Classes have begun in the new graphic design studio in Finley Hall. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, the lab, located in room 206, is being used to teach introductory to advanced levels of graphic design and computer graphics. Classes range from introductory levels of computer graphics to Web and multimedia design to digital photography.

"Marty Greenwald [of Fine Arts] and I spent five years observing how students worked before configuring their work spaces in the lab," said Graphic Design Coordinator John Luttropp. The new facility contains 31 G4 Macintosh computers and two IBM PCs in four rooms that are interconnected.

"The primary teaching lab has 20 work stations and a teaching station that are connected with Apple Network Assistant so students can share the instructor's screen during lectures," explained Luttropp. "Instructors can also broadcast their screens to individual monitors or bring a student's monitor up to the large display screen."

In addition to the primary teaching space is a studio lab, which provides an informal setting with individual working spaces. A digital output center allows fine arts students to create professional pieces for their portfolios. "Our print shop also has traditional offset printing, which sets us apart from other schools. We teach our design students how to use plates and ink. Other programs just teach the new technology," said Luttropp.

Central to the new facility are the faculty offices. "We wanted our offices in the middle to be accessible to our students," said Greenwald. A conference room is located adjacent to the offices.

"By investing in this studio area, we are able to build a program that meets future needs and growth," said Geoffrey Newman, dean of the School of the Arts. "Graphic design is one of the School's fastest growing programs. Students in this area get job offers before they even graduate."

In addition to serving Montclair State students, the lab also provides more opportunities for community outreach. "The department is working with the Mount Hebron School in Montclair, assisting them with a parents' night project," Luttropp said. "We want to get more involved with projects of that nature."

There will be an official opening of the lab on Friday, March 30, at 2 p.m.