Students of the Rocky Mountain School of Art and Design join schools mimicking the First Year Curriculum.
Implemented two years ago, RMCAD curriculum uses what it calls Life Design courses to enhance the first year experiences of its students. Intended for both first year and students under 23 years of age with less than forty-five credits, the program is divided into seven weeks. Each week contains a different topic; emotional, physical, social, spiritual, occupational, cultural and intellectual wellness. Starting the second week of fall semester, students must attend five out of seven of these course or face a one-third reduction of their grade.
According to Braelin Pantel, Dean of Students, the sessions are intended to provide valuable life skills to future artists and designers.
"I believe that the Life Design program is an important piece of the RMCAD experience for students who are new to college," says Pantel.
She and the Campus Services Team help serve the Life Design curriculum and concur about the program's value. Each team member submitted a course proposal to ensure that the curriculum coincides with the school goals. Another of the involved faculty sharing the Dean's common vision is VA Haymen, Director of Career and Alumni Services.
"The courses are a work in progress, but I've had nothing but positive feedback from students and faculty," she responds to a question about curse relevance.
Both Dean Pantel and Director Haymen agree that each course connects life to art, even if subtly. Faculty unites behind them in their cause, but some students contradict their opinions on the courses' flexibility and relevance.
"I think they have nothing to do with art on their own," says Ellie, a first year student and resident at the Regency Inn.
Speaking of the paper students must write at the program's end, she feels that these courses have something to teach students but feels they could be more relevant. All students questioned seemed to feel that if the program were less mandatory, they would be more enthusiastic about it. Park Russell, another fellow resident and RMCAD student, carries even more apathy toward the program.
"I've heard lots of people say they hate them [Life Design Courses]. I think I'm done with them. I won't miss that five percent of my grade too much," he responds to the grading incentive, "I've taken one course, and all I learned was if you do drugs, do marijuana."
Among benefits pushed by the faculty and information acquired at the National First Year Experience Conference and www.sc.edu\fye, the curriculum sweeps from college to University with polarized footsteps.
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