first month of the graduating semester. The final deadline for submissions is April 1, with all program requirements completed by April 30 for students wishing to attend the June convocation ceremony.

Workload and studio expectations

The program is intense and demands a student’s full commitment. While in class, students are expected to follow a studio etiquette which is developed for professional training. Students are expected to participate in critiques, seminars, open house activities and the graduate show, and to meet project deadlines. Certain projects are specifically designed for the graduate show and final portfolio.

Re-application

Students are required to apply for re-admission if they are accepted to the program but do not register in it, or if they withdraw prior to completion and wish to return. Applicants for re-admission follow the same procedures as a new applicant.

Program outline

Two-year diploma program

Semester I

Elective: one of the following:

Semester II

Electives during Semesters I and II:

One of VA 123, VA 124, VA 151, or VA 183, or AH 101 or AH 102, 3

One of MACS 110 or MACS 130, 3

Semester III

Semester IV

Electives during Semesters III and IV:

One of MACS 215, MACS 210, or MACS 221, 3

One of MACS 212 or BUS 120, 3

This program is intense and extremely demanding. Our focus group of designers reports that the ability to work hard and meet deadlines and being highly motivated are as important as specific graphic design skills, and we’ve structured the program to simulate the real-life pressures designers face. Expect to work at a fast pace and to be presented with many deadlines.

Course listings

For complete details on courses see Course descriptions section.

Faculty

Don Murray, BFA (Regina), MFA (UBC), Department Head

Mimmo Carbone

Dennis Greer

Quentin Harris, Graphic Design diploma (Kwantlen)

Keith Martin, Graphic Design diploma (Kwantlen)

Dale Simonson, Graphic Design diploma (Kwantlen)

Terry van Roon

Staff

Margaret Brackett, Program Assistant

Marie Tary, Graphic Design diploma (UCFV), Lab Technician

Advisory Committee

Under review.

To course descriptions index
Return to Faculty of Arts and Applied Arts index
Calendar home page/index