Department of Communication Arts

Prior to beginning courses, it is highly recommended that incoming students complete the following tutorials on LinkedIn Learning via their VCU eID.

You can sign into LinkedIn Learning via your myVCU portal. Access in the right sidebar under “Technology Resources.”

The playlist consists of three tutorials:

• Maya 2020 Essential Training
• Photoshop 2020 Essential Training: The Basics
• Illustrator 2020 Essential Training

Once you have completed ALL four tutorials, please send your four certificates of completion to commarts@vcu.edu

Animation Club

Communication Arts Concept Club

Communication Arts Student Advisory Board (CASAB)

Society of Communication Arts (SOCA)

Learn about the computer requirements for students in communication arts.

View requirements.

To request swipe card access for Franklin Terrace, please submit the following to Administrative Assistant, Shanika Chattar at smchattar@vcu.edu:

• Name of person requiring access (first and last name)
• Email of person requiring access (ex. rodneyram@vcu.edu)
• Position of person (ex. undergrad, faculty, staff)
• VCU PROX # (on the back of the VCU ID, 3-6 digits)
• Department
• Reason for request/need for building access
• Expiration date for access (if applicable)

For faculty and staff: If you are requesting access for multiple people, please include the information above in a spreadsheet, and send as an attachment to smchattar@vcu.edu.

• Recreation and Well-Being (RecWell)
• University Counseling Services (UCS)
• University Student Health Services (USHS)

• Research/Individual Study – COAR 392
  Communication Arts’ Research/Individual Study (a.k.a. Independent Study) gives students the opportunity to create their own Communication Arts elective class while working one-on-one with a full-time Communication Arts faculty of their choice. The course will subsequently slot as a Communication Arts elective. Students will connect with their advisor to begin their plan for Individual Study, and later reach out to a faculty member to follow through. Once coming to an agreement with their chosen faculty member, they will complete the online request form for full approval and an override into the course is then provided. The student will have worked out specific projects to be completed and a timeline for their meetings and due dates. The course connects students to faculty giving students the opportunity to manage their work schedule, research topics on their own, and present their work in a professional setting.
  • The structuring, research, execution and presentation of an independent project in visual communications under the direction of a faculty advisor. The student will be encouraged to become a self-generating problem seeker and solver with the ability to carry out self-stated goals.
• Communication Arts Internship – COAR 492
  Communication Arts’ Internship is a for-credit internship that provides students with a professional work experience where they also receive Communication Arts elective credits. Students will work with their advisor to discuss specifics and outline the process of acquiring internships that coincide with their artistic and/or career goals. The program has a set list of organizations that are pre-approved for offering internships to Communication Arts students, or students may choose to find other opportunities on their own. Internships for-credit are a great way for students to get professional experience and training in their field while at the same time receiving Communication Arts elective credits.
  • Supervised pragmatic work experiences. Training is provided under the direction and supervision of qualified professional practitioners.
• Overrides: An override allows a student to bypass major restrictions and time conflicts. Please contact your advisor to request an override.