Proposal

Upgrade computer lab classroom: Graphic Design, Boca Campus, Building #53, Room 115

The graphic design computer lab classroom, building 53, room 115 consists of 20 computer stations. This classroom, on the average, serves approximate 6 design courses per semester (approximately 80 students total in this room alone in a department that serves roughly 700 majors in the BFA, BA and MFA programs). The network laser printer, which is essential to all courses in this classroom is no longer working.

 Currently, students are unable to print their design projects on campus; instead, they must go to for-profit printing services off campus.  Therefore, the request for a new printer is a high priority for fulfilling course objectives and program requirements. The requested item to purchase is the HP Laser Jet Networking Printer. 

In this same lab, there is also a single 11 x 17 inkjet color printer, which was purchased 4 years ago and which is beginning to show its age. This color printer is used by primarily by students enrolled in lower-level design courses. The request for a new inkjet color printer is also a high priority for the purpose of fulfilling course requirements. This request therefore includes the purchase of an Epson Stylus Pro 3880 printer, as well. The advantage of this printer is the capability to produce poster-size designs. The prints are long-lasting color reproductions that are superior to the prints from lower-cost printers where the inks (and therefore the image begin to fade after only a month. For students who are required to produce designs for portfolio purposes, their reproductions need to be of a higher quality without the fading of color.

In accordance with Goal 1 of the Strategic Plan, the proposed upgrades to the graphic design lab will serve to greatly “enhance the educational experience” of undergraduate students in the Department of Visual Arts and Art History.  This computer lab classroom for teaching, research and creative activity will serve to attract the best qualified students by offering facilities that are strongly competitive with regional and national Tier 1 and 2 research institutions.  

Ink cartridges, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, light Cyan    $3024

HP Laser Jet Networking Printer            $750