Undergraduate Studies Archives | ��ר��

Major Insights: Fashion Business Management

Isabella McLaury — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 17:35:53 +0000

Transcript

I just wanted to give a little bit of history of who we are and how we got here, and then I will introduce our faculty who will walk through the actual presentation. Let’s go back 10 years. ��ר�� was looking to expand their program offerings and I was living a nice life in Florence, Italy and London. I was lucky enough to share my life between the two cities and they said there’s a job in Detroit. They wanted to open a new fashion school department at the ��ר��. I came to Detroit, completely fell in love with the city and the college, and we launched a fashion accessories design program. For the first four to five years, we taught shoes and handbags. I felt like we needed to add an apparel component to it, as we did, and that was about four years ago.

To be a complete fashion school, we needed to add maybe one of the most important parts of the fashion system, which is fashion business. So now we feel like we have a complete fashion ecosystem being taught at ��ר��. I’m super proud of the results we have gotten with our student placements and the opportunities and all the incredible companies that come and help us to develop the program and support our students and our department. I will introduce you to the person who helped me write this program collaboratively in a moment and she can tell you more about the collaborations.

The history of me and why I’m super excited about this is I’ve been in the industry for several decades. I’ve been a strategic partner with many brands. I taught in Polimoda, Florence in Italy, which is a Ferragamo-run fashion school, a top fashion school in Italy. I taught their luxury management classes including fashion brand management and fashion strategy. I understood that there’s a type of student that’s really good at it, that loves fashion but doesn’t want to design it or make things, but wants to be involved in this super exciting world of fashion. When I came to ��ר��, I understood that we need to launch something similar here in Detroit, which we just did. We have taught fashion business classes for close to 10 years already, so that’s not anything new for us, but the BA program is something new and we are quite excited to launch that.

That’s a little bit of the background. That’s about me. I will now introduce you to faculty Monica Sinclair, who has an incredible wealth of experience in the field of fashion business management. I will give the stage to her and I will turn my camera off for the time being, but feel free to put any questions in the chat. So Monica, are you ready?

Yes, thank you Aki. Hello everybody. As Aki mentioned, my name is Monica Sinclair and I am faculty here at the ��ר��. What Aki and I have put together is really an incredible program that serves the student needs and the industry needs right now at this critical moment where many students are being overburdened by intense course loads that are almost impossible to accomplish within a 4-year degree program. Aki and I took a look at our own professional and academic experience, looked at many different programs and the courses we have been offering for a number of years now, and we’ve decided to move forward and finally launch this program, which is really well needed at this moment.

A little bit about me: I’ve been teaching for many years, but the heart of my experience is within the fashion industry. I’ve spent a good number of years, almost a decade, working for Adidas within the fashion group located in New York City. We worked on product launches to brand launches for all of the Adidas collaborations, from Kanye West to Yohji Yamamoto to building Y-3, to collabs with Stella McCartney, Raf Simons, Rick Owens, and Opening Ceremony to name a few. Throughout my career, my role was in marketing and I had overseen the marketing for North and South America for the Adidas fashion group division. Eventually, I had left and gone over to Rick Owens where my career there really covered expanding their footwear business and brand partnerships for Dark Shadow. Eventually, I had gone on to work for a licensing company overseeing 12 different brands in men’s fashion and sport and lifestyle where I was global director of marketing at Authentic Brands Group, who now owns many brands and really tackles that realm of licensing.

My education has brought me from New York, teaching at FIT and NYU, to SCAD for a number of years, and eventually to the heart of Detroit, which is a city that I adore. I’ve been here for a number of years and working for ��ר�� for a number of years. I do remember when Aki first came and we talked about this dream of launching a fashion business program, and here we are. I can’t tell you how excited I am to be talking to this first cohort here. I am going to delve into a couple of slides here that I put together for you guys just to share with you a bit about the program, how it’s structured, what it’ll look like for you, and what some expectations are once completed and along the way.

As I mentioned, this program is a three-year program where we’ve meticulously gone through every single course, looked at all of the fashion schools out there, and looked at our existing programming. We connected with our partners who the school already has a very good relationship with and who serve on our advisory board, such as the president of Hermès. She helped us fine-tune this program, as well as a head designer of Calvin Klein and many people from LVMH, Martin Rose, and a number of other major fashion organizations. We really asked them what they expect in new hires and new candidates, and what they expect them to be skilled at or know. That was really the heartbeat of how we built this program.

Essentially it is a 90-credit program. It is a Bachelor of Arts degree that you will earn and it can be completed in three years. Our goal in mind is to require zero summer classes as well as no overloads, really just staying true to our north star of what we will complete within three years. This program is a component of our structure and the fashion program that was really necessary to exist because we mirror the fashion industry within the education that we give. To state a clearer fact, most careers and roles within the fashion industry are within the business side of things, roughly about 75%. It is a huge, important sector that makes this industry function, builds up really powerful brands, and supports the small mom-and-pop ones, as well as provides the merchandising to the products that we love to obtain, the marketing messages that we read and scroll through on our Instagram, and helps the stores function that we go and shop at. These roles really do drive the industry forward.

What’s so cool and special about this program, which is what excites me the most, is that it is the very first three-year degree program within fashion that exists. It really positions us in a great spot in comparison to other schools that are struggling to maintain a curriculum map of four years. What that means for you guys is that within those three years, it is carefully curated so that as you travel through the program, you are learning the business foundations in year one, eventually delving into the creative side. If you guys are anything like myself when I was a college student, I loved and appreciated the fashion industry, but I had no idea that I could have a creative career within it. It is for those of you who are creatives, who have a passion for this industry, and this major is your sweet spot. It is an excellent blend of both creative and artistic vision along with business acumen to really develop strong fashion leaders.

As I mentioned earlier, there are significantly more business roles over design roles, which is great potential for you as you will enter the job market in a few years. In terms of business operations and retail, there’s a vast number of job opportunities. Our students for this program are creative thinkers, the dreamers, the career accelerators, the ones who are just ready to hit the ground running, eager to get into the industry, as well as ones who have their eye on the global industry. Having a global mindset is very important, and that is something we’ll delve into deeply within this degree program.

The way you travel through this three-year structure is you’re learning the core functions and principles that are applied to fashion in year one. After that, you’re moving more so into the creative realm where you are highly focused on blending strategy with creative practice. You learn how to build up brand strategies and marketing strategies. You look to visual merchandising, supply chain, and then you launch into year three, which is the industry immersion portion of the program. We have these partners who are very eager for this program to start; they have been meeting with us for the past few years now as we’ve developed this. They are eager to collaborate, eager to do projects, and eager to hold placements for students of this program at their organizations.

Some of the core skills covered in year one are about the foundation. Sometimes people hear marketing and they think it’s just banging on a calculator, and it’s not that. There’s such a creative aspect to it. The principles that you guys will have a good sound understanding of within year one will really guide you in year two as you develop strategies. In year two, you’re going to shift more from learning to doing. We’re going to look at strategic skills such as merchandising strategy, consumer behavior analysis, trend forecasting, social media marketing, and creative strategy which includes fashion styling.

Right now I currently have students working on a project for Coach where they’ve developed a response to a prompt to develop a “third space” for Gen Z. Students were able to submit their work to this international competition against many other fashion programs like London College of Fashion, FIT, and Parsons. One ��ר�� student—actually two—have recently won internships out of these competitions, which is pretty amazing.

Year three is going to see more integration with industry and professional readiness. At the end of your studies, you’ll develop a capstone project which is a project that supports the direction you want to go into for your career, whether it be fashion event planning, brand strategist, social media manager, or campaign manager. You will focus on a project that will be a big promo piece for you to support the skill sets that you’ve picked up over the past three years. What we intend to do is have mentorship partners and clear guidance and presentations of the final work.

One major component of year three is focusing on leadership. We’re going to look at a lot of case studies but also practice by doing. I intend for you guys to do a lot of industry networking and also think about how this industry needs to change and how you will make your mark on it. The goal is not to produce more of what brands are already doing, but to really use this safe space of our program to launch yourself and to be free.

The curriculum at a glance is 45% business core, 25% creative integration, 20% industry experience, and 10% electives. In the first semester, we launch into Business of Fashion 1, Fashion Business Anthropology, Fashion Brand Management, History of Fashion, and Composition 1. In the history of fashion, we don’t just go into archaic history. It is important to understand that, but we also talk about important references like the 90s, which have a lot of momentum at the moment. The second semester includes Business of Fashion 2, Intro to Sustainability, Fashion Trends, Digital Techniques, and Intro to Material Culture.

In the third semester, you’ll focus on Visual Merchandising, Fashion PR, Strategic Marketing, Fashion Marketing, and Composition 2. The fourth semester will be Product Development, Supply Chain Management, Fashion Buying and Merchandising, Digital Fashion Marketing Practices, and Sponsored Studio. In the final year, it will be Fashion Portfolio where you’ll work on resume and interviewing skills, and Fashion Industry Immersion which is an internship. We will also cover Fashion Ethics and Corporate Sustainability, which is extremely critical. Finally, there will be Fashion Retail Management and Innovation, Fashion Entrepreneurship, Fashion Thesis Studio, and Fashion Styling.

Detroit is an innovation center for thinkers and dreamers. Our partners are very thrilled to get going with this. I’m about to show you guys the fashion show that was put together last year. It was a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the fashion program. The design seniors present their collections at the show, and our program offers full integration with fashion show production—setting up the show, model bookings, styling, and everything that goes into it.

Basically, the show highlights the talent we have. General Motors was kind enough to give us their venue in the Design Dome for the show. We try to find different places every year to highlight the Detroit region. When you are in the fashion business management program, you will learn to manage all these aspects and building the bridge between design and management. Our placement rate is 84%, which is very high. We’re super proud of this.

From model casting to hair and makeup to the music selection and seating charts, business supports the designers. We are excited to welcome you guys to this accelerated program and provide impeccable experience in terms of industry connections and in-classroom education. My email address is listed there as well as Aki’s. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask now or reach out via email later.

Thank you so much, Monica. By the way, in the previous picture, it looks like I have a mullet. I don’t. I think it was somebody else behind me! Now we’re going to open the floor for questions. Don’t be afraid—we are one big happy fashion family here.

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Beyond the Classroom: Student Life and Belonging at ��ר��

Isabella McLaury — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 14:49:43 +0000

Resources

Transcript

What’s up, ��ר�� family? I’m Brandi Keeler, the director of student engagement and belonging here at ��ר��, aka your orientation overlord, aka student government guru, aka student leader, cheerleader, aka co-curricular captain, and campus culture coach. And I’m Jessie Black, the assistant director of student engagement and belonging, aka your student org sensei, aka campus culture curator, aka civic involvement instigator, aka the vibe visionary. Welcome to ��ר�� Beyond the Classroom, where we unpack campus life and how to find your home at ��ר��. That’s right, folks. We’re here to break it all the way down. We’re going to show you how you can find your people, show you why your best college moments may not be on a curriculum, and of course, where to find all the free snacks.

A few moments later.

So, let’s start with the basics. What is student engagement and belonging? Well, we’re basically like fairy god team. We turn college from lectures and deadlines into late night laughs, creative collabs, and group chats that actually matter. We foster belonging through organizations where you can bring your whole self. We’re all about connection. From student government meetings to making sure just no one feels alone here. That’s right. We make opportunities for play. So, yes, we are the folks who will bring the giant inflatable to campus. Uh, but we also hype your growth with leadership programs that actually grow you, not just your resume. And we show up with care and advocate for student needs. Basically, we’re the folks behind your favorite campus moments and memories. Yeah. And student engagement and belonging is part of a much bigger group of student support services on campus in the office of student affairs. And that also houses housing, international services and engagement, wellness, the center for tutor and writing, the dean, and even more. That’s a lot of stuff. Yeah, we we do a lot in student affairs. And Jesse, can you let the people know what we mean when we say belonging? Heck yeah, I can. Belonging here means that our team creates spaces, programs, and policies that ensure that all students feel like they belong at ��ר��. All students. All students. We got full-time students, part-time students, dual enrolled students, undergraduate students, graduate students, commuter students. We got on campus students, transfer students, straight out of high school students, non-traditional students, first generation students like myself, disabled students like me, LGBTQIA+ students, Michigan students, out of town students, international students, veteran students, Mac and iPhone students. We even have PC and Android students, introverts, extroverts, amberverts, students with pink hair, students with blue hair, students with green hair, students with rainbow hair. We got students with fancy mustaches. We got students with no mustaches. All students.

Nice. That’s good. We hit up the end of year bash to find out how students would describe student engagement and belonging at ��ר��.

What does the office of student engagement and belonging do? Um I think they um I am not sure. The office of student engagement and belonging helps uh make events that bring all of the students together and help them find a sense of belonging on campus. Organize like student uh organizations along campus. So like with all the different clubs and activities. They help out with like events like these and they make sure that everybody on campus feels safe and welcome. And then the belonging part is they just make sure that it’s like a nice inclusive space for all the students and like try to help guide like the student organization officers to do the same. Awesome. Thank you.

What’s been one way that you’ve been able to find community here at ��ר��? One way I found community at ��ר�� is by putting on events that I thought would be interesting for myself and hopefully interesting to others. Living in the dorm environments, going to clubs, and just hanging out outside around people has been really nice. Honestly, joining the comics club, I have made so many great friends. I was able to be the secretary this year. Like, it’s just been great. I actually am on the student activities board, which helps with student affairs, with engagement and belonging. And I love seeing my friends get to make their ideas a reality through SAB. you know, part of student activities board, uh, student government, and just attending, uh, events put on by other students as well.

I would say maybe Century Ball. Century Ball is also really fun because people who don’t necessarily get to dress up get an excuse to dress up. Like me, I love dressing up. Um, at Sex Expo this year, there was there’s a really cool chocolate fountain and that was amazing. I’m very glad that we had a chocolate fountain. Uh, Halloween week, the haunted house on on Halloween week. I love seeing everybody get scared out of their minds. The actual Halloween party, it was just great. There was like a lot of music. Everyone was having so much fun. We all dressed up and then we got these awesome hoodies. I think my favorite event is Watson Con. There is so much to do at Watson Con. You get to see other students work that you not normally don’t get to see. There’s an option to cosplay the contest which is also really fun. I noticed this year that we had more alumni coming and also invited guests from the local surrounding colleges and universities. So building a larger community in this area was also kind of nice. One of my favorite events that I hold is the Valentine’s Day mini market and I always love seeing everybody like showing their love for everyone and showing their love for themselves. It’s always a really great time. I guess organizations. I would say of course go to C4, the comics club here on campus. And I also really like Dungeons and Dragons and tabletop club. Like it’s a great place to like talk to people if you have like similar like pretty nerdy interests and they organize like people to get together and play games together. Like I think that’s a really great club. My freshman year I was really into the Oh, the horror club and I went every Sunday for the horror movies and that was pretty fun. Oh, at the beginning of the year, the the like the late night parties, those are a really great way to kick off the year and those have been really fun.

The presents where all the student organizations are to see which ones fit you. There’s like a whole lot of them. So, I would say go browse on that and follow the Instagram so that way you’re up to date with student events. Step out of your comfort zone. Don’t get into your head on things. Like just talk to people. Go to like events around campus. Go to like club meetings if they sound interesting. Making friends is a lot easier than you think. There’s a lot of spaces at ��ר�� that will naturally put you with other people. Get involved by volunteering. If you have an idea for an event, bring it to somebody that um is part of the student activities board to get help. There’s the weekly SAB meetings that anybody can come to on Fridays. Um, there’s the weekly student government meetings that anybody could come to on Wednesdays. And honestly, you could just pop into the office of student engagement and just like talk to people and get to know them. And maybe if you’re thinking of like a club, you could just start that. You’re you’re allowed to do anything. So, just if you have something in mind, just do it. Just do it. Honestly, you you won’t regret it. Just do it. And you never know who you’re going to find or who you’ll make friends with on campus. check. The streets were talking and we loved what we heard. So, by now you’re probably thinking, “This campus is popping.” But it’s not just Jessie and I running the show. We have tons of amazing student leaders behind the scenes making all this magic happen. Yep. And no shade to high school student council, but leadership at ��ר�� just hits different. That’s right. Leadership here isn’t just running meetings and printing agendas. I mean, it’s that, too. But it’s creating culture. It’s making weird, joyful, community powered things happen on purpose. So whether you’re planning events, advocating for your peers, building community, or just showing up, leadership is everywhere around here. And to prove it, we’re going to help you figure out where you might fit in as a campus leader with a little game we like to call Name That Leader.

All right, Jessie. This is how this is going to go. I’m going to name a type of student, maybe some things that they’re interested in, and you’re going to tell me which leadership role at ��ר�� they should check out. You ready? All right, let’s do this. All right, so let’s say there’s a student who loves planning events and parties, and they make the best Spotify playlists. Ooh, that’s a student activities board, aka SAB Allstar. They help plan events on campus. think dances, campus cons, field trips, food trucks, all that fun stuff. And it’s a paid job. Sounds nice. All right. What about a student who’s always checking in on how people are doing? They probably have like a meditation practice or a yoga practice. They have that good, well-balanced Zen energy. Yeah, that’s a wellness peer educator. They partner with the Wellness and Counseling Center to create programs that help students stay grounded, take care of themselves, and just learn how to thrive in art school. That’s right. All right. What about someone who isn’t afraid to speak the truth in a room full of silence? They’re the ones who are like, “Hey, that wasn’t right.” They have the guts to represent voices that often go unheard. That’s student government energy right there. This group of leaders represents the student voice. They meet on a weekly basis to discuss campus issues and student concerns. They also have direct access to campus leadership to speak up about student needs and bring real change to campus life. That’s powerful. Yeah. Super. What about someone who gathers their friends around like niche obsessions or create spaces where people finally feel seen and safe to be themselves? That’s a registered student organization or RSO leader. Um, student orgs are essentially our campus clubs. Any student can start one and it’s super easy to get started. These leaders on campus help build community around shared interests like culture, sports, hobby, and interests, identity. You name it, we got it. I’m here for it. Actually, in fact, quick side quest. What are your top five most obscure or unique that you think we have at ��ר��? Ooh, soccer club. Oh, the horror club. We recently had a student veterans of America chapter start up ��ר�� swifties and our basketball club. Fun stuff. All right, back to the game. Let’s talk about a student who’s really good at helping friends understand class assignments or is always down to explain that one confusing software. Absolutely. That’s our peer tutor in the center for tutor and writing. They support other students with tutorials, critiques, and major specific support. The CTW overall, they help with writing essays, time management, and even more if you reach out to them individually. I love it. What about that student who’s always the first one to say welcome to someone new? They may speak multiple languages, and they want to make sure no one feels like an outsider while adjusting to life here at ��ר��. Yeah, that sounds like an international ambassador right there. They support our international students who are adjusting to life in the United States. And at ��ר��, they offer guidance, friendship, and community building across cultures. I love that. It’s a small world. Um, what about a student who knows how to keep the peace when their siblings or friends or roommates have drama and they throw the best movie nights? That’s an RA in the making right there. So, our resident assistants live in the dorms and they also help build community. They mediate roommate conflicts and plan programs for their building. big big community builder energy here. And that’s not even everything they do. What about a student who’s obsessed with personality quizzes? They love leadership retreats. They always read a self-help book and they swear that book changed their life. ��ר�� Leads is the place for those folks. That’s our leadership development program. It runs in a cohort model where students learn about their strengths and they’re paired with a mentor for the academic year. You get mentorship, training, and chances to grow into the kind of leader you never knew you could be. Man, so basically, if I’m hearing you right, if you want to lead at ��ר��, there’s a spot with your name on it. Mhm. And now we’re kicking it over to our ��ר�� esports manager, Megan Kirby, for a live update from the esports scene. Over to you, Megan.

Thanks, Jesse. I’m here in our newly upgraded esports lounge where the vibes are strong and the gameplay is stronger. Our esports club has been hosting tournaments, building community, and leveling up their presence both on campus and beyond. They’ve got new branding, competitive teams, and Twitch streams that are gaining traction. Whether you’re a casual player or future champion, there’s room here for you. Here are the 2024 to 2025 stats. Four games we compete in, 2018 players, and 200 plus Discord members in growing. Back to you at the desk. Okay, esports, we see you leveling up student life, one match at a time.

So, how do you find out about all the amazing campus opportunities? Peacock Pride. Peacock Pride. Peacock Pride. Peacock Pride. Peacock Pride. Ah, Peacock Pride is your home base. Think dating app, but for your ��ר�� social life and without all the awkward small talk, ghosting, or bad vibes. Here, you always match with something fun to do with awesome people. You can browse student orgs, filter events by your interest, explore campus resources, and find ways to get out and have fun. We also have a filter where you can find all the free food on campus. It’s your one-stop shop for all things student engagement, student organizations, campus events, resources and support, volunteer and learning opportunities, involvement of every flavor. And if you’re on the go, download the Modern Campus Involved app from the app store and take all the magic of Peacock Pride with you right in your pocket. Getting involved at ��ר�� is not some kind of extra credit thing. It’s where your college memories live. Yeah. This is where you find your joy, your friends, your future collaborators, maybe even your future spouse. We have a lot of ��ר�� couples out there. So, hit up Peacock Pride, DM us on Instagram, join a thing, or start a thing because beyond the classroom is where the magic happens. See y’all out there. Stay peacock proud.

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Why’d You Choose ��ר��?

Megan Mesack — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:40:11 +0000

Resources

Undergraduate Programs

Transcript

Why’d You Choose ��ר��?

So one of my neighbors actually went here first. I went to a graduation party and I talked to her a little bit about it.

I’ve been interested in art my whole life and because it was so close it became like kind of like my dream school uh for a very long time um so when the time came it was pretty much the obvious answer.

I chose ��ר�� because it’s a beautiful campus. I did grow up in Detroit, Michigan and so I did get a lot of word about the school.

I went to a few open houses and honestly I still wasn’t very sure if it was for me, but after I saw and kind of mingle with a lot of the students and a lot of students that I would be in the same year with, I got a lot more comfortable.

The Admissions officers were very nice about it. They presented a lot of opportunities that I’ve loved that I would have loved to take advantage of and here I am now taking advantage of them! So ��ר�� was definitely the right choice for me.

I chose ��ר�� because for what I wanted to do it just seemed like the best option. I want to be in comics and everything so as far as getting my actual drawing skill better. So yeah.

I saw the work from the alumni here and I can trust and say that’s the direction I want to go!

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#��ר��ShuttleStories Ep. 1 | What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a ��ר�� Student?

Megan Mesack — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:37:37 +0000

Transcript

What’s your favorite thing about being a student at ��ר��?

I love it that my homework is just art. It’s great!

I like the communal work space. The department is a good community, and we’ve got a ping pong table.

I really enjoy getting to like actually create the products we’re designing in 3D as well as digital.

I like all of the studio assigned work.

How close to downtown we actually are!

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Portfolio Tips from a ��ר�� Senior

Megan Mesack — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:26:54 +0000

Resources

Transcript

Hello I’m Jenna, a current Senor here at ��ר��, and today I’ll be walking through some portfolio tips with you!

First tip is don’t include drawings of any famous characters that are already existing. Instead try to create your own character and draw art about that!

When including sound or audio in your work make sure you double check the volume levels you don’t want it to be too loud when submitting.

If you plan to link a Google drive to your work make sure it’s set to anyone with link shared because the portfolio review goes to multiple people and so multiple people will need to be able to access that.

If you need ideas for portfolio assignments you can actually find some on the ��ר�� website underneath portfolio requirements. You can also find examples of portfolio pieces on the ��ר�� website underneath the same section.

Before you submit your final you can have it reviewed by a team of ��ר�� staff in a no pressure portfolio review!

Good luck on your portfolios and hopefully we’ll see you at ��ר�� soon!

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First-Year Advice: What I Wish I Knew Before Coming to ��ר��

Megan Mesack — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 14:32:13 +0000

Undergraduate Resources

Transcript

What do you wish you knew before your first year at ��ר��?

Alex: I think I kind of wish I all things to do on campus and around Detroit.

Kate: I really enjoy the resources on ��ר��’s campus.

Zofia: I wish I wasn’t so intimidated by critiques coming to ��ר��.

Wren: How valuable connections are.

Alex: Student Activity Board puts on a lot of cool events and there’s like cool bike culture in Detroit and music festivals and art shows going on.

Kate: For instance, there’s so many resources for health, wellness, education, just kind of knowing about and learning about those was a big help for me to adjust when I came here as a freshman until now.

Zofia: Classrooms are really supportive environments and everyone just wants to see your success and they want to help you grow as a creative so all of the feedback is really helpful to consider and to apply to your work.

Wren: No matter what issues you’re having or things you want to learn more about or no matter what’s going on you’ll always have support, not only from professors but also your fellow students as well.

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Finessing a design portfolio?: Entertainment Arts’ Animation Bootcamp

Megan Mesack — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:12:20 +0000

Additional Portfolio Tips

Continue Watching the Bootcamp

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What are jobs and career options with a degree in art and design?

Megan Mesack — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:11:42 +0000

Video Transcript

My name is Patty Spencer, and I am an admissions counselor at the ��ר�� in Detroit, Michigan. I am so excited to have you guys join me tonight for a presentation on different types of careers in the visual arts. I have been doing this job for a number of years now, and to be honest, this is one of my favorite parts about the job: being able to talk to students who are interested in the visual arts and giving them some ideas about what’s available.

I will make a quick note, though; we are recording this, so if you want to leave your camera off, that’s fine, as it will be posted on YouTube later—probably tomorrow morning. So go ahead and leave your camera off. Sorry, but I will also answer any questions that you might have; we will have time for that towards the end. The presentation will probably be a little less than an hour, but we will get started in just a second. I have one person who seems to be having a hard time getting in. She is still joining, so maybe she is having some issues. We will see how that goes.

Anyways, welcome everyone. As I said, I am very excited to have you here. I am going to share my screen now. While I am presenting, I will not be able to see the chat, but if you do have questions and want to put them in there just so you don’t forget, you can absolutely do that. Like I said, I just won’t be able to see it very well. I am actually going to turn my screen off while I am presenting as well, so we will go ahead and do that here in just a moment. There we go.

Again, welcome. This is the ��ר��, and we are talking about careers in the visual arts tonight. We will jump right in. One of the things we like to talk about to really help people understand what kind of opportunities are out there is that the biggest thing I want you to take away from this is that the whole idea of the starving artist needs to go away. There are too many people out there working in the visual arts in great careers. If you think about it for just a second, art literally touches your life constantly. You know, from the clothes that you put on in the morning to the dishes you use for breakfast to the car that you drive to the phone that you look at probably too many times a day—all of those kinds of things.

So again, there are a lot of different kinds of opportunities out there. What I am going to do is highlight a few of our alumni to get you thinking about what kind of career options are out there. The first one is kind of fun. This is Tim Flattery. He was a transportation design major at ��ר��, and he did that for a number of years. However, it wasn’t really where his heart was or where his passion was. Tim has been one of the top concept designers for film for almost 30 years now, and concept design is the visual side of filmmaking before they start shooting the movie. They usually have access to the script or a version of it, and they are the ones that come up with what the characters look like, what their environments look like, their costumes, their homes, their weapons, their transportation—all of those kinds of things.

He has also been our dean of undergraduate studies at ��ר�� for the last year and a half, and he has been working on films for almost 30 years now. He has worked on all kinds of different films that you might have seen, including the entire Marvel comic universe series of films that you see listed here, shown here: Hunger Games, Tomorrowland, Pirates of the Caribbean, Robocop, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2—just tons of different ones. He also had a really cool opportunity to design one of the Batmobiles.

So I am going to share a short video with Tim and another alumnus talking about that. Why is the Batmobile so important? Because it’s an icon; it’s its own character in each movie. It’s become so iconic because of all the things it’s capable of doing and how it supports Batman and his cause. About superheroes, Batman is almost plausible. I think this is more… you know, it can’t be made physically and brought into his reality—not CG. There are a lot of challenges to designing something that’s so familiar that so many people have so many opinions about what it should be.

I love his last line there about there being only six Batmobiles out there, and if you think about it, two of them were designed by ��ר�� alone, which I think is pretty cool. Again, I am going to jump around a little bit and try to highlight some different majors to give you some ideas of career applications. This is Kayla Donaldson. Even before she graduated from ��ר��, she was already being noticed internationally for her work in footwear design. As a student, she was able to showcase her work in New York at the prestigious CFDA, which is the Council for Fashion Designers of America Graduate Showcase. She was awarded the Graduate Fashion Week International Accessories Design Award for Concept Design in London, and she was also the winner of a competition sponsored by Foot Locker, Adidas, and Pencil.

Currently, she is the Global Jordan Footwear Color Designer for kids’ footwear at Nike. So again, it’s kind of a fun job; you never quite know what you’re going to end up doing. Chris Houghton was an illustration major at ��ר��, and this is a great story of somebody doing what they really love to do. He is one of those guys who has been into cartooning from day one, and he has been able to make a living at that. His most recent project with Disney is Big City Greens, which he and his brother have created from the ground up. He does the animation, voices the main character, and his wife, who is also a ��ר�� alum, does the color on the show, which is kind of cool.

Wendy was actually a crafts major back in the 70s at ��ר��, but she is the artist who created the puppet character of Yoda for the Star Wars films. If you have seen Labyrinth or The Dark Crystal, she also created puppets for those as well. Again, tons of different things. I am jumping around a little bit, but I am trying to hit different majors to give you guys some ideas of what can be done with those majors. Scott Malwitz was a product design major, and product design literally covers the design of everything—industrial design or industrial engineering; those are all interchangeable terms.

He is an Imagineer at Disney, which sounds like an awesome job to me, and he was the lead designer on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World in Florida, which opened in 2019, I believe. Again, he was able to bring that world to life based on what he learned at the school. Judy Too was an interior design major, and she actually works at GM as a color and trim designer, focusing on design and sustainable material development for future vehicles. However, she also has a side job. She uses that same eye for design and color and texture in her business called Fate and Coincidence. She sells jewelry pieces all over the country in 60-plus stores, and it’s a serious body of work based on using recycled plastic material.

You don’t have to be restricted to just what you studied at ��ר��; you have a lot of different directions you can go. Taylor Langhaus comes from a long line of car fanatics. His father, grandfather, and even great-grandfather all spent their careers building Jeep vehicles at various auto plants in the Toledo, Ohio area. Taylor was a transportation design major, and ��ר�� has one of the best transportation design programs in this country. He interned at the Jeep studio while he was a student at ��ר�� and was hired by Fiat Chrysler North America as a senior designer. He was the main designer for the Gladiator when that came out a couple of years ago.

This next story is about Matthew and Andre, who were entertainment arts majors, and they are working in special effects. This is a great video I am going to share with you guys as well. My favorite part of this job, as far as it sounds, is making cool stuff—designing creatures. How cool is that? I go to work, so blessed to say that I live out here and work out here. Something that I love is working on the camera movement and just bringing it back into one and trying to make it seem seamless. The fact that I could say that I actually contributed to one of their projects is unbelievable.

My number one thing about this industry is the opportunity potential that having all my work finally, you know, in front of me, and realizing that it’s something that’s a part of me is very exciting. Just going back home and showing all my friends what I’ve worked on in the past few years is amazing. I have worked very, very hard to get to this point at ��ר��. The biggest thing I love about their story is that they are doing what they love; they really enjoy that type of work and being able to do different things. Again, I am kind of jumping around a little bit, but I am trying to focus on different majors just to give you guys some ideas of what can be done with those majors.

Young Kim was an illustration major at ��ר��. She actually came from South Korea to study and had some success creating sticker illustrations for Facebook. She had work published in the New York Times, but she says that her favorite project so far was creating and publishing her own illustrated children’s book. It was entitled Underground, and it’s a search-and-find book filled with drawings of subway systems from around the world. Her work has been recognized by American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators, which is kind of cool.

This program covers everything from delicate jewelry design to blacksmithing. We actually have a forge on our campus, allowing you to create jewelry, hollowware (like silverware), and other items you would use to eat. As a gallery manager, you will have a variety of different opportunities.

Next is the entertainment arts area, which has three areas of emphasis. The first is animation, which includes various forms of animation, such as traditional cell animation, claymation, stop-motion, 2D computer animation, and 3D computer animation. Career paths in animation include animator, rigger, motion graphic artist, character animator, compositor, and storyboard artist. The two gentlemen who work at Pixelmunder, for example, were both animation majors. Other career options involve texture painting, background design, and concept design for live-action films or games. If you are interested in developing characters and environments, or creating backgrounds, props, weapons, and transportation for films or games, this major is for you. If your focus is on concept design for animation, you might consider the major in cartooning or illustration.

Game design is the last area under entertainment arts. This includes character design, environment design, and level design for games. Career paths in game design involve video game specialist, UI/UX designer (user experience interactive design), multimedia specialist, creative visualization, game development, and game artist.

We are very excited because the fashion design major is expanding this year. It has been a fashion accessories design program for about five years and has been extremely successful. Our students are thriving in that industry, but we want to broaden the focus to include clothing this year. There are many directions you can go, including shoe design, trend analysis, and pattern making. Whether you choose clothing, shoes, or handbag design, understanding trend forecasting is crucial. The fashion industry is always looking to the future, so predicting style or color trends is a valuable skill you will learn in this program.

We are also thrilled to have film as its own independent major. This major encompasses everything related to film, including screenwriting, cinematography, sound editing, producing, and directing. Whether you want to make feature films, documentaries, or television commercials, you will have the opportunity to pursue those directions within the filmmaking process. Career paths include video editor, director, and digital media producer.

Illustration is a broad major that covers various career paths. It is rooted in traditional skills, such as drawing and painting, but also incorporates computer technology. There are many different directions you can take, including children’s book illustration, cartooning, advertising, political illustration, editorial illustration (for magazines or newspapers), and graphic novels. Our alumni have also leaned towards fine art and graphic design, creating digital works.

We are very excited about the new interdisciplinary art and design major. This program allows students with multiple areas of interest to pull from different majors and customize their experiences at ��ר��. For example, you might take classes in illustration, photography, and advertising, creating a unique combination that suits your interests. The career paths from this major are virtually limitless, including roles such as art therapist, studio artist, art and design faculty member, and art critic.

Interior design covers any type of interior space, whether residential or commercial. This could involve redesigning a kitchen, a bathroom, or even a multimillion-dollar mansion. Additionally, it could include spaces like restaurants, bookstores, hotels, or theaters. We’ve even had alumni from this department go into automotive trim and interiors, which was highlighted in the success section with our jewelry design alumni. This program combines traditional techniques, such as creating mood boards and three-dimensional models, with advanced technology. Students create complete three-dimensional walkthroughs on the computer, which is a great tool to show clients what a finished space will look like.

Photography offers numerous career opportunities, including commercial photography, fashion photography, photojournalism, product photography, sports photography, and fine art photography. There is also a significant demand for digital manipulation and retouching skills, making computer technology experience very important.

Product design encompasses the design of everything, including industrial design and industrial engineering. This field is like engineering but requires less math. Students will work on a variety of designs, including appliances, high-end athletic shoes, medical products (such as artificial limbs), furniture, lighting, and toys. Essentially, product designers take existing items and find ways to improve them or create products that meet future needs, such as electric car charging stations.

The final major is transportation design. ��ר�� has one of the best programs for this field, which is not limited to automotive design. It includes car interiors and exteriors, as well as all forms of transportation, such as buses, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, boats, and heavy construction equipment. This major also focuses on the future of transportation, exploring how people will move from point A to point B in five or ten years.

Additionally, we have an art education program. Although it is not a standalone major, students can take any of the regular BFAs and pursue art education certification on top of that. This will take slightly longer (five years instead of four), but half of the last year will be dedicated to student teaching. We have maintained a 100% placement rate for these art teachers for years. The department head often receives calls for available positions, but she does not have any students to send because they are all employed. The certification covers K-12 education. If you are interested in teaching at that level, this is a great option. Not only will you earn your teaching certification, but you will also have a full BFA in your chosen area.

I will stop sharing my screen now because I want to see if there are any questions. I apologize for the lack of volume on the communication design video. Thank you for letting me know. Hopefully, you didn’t miss too much; it is available on our website if you want to check it out. My question is, do any of you have questions about the school, the programs, or different career applications? I hope I have given you some food for thought. I suggest doing a bit more research. I will provide the link to our website, which you probably already have, but just in case, I will put it in the chat. I recommend checking it out because there is a lot of information available. You can explore the different majors and find longer lists of career applications than what I presented. You can also see where some students have done internships or been hired after graduation and the types of companies they work for.

For students unsure about their major, looking at the work that students are doing can be a great starting point. Ask yourself if it looks like work you would want to learn how to do. If you’re not certain about your major, this is a good way to find inspiration. Just enjoy exploring what is offered.

You can always reach out to anyone in the admissions office with questions. Even if we can’t answer them, we’ll know who to send you to. More than likely, we can address your questions. I will give you my email shortly, so you can reach out if you have any questions. Anyone in the admissions office would also be happy to help you. This is my email: Patty Spencer. Does anyone have any questions? You have two options: you can unmute yourself and ask aloud or type it in the chat, whichever you prefer. Please let me know. I will give you a few seconds to think about it and stop talking for a moment.

If anyone has questions about the school, the programs, or the application process, I can answer a few of those as well. Don’t all jump at once! I will give you another 30 seconds. Please feel free to unmute yourself or type your questions into the chat. While we’re waiting for that, I will share one more link for you to check out. This link leads to our Airtable, which contains a lot of additional information that is not on our website, including links to our YouTube page. You can find other presentations like this one on various topics. If you go to , you’ll find them all.

Jacqueline, thank you for asking about the application process. It’s actually quite simple at ��ר��. We have a free application available on our website, and we will also participate with Common App starting this fall. I am not sure how that will look yet, but it will be available through Common App too. There is no application fee, and this will continue even with Common App. We require a transcript from your high school and any colleges you may have attended if you are a transfer student. For high school students, the minimum GPA for admission is 2.5, but a higher GPA is definitely better for scholarship consideration. If your GPA falls between 2.0 and 2.5, it’s not an automatic denial; we always look at those cases individually. If you are a college student, you need a transcript from your high school and all colleges you have attended, so even if you took just one class, you want to request those transcripts.

We require all applicants to submit a portfolio, which is probably the thing that stresses students out the most. However, it doesn’t need to be stressful. For ��ר��, we want to see eight to twelve pieces of your best work, period. It does not have to include everything you’ve done since you were five or even since you were a freshman in high school because that won’t all represent your best work. The portfolio content does not specifically have to relate to your major. For example, if you are applying to the film major, you do not have to have made a film; similarly, if you’re applying to the game design major, you do not have to have created a game. It needs to be work that you are proud of and excited about, showcasing your strengths.

Five majors require some drawing in the portfolio: illustration, fine art, animation, game design, and transportation design. If you are considering one of these majors, I recommend including at least one drawing. If you want to show what you can do, choose your best drawing, or choose a drawing that shows your skill set. But for the other majors, a lot of variety is appreciated, and you could include photography, ceramics, painting, mixed media, or other types of work.

You will upload your portfolio digitally, which means you can photograph your pieces and send them in that way. I will share a portfolio checklist with you after this session, so you can keep it in mind as you prepare.

Thank you for that question! Does anyone else have any questions?

Chris Houghton was an illustration major at ��ר��, and he has an inspiring story about pursuing his passion. He has been interested in cartooning from day one and has successfully made a living doing what he loves. His most recent project with Disney is “Big City Greens,” which he and his brother created from the ground up. He handles the animation and voices the main character, while his wife, also a ��ר�� alum, provides the color for the show.

Wendy, who was a crafts major back in the ’70s at ��ר��, is another remarkable alum. She is the artist who created the puppet character of Yoda for the Star Wars films. Additionally, she designed puppets for “Labyrinth” and “The Dark Crystal.”

Scott Malwitz, a product design major, illustrates the wide-ranging applications of his degree. Product design encompasses industrial design and engineering, and he is now an Imagineer at Disney. He was the lead designer for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Walt Disney World in Florida, which opened in 2019. His work there is a testament to what he learned at ��ר��.

Judy, an interior design major, currently works at General Motors as a color and trim designer, focusing on sustainable material development for future vehicles. On the side, she operates a jewelry design business called Fate and Coincidence, where she sells pieces crafted from recycled plastic material in over 60 stores nationwide. This business stemmed from her minor at ��ר��.

Taylor Langhaus hails from a family of car enthusiasts—his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather all built Jeep vehicles in Toledo, Ohio. As a transportation design major at ��ר��, which has one of the best programs in the country, he interned at the Jeep studio and was later hired by Fiat Chrysler North America as a senior designer. He was the main designer for the Gladiator, which was released a couple of years ago.

Matthew and Andre, both entertainment arts majors, are working in special effects. They have shared exciting insights about their jobs, emphasizing their passion for creating and designing creatures. They feel incredibly fortunate to work in a field they love and take pride in their contributions to major projects.

Young Kim, another illustration major who came from South Korea to study at ��ר��, has found success in creating sticker illustrations for Facebook and has had her work published in The New York Times. However, her favorite project was publishing her own illustrated children’s book titled “Underground,” a search-and-find book featuring drawings of subway systems from around the world. Her work has been recognized by American Illustration and the Society of Illustrators.

Molly Gillies, a crafts material studies major, is currently a clay modeler at Ford Motor Company. Recently, she was featured by Business Insider as one of the women who helped design the new Ford Bronco. Interestingly, her grandfather was also a clay modeler at Ford and worked on the original Bronco in the 1960s.

DeMarcus Holbrook, another entertainment arts major, has over 15 years of experience in game design, with the last six years spent at Blizzard Entertainment. As a senior world builder, he has contributed to notable projects like “World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth,” “Warlords of Draenor,” and “Legion.”

These stories illustrate the diverse opportunities available to students at ��ר��. If you’re interested in exploring more alumni stories, you can find them on our website.

My name is Patty Spencer, and we are discussing careers in the visual arts. If you have any questions, feel free to put them in the chat. I will check it when we’re done, and there will be a chance to ask questions as well.

Now, I want to talk specifically about some of the majors offered at ��ר�� and the career paths associated with them. We’ll touch on several majors to give you an understanding of the various options available.

First up is advertising design and copywriting. This field encompasses the broader picture of advertising, including developing ad campaigns that require collaboration. One of the main career paths for students in this area is becoming an art director, where they work with various artists, graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, and copywriters to create advertising campaigns. Advertising is a multi-billion dollar industry, and if you have an interest in creative writing, I encourage you to consider the copywriting aspect of this major.

Next, let’s discuss art practice, which is a major that often intimidates parents. We changed the name from fine arts to art practice to emphasize that these students are practicing visual artists. Students can specialize in various areas, such as painting, print media, and sculpture, but they are not limited to these fields. Our curriculum includes teaching the business side of being an artist, such as marketing work, working with galleries, and creating personal websites. Career options include curating, art criticism, restoration, and studio work.

Communication design is another major with a variety of paths. It includes graphic design, website design, user experience design, interactive design, and motion graphics, among others.

Craft material studies is a hands-on major that contrasts with the technology-based communication design. It features four areas of emphasis: ceramics, fiber and textiles, and more. In ceramics, students learn to work with clay, creating both functional and sculptural pieces. Career paths include becoming a studio artist, technician, or glaze specialist, with a strong emphasis on chemistry involved in glazing techniques. Fiber and textiles focus on textile design and surface pattern design, which can be used in home decor or clothing.

We have had alumni from this department who have gone into color and materials for car interiors. Others have leaned more toward the fine arts, particularly weaving, exploring color, dyeing materials, textures, and patterns. Additionally, ��ר�� is one of the few programs in the country offering a full four-year program in glass, which includes classes in glassblowing and fusing. Like fine arts or art practice, students are not restricted to their chosen area; for instance, if you choose ceramics, that does not mean you can only ever work in clay. There is significant crossover and flexibility among different majors to work in various mediums. Material studies are a primary focus of this program.

The final area under craft and materials studies is metalsmithing and jewelry design. This encompasses everything from delicate jewelry design to blacksmithing. We even have a forge on our campus, allowing students to create items such as jewelry and hollowware, which includes utensils and gallery pieces.

Moving on to entertainment arts, this area features three emphases. The first is animation, which includes various forms like traditional cell animation, claymation, stop-motion, 2D, and 3D computer animation. Career paths include roles such as animator, rigger, motion graphic artist, character animator, and storyboard artist. This aligns with what two gentlemen from Pixelmunder shared about their experiences as animation majors, including texture painting and background creation.

The second emphasis is concept design, specifically for live-action films or games. Students interested in designing characters, environments, backgrounds, props, weapons, and transportation for films or games will find this major particularly appealing. If you are interested in concept design for animation, you might want to consider the illustration major.

The third emphasis is game design, which focuses on character design, environmental design, and level design for games. This leads to career paths such as video game specialist, UI/UX designer, multimedia specialist, and game artist.

We are also excited to announce that the fashion design major is expanding this year. It has previously focused on fashion accessories for five years, yielding great success with students thriving in the industry. This year, the program will include clothing design, allowing students to explore shoe design, trend analysis, and pattern making. Trend forecasting is essential in the fashion industry, where anticipating future styles and colors is crucial.

In addition, film is now an independent major at ��ר��. This program encompasses all aspects of filmmaking, including screenwriting, cinematography, sound editing, producing, and directing. Students interested in creating feature films, documentaries, or television commercials will find ample opportunities to pursue their passion.

The illustration major is broad and rooted in traditional skills such as drawing and painting, while also incorporating digital techniques. Students can pursue careers in children’s book illustration, cartooning, advertising, and editorial illustration, among others. We have alumni who have transitioned into fine arts or graphic design, emphasizing the various paths available within this major.

The interdisciplinary art and design major is an exciting opportunity for students with multiple interests. It allows students to customize their experience at ��ר�� by taking classes from different majors. Career paths are diverse, depending on individual interests, and may include art therapy, studio artistry, faculty positions, and art criticism.

Interior design encompasses all types of interior spaces, from residential projects like kitchen and bathroom redesigns to large commercial spaces such as restaurants and hotels. We have had alumni venture into automotive trim and interiors. Students learn both traditional techniques, like creating mood and materials boards, as well as technology-savvy skills, including creating 3D walkthroughs to present to clients.

Photography offers various career paths, including commercial, fashion, and photojournalism photography. There is a significant focus on digital manipulation and retouching, making computer technology experience essential. Other options include sports photography and fine art photography.

Product design, also known as industrial design or industrial engineering, covers a wide range of areas, from appliance and high-end athletic shoe design to research on medical products. This field allows students to improve existing products or create new ones that meet future needs, like electric car charging stations.

Transportation design at ��ר�� is one of the best programs available, focusing on all forms of transportation, not just automotive design. This includes buses, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, and heavy equipment. Students will also explore the future of transportation and how it will evolve in the coming years.

We also offer an art education program, which is not a standalone major. Students can major in any of the regular BFAs and pursue art education certification on top of that. This will extend the program to five years, with half of the last year dedicated to student teaching. Our art education program boasts a 100% placement rate for arts teachers, and the department head often receives calls for available positions, reflecting the high demand.

As I wrap up this presentation, I’d like to take a moment to address any questions you might have about the school, programs, or career applications. I encourage you to explore our website for more information, including detailed lists of career applications for each major and examples of student work. This can help you decide if ��ר�� is the right fit for you.

Please feel free to reach out to anyone in the admissions office with questions. We are happy to assist you, and I will provide my email address for any direct inquiries. You can either unmute yourself to ask questions or type them in the chat.

If you have no questions at this time, I will post this presentation on YouTube tomorrow morning. Thank you all for joining me this evening; your presence is greatly appreciated. Enjoy the rest of your evening!

The post What are jobs and career options with a degree in art and design? appeared first on ��ר��.

How to Manage Finances & Reduce Costs While Attending ��ר��

Megan Mesack — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:11:11 +0000

Finance Management Resources

Transcript

As folks come in the room I am Sabrina Nelson from the Admissions Office. Some of you may be my student. I am the Assistant Director of Admissions and it is our pleasure to host tonight Managing Finances and Reducing Cost While Attending ��ר��.

Our presenter is Mr Matt Cantense and he is with our other financial aid counselors Jamie Johnson and Allison. If you all have questions we’re going to ask that you ask them in the chat. We are hoping that you put yourself on mute we are recording this so if you don’t want your face on camera you can turn your camera off as well, but I’m sure you all have some great questions you know that maybe our financial aid team can answer and if we don’t know the answer right away we will look for it. With that being said I am going to mute my myself and continue to let people in the room and let Matt take it from here.

Thank you Sabrina. I am Matthew Cantense, I’m the director here at the ��ר�� in the financial aid office. I have been with the College for five years. I and I have over 14 years experience in the financial area at various schools so I feel like myself and my team know a little bit about financial aid.

Joining us today, we have Jamie Johnson, one of our financial aid counselors. She handles students with last names starting from A through K. Then we have Allison Molesworth, also a financial aid counselor, who manages the other half of the alphabet, covering last names from L through Z.

As Sabrina mentioned, today’s session is focused on ‘Managing Finances and Reducing Costs While Attending ��ר��.’ I want to make a quick disclaimer: we began sending out financial aid award packets as of last week. If you haven’t received one yet, please allow another week or so. If you still haven’t received it by then, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. For those who have already received theirs, feel free to ask any questions during today’s presentation.

If you have questions, I encourage you to either unmute yourself or type them in the chat, so we can answer them on the spot. This way, you’re not trying to remember your questions for the Q&A session at the end.

With that, I’m going to stop my video and get started. Here’s what we’ll be covering today: direct versus indirect costs, work-study job opportunities, off-campus job opportunities, scholarship opportunities, and the requirements for maintaining your financial aid.

Let’s focus on this slide regarding accepting your financial aid package for those who have already received it in the mail. We’ll also cover important dates and deadlines to be aware of, and the pros and cons of financial aid awards. We’ll open it up for a Q&A session at the end.

Regarding direct and indirect costs, this year we have nine different budgets based on dependent students, independent students, and graduate students. Each has slightly different components based on their housing choice and living expenses. For a dependent student, direct costs include tuition, fees, housing, meal plans (or food), transportation, books, course materials, personal expenses, loan fees, and tuition insurance. These make up the ‘sticker price.’

Direct versus indirect costs give a complete picture, with direct costs being billable (tuition, fees, etc.) and indirect costs being non-billable (such as transportation and personal expenses). The budget varies depending on whether you’re living with parents, on campus, or off campus. For example, if you’re living with parents, the total cost of attendance is $68,825; on campus, it’s $74,168; and off campus, it’s $72,435.

To determine these budgets, your housing status is important. Previously, this was indicated on the FAFSA, but since that’s no longer the case, we now ask for this information on the admissions application. You’ll also be able to update your housing status in the self-service portal if it was left blank.

Now, for financial aid purposes, we award up to the total cost of attendance, which helps us determine need-based aid like grants, scholarships, and loans. Breaking this down into realistic numbers, the direct costs include tuition, fees, the resource fee, the registration fee, accident insurance, and tuition insurance.

For the 2023-24 year, the average scholarship and grant package—comprising funds from federal, state, and ��ר�� sources, including merit scholarships—was $31,191. This is important because it’s money that does not need to be repaid.

On the previous slide, we saw the total cost of attendance. When we break it down for a student living with parents, the estimated total cost of attendance is $53,701. Subtracting the average grant and scholarship award brings the total billable estimated cost down to $23,510. This is spread across the fall and winter semesters, based on full-time enrollment (12 or more credits).

For students living on campus, the total cost of attendance is $64,074, which includes average housing costs and a small meal plan charge of $2,900.

This is all based on full-time enrollment for the academic year, including both the fall and winter semesters. For students living on campus, the total estimated cost of attendance is $64,074. Subtracting the average grant and scholarship award brings the estimated cost down to $34,550.

For students living off-campus, the total cost of attendance is $53,710, but since you’re only being charged the direct costs, after subtracting the average grant and scholarship award from 2023-24, your estimated cost is around $23,510.

This breaks down the total cost of attendance (the ‘sticker price’) into more realistic numbers. By subtracting the average grant and scholarship award from the direct costs, the price becomes more manageable. These figures are for dependent students—those who are required to include parent information on the FAFSA based on the dependency questions.

For independent students, the charges and budgets will be a bit different. Housing and food costs, for example, vary based on market conditions. To determine these costs, we use several Department of Education resources, along with an annual survey to capture actual student expenses. This helps us gauge the average costs from the prior year and adjust for inflation or other factors.

For dependent students, the estimated sticker price is about $63,400 if living with parents, $74,215 for on-campus students, and $72,482 for off-campus students.

Again, your ‘sticker price’ is not the actual cost you will incur. Breaking it down further, using the average grant and scholarship award, for students living with parents and off-campus, the estimated out-of-pocket cost is about $23,510. For those living on campus, it’s estimated at $34,550. This slide helps put into perspective what you can expect before taking loans into account.

As FAFSA filers, you have the option to borrow federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans. For dependent students, parents can also borrow through the Parent PLUS Loan. Keep in mind, these costs are before any student loans are factored in, so this gives a clearer expectation of what you may owe as a ��ר�� student.

A good way to offset some of these costs is by exploring work-study job opportunities. These part-time, on-campus jobs are available to all students, though we cannot guarantee a position. If a student secures a position, they can use their earnings to help cover costs. While work-study does not directly reduce tuition, students receive a paycheck every two weeks, and it’s up to them how they choose to use it—whether for educational expenses like books and supplies, or for other miscellaneous costs during the semester. Students can also choose to apply their earnings toward their balance.

The Financial Aid Office manages the allocation of federal or ��ר�� funds for work-study but does not handle payroll. Once approved for work-study, HR and payroll handle the rest. There are approximately 300 work-study positions available on campus each year.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week, but if they hold multiple positions, they still cannot exceed 20 hours. Hourly wages range from minimum wage up to $13 per hour, depending on the position and the hiring manager. While not guaranteed 20 hours, most students work between 6 to 10 hours a week, with some positions offering more.

Work-study students are required to submit weekly timesheets for their manager’s approval and are paid bi-weekly via direct deposit.

To find work-study positions, visit the Financial Aid Office’s webpage and check the ‘Work-Study’ section in the middle of the page. Be sure to check the listings regularly since work-study positions are ongoing. Also, keep an eye on the weekly student email for new or immediate-hire postings, which usually start appearing at the beginning of the semester.

As new students, you’ll be added to the all-student email list, and that’s when Student Affairs will start sending out the weekly emails. It’s best to choose work-study positions that match your skill set and interests. Hiring managers handle the applicant pool and interview process, so the Financial Aid Office does not have any influence over hiring decisions. Once a hiring manager reviews your application and decides to interview you, they will extend an offer if you’re a good fit.

After receiving an offer, the hiring manager will initiate the work-study authorization form, which requires signatures from multiple offices. HR will also require new hire paperwork, including a federal W-9 form and two forms of ID. Once all signatures are obtained, all parties involved will receive a finalized copy of the work-study authorization, and you’ll be cleared to start working.

For off-campus jobs, ��ר�� is located in a vibrant area of Midtown, with plenty of opportunities within walking distance, such as jobs as a barista, server, bank teller, or gallery assistant. There are also art supply stores, galleries, museums, music and sports venues, bakeries, coffee shops, grocery stores, and retail shops nearby. If you have a bike, scooter, or take the Q-Line, you can expand your search to a two- to three-mile radius, opening up even more opportunities. If you have a car, you can extend your search even further, which may result in less competition.

Next, let’s talk about scholarship opportunities, which are very important in helping offset the cost of attendance. Scholarships can come from ��ר�� or third-party sources. ��ר�� has donor-supported scholarships that can be applied for via the financial aid website. There are many endowed scholarships that students are automatically considered for, and faculty and department chairs review applicants based on specific criteria.

Additionally, ��ר�� hosts departmental competitions that require specific submissions, such as essays, portfolio pieces, or proposals. There are also sponsored projects, where companies partner with ��ר�� to work on real-world projects. Students who participate in these projects may receive additional funding based on their performance, and any surplus funds after tuition is paid will be refunded to the student.

For outside scholarships, I recommend reviewing these opportunities regularly. Scholarship searches take time and persistence, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately. Deadlines and review times vary, but even if you receive a scholarship in the middle of the semester, we can apply it to your account, which can reduce your out-of-pocket costs or loan amounts.

If you filled out the FAFSA and it wasn’t rejected, you’ll find the scholarship page as part of your award offer. It should be the last page of the stapled document, but you can also visit the financial aid office website for more details. Keep in mind that while we offer some vetted resources, there are many additional scholarship opportunities available through your high school counselor, community groups, or online. Be cautious when searching for scholarships online, as some websites may be scams.

Maintaining your financial aid is also crucial. Federal, state, and need-based institutional grants and scholarships require you to complete the FAFSA every year. Starting October 1, the FAFSA for the following year will open, so I encourage you to submit it as soon as possible.

Next year, we plan to send out financial aid offers earlier, aiming for the first three weeks of January. This year, due to delays from the Department of Education and ongoing issues that needed fixing, we were set back and only recently started sending out offers. We’re hopeful that next year will be much quicker.

For Michigan students, the FAFSA filing deadline for state aid is July 1, 2024. This is a firm deadline, so if your FAFSA isn’t submitted by then, you won’t be eligible for state aid for the entire academic year. Normally, the Michigan deadline is May 1, so starting next year, it will revert back to that. But for this year, please make sure to submit your FAFSA by July 1, 2024.

Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) as defined by the Department of Education, which applies to all degree-granting institutions, not just ��ר��. For undergraduate students, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher is required; for graduate students, it must be 3.0 or higher. Additionally, students must complete at least 67% of all courses attempted, including any withdrawals, drops, or failed classes. SAP is reviewed every semester. You have one probation period to bring your academic performance back in line. If you fail to meet the requirements after that, you will lose financial aid eligibility, including grants, scholarships, and loans.

Another SAP rule is the maximum time frame. Students can only use financial aid for up to 150% of the required credits for their degree. For example, if your program requires 126 credits to graduate, you can receive aid for up to 189 credits, but those classes must count toward your degree.

If you don’t meet SAP requirements after a probationary term, you will lose financial aid eligibility.

Another term you may encounter is ‘selected for verification.’ If this happens, don’t stress—just respond promptly. Every year, around 20-30% of all financial aid applicants are selected for verification by the Department of Education. ��ר�� does not control who is selected, and there is no clear pattern or reason for selection; it’s random. From what I’ve seen, if you’re selected once, it tends to happen repeatedly, though we don’t know why.

Being selected for verification doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. It simply means the school needs to verify that the data on your FAFSA is accurate and that you’ve interpreted the questions correctly. When this happens, the Financial Aid Office will reach out with a list of required information, which might include household size, tax filing status, or income earned.

To reduce the chances of being selected for verification, it’s highly recommended to use the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX) tool when completing your FAFSA. This tool links your prior-prior year tax information (e.g., 2022 taxes) directly to the FAFSA, automatically populating the fields. If you use this tool, it can also serve as verification if you’re selected.

Once you receive your financial aid award, review it carefully. If you’re happy with the amount provided, the next step is to log into Self-Service to accept or reject your financial aid offer.

As a student, you have control over what financial aid you accept or reject. Grants and scholarships, which don’t require repayment, are typically accepted automatically on your behalf. However, student loans (excluding Parent PLUS loans) will need your review. To do this, log into Self-Service through the Access Manager. From there, go to the Financial Aid section to review, accept, or reject your 2024-25 awards.

The Michigan Tuition Grant, Federal Pell Grant, and Michigan Achievement Scholarship are not accepted automatically because they require attendance verification. For state grants, your name must also appear on the certifying roster. However, it’s important to note that no one has been awarded the Michigan Tuition Grant yet for the upcoming year. The governor has proposed eliminating it, but efforts are being made to preserve it. The Michigan Tuition Grant could provide up to $3,000, and although there is uncertainty, it’s already calculated toward your balance in your billing statement. Once awarded, it won’t change your balance.

For questions or if you forget something, don’t hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office.

When accepting or rejecting student loans in Self-Service, you’ll see both subsidized and unsubsidized loans. For dependent students, the Federal Parent PLUS Loan requires a separate application and approval by the Department of Education. If you’re ready to accept loans, you’ll log into Self-Service, select the 2024-25 financial aid year, and click “Review and Accept Your Financial Award.” From there, you can accept or decline loans, either for a single semester or the full academic year. If you decline a loan and later decide you need it, just reach out to the Financial Aid Office to have it reset, and then you can accept it in Self-Service.

For first-time borrowers of subsidized and unsubsidized loans, two federal requirements must be completed: the Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Loan Counseling. Both of these can be done online at studentaid.gov, where you completed your FAFSA. These steps are necessary to ensure you understand loan terms and repayment expectations. Once submitted, the Financial Aid Office will be notified and can link the information to your loan record.

For parents applying for the Parent PLUS Loan, once approved by the Department of Education, they will also need to sign an MPN, promising to repay the loan.

Entrance Loan Counseling provides crucial information about loans, repayment, and what to expect. It’s important to take it seriously and not just click through the information.

Subsidized and unsubsidized loan limits are set by the Department of Education and are the same for all schools. For dependent freshman students, the maximum borrowing limit is $5,500 per year. For sophomores (30+ credits), the limit is $6,500, and for juniors and seniors, it’s $7,500 per year. The total aggregate loan limit for dependent students is $31,000.

Independent students can borrow more: $9,500 for freshman year, $10,500 for sophomore year, and $12,500 for junior and senior years. The aggregate loan limit for independent students is $57,500.

Keep in mind that these limits are set by the Department of Education, not by ��ר�� or any other institution.

Lastly, important dates regarding tuition bills are handled by the Business Office, not the Financial Aid Office. For any questions about your billing, please direct them to the Business Office.

Tuition statements are mailed twice per semester and emailed monthly to the student’s email address, not the parent’s. Parents can remind their student to check for any emails from the Business Office regarding outstanding balances. Parents also have the option to set up a proxy account, allowing them to view statements and make payments if necessary. Statements can also be reviewed by students through Self-Service under Student Finance.

Tuition due dates are listed on the academic calendar and are typically one month before the semester starts. It’s crucial to have your balance paid in full, adequate financial aid in place, or a payment plan set up before these deadlines. For Fall 2024, the bill is due on August 1, and for Winter, the due date is December 13.

Payment plans are available through ACI, opening in July for Fall and November for Winter. There is a $65 enrollment fee per semester. If you set up a payment plan later, the number of months available for payments will be reduced, but the goal is to pay off the semester balance before the next semester begins. Payment plans can be set up for 5, 4, or 3 monthly installments depending on when you enroll.

Important dates to remember include the add/drop period and financial aid eligibility. Students should review the academic calendar for deadlines regarding adding or dropping classes and tuition refund periods. If you drop or withdraw during a refund period (e.g., 80%, 60%, or 40%), all ��ר�� aid is canceled since you’re receiving a portion of your tuition back. After the 100% tuition refund period (about three and a half weeks into the semester), ��ר�� aid remains in place, but dropping or withdrawing may still affect your financial aid eligibility.

If you withdraw from classes and have federal financial aid, such as the Pell Grant, subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, or a Parent PLUS Loan, your aid must be recalculated based on your last date of attendance. This could result in needing to return some of the funds, increasing the balance you owe ��ר��. If you are considering dropping or withdrawing, it’s highly recommended that you consult with Academic Advising and Financial Aid to understand the financial impact.

Regarding financial aid refunds, remember that this is not “free money.” Refunds usually come from student loans, so it’s important to only borrow what you need. Refunds can help cover books, supplies, travel expenses, and off-campus living costs, but over-borrowing leads to more debt that needs to be repaid with interest. Federal loans, including unsubsidized student loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and private loans, begin accruing interest upon disbursement.

If you withdraw completely from your courses, you may owe money back to the Department of Education or ��ר��. If you’re expecting a refund, it’s recommended to set up direct deposit through Self-Service for faster access. Parents receiving a refund from a Parent PLUS Loan can also opt to have the refund sent to the student via direct deposit.

The Financial Aid Office encourages students to borrow responsibly and only take out loans for direct costs, such as tuition, mandatory fees, housing, and meal plans.

Finally, regarding meal plans, there are two options. The smaller plan costs $2,900 and is split between the Fall and Winter semesters, while the larger plan costs $4,350. Freshmen living in the Taubman Center are required to have a meal plan. Students living in the Art Centre Building have kitchens and the option of a meal plan, but it’s not mandatory. Meal plans are essentially Dining Dollars, which can be used at on-campus dining locations.

Meal plans are only available for students living on campus. The Department of Education requires us to estimate the cost for students to have three meals a day, seven days a week, for the academic year. This cost is estimated even if students live off campus or at home. The actual cost may vary depending on how much the student eats.

For students living in the Taubman Center, a meal plan is required since there’s no kitchen available. However, students living in the Art Center Building (ACB), which has kitchenette setups, aren’t required to have a meal plan. I hope that clears things up, Michelle.

Next, David asked if freshmen are eligible to participate in sponsored projects. Typically, freshmen are not invited to participate because they lack the necessary experience and maturity in their work. However, exceptions do exist for freshmen who have strong work ethics and exceptional skills, possibly due to dual enrollment or prior experience with ��ר��. Most sponsored projects are designed for juniors and seniors. If you see a freshman in a sponsored project, it’s likely because they’ve been part of the ��ר�� community since high school and have taken foundational classes.

For freshmen looking to get involved, I recommend applying for work-study positions within the departments you’re interested in. Working in those offices can help you get to know faculty and corporate sponsors, giving you early exposure to the department and potential advocacy from the faculty.

Patricia asked about financial aid for study abroad. This depends on whether ��ר�� has a consortium agreement with the host school. If there is an agreement, you’re eligible for state and federal grants, scholarships, and external scholarships. However, if there isn’t an agreement, you would be responsible for paying the host school directly and would need to seek scholarships specific to study abroad opportunities at that school.

Maddie asked about scholarship application timelines. Scholarships can be applied for year-round, and I encourage you to keep searching and applying even after the semester starts, as scholarships can still be applied to your account mid-semester.

Natalie asked about when freshmen can access Handshake for internships and job opportunities. You need approval from your department to upload your résumé, as it must be reviewed for errors before submission. Additionally, students are required to take a business class where they’ll learn how to create a résumé, CV, and website, which is part of the curriculum for all departments.

Landon asked about applying for work-study before the semester starts. You can apply once you’re registered for classes. This happens after you meet with your academic advisor to review your degree plan. If you apply before registration, we won’t be able to process your application.

Reagan asked how to set up classes. After submitting your enrollment deposit, your file, including transfer credits or dual enrollment classes, will be sent to Academic Advising. Once received, they will reach out to schedule a registration appointment. They’ll ask about your class preferences (e.g., morning or evening) and work with you to create a schedule. Some classes are flexible, while others are fixed based on the department’s requirements.

Maddie also asked about AP and IB credits. These are transferred over once we receive your final transcripts. We then update your credit evaluation to ensure you don’t register for classes you’ve already earned credit for. You’ll need to submit official transcripts to Admissions or Registration, either through your school or using platforms like Parchment.

Finally, Reagan asked if it’s normal not to have received certain emails yet. I recommend reaching out to your admissions counselor to check if anything is missing.

If anyone has more questions, feel free to reach out to your admissions or financial aid counselors. Thanks for attending, and have a great night!

The post How to Manage Finances & Reduce Costs While Attending ��ר�� appeared first on ��ר��.

Campus Life: ��ר�� Wellness & Counseling Services for Change Makers

Megan Mesack — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:09:59 +0000

��ר�� Campus Life

Wellness & Counseling Services at ��ר��

Transcript

Alrighty, well, I just wanted to say hello and welcome this evening. If you are here for the ��ר�� Wellness and Counseling and the Center for Tutoring and Writing, you are in the right place. My name is Eric Kaster. I’m the Assistant Director of Admissions, and this evening I will be here acting as co-host. We also have with us Holly Tenda, who is the Co-Director for the Center for Tutoring and Writing, and we also have Emily Van Warmer, who is the Health Resource Manager for the Wellness and Counseling Services office.

We’re going to wait just a moment to see if we have a couple of other folks who will be joining us. I did want to let everyone know that we are recording this session so that we can share this information with others who were not able to attend this evening. As we move through the presentation, if you have any questions that you do not want to forget and you want to put them down in the chat box below, they’ll at least be there and we can ask that question or questions after the presentation. I will also unmute you at the end of the presentation, so if you want to ask questions audibly, you may.

Alright, so let’s just give some folks a moment to catch up with us and we will begin. Beautiful! I can see it’s full screen, so you’ll be ready to knock it out of the park here in just a moment. No pressure! I love that little area of campus, too; it’s such a beautiful place to get away from it all. Ah, technology! I thought I unmuted. Okay, we’re good now.

Hi everyone, my name is Emily Van Warmer. I work as the Health Resource Manager at ��ר��’s Wellness and Counseling office. As you can see on the slide here, we have a variety of services within our very small office. We offer clinical counseling, different activities and classes, we contract with virtual support, and we also help students find resources in the community. We assist with our insurance program that is available to students to enroll in, as well as their general health insurance needs. There can be a lot of variables and unpredictable things that, when you’re on your own for the first time, you might need assistance with. If it has to do with health and wellness, we probably can help.

We are located in the Yamasaki Building, which is on the Ford campus, and we kind of operate out of two different spaces. We have the Health Hub, which is on the first floor, and that’s more like a student lounge. We also have our actual counseling offices, but you can find us online, so we offer telemedicine and have different virtual resources as well. We will also be around campus for various things like yoga, and it’s midterm or finals week for students right now, so we have massages. We did an Earth Day pop-up. We’re kind of all over the place!

In the Health Hub, it’s a student lounge, as I mentioned. We have these awesome hammock chairs that students like to hang out in and just rest and relax. Grab a cup of tea. In the corner is our therapy dog; she comes every week. She also sometimes makes pop-up appearances over at our other campus as well. We have a food pantry that is accessible for all students. You just need to sign in with your student ID, and we can also connect you with other health information. In the Health Hub, you can get various samples. If you need deodorant or a pad or different types of toiletries, students like to use this space as a place to have events. There have been self-care events and conversations and things like that.

On the second floor, that’s our main location for our clinical therapist. We do have three full-time Master’s level clinicians, and we really focus on brief solution-focused therapy. Students come in with a lot of different presenting issues, whether it’s anxiety, depression, homesickness, adjustments, or life changes. This can be in the format of appointment-based, which is usually how most students utilize our office, but we also have weekly walk-in hours. We have a total of three days with one and a half hours each, so that you don’t need an appointment. We also have an office dedicated just for telehealth, which can be if your clinician is working remotely that day and you need to have a private place, or even if you have a different type of telehealth service and you don’t want to use your dorm or the library, we have a space for you to take those appointments.

Starting in the fall, we are implementing a new program based on something that we’ve already been using. Essentially, this virtual care group is going to be 24/7 using a web app or phone call. What’s really cool is that we’ve had a 24/7 kind of mental health resource phone and chat online for a long time, but now we’re adding in unlimited medical visits as well. This is kind of like urgent care but without having to leave your dorm. For example, scratchy throat, pink eye—things like that typically can be resolved with this type of service. There are also various aspects that are enhanced, like life coaching, having specific 50-minute sessions with a clinician. This is also really nice if your schedule doesn’t allow for a visit during normal working hours. We’re open 8:30 to 4:30, Monday through Friday, so this also opens up the opportunity to have appointments after hours and on weekends as well. More information will be coming for incoming students in the fall.

As I mentioned, healthcare navigation is a big thing that I handle. There are a lot of questions around enrollment, claims, coverage, and just finding the different resources and how to make an appointment and how to pay insurance bills, and things like that. We can help you out with that. We also connect with various basic needs. As I mentioned, the food pantry is one of those services. Other things we’ve helped students with include figuring out summer housing and connecting with different services in the city. We can be that point person to help you understand the different aspects that you might need.

We also have a partnership with the Wayne State Rec Center, so that’s a really fun option if you’re looking for greater fitness options or more options than what we offer on campus. The health insurance plan we go through a company called Wellfleet. This is voluntary for domestic students. If you’re an incoming international student, it is a requirement of your visa to have the health insurance plan. It’s really affordable at $1,244 per year, so essentially just about $100 a month. It has a very low in-network deductible of $350. Again, this is voluntary for domestic students, but if you are coming from out of state or just looking for more comprehensive health insurance coverage, this is an option for students, and they can enroll by the semester. It uses the Signa PPO network, so it’s covered pretty much around the country.

Finally, we have our student programming. We have our Wellness Peer Educators, who are a team of students trained on various health topics. They are there to be peers who help fellow students with stress management and different awareness campaigns, just trying to bring the humanity into it because sometimes school can be really intense. They do different events and awareness campaigns and educational programs. We have a pretty robust social media presence focused on wellness topics, and we partner with other groups on campus. All our events are posted on Pride, so that page is public. If you’re ever curious about what we do, we had an Earth Day event where we handed out house plants and shared stickers around the environment. We have massages this week, and previously we went rock climbing. We focus on the full aspects of wellness—your physical, emotional, mental, etc.

This is our contact info. The easiest way to reach us is just through wellness@ccsdetroit.edu, which is our main email, along with our office number. You can check us out on social media as well; we mostly post on Instagram, but it also feeds onto the Facebook page.

That’s all I’ve got, Eric. I’m going to go ahead and stop sharing here.

Eric: Fabulous job! I always learn something when I attend these. I don’t think I’ve done one with you two yet, so this was very informative. Thank you.

Holly: Are you ready? It looks like you are.

Eric: I’m getting there. I think we’re here.

Holly: Hi! My name is Holly Tenda. I’m Co-Director of the Center for Tutoring and Writing. I’m just going to give you an overview of the services that we provide for all students. The Center for Tutoring and Writing helps with lots of different things, but the main things that we do are academic coaching and writing assistance.

To start with the academic coaching aspect, this is where you would come in and meet with an academic coach, either myself or my colleague Katherine. We meet one-on-one and talk about your schedule and any challenges you may be having with time management, procrastination, or balancing a job and other life events with your classes. It works best when we can meet once a week or sometimes every other week. It’s really based on what you need, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all for academic coaching. We go through whatever challenges are going on, doing a deep dive into the schedule, and identifying the things that are holding you back, especially with students who struggle with perfectionism.

I think I’m just going to stop my share here because I see I’m locked in. So, academic coaching is something a lot of students can really benefit from. Another key component of the Center for Tutoring and Writing is our peer tutors. Our tutors are upper-level students who are recommended by faculty. We also have a variety of different disciplines available. For instance, if you have a project that is very software-specific to your major, we have tutors who can help you with that. We also can help you with traditional skills like drawing, which is often taught in an environment where students are working on projects, and things can be busy. There are also logistical issues—“I can’t find my classroom; I’m lost”—and we can help with all of those types of things.

Another thing that we offer is writing assistance. This can be anything from brainstorming ideas for a paper to editing your final draft. It’s available at any stage of the writing process, and that can include personal statements and other admissions-related things. We can even go back and edit other essays or documents you may need, and we’re there for you. Appointments can be held in person, which is great if you are on campus. We also offer Zoom appointments if you can’t make it to campus.

Do we have any questions about the services before I pass it back to Eric?

Eric: I just want to thank you again for sharing all that great information! What questions do you have about the Center for Tutoring and Writing or any of our services?

I’d like to thank everyone for joining us this evening! If you have further questions about admissions or our services, please feel free to reach out to us. We want to make sure that you have all the resources you need. Thank you, Emily and Holly, for your informative presentations. Have a wonderful evening, everyone! Take care, and goodbye!

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����ר�� Campus Life

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Campus Life: ��ר�� Wellness & Counseling Services for Change Makers

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Wellness & Counseling Services at ��ר��