THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE

FACULTY SENATE

Senate Document Number 7211S

Date of Senate Approval 04/07/11

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Statement of Faculty Senate Action:

APC Document 36: Change the name of Multimedia Arts and Sciences to New Media

Effective Date: Fall 2011

1.Delete: On page 219, the departmental heading and first paragraph for Multimedia Arts and Sciences:

Multimedia Arts and Sciences (mmas)

The Multimedia Arts and Sciences Program at UNC Asheville focuses on creativity and innovation in the study of new media within a liberal arts education. We encourage students to think critically, take risks, and collaborate across disciplines. Multimedia Arts and Sciences students acquire a foundation in two- and three-dimensional animation, digital video art and production, and interactive design and art, coupled with advanced study in their chosen area of concentration. By balancing theory, criticism, and practice, students develop a nuanced understanding of new media art and multimedia design principles within a liberal arts context.

Add: On page 231, after entry for Music:

New Media (nm)

The New Media Program at UNC Asheville focuses on creativity and innovation in the study of new media within a liberal arts education. We encourage students to think critically, take risks, and collaborate across disciplines. New Media students acquire a foundation in two- and three-dimensional animation, digital video art and production, and interactive design and art, coupled with advanced study in their chosen area of concentration. By balancing theory, criticism, and practice, students develop a nuanced understanding of new media art and multimedia design principles within a liberal arts context.

2.Replace: On the pages indicated, replace MMAS and/or Multimedia Arts and Sciences, with NM and/or New Media, and alphabetize where appropriate:

a. Page 44, under Baccalaureate Degree

b. Page 45, under Optional Minor Fields of Concentration

c. Page 63, under Abbreviations

d. Page 105, in the course description for CSCI 107

e. Page 106, in the prerequisite for CSCI 310

f. Page 107, in the prerequisite for CSCI 358

g. Page 107, in the prerequisite for CSCI 410

h. Page 219, Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences

i. Page 219, all MMAS prefixes in list of required courses

j. Page 220, Declaration of Major in Multimedia Arts and Sciences

k. Page 220, Minor in Multimedia Arts and Sciences

l. Page 220, Courses in Multimedia Arts and Sciences

m. Pages 221-223, prerequisites in major courses

Impact:

None. There will be no impact on the resources and staffing of the Multimedia Arts and Sciences (MMAS) department due to this change.

Rationale:

MMAS received its name in 1998 when it was one of the first undergraduate multimedia programs in the states. While once an accurate description of our interdisciplinary program, Multimedia Arts and Sciences is somewhat misleading, definitely dated, and certainly not universally understood. It may be the only department or program name on campus that requires definition. It is especially nebulous to those outside the university, including prospective students, because there is no standard Multimedia Arts and Sciences discipline. The name New Media is becoming a globally accepted discipline characterized by the blurred distinctions between art and technology, which describes UNC Asheville’s current MMAS program. We want prospective students and their families, and research colleagues and prospective colleagues, to find our program when they search for New Media undergraduate degree programs.