Syllabus
VC 284 Graphic Design Portfolio
Chemeketa Community College
Tuesdays & Thursdays 1:30 PM–4:20 PM (CRN #71845 & #71846)
Spring 2025 • Four credits
In-Person Class • Building 4/225
Course website: hoelter.chemeketa.vc/vc284
Instructor: Peter Hoelter
Contact Information
E-mail:
Phone/Voicemail: 503.399.6475
Office Location: Building 4/221C
Office Hours: Mondays 12:30 PM–3:30 PM; Tuesdays 11:30 AM–1:30 PM
Course Description
Serves as a capstone course for all students pursuing a Graphic Design degree in the Visual Communications program. Includes Portfolio Show preparations, personal résumé and branding, and the analysis and reworking of previous projects, and the development of new projects to include in a digital portfolio to assist students in getting started on a career path.
Prerequisites
Second-year standing in the Visual Communications program and consent of instructor.
Course Content
Class includes individual and group critiques, guest speakers, group discussions, class presentations, lectures, demonstrations and field trips. Lab hours are limited and may include time for preparing portfolio materials and completing class assignments. Reading, industry research, working with mentors, and alumni conversations will also be included. Additional use of the Mac lab or other equipment may be required to complete the class assignments. Full participation in the planning and execution of Portfolio Show is also required.
While this class is different from your other classes in that few new design projects are initiated, those that are assigned will require all the given steps in the design process. Deadlines are firm. Work and print off-campus, if necessary. Although we know you will be exhausted, and strapped for cash and time, this is your stepping stone to your career and professional standards are expected. Late work will not be accepted. Digital files and print examples may be retained and used as student examples for class demonstrations, program promotions or on the VC website.
Performance Based Learner Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, students should be able to:
- Evaluate work and determine what will serve them in getting started on a career path.
- Design and implement a personal brand for entry into the workplace.
- Articulate own vision of personal goals, including career and creative process objectives.
- Organize a portfolio of creative work that gives evidence of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to begin a successful career in graphic design.
- Present, promote, and defend creative and technical work.
- Demonstrate personal and professional skills and workplace attitude.
Required Text
There are no required texts for this class.
Required Materials
- Internet access to connect with your Chemeketa Google account to use Drive, Docs, and other Google services.
- Money deposited onto your Chemeketa Papercut account. This is a print-heavy class so expect to spend $100–$150 on printing.
- Money set-aside to purchase marketing items like business cards, leave behinds, and other swag for self-promotion, usually $150–$300.
- Notebook and pen
Grading :: Minimum Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled for a grade of “C” or above:
- On-time participation in class discussions and critiques
- Participation in and preparation for Portfolio Show
- Prompt and consistent attendance is required
- On-time completion of all required work
Grading :: Points
1,000 points are available in this class.
| Course Component | Points | % |
|---|---|---|
| Portfolio | 400 points | 40% |
| Portfolio Show Participation | 200 points | 20% |
| Portfolio Invitation | 100 points | 10% |
| Professional Website | 70 points | 7% |
| Mentor Portfolio Review | 60 points | 6% |
| Class Participation | 100 points | 10% |
| Critique Participation & Effort | 70 points | 7% |
Grading :: Scale
| Grade | Level | Point Range | Standard | Grade Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 90-100% | 900 – 1,000 | Excellent | 4.0 |
| B | 80-89% | 800 – 899 | Very Capable | 3.0 |
| C | 70-79% | 700 – 799 | Competent | 2.0 |
| D | 60-69% | 600 – 699 | Limited Success | 1.0 |
| F | 0-59% | 599 and lower | Failure | 0.0 |
| I | Incomplete – granted only under extenuating circumstances and must be discussed before the last week of class. |
0.0 | ||
Late Work
Late work is not accepted in Graphic Design Portfolio. If your work is not printed or in the drop box, depending on project requirements, by class time, it is late and may not be accepted.
An extension due to extenuating circumstances such as health or other personal problems can be obtained by receiving permission from the instructor, either prior to or after the fact, by submitting appropriate written documentation to the college or by contacting the instructor directly. Please refer to the Chemeketa Community College guidelines for further information.
Attendance and Participation
Class attendance is a critial part of the course experience. Much of the course content is only available by attending class. You are responsible for being oni-time, obtaining any notes that you missed during an absence, either from a classmate or from the class website. Participation in class discussions, labs, and student professionalism are all factored into your classroom grade. If you must miss a class, please notify me, either by e-mail or in person, prior to class so arrangements can be made.
Lab Policies
Cell phones must be turned to silent mode during class. If a call must be answered, take the call outside of the classroom and student work spaces. Lab workstations should only be used for class work—Web browsing, e-mail, game play, video-watching, messaging and other non-class related computer activities should be reserved for other computers on campus. Expect the lab computers to be turned off during certain lectures throughout the quarter. No food or drink is allowed in the computer labs. Refer to the Visual Communications Student Handbook document for a complete list of lab guidelines.
Use of AI
AI is here, today, in our graphic design world. Photoshop 2024 has generative AI built right in as a tool alongside Curves and masking. As a student training to enter the creative services workforce, you must learn how to appropriately incorporate AI elements with original content, both graphical and text-based. While AI is unlikely to play a major role in this course, be sure to follow any instructions given on a project or exercise handout regarding the expectations around the use of AI. If not specified, assume that the use of AI is not allowed in a given assignment. However, if you see a potential, positive application of it, reach out to the instructor for clarification before using one of these tools, and always give credit to the engine that generates content for you.
Academic Honesty
Learning is built on the fundamental qualities of honesty, fairness, respect and trust. At Chemeketa Community College, academic integrity is a shared endeavor characterized by academic honesty, personal responsibility and high academic standards. Any violation of academic integrity devalues the individual and the community as a whole. One important aspect of academic integrity is academic honesty. Violations of academic honesty include: Plagiarism, Collusion/Inappropriate Assistance, Cheating, Fabrication/Falsification/Alteration, Unauthorized Multiple Submission, Sabotage, and Tampering. A student who violates academic honesty will be subject to disciplinary action according to Students Rights and Responsibilities.
Visit the Academic Honesty website for additional information on college policies, and violation penalties.
Diversity
We are a college community enriched by the diversity of our students, staff, and community members. Each individual and group has the potential to contribute in our learning environment. Each has dignity. To diminish the dignity of one is to diminish the dignity of us all.
Student Accessibility Services
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty, and Student Accessibility Services. If you have already been approved for accommodations and requested them for this term, both you and I receive a Letter of Accommodation by e-mail. It is important that we discuss the accommodations as early in the term as possible. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but who have not yet obtained approval through Student Accessibility Services should phone 503.399.5192, visit the office in Building 2/174, or visit the Student Accessibility Services website.
Affirmative Action
It is the policy of Chemeketa Community College and its Board that there will be no discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship status, pregnancy and related conditions, family relationship, veteran’s status, disabilities and tobacco usage in any educational programs, activities or employment.
Persons having questions about equal opportunity/affirmative action should contact the Affirmative Action Officer at 4000 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, Oregon 97309-7070, or call 503.399.4784. To request this publication in an alternative format, please call 503.399.5192.
Advising and Counseling
Academic advising is available for any Chemeketa student and is required for all first year, degree or certificate seeking students. Meeting with an advisor can help clarify your academic and life goals, choose classes that prepared you for a career, and/or identify transfer options. Instructors are also available to discuss class, degree, and career options.
Salem Student Services & Resources
- Library & Student Computer Center: Bldg. 9, Rm. 200, 503.399.5043
- Study Skills Center: Bldg. 2, Rm. 212, 503.399.5162
- Tutoring Services (includes online tutoring): Bldg. 2, Rm. 210, 503.399.5190
- Writing Center (includes online help): Bldg. 9, Library, 503.399.7179
- Veteran’s Services: Bldg. 2/200, 503.399.5004