Proposal

Narrative

The School of Communication and Multimedia Studies (SCMS) continues to invest in enriching learning experiences for a growing number of students interested in technology-driven media creation. This proposal seeks to supplement investment from the College and private donors who are responding to student needs for better access to advanced technologies. To help continue the mission of the College as a regional hub of creativity, the new Media Innovation & Creativity Sandbox (MICS) is designed to be a multifunctional and modular space used as both a physical and digital place for student content creation and publication. This newly renovated space requires computer technologies equipped with up-to-date software and peripherals as well as industry-standard production equipment dedicated for student work. The funds requested for MICS Digital Media Production Workspaces will be used to obtain new high-end iMac and PC computers and peripherals along with new lighting and audio equipment, outfitting the space with a variety of professional digital media creation tools. The technology requested here will allow students throughout the College greater access to digital media technologies through specialized workstations. This a hybrid production workspace will feature iMac and PC workstations, modular lighting setups, green and white backdrops, and setups for audiovisual recording. The equipment will support high-resolution digital film creation, 2D/3D computer animation, game design, audio design, and VFX for students in Boca to continue hands-on learning beyond the classroom. Students have already begun using the multifunctional space for creation. Thus, these resources will further support extracurricular collaborations, interdisciplinary projects, and encourage student-led initiatives in creative and experiential learning opportunities. Since these workspaces will be available to students throughout the College, we anticipate roughly 2000 students will be impacted.

Facilities

This request comes at a time when renovations have been completed in the new Media Innovation & Creativity Sandbox, which was the former Theater Café space in the Culture & Society Building. The computers, lighting equipment, audio recording equipment, modular partitions, and peripheral materials are needed to provide multi-use, professional-grade digital production workspaces for students who are working on a variety of digital media projects in multiple platforms. After implementing these resources, we anticipate that the production stations in the newly-minted MICS space will be a valuable resource for students across the College for cutting-edge research, creative production, and collaboration. The workstations will also showcase to prospective students and donors the College’s commitment to investing in innovative, up-to-date technologies for creative work.

Hardware Requirements

5 x 24” iMacs with Apple M4 Processors, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 1TB SSD, 16 GB RAM, Wireless Keyboard and Magic Mouse included; 5 x AppleCare (4 Years) 5 x Dell PCs, Pro Max Tower T2 FCT2250, Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor, 128GB RAM, NVIDIA RTX5000 Graphics Card, 2TB SSD, Keyboard and Mouse included 5 x Dell Pro 34 Plus USB-C Hub Monitor – P3425WE 10 x Apple Magic Track Pads 10 x SD Card Reader Dongles 5 x USB-A to USB-C Dongles 10 x Kensington SafeDome Cable Lock for iMac 24" 5 x Impact C-Stand Overhead Shot Kit; 5 x Raya CS-CSX3 C-Stand Casters (3-Pack) 1 x Amaran 300c RGB LED Monolight; 1 x Amaran Octa Dome 60; 3 x SmallRig VB99 Mini Kit with 2 V-Mount Batteries and Charger 2 x Nanlite PavoTube II 30C RGB LED Tube Light (4-light kit); 8 x Impact Super Clamp with Ratchet Handle 3 x Genaray Portrait 2-Light Kit with Stands and Boom Arm 2 x Impact Filled Saddle Sandbag (25lb, 6-pack) 2 x Auray MS-SB2T Studio Boom Microphone Stand with Tripod Base Kit 6 x ClearSonic S2466x2 Free-Standing Sorber Sound-Absorption Baffle and Gobo 6 x Auralex ProMAXX V2 Acoustic Panels with Floor Stands 2 x Zoom H6essential 6-track 32-bit Float Portable Audio Recorder; 2 x Panasonic eneloop Pro Rechargeable AA Ni-MH Batteries with Charger 8 x Luxor Modular Room Divider Add-On Wall with Whiteboard (70x70”) 9 x Belkin 12-Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip w/ AC Outlets 6 x Amazon Basics Extension Cord, 10Ft, 3 Prong Outlet Extender 2 x YELACK Rubber Cable Ramp Cable Protector Ramps 1 x 100ft ½ inch PET Expandable Braided Sleeving 2 x Nettbe 60 PCS 6 Inches Reusable Cable Ties, Wire Organizer 1 x Zip Ties 8 inch (100 pack), Cable Ties

Software Requirements

We currently use standard preinstalled software that accompanies new computers. In addition, most software packages for these workstations include Adobe Creative Cloud (Premiere, After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.); Apple’s Final Cut Pro, Compressor and Motion; Autodesk’s Maya and MotionBuilder. Other software subscriptions are often addressed through other related Tech Fee proposals, other sources of SCMS funding, or open-source programs such as Unity’s 3D game engine, Audacity, or Pure Data. When new software is acquired, we ask OIT to assist with installation and deployment.

Personnel Costs

Often, faculty from SCMS, graduate teaching assistants, and production staff manage production labs and equipment resources. OIT will assist with the installation of computers and software.

Other Costs

10% funds allocation has also been included for incidentals and anticipated price differences. Besides this, there are none at this time.

Timeline

June 2026: Purchase computer, lighting and audio equipment, and peripheries July-August 2026: Inventory and installation of computers, software, production equipment, modular partitions August-September 2026: Students have access to use the space, including computer and digital production workspaces

Sustainability

Continued maintenance of digital resources and computer hardware comes from trained faculty, graduate teaching assistants, and production support staff. Hardware and all equipment warranties will be extended when applicable.

Resource Matching

The School of Communication and Multimedia Studies is committed to actively pursuing additional funding available through internal FAU grants.

Implementing Organization

The School of Communication & Multimedia Studies under the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters.