Graphic Design & Digital Media Limited Access Information

Download Graphic Design & Digital Media application packet.

The Graphic Design & Digital Media program at the University of North Florida is designed to offer the student an in depth vision into the field of Graphic Design. Students will be exposed to unique learning opportunities and industry standard software packages in order to provide them with a competitive edge when entering the workforce or further education pursuits.

Course work will focus on the students designing portfolio building pieces. The work will consist of, but will not be limited to: page design, web design, posters, packaging, corporate identification systems and time-based motion graphics. The development of problem solving skills and critical thinking will be stressed in all aspects of the program. Each course will emphasize the creative process as it relates to Graphic Design & Digital Media.

To be accepted into the Graphic Design & Digital Media track students must be admitted into the University and successfully pass the Limited Access review. All students that have taken and passed the prerequisite courses or approved equivalents are eligible to apply. UNF students should have completed ART2605C BCI and enrolled in, or have completed GRA2190C Introduction to Graphic Design in order to review. Transfer students may apply in either term.

Limited Access reviews will be conducted in October (approximately week 9 of Fall term) for students who desire to enroll in Spring classes. And March (approximately week 9 of Spring term) for students who desire to enroll in Fall classes.

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Instructions for Applying:

How do I apply?

Candidates must have the following status:
To be considered for admission into the Limited Access program in Graphic Design & Digital Media, applicants must:

Be accepted to the University of North Florida.
1. Have completed ART2605C Basic Computer Image or approved state equivalent, AND be enrolled in, or have completed GRA2190C Introduction to Graphic Design. Transfer students must see an advisor or faculty member to discuss transfer credits and status before reviewing.
Review Day
- Students will be notified of their scheduled time by e-mail prior to the review date. Signs will be posted in the Art and Design office and Graphic Design labs on campus.
- If a student needs to be removed from the schedule for any reason, it must be done 48 hours prior to the review by contacting the Art and Design office. Otherwise you will be assessed one of your review chances. Students are required to attend an on campus review in a Graphic Design lab [2501, 2502 or 2503]. Students will be called into the lab by a faculty reviewer.
- Dress business casual. Be prompt. Conduct yourself in a professional manner during the review Admission into the Limited Access program will be granted or denied after the review is completed.
- Students will receive notification in the mail within approximately one week. Feedback will be provided to each applicant on the approval/denial form. The committee’s decisions are final.
If Approved

It is recommended that students follow the recommended course of study made available through the department. Students will be allowed to register for Limited Access classes for the following term (Students reviewing and admitted in the Spring are eligible for Fall enrollment.) Admission into the Limited Access program does not guarantee enrollment in any given class during a specific term.
If Denied

Students will have 1 additional chance to review. Review the department letter for suggestions of what needs to be improved upon before the next review.

The Portfolio:

What do I include in my portfolio?
- Submit eight (8) visual arts pieces for the committee to consider.
- At least 4 works MUST be Graphic Design based (Typography and Image).
- All work must be on a CD as a PDF presentation. Images should not exceed 2 MB each (10"x7"@screen quality resolution is an appropriate format.) Make sure the CD works on a Macintosh computer prior to the review time.
- You may design the presentation, but the work should be the main focus.
  - A small amount of descriptive text may also be included for each design piece; including, title or project name, date, and medium.
  - Be sure image quality is clear (not pixilated) and the color is accurate.
  - Current UNF students, be sure to include Project 1 of GRA2190C.
Quick Guide of work to include
- 4 Examples of your Design Skills: Computer generated works that include Type and Image; Posters, logo design, brochure, advertisement, CD cover.
- 4 Examples of your Artistic Skills: (select a variety from each of the sections below.) Photographs (no more than 2) Paintings/Drawings (no more than 2) Digital Illustrations (no more than 2)
- Please no examples or photographs of 3-D work. For Example, Sculpture, Ceramics. 3-D rendering.
Reviewers will be considering the following criteria for evaluation:
- Creativity: originality in concept and sense of imaginative thought.
- Exploration: looking into various mediums and materials
- Motivation: a desire to work outside of school and interest in the field of Graphic Design + Digital Media.
- Overall Design and Composition: arrangement of visual elements on the page, which shows consideration for space, form, color, line and typography.
- Technical Proficiency: being able to use the computer, digital camera, scanners and other relevant technology as an effective tool in the execution of design work.

Portfolio Review Questions:

Are there other parts of the application?
Answer the three (3) questions below. Express your thoughts fully and clearly, using a formal writing style.
1. Why are you interested in entering the field of Graphic Design & Digital Media? Are you interested in a specific area of design?
2. Which Graphic Designer has been the most influential to you, explain why and be specific about his/her work?
3. Describe an art/design exhibition you have recently attended. Please explain the work and artist/designer.
Portfolio review question requirements:
- Each answer must be typed and presented on a separate sheet of paper. Printout the answers to the previous questions (either ink jet or laser) and have them available for the reviewers.
- Answers must be one (1) page per question, double spaced, 1" margins, a minimum of 250 words.
- Please make 3 copies available with your name on each page.
- Be prepared to discuss your answers in a professional manner with your review committee.
Additional Information
Students in the Limited Access program in Graphic Design & Digital Media will need to go through the Limited Access Review process again if;
1. A student leaves the program for more than 3 consecutive terms.
2. A student receives a failing grade in Introduction to Graphic Design the term he or she reviews.
3. If breaking continuous enrollment, students will be under the catalog for the term that they re-enter the track, unless they have 5 or fewer classes remaining.
4. Please read all of the content carefully and meet all of the posted deadlines.