North Hennepin Community College | Adjunct Graphic Design Faculty (specifically: Web Design)

Education

Description

The Graphic Design Program at North Hennepin Community College — one of the most diverse & equity-forward colleges in Minnesota — is growing & hiring an adjunct faculty person to teach two Web Design & digital interactivity classes (Web Design I & II). If you're passionate about graphic design, teaching, & the future of the internet, please read on for course descriptions & background on our Graphic Design Program:

Course Information: Web Design II 
1/10/2023 - 5/10/2023, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 12:30-3:10pm. This course is scheduled as blended/hybrid (a mix of in-person & online). The second of a 2-class experience on graphic design for the internet/interactivity, this course explores intermediate/advanced concepts from a graphic designer's perspective.
 
Student expectations include:
• adapting techniques/theory for graphic design, illustration, & animation to
web/interactivity with current software/technologies
• exploration of user interface (UI) & user experience (UX) topics, web animation,
integration of video & sound, & typography for interactivity
• explore/experience prototyping a website
• critically & competently evaluate/analyze web design projects & creatively solve
problems as they arise
• develop skills in project management/design
• elemental grok of Adobe XD, HTML/CSS, & agile methods (from Web Design I)
 
Faculty expectations include:
• a passion for teaching/helping & inspiring interest in other people
• fluency with industry-relevant hardware/software for web design
◦ Adobe Creative Cloud for design/layout
◦ fluency with industry-relevant coding/development software
◦ evaluation/analysis of projects via peer/instructor critiques
◦ cohesively structuring content to build on Web Design I skills
◦ using advanced design techniques, combining type & media
◦ good work habits/flow & computer file management
◦ effective communication, consistent with best practices
• proficiency with concept-through-production project management
• live problem-solving skills & understanding of project methodologies
 
Course learning outcomes:
• learn/incorporate graphic design & animation techniques theories
• critically/competently evaluate/analyze web design projects
• creatively solve web design problems
• develop project design skills proficiency with current technologies

Course Information: Web Design I
Scheduled for the fall semester of 2023 (days/times & delivery method TBD), this is the first of the 2-class experience for web/interactive design. Basic/beginner concepts of front-end development/management are introduced & demonstrated through class content & projects. Some introduction to select Creative Cloud apps (Illustrator, Photoshop) may be necessary until a prerequisite restructuring process (happening now) is complete.

 
Student expectations include:
• experience w/Photoshop/Illustrator/digital photo suggested (not currently required)
• demonstrate/use techniques/theories of web design in projects
• use appropriate file formats/sizes/function, site plans & organization

• develop skill in web design & proficiency with industry-relevant tools

• critically/competently evaluate/analyze interactive scenarios/projects

• creatively solve design problems & develop an interactive portfolio

 
Faculty expectations include:
• a passion for teaching/helping & inspiring interest in other people
• fluency with industry-relevant hardware/software for web design
◦ Adobe Creative Cloud for design/layout (basic intros: Illustrator/Photoshop)
◦ fluency with industry-relevant coding/development software
◦ evaluation/analysis of projects via peer/instructor critiques
◦ content builds on 2-dimensional design & color-theory skills
◦ good work habits/flow & computer file management
◦ effective communication, consistent with best practices
• proficiency with concept-through-production project management
• live problem-solving skills & understanding of industry methodologies
 
Course learning outcomes:
• foundations of interactive design for web and mobile
• creating organized pages using HTML/CSS via graphic design principles
• use of industry-relevant tools for media/assets in proper file formats
• introduction to, & developing comfort with, digital storytelling
• understanding file organization concepts/needs

• peer/instructor critiques for evaluation of concepts & projects


Faculty minimum qualifications:
• (accredited) Associate's Degree in graphic design or related field, plus 2 years
full-time professional experience in a graphic/web/interactive design role

Graphic Design Program context & a note about pay:
NHCC's Graphic Design Program is the 2nd-oldest in MN. Our unique internship program, the Xperience Project, leverages the college itself to network/develop paid internships for students. Originally piloted by/for the Graphic Design Program, the XP now includes additional degree programs. Our annual student-designed publication, "Under Construction," won the 2018 honor of best student publication in the United States from the Community College Humanities Association.


Our campus design lab features all new iMacs, Creative Cloud, & support for non-Adobe software as needed (ex: Glyphs, Xampp, Figma (pending acquisition by Adobe) Hype, etc.). Zoom is used for online class meetings; BrightSpace (D2L) is our content management tool. The structure of in-person vs. online course delivery is determined in concert with the Dean of the Fine Arts & Graphic Design programs.


Pay is determined by relative experience/credentials. All NHCC faculty work abides the current Minnesota State College Faculty (MSCF) contract, which includes criteria for adjunct faculty pay. More information about MSCF, including the current contract, can be found at mscfmn.org.