The Modern College of Design has kicked off its spring semester with new students, new faculty members, and new real-world experiences for students.

To protect the health of students, faculty, and staff throughout the winter months, The Modern is holding all classes remotely and online for the spring semester. Students enrolled in remote courses will meet for live sessions with instructors and classmates twice per week. Students enrolled in online courses have the flexibility to complete coursework and assignments on their schedules.

A new externship session kicked off this semester with organizations, such as AGI Studios and Southpaw Enterprises. Students are gaining professional experience and applying their knowledge of design to real-world problems.

The spring semester also includes The Modern’s first session of co-ops. As the Modern’s first Bachelor’s Program culmination, students are gaining professional leadership and design experience with organizations including Boomcrate Studios and Stratacache in Dayton, Ohio, and Life Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Other students are engaged with real clients through design thinking and communications courses. Groups of students are working with local businesses and organizations such as Grunder Landscaping, McGohan Brabender, Northwestern Mutual, and MODA4 to solve complex problems.

Ken Jarosik and Paul Garcher joined The Modern as instructors, and Brian Petro returned as an instructor. Ken currently serves as Manager of Videography and Content Strategy for the Better Business Bureau and is a freelance videographer for WDTN (NBC). He will teach video courses. Paul Garcher mostly recently served as Senior Graphic Design at ChangeUp in Miamisburg, Ohio, and will teach web design courses. Brian Petro, educator and owner of Smart Guy In A Tie, returned to The Modern to teach graphic design and professional development courses.

“As we return for the spring semester, we feel a sense of optimism for our students,” states President Jessica Barry. “Employment opportunities remain strong, and our faculty and staff are prepared for an exciting semester.”