Students
The Graphic Communication curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for positions in printing, publishing, electronic imaging, packaging, and related professions.
The program provides courses in general education with a core of printing and electronic publishing technology and management courses. The curriculum introduces students to all stages of the printing process with a growing emphasis on multimedia.
Student Organizations
The Graphic Communication Department sponsors five student-run organizations that provide extracurricular support: Mat Pica Pi, Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA), University Graphic Systems (UGS), the Friends of Shakespeare Press Museum, and the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly. These organizations provide opportunities for enhanced learning in a social environment.
Mat Pica Pi
Mat Pica Pi, the Graphic Communication Department's student service and social club, provides opportunities for students to establish contacts and build relationships with industry and alumni. Each year Mat Pica Pi sponsors a variety of events including the New Student Barbecue, High School and Community College Visitation Day, International Printing Week, Open House, winter and spring banquets, and the annual Mat Pica Pi Golf Tournament.
Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA)
The Cal Poly chapter of the Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) is one of approximately 25 student chapters throughout the world. TAGA provides a forum for sharing theoretical, technical, and scientific information on current and emerging technologies. The chapter encourages dialogue between students and industry professionals through sponsored events. The chapter is also responsible for publishing a journal of student research. Members design and print the journal, and finally present it at the annual TAGA conference.
University Graphic Systems (UGS)
University Graphic Systems (UGS) is a full-service, on-campus, printing and publishing company managed and run entirely by students. UGS produces high quality publications for the campus, including a daily newspaper often in full color. Eight students comprise the management team and perform estimating, production, costing, scheduling, and inventory control. The students also do their own hiring, marketing, and sales. Approximately 75 students per quarter participate for credit and a stipend.
Shakespeare Press Printing Museum
The Shakespeare Press Printing Museum is a student-curated collection of 19th century handset types and hand operated presses gathered from the gold rush country of California. It's mission is to educate visitors to the technology and processes available to job printers and newspaper publishers during that portion of the state's history. Shakespeare Museum is also a functioning collection in that students may create printed projects.
Poly Pack
Poly Pack is a student packaging club at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Poly Pack provides an opportunity for students, faculty and industry professionals to share information about existing and upcoming technologies, discuss trends within the multi-faceted industry and make connections that will last a lifetime. What better way to support education, stimulate your industry and have a great time in the beautiful Central Coast of California?
Graphic Communication Institute
The start of the new millennium brings the inauguration of the Graphic Communication Institute at Cal Poly. Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Institute is a unique facility designed to support projects in the graphic arts industry. The Institute will draw from the university's established Graphic Communication Department and a number of associated departments. The graphic communication industry has experienced record growth in the global economy. In the last 15 years, graphic arts technologies expanded beyond any individual, company, or institution. Cal Poly's contribution fulfills the need for new resources to support the growth of the printing, imaging, publishing, and related digital industries. An extended network of the world's leading consultants and educators will join the Institute creating project teams aimed at specific objectives in research, testing, training, development, and continuing education.