TFP NO MORE (Part Two):
Videography replaces TV and Cinema
by
Elizabeth Abenchuchan
Buff N' Blue Staff
The administration at Gallaudet claims they will not dissolve the TV and Vinema major- they instead will change the name and add some more courses to make it more modern. "We want our students to graduate and then get quality jobs after graduation," Karen Kimmel, the Interim Associate Dean of Academic Departments, said. "Some of our TV and Cinema students are having a hard time finding a job." Kimmel and Jand Dillehay, the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Science, and Technologies, both said that the major replacing TV and Cinema, Videography, includes higher technology and knowledge which fits today's world. THey say that the merge is in the best of the students. "It is the year 2001," Dillehay said. "We have to prepare for the future." It will include the teachings of the art of filming and how to use modern equipment. The major will "hopefully open this fall," she added. Bill Moses, the chair of the Art Department, said that the merger was a result of several factors. Dillehay expressed a desire to Moses to use the resources across the college more effectively. "Between the two departments involved in this merger, there are several courses that are similar, and much more computer equipment and software that are commonly used in the labs of both departments.," Moses said. Also, the photography area of TFP has been in need of upgrades and improved accessiblity for several years. Moses added that with the renovation and expanison of Washburn Arts Center, the faculty got together to discuss the most effective use of resources. "Resources. That is a very general word," Kimmel said. "We need equipment, teachers, students, classrooms, books, all those things are resources. They cost money." The merge would enable both departments to share their resources, and that would cost less money in the long run. THe goal for fall 2002 right now is to offer a "strengthened" major in photography, videography and to integrate the digital media program into what will become a major in print/web media and a major in interactive media, said Moses. These majors will be offered by the art department, along with Studio Art and Art History. The merger was decided upon by the faculty and the deans, said Dillehay. "They want to offer the best to the students." THe decision about the merger was made last spring, but it was not announced to everyone then. Students in the Art department were informed later in the spring, but those in TFP were not informed until this fall. "I don't know why but that was the TFP department's decision," said Dillehay. No one commented on Facundo Montenegro- whether he was a good teacher or why he was let go. Montenegro was asked for an interview, but he only said that he would continue teaching until the end of the year and that he couldn't comment any more on the situation. Moses did not answer any questions regarding Montenegro, and neither did Kimmel or Dillehay. Right now, the cirriculum of the Videography major is being made, and it will be submitted to the University Faculty Senate for approval. The budgets for the Art and TFP departments will remain separate until the proposed changes are approved.
Buff N Blue VOL CX Issue 4 Sept 28 2001.