San Luis Obispo – Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department is teaming with the Cal State Northridge Department of Art to create a by-students-for-students, learn-by-doing venture to provide print and electronic communication services for both campuses.

The endeavor will pair student-run programs at each campus – the full-service University Graphic Systems printing and publishing company at Cal Poly and The Center for Visual Communication (VISCOM) marketing and advertising agency at Northridge – to provide design, printing and other services.

VISCOM educates students on modern design concepts for print and web development, and in animation graphics. UGS teaches students to produce printed products using some of the most modern traditional and digital technology available for prepress, press, and wide-format printing and finishing services.

VISCOM and UGS are academic programs in which students receive credit for work performed. Both groups provide services to the departments of their respective universities and to selective outside entities, providing projects to support student education and preparation to enter the workforce. The two campuses will now serve each other to enhance the learn-by-doing educational philosophy of each program.

"This relationship is a major breakthrough in demonstrating how two CSU campuses can partner in a win-win situation for students," said Harvey R. Levenson, head of Cal Poly's Graphic Communication Department.

"The students who gain work experience in their respective programs find themselves ahead of the game when entering their profession, because they already have experience in things like graphic production, marketing, sales, customer service and distribution. They know design, software, hardware, and technology from a practical perspective."

David Moon, managing director of VISCOM, said, "Prospective clients reap limitless benefits by using this 'think tank' of remarkable individuals that are focused on specialized areas in visual communication. VISCOM was formed three years ago and has successfully completed and helped launch many high-profile projects, including several for non-profit organizations. Many of these projects have received industry recognition as well as high praise from regional business leaders and city officials."

Cal Poly and Cal State Northridge are inviting other CSU campuses to join this initiative by submitting design, web development, and printing projects to help support their on- and off-campus communication needs.