(A Response to the The Tab, article https://thetab.com/us/jmu/2016/03/16/struggle-smad...)
The SMAD program is one of the most unique majors that JMU has to offer. The SMAD program offers the choice of four concentrations: Converged Media, Digital Video and Cinema, Creative Advertising, and Journalism. The program allows students to explore the digital world of media, while creating projects that require intense levels of creativity and skill. The skills learned and utilized within the program range from HTML/CSS coding to video production.
There are some negative stigmas and stereotypes out there that shed negative light on the SMAD program. But here are 13 reasons that (hopefully) prove some of those stereotypes wrong:
1. The Homework Is Time Consuming But Fun
Yes, a majority of us actually look forward to doing homework assignments and projects. Homework isn't that bad when you are designing logos and shooting videos
2. There is a Competitive Application Process
Because of SMAD's competitive application process, students in the SMAD program are the "cream of the crop" and are very good at what they do.
3. Full Immersion- You get to take classes from each concentration to become fully immersed in the program
Once enrolled in the SMAD program, there are multiple core classes that must be completed. The core curriculum consists of fast-paced, intensified and extremely informative classes that teach Adobe applications, web coding/content creation, the basics of video production and much more.
4. Small Classes
Because the program is fairly small, the small class sizes are very beneficial to the students (usually about 20-30 students per class). The small classes allow for more hands-on learning and a one-on-one style of teaching.
5. The Advisors =Beyond Helpful
The SMAD Advisors genuinely care about each student. They are willing to sit down and meet for extended periods of time to be sure that each student meets his or her full potential. Because the community is so close-knit, each advisor truly cares about the success of the students.
6. Harrison Hall
Harrison Hall has nooks and crannies that many non-smaddies don't know about. Did you know there is a TV studio in the basement?
7. Opportunities to Double Major/Double Minor- Educate yourself in other areas
Because SMAD is only a 36 credit major, students have an amazing opportunity to double-up majors or minors. The pairing of a SMAD major with two interesting minors could leave to amazing and unique job opportunities. Not to mention, the knowledge acquired from the SMAD program is a great foundation for many career types.
8. Projects on Projects on Projects
Your social life maybe lacking occasionally due to the projects, but the projects are fun so staying in for a couple weekends (or every weekend) really is not a bad thing.
9. Hands On Learning Experience
While the professor is teaching, most students don't really find themselves dozing off due to boring lectures. Usually, the teaching styles are extremely interactive which leads to efficient outcomes and well-utilized class time.
10. Access to Equipment
SMAD students have access to cameras, video cameras, GoPros, the Adobe Package, and computer labs that are almost always open. Not to mention the various SMAD Facilities that the program has to offer.
Ex: "Our Television Studio features a 35 x 35 soundstage with Ikegami cameras and multiple set areas that include a white background, green screen, news set and both black and grey cycloramas. The control room is equipped with a Grass Valley Kayak HD switcher, Chyron Hyper-X graphics and a Wheatstone D7 digital audio board. Monitoring is handled with a 24-input Kaleido MX driving two Panasonic Plasma Displays. The studio is used for narrative/cinematic productions as well as informational and news-related programming" (JMU Website).
Ex: "A 16-station Post-Production Lab is utilized for editing and compositing and is available for students in classes and after hours. Software includes Final Cut Pro X, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, and Adobe After Effects as well as other titles in the Adobe Creative Suite. Each computer station is equipped with dual monitors and is connected to a 64-terabyte Avid ISIS shared storage system. Students are able to ingest footage to the ISIS server, complete their editing and compositing and then access or play out the video in multiple locations within the building, including the studio. Students complete their work in a tapeless environment" (JMU Website).
(READ MORE...)
11. Creative Minds
Most "Smaddies" think similarly but are outgoing, unique and creative in their own weird/talented way. Putting all of the creative talent together can lead to some pretty cool things!
12. Successful Alumni/Amazing job Opportunities
SMAD alumnus Griffin Harrington ('15) recently started working with Discovery's virtual reality projects, and he took a few minutes to tell us what he's been up to as he works in this emerging media field. - See more at: http://www.jmu.edu/stories/smad/2015/10-14-griffin...
JMU journalism graduate Jeff Gammage ('82) was recently part of the Philadelphia Inquirer's coverage of Pope Francis' visit to the city. We asked him to reflect on the coverage.
JMU alumna Lindsay Czarniak (’00) is one of the most recognizable faces in sports broadcasting. An anchor on the 6 p.m. weekday ESPN “SportsCenter,” Czarniak helps inform the nation on the day’s top sports storylines, night in and night out. - See more at: http://www.jmu.edu/stories/smad/2014/11-04-czarnia...
Steve Buckhantz, the play-by-play announcer for the Wizards, started his sports career working at campus radio station WXJM and at Harrisonburg's WHSV TV. - See more at: http://www.jmu.edu/stories/smad/2015/08-10-steve-b...
13. We're Doing What We Love
Joanna McNeilly, a writer at The Breeze, recently wrote about Josh Holton's use of SMAD skills in creating a nonprofit to benefit Young Life. - See more at: http://www.jmu.edu/stories/smad/2015/10-15-holton-...
It is very hard to find someone in the SMAD program that doesn't love what they do. At times, the projects can be demanding and time consuming, but it all pays off in the end. This unique major is one that requires creativity, talent and skill. Most importantly, one that requires passion and determination.
