The Classroom Task Force is comprised of faculty and staff from across the college working to envision the future of our General Academic Classrooms (GAC). The group explored which physical and digital enhancements to our classrooms that would improve the teaching and learning experience across a variety of disciplines and modes of instruction. A full description of the scope and case for change can be found in our project charter.

Task Force co-chairs:

• Annemarie Haar, Associate Vice-President, Instructional Services
• Matt Silady, Director of Academic & Faculty Development and Professor, BFA Comics

Task Force members:

• Mike Carlson, Associate Director, Media Services
• Will Clark, AV Systems Engineer
• Rebekah Edwards, Faculty, Critical Studies
• Mark Fox, Faculty, Graphic Design
• Ajuan Mance, Faculty, Illustration Program
• Aspen Mays, Chair, Photography
• Graham Plumb, Faculty, Interaction Design & MDES
• Sara Raffo, Assistant Chair, Graphic Design
• Michael Wertz, Chair, Illustration

Mission

To reimagine General Academic Classrooms (GACs) as equitable, functional, and technologically advanced spaces that support diverse pedagogies and inspire creativity. This mission emphasizes collaboration, accessibility, and adaptability to prepare students for contemporary and future challenges.

Executive Summary

The Classroom Task Force was initiated in summer of 2023 since CCA’s General Academic Classrooms (GACs) have remained in a steady state for over a decade. The project sponsors were Tammy Rae Carland, Provost, and Mara Hancock, COO. Task force co-chairs were Annemarie Haar, AVP, Instructional Services and Matt Silady, Dir. Academic & Faculty Development. A project charter was written in Sept 2023 by the co-chairs.

A final report was written representing the culmination of the Classroom Task Force’s efforts to assess, analyze, and propose improvements to CCA’s classroom environments. Guided by the institution’s evolving curricular and technological needs, the task force focused on enhancing functionality, accessibility, and inspiration across the college’s learning spaces.

Key findings highlight critical needs in technology integration, environmental comfort, and spatial adaptability. These recommendations align with the college’s mission to foster dynamic, inclusive, and forward-thinking learning environments.