CoLab
A typical CoLab project:
- originates as a research concept within the university or from industry affiliates (see below).
- places aspects of art and design at the core, yet does not fit neatly within any single discipline.
- develops around an emerging technology.
- targets potential industry sponsorship and/or commercialization.
ARTS 393 CoLab Internship
1–6 credits. (40 work hours per credit.). May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Internship and project details are determined by supervising professor(s) and project advisor(s).
Learning Outcomes
Students participating in the CoLab internship program will develop the ability to:
- utilize research and problem-framing methods and techniques.
- develop and evaluate a project definition, justification, goals and outcomes.
- employ skills and problem-solving techniques that focus on emerging technologies.
- prioritize activities and set deadlines.
- utilize methods for individual and team organization of decision-making and tasks.
- develop visual and verbal documentation and presentation of concepts, process and conclusions.
- communicate effectively to a wide range of project participants in the university and industry.
Industry Affiliate Program
Creatively disrupt the way you do business
Partner with VCUarts and you’ll be positively challenged by the open and innovative culture, emerging technologies and techniques, and the enthusiasm and talent of our students.
Industry partnerships are primarily executed through the VCUarts CoLab course, which gives you an opportunity to collaborate with a custom-built student team that can provide unique insight and ideas toward your problem or need. You’ll provide guidance on planned experiences, clearly defined goals, and pre-determined assessments.
Projects can be designed for one student or a team of up to five students. The students work as interns in the Center for the Creative Economy and on-site with you, under the guidance of CoLab faculty and industry mentors. Your project could range from five to 30 weeks, extending throughout the academic year and/or summer months.
“The companies we work with see what our students offer, and become partners with us providing educational experiences that help them cultivate potential recruits. An interdisciplinary student team can perform in ways a traditional class might not,” Matt Woolman, interim associate dean for research, innovation and graduate studies.
Specific benefits to industry affiliates include access to:
- innovative concepts, design directions or prototypes developed by interdisciplinary creative teams.
- effective user-centered research.
- campus facilities, including advanced computing and rapid prototyping technology.
- faculty and student expertise in creative disciplines, as well as business, psychology, computer science, engineering, education, and more.
- talented students for future internships or employment.
You’ll also have the opportunity to:
- engage in advanced concept development and problem solving beyond the scope of normal business activities.
- support higher education research, student learning and workforce development.
- create a strong connection between an education in the arts and design disciplines and business innovation.
“In a way, we reimagined what an internship experience can be. Instead of individuals getting a 1-to-1 internship, we assign small intern teams to a diverse range of projects and organizations,” Andrew Ilnicki, director of strategic technology.
Industry Affiliate Gift Levels
Engagement term: 5-15 weeks
Name and logo recognition in the VCUarts publication Studio: distribution of 25,000
One year membership for one (1) individual to the Pollak Society, which includes invitations to select art/design-related events throughout the year.
Engagement term: 15–30 weeks
A portion of the gift can be allocated to a one-time scholarship in the name of the donor.
Name and logo recognition in the VCUarts publication Studio: distribution of 25,000
One year membership for two (2) individuals to the Pollak Society, which includes invitations to select art/design-related events throughout the year.
Engagement term: 30 weeks
A portion of the gift can be allocated to a one-time scholarship in the name of the donor.
Name and logo recognition in the VCUarts publication Studio: distribution of 25,000
One year membership for three (3) individuals to the Pollak Society, which includes invitations to select art/design-related events throughout the year.
Engagement term: 30+ weeks
A portion of the gift can be allocated to a one-time scholarship in the name of the donor.
Name and logo recognition in the VCUarts publication Studio: distribution of 25,000
One year membership for four (4) individuals to the Pollak Society, which includes invitations to select art/design-related events throughout the year.