Agreement Allows Seamless Transition for Students from RWC to DAAP

The agreement stipulates the requirements for transferring to the DAAP Bachelor of Fine Arts program with a concentration in Electronic Arts, following completion of the RWC Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronic Media Technology. It provides for seamless transfer into the third year of DAAP’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Electronic Arts with no loss of credits from the RWC Associate degree program.

The agreement was developed by H. Michael Sanders, professor and director of Electronic Media Communications at RWC, and Denise Burge, associate professor of art and undergraduate academic advisor for the School of Art. Charles Woodman, associate professor of electronic art, also contributed to the review of the agreement. Initially negotiated in 2002-2003, this transfer articulation was tested with numerous students over the last several years. This signing formalizes the articulation agreement effective January 30, 2009 through September 1, 2012.

Some of the students who have successfully transferred to DAAP during the testing period include: John Barnett, George Barrett, Chris Bovard, Phil Grosvenor, Ken Maxwell, Scott McKendry and Todd Uttley. Electronic Media Communications Professional Certificate graduate Regan Brown was also admitted to the master of Fine Arts program at DAAP. Barnett, Barrett, and Bovard have completed their Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees and Barrett is anticipating the completion of a Master in Fine Arts in Spring 2009.

According to Professor Sanders, "The formal agreement was developed in the spirit of the UC|21 Academic Plan at UC in placing students at the center and forging key relationships and partnerships to facilitate student success. It is also proactive recognition that the State of Ohio is moving toward a more integrated and transparent University System which should help create clearer educational pathways for students."

Student Phil Grosvenor commented, "To say the eMedia Tech program prepared me to meet deadlines and solve technical problems would be an understatement. I'm pleased to be able to continue my education through a quality program without having to start all over because of program politics. The most trouble I had in the entire process was finding out how to get to the 6th floor of the DAAP building."

The combination of a thorough technical foundation from the AAS in Electronic Media Technology and the design and theory coursework from the BFA in Fine Arts creates a strong platform for professional accomplishment as new media artists and prepares students for a wide array of employment options. "I feel very fortunate to have participated in the RWC eMedia Communications program and DAAP’s Fine Arts program," says John Barnett. "The technical skills I learned from completing work within Electronic Media Communications gave me a unique perspective when I continued with the BFA at DAAP."

Professor Denise Burge, in her role as undergraduate academic advisor in the School of Art, notes that, "The articulation agreement has been mutually beneficial. Students coming from the Raymond Walters College program bring a rich set of skills and experiences to share with the Fine Arts environment, and at the same time they are able to enrich their experience with all that a BFA requires; a wide variety of studio practices, as well as a deep exposure to art history and academics."

Students transferring from RWC to DAAP find the process seamless and agree they are well prepared for DAAP courses. "I can't believe how easy it was to complete the transfer into Fine Arts," according to Todd Uttley. "Between Professor Sanders going over my earned credits in eMedia, then meeting with Denise Burge to review DAAP requirements, I knew exactly what courses I needed and how long it would take to complete my BFA degree." Ken Maxwell agrees saying, "The transfer process was very easy. All it took was a trip to Clifton, my transcript and a meeting with an adviser and I was ready to go the next year. I feel that the AAS in Electronic Media Technology prepared me especially with the workload required in the DAAP Electronic Arts program."

For more information about Electronic Media Communications course and transfer options, visit www.rwc.uc.edu/rwcmedia, email rwcmedia@uc.edu, or call (513) 745-5717.