2018-2019 Academic Catalog

Welcome to Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) was established in 1963 by Philip J. Steele, who had a vision to provide students with a quality higher education in art and design. RMCAD has grown a great deal since its comparatively modest beginnings and now thrives on a lush, historic campus including more than 23 acres of land and 16 buildings.

In 2013, RMCAD celebrated its 50th anniversary as a diverse community of people inspired by creative possibilities in higher education. Today, we offer a rich and diverse selection of regionally accredited degrees at the BFA level. We are also pioneers in the online learning environment for art and design. Our award-winning online environment brings together students from all over the world to work with our esteemed campus faculty. And, for our campus students, we provide our Multi-Platform Learning Experience, the best of online and on-campus course delivery.

Much has changed in these past decades, but we’re proud of what has stayed the same: our commitment to giving each student the dedication, personal attention, and solid education they need to thrive in their careers. The RMCAD Community is filled with creativity and enlightenment—a place where we will continue to nurture the individual talents of each student; to integrate critical thinking and analysis into their skills; and to contribute in socially responsible ways to the local, global, and professional communities.
Here, you will find inspiration, challenge, and innovation.

Chris Spohn,
RMCAD President

Mission Statement

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an innovative, rigorous and community-oriented global learning environment that inspires passion for critical thinking, preparing learners to be forces of change in their industries, communities and the world.

Vision

RMCAD will be a major university known as a destination for a diverse student body that impacts the world.

Values

1. Our students come first
2. We work toward creating a financially sustainable model of higher education that considers the interests of our multiple stakeholders
3. We are a campus of professionals, innovators and educators
4. We welcome individuality and self-reflection
5. We appreciate and celebrate our community
6. We communicate our campus pride and excitement
7. We are committed to consistent business processes and systems while fostering innovation
8. We embrace a culture of leadership, trust and communication
9. We understand the importance of risk-taking and being adaptable to change
10. We value professionalism and role modeling

Diversity Statement

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD) maintains a policy of inclusiveness that recognizes, values, and reflects the diversity of the community it serves. As an academic institution, the college fosters a dynamic learning and working environment that encourages multiple perspectives and the free exchange of ideas. Diversity encompasses multiple dimensions, including but not limited to: race, culture, nationality, ethnicity, religion, ideas, beliefs, geographic origin, class, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, disability, and age. Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design continually strives to build an inclusive and welcoming community of individuals with diverse vision, talents, and skills. We welcome people from a multitude of backgrounds who are committed to creativity, academic excellence, societal and cultural evolution and betterment, civility, mutual respect, social justice, and the free and open exchange of ideas. Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design commits itself to these tenants of change, growth, and action, which embrace diversity as an integral part of the academic and professional community.

Accreditation

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Chicago, IL 60602-2504
Telephone: 800.621.7440 or 312.263.0456
Fax: 312.263.7462
www.hlcommission.org

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is an accredited institutional member of National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). RMCAD’s degree offerings in Art + Design are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston, VA 20190-5248
Telephone: 703.437.0700
Fax: 703.437.6312
Email: info@arts.accredit.org

The on-campus and online Interior Design Program leading to the BFA is accredited by Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA).

206 Granville Avenue, Suite 350
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Telephone: 616.458.0400
Fax: 616.458.0460
www.accredit-id.org

The Art Education Program leading to the BFA is approved by Colorado Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) and Colorado Department of Education (CDE). RMCAD’s Art Education BFA only allows graduates to become licensed to teach Art in the state of Colorado. Students seeking licensure outside of Colorado should contact their Student Advisor for assistance in identifying the correct educational state agency.

State Office Building
201 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, Colorado 80203-1799
CDE Main Phone: 303.866.6600
CDE Main Fax: 303.830.0793
www.cde.state.co.us

General Information

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is a private college approved by the Colorado Commission on Higher Education.

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design does not discriminate or make admissions decisions on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, ability, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

Title IX Compliance Officer:
Dean of Students
1600 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80214
303.999.5468
Website: www.rmcad.edu
Mailing address: 1600 Pierce Street, Denver, CO 80214

Location

RMCAD is located on 23 acres at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Lakewood, Colorado. Looking east from campus, one can see downtown Denver’s skyline, and looking west, the Rocky Mountains. With a population of around three million people, Metro Denver offers a multitude of ways to spend free time, including museums, concert halls, shopping centers, entertainment districts, and more.

College Facilities

RMCAD’s distinctive campus includes more than 16 historical buildings built in a variety of 20th century architectural styles—comprising more than 150,000 square feet of learning and creative space. The fully wireless campus offers more than 100 workstations for student use, utilizing both Windows and Mac platforms. Several “compact labs” are department specific. All labs are connected to print centers, scanners, and network storage. Most of RMCAD’s computer labs are designed for multi-use by all departments, with specific labs designated for 3D and 2D animation, video and sound, multimedia, computer-aided drafting, and advanced special effects.

Special learning facilities include two wood shops, ceramics studio, FabLab, photography lab, auditorium, galleries, large meeting rooms, and the Library/Resource Center. The Philip J. Steele Gallery features a rotating schedule of exhibitions that includes a mix of student, faculty, and alumni work, as well as displays by community groups and exhibitions by well-known visiting artists. Students can relax or study in one of two student lounges, take a break between classes on the grassy lawns under 100-year-old trees, or shop and grab a cup of coffee in the college supply store.

Document Purpose Statement

The purpose of this catalog is to set forth the current rules, regulations, and policies of Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design. This catalog is specific to each academic year, and the most current edition is available on the RMCAD website. Although this catalog was prepared using the best information available at the time and while the provisions it contains will normally be applied as stated, the degrees, programs, and policies are subject to change or correction by the college without prior notice or obligation. This publication is not intended to be a contract between the student and RMCAD. However, students are bound by the policies, procedures, standards, and requirements stated herein, so long as they are in effect.

More specific details regarding the procedures by which these policies are administered are located in the Student Information section. Students are responsible for knowing and abiding by the policies and procedures set forth in both documents.