Digital Technology and Culture

A blog for students and friends of Washington State University Vancouver's Digital Technology and Culture Program

Spring Semester Is Upon Us

Does anyone else find the notion of a "spring semester" beginning in January odd? Coming from Texas as I did last year, it could indeed be spring on January 7th. True, winter returns in February, but mostly it is more of a wimper than a growl. But here in the Pacific Northwest, spring, in terms of a semester, is mostly wishful thinking. So, with such hope in all of our hearts, let me relay information about the new semester to you all . . .

Since John Barber and I arrived, we have made a ritual of offering Orientations in the fall and Town Halls in the spring. Spring 2008 is no different. So, all of you DTC majors and minors––or anyone flirting with the idea of becoming one or the other––you should make plans to attend the DTC F2F: Spring 2008 Town Hall. Because most of you are busy working, raising families, and juggling a full load of courses, we offer two different evenings for you to choose from: Wednesday, January 16 from 4:15-5:30 p.m. in VMMC 22 and Thursday, January 17, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. in VMMC 6. Think of the event as a combination of a mixer and information session. Refreshments will be served since it is that time of the evening when folks need sustenance.

What makes the DTC Program special is that it aims to teach critical thinking skills so vital to the Humanities *as well as* skills vital to attaining (and keeping) a job. So, it should come as no surprise that during February when all of you are busy learning theory and practice in your courses, you should also be preparing for the Career Fair that we are working with Student Services to put on for you. On Friday, January 18 you should make plans to attend the Resume Writing Workshop taught by Brian Rauscher. And you should also plan to attend the Fair on Thursday, February 21, from 4-6 p.m. So invested is the DTC Program in this concept of helping you find a job that we are sponsoring a special Reception for companies attending the Career Fair so that we can help them understand the special talents and skills you are learning in the program that makes you an excellent candidate for hiring.

New DTC-ers may not yet be familiar with the term, but Pirate College should make several appearances this spring. We are thinking a workshop in PHP and another podcasting workshop that follows up on what was taught in the fall would be handy.

You should all be aware of the new feature on the DTC website: The Yellow Cat Gallery and Media Lounge, a new online showcase for student work. It will makes its debut in time for the Town Halls.

Finally, the summer schedule, the Spring Newsletter, and an updated course rotation will be online at the DTC Website on January 7th.

See, and you thought we were on vacation:)

--Dene Grigar

posted by: grigar at 22:46 | link | comments |

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