RIT Implements Initiatives to Enhance Graphic Media Education Newly-named School of Print Media offers expanded programs and research opportunities May 16, 2002 -- Rochester Institute of Technology, a world leader in graphic communication education and applied research, embarks on an exciting new era. After four years of in-depth research, testing and heightened industry outreach, RIT is unveiling expanded programs and other enhancements within the newly-named School of Print Media. Formerly known as the School of Printing Management and Sciences, the School of Print Media (SPM) is responding to fundamental changes in the publishing and printing industry, due mainly to advances in digital technology. "There is a revolution underway throughout the graphic communication industry," explains Joan Stone, dean of RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences. "The School of Print Media is poised to contribute cutting edge resources and expertise to continue the industry’s evolution." RIT enhancements include new-media publishing and graphic-media curricula at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. These academic programs have led to a steady climb in the school’s enrollment since 1999, including a 14 percent increase during the 2001-02 academic year. In addition, all graphic media research and industry education programs at RIT will now be administered by the College of Imaging Arts and Sciences, under the umbrella of the RIT Printing Industry Center, sponsored by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. "Our goal is to increase the benefits of an RIT education to the printing and publishing industries," states Frank Romano, SPM chair. "We have returned to the model of the Graphic Arts Research Center where the industry, its users and vendors, and higher education come together to advance technology, perform meaningful research and promote best practices." Romano will vacate the role of SPM chair to dedicate his creativity and talent to his responsibility at RIT as the Roger K. Fawcett Distinguished Professor of Digital Publishing. Barbara Pellow, the Frank E. Gannett Professor of Integrated Publishing Sciences, will assume the position of administrative chair effective July 1. "We’re grateful for the energy and expertise that Frank provides our graphic media program, and we look forward to continued growth and success as Barb assumes this important leadership role," says Stone. These changes accompany other recent developments that directly impact the expanding focus of the School of Print Media. Late last year, RIT launched the RIT Printing Industry Center. The center generates a pipeline of data and observations that flows between researchers and representatives from the printing and publishing fields. The resulting analysis helps to target what customers want and how companies can deliver upon those demands. This fall, the Heidelberg Web Press Laboratory will begin operation on the RIT campus. The laboratory will house a Heidelberg Sunday 2000 web press, featuring the most advanced technology available to the graphic communications industry. The new facility will offer the best possible environment for advanced research and training. Internationally recognized as a leader in imaging, technology, fine and applied arts, and education of the deaf, Rochester Institute of Technology enrolls 15,000 full- and part-time students in more than 250 career-oriented and professional programs. RIT’s School of Print Media, considered among the best of its kind in the world, offers programs in graphic media, printing systems, and traditional and electronic publishing. (www.rit.edu/~spms) For the past decade, U.S. News and World Report has ranked RIT as one of the nation’s leading comprehensive universities. RIT is also included in Yahoo Internet Life’s Top 100 Wired Universities, Fisk’s Guide to America’s Best Colleges, as well as Barron’s Best Buys in Education.