Marketing, technical writing, computer science and graphic design students have come together for a new independent study course: Cardinal Solutions.
Cardinal Solutions, new to the University, is an interdisciplinary faculty and student team that works directly with local businesses and non-profit organizations to develop marketing solutions.
Students analyze an organization’s goals, determine marketing needs, and, with the input and approval of the business or organization, develop effective solutions — without being tied down to a textbook or predetermined course curriculum.
Bill Williamson, professor of professional and technical writing, has confidence that students can deliver what the clients are looking for.
“We will assist (businesses or organizations) with refining their web presence, social media strategies and their recruitment process,” Williamson said. “This means working on their website, brochures, flyers and their Facebook and YouTube posts.”
This course is more intense than usual independent projects due in part to its collaborative nature.
“The stakes are a bit higher, the demands more complex and the client expectations are greater than in a typical service learning experience,” Williamson added. “This is something that most students do not experience at most universities.”
Williamson is advising the course with four other faculty members: associate professor of art and graphic design Blake Johnson, assistant professor of computer science and information systems George Corser, assistant professor of management Izabela Szymanska and assistant professor of marketing Chatdanai Pongpatipat.
Johnson is thrilled with the engagement and creativity the students have already expressed this semester.
“This course is new, innovative and, in many ways, experimental,” he said. “I am very impressed with how well the students are doing in such a unique classroom environment.”
Johnson feels as though Cardinal Solutions will thrive and continue to grow based solely on this semester’s performance.
“As students are expected to share input related to each aspect of the project, they will gain insight from the other disciplines,” Johnson said. “Also, with this diverse set of students, we can also provide complete service to the client, rather than something limited to only one discipline, such as graphic design.”
Learning from other disciplines and external clients are two critical aspects of this course.
“Beyond the experience, the participants should end Cardinal Solutions with quality materials for their professional portfolios,” Williamson said.
Johnson has noticed interest from SVSU students has grown already.
“If they are interested in participating or if they support these types of innovative multidisciplinary courses, they should contact us,” Johnson said. “We are looking for committed, talented students who want to make a difference in the community and learn as part of that process.”
For more information, visit svsucardinalsolutions.org.
