Fullerton College Program Review – Academic Programs
Program: Printing Technology
Year:
2009
Cover Page
Printing Technology, Technology and Engineering Division
List of persons participating in the review, including the Division Dean.
Dennis Howey, Department Head
Scott Mc Kenzie, Technology and Engineering Division Dean
Statement of Preparation (and signatures of the Department Coordinator and Dean.
This program review was prepared by those listed in an open and collaborative
process. All full-time faculty in the program have had an opportunity to review
the report, and the report was made available to the division as a whole prior to
being submitted to PCC.
Date – October 30, 2009
I.
Program Description
A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY
Fullerton College began offering printing classes in the early 1940’s. The printing program
is dedicated to serving two distinct groups: students who wish to enter the printing trade after
obtaining industry certification and students that wish to transfer to a four year college after
completing an Associate of Science Degree in printing technology. The printing technology
department offers courses in the traditional printing disciplines of electronic prepress, offset
presswork, quick print, flexography and screen-printing.
Introduction to Printing (101) is the main course that students need to complete for
advanced course work and various certificates. Electronic imaging is an advanced program
that helps prepare students for employment in the electronic prepress segment of the printing
industry. Students obtain prepress skills using Mac computers operating the latest page
layout, imposition, digital imaging and workflow software’s. The screen-printing program offers
students skills needed to increase their knowledge of the screen-printing industry and sharpen
their screen-printing techniques. The flexography program prepares students for entry-level
jobs in the flexographic printing industry. Students use the latest computer to plate
technologies to produce high quality process work. Offset Lithographic Presswork is an
advanced area where students can obtain the knowledge and skills needed to enter the
printing industry as a sheetfed offset press operator. Training includes operation of single and
multi color, duplicators and large format sheetfed press. Students can enroll in the printing
skills lab class, an open entry, open exit course that allows students to work on their skills
related to the various printing processes and operations. Students can achieve PIA (Printing
Industries of America) certification in electronic imaging and offset lithographic presswork or
certification from the Flexographic Technical Association in flexography.
Program Review Response Form
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B. PROGRAM GOALS
The courses in the printing technology program provide theory and laboratory experiences that
simulate live production in a commercial work environment. The printing programs are
designed to prepare students for an entry level position in the printing field or provide skill
upgrading for students currently employed in the printing industry.
As a result of participation in the program, students will have the following 5-7 skills and
knowledge sets:
1. Students will have a basic understanding of the various printing processes and possess
the skills to produce a printed piece using the offset lithographic process.
2. Students will demonstrate the various tasks required to produce a printed product using
the screen-printing process.
3. Students will identify and translate various flexographic terminology associated with the
flexographic printing processes.
4. Students will use page layout and imposition software to produce a chemical free, digital
offset lithographic plate using appropriate workflow and computer to plate technologies.
5. Students will obtain the skills used to produce digital printed documents with variable
data.
6. Students will identify various printing defects and develop specific problem solving
solutions associated with the different printing processes.
7. Students will obtain entry-level skills for the printing industry through skills development
in electronic pre-press, offset presswork, screen-printing and flexography.
C. PROGRAM DEGREES AND CERTIFICATES OFFERED
Associate in Science Degree in Printing Technology
Advanced Offset Presswork Certificate
Customer Service Training Certificate
Digital Printing Certificate
Electronic Imaging Certificate
Flexography Certificate
Graphic Communications Certificate
Offset Duplicator Training Certificate
Printing Technology (General) Certificate
Quick Print/In-Plant Graphics Certificate
Screen Printing Certificate
PROGRAM DEGREES AND CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS
Associate in Science Degree
Curriculum leads to the Associate in Science Degree and/or employment in the printing industry.
Complete 24 or more units from the following list:
PRNT 021 F Survey of Graphic Communications
PRNT 056 F Digital Printing
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
PRNT 085 F Intro to Flexography
PRNT 086 F Advanced Flexography
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 162 F Intermediate Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 963 F Advanced Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
PRNT 072AF Photo-Silk Screen
Program Review Response Form
Units
.5-2
2.5
6
4
4
3
4
4
4
2-8
2
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PRNT 072BF Advanced Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 072CF Advanced Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork
PRNT 172 F Offset Presswork
PRNT 973 F Advanced Offset Presswork
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press
PRNT 152 F Intro to Electronic Pre-Press
PRNT 953 F Advanced Electronic Pre-Press
Total Units:
2
2
6
7
6
6
4
4
4
24
Advanced Offset Presswork Certificate
The Advanced Offset Presswork Certificate program requires completion of 22 units of which 12-14 units are in
required courses. An additional 8-10 units must be chosen from the restricted electives listed below. A minimum grade of “C” is required
in each course taken. At least one half of the units toward the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College. This certificate
provides the skills needed to operate large offset presses and enter the commercial printing industry.
Required Courses (12-14 units)
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 162 F Intermediate Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 963 F Advanced Sheeted Offset Presswork or
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork or
PRNT 172 F Offset Presswork
Units
4
4
4
7
6
Restricted Electives (8-10 units)
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
PRNT 090 F Printing Skills Lab
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
PRNT 130 F Graphics
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press
PRNT 973 F Advanced Offset Presswork
Units
2-8
6
.5-6
3
2
4
6
Total Units:
22
Customer Service Training Certificate
The Customer Service Training Certificate requires a total of 14-15 units in required courses. This certificate provides
the skills needed to operate an offset duplicator and enter the commercial printing industry.
Required Courses (14-15 units)
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing or
PRNT 130 F Graphics
BUS 111 F Business Communications
BUS 151 F Business Mathematics
ART 140 F Intro to Advertising and Graphic Design
ACG 100 F Intro: Computer Graphics/MAC
Units
3
2
3
3
3
3
Total Units:
14-15
Digital Printing Certificate
The Digital Printing Certificate program requires a total of 19.5 units of which 9.5 units are in required courses. An
additional 10 units must be chosen from the restricted electives listed below.
Required Courses (9.5 units)
PRNT 056 F Digital Printing
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
(1st and 2nd semesters)
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
Units
2.5
2-8
Restricted Electives (10 units)
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
(3rd and 4th semesters)
Units
2-8
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PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
(1st semester) or
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork or
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork
Total Units:
6
4
4
7
19.5
Electronic Imaging Certificate
The Electronic Imaging Certificate program requires completion of 22 units of which 12 units are in required courses.
An additional 10 units must be chosen from the restricted electives listed below with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. At least
one half of the units toward the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College. This certificate provides students with practical
knowledge of the electronic imaging section of the printing industry.
Required Courses (12 units)
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
(1st and 2nd semesters) or
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press and
PRNT 152 F Intro to Electronic Pre-Press and
PRNT 953 F Advanced Electronic Pre-Press
Units
6
Restricted Electives (10 units)
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
(3rd semester)
PRNT 085 F Intro to Flexography
PRNT 090 F Printing Skills Lab
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
PRNT 130 F Graphics
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork
Units
6
Total Units:
22
4
4
4
4
.5-6
3
2
4
7
Flexography Certificate
The Flexography Certificate requires a total of 11 units in required courses. This certificate provides the skills needed
to operate an offset duplicator and enter the commercial printing industry.
Required Courses (11 units)
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
PRNT 085 F Intro to Flexography
PRNT 086 F Advanced Flexography
Units
3
4
4
Total Units:
11
Graphic Communications Certificate
The Graphic Communications Certificate program requires a total of 14-15 units in required courses. This certificate
provides the skills needed to enter the graphic communications industry.
Required Courses (14-15 units)
ART 140 F Intro to Advertising and Graphic Design
ACG 100 F Intro: Computer Graphics/MAC
BUS 111 F Business Communications
BUS 151 F Business Mathematics
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing or
PRNT 130 F Graphics
Units
3
3
3
3
3
2
Total Units:
14-15
Offset Duplicator Training Certificate
The Offset Duplicator Training Certificate requires a total of 11 units in required courses. This certificate provides the
skills needed to operate an offset duplicator and enter the commercial printing industry.
Program Review Response Form
PCC Approved March 6, 2002; External review rubrics removed 8/11/09 WSC
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Required Courses (11 units)
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
BUS 051 F Basic Business Mathematics
BUS 055 F Business English
Units
2-8
3
3
3
Total Units:
11
Printing Technology (General) Certificate
The Printing Technology (General) Certificate program requires the completion of 26 units of which 16 are in
required courses. An additional 10 units must be chosen from the restricted electives listed below. A grade of “C” is required in each
course taken. At least one half of the units toward the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College. This certificate provides the
student with a basic overall understanding of the printing industry and its allied fields.
Required Courses (16 units)
PRNT 085 F Intro to Flexography
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
PRNT 072AF Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press or
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork or
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork
Units
4
2-8
2
6
4
4
7
Restricted Electives (10 units)
Any classes offered by the Printing Department can be used for restrictive electives.
Total Units:
26
Quick Print/In-Plant Graphics Certificate
The Quick Print/In-Plant Graphics Certificate program requires the completion of 22 units of which 8 units are in
required courses. An additional 14 units must be chosen from the restricted electives listed below. A minimum grade of “C” is required
in each course taken. At least one half of the units toward the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College. This certificate
provides the skills needed to enter the small commercial printing industry.
Required Courses (8 units)
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
(four semesters)
Restricted Electives (14 units)
Units
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
(1st semester)
PRNT 085 F Intro to Flexography
PRNT 090 F Printing Skills Lab
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
PRNT 130 F Graphics
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork
Total Units:
Units
2-8
6
4
.5-6
3
2
4
4
7
22
Screen Printing Certificate
The Screen Printing Certificate program requires the completion of 24 units of which 12 units are in required courses.
An additional 12 units must be chosen from the restricted electives listed below. A minimum grade of “C” is required in each course
taken. At least one half of the units toward the certificate must be completed at Fullerton College. This certificate provides the skills
needed to enter the screen-printing industry.
Required Courses (12) units
PRNT 072AF Photo-Silk Screen
Program Review Response Form
Units
2
PCC Approved March 6, 2002; External review rubrics removed 8/11/09 WSC
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PRNT 072BF Advanced Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 072CF Advanced Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press or
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press and
PRNT 152 F Intro to Electronic Pre-Press
2
2
6
4
4
Restricted Electives (12) units
PRNT 056 F Digital Printing
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
(2nd semester)
PRNT 101 F Intro to Printing
PRNT 130 F Graphics
PRNT 151 F Intro to Pre-Press
(if not used as regular course above)
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork
Units
2.5
2-8
6
Total Units:
24
3
2
4
4
7
D. PROGRAM COURSES OFFERED
PRNT 021 F Survey of Graphic Communications
PRNT 056 F Digital Printing
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
PRNT 085 F Introduction to Flexography
PRNT 086 F Advanced Flexography
PRNT 101 F Introduction to Printing
PRNT 161 F Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 162 F Intermediate Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 963 F Advanced Sheeted Offset Presswork
PRNT 070 F Quick Printing and In-Plant Graphics
PRNT 072AF Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 072BF Intermediate Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 072CF Advanced Photo-Silk Screen
PRNT 075 F Electronic and Conventional Pre-Press
PRNT 171 F Offset Presswork
PRNT 172 F Offset Presswork
PRNT 973 F Advanced Offset Presswork
PRNT 151 F Introduction to Pre-Press
PRNT 152 F Intro to Electronic Pre-Press
PRNT 953 F Advanced Electronic Pre-Press
E. PROGRAM FACULTY
One full-time faculty:
Dennis Howey
Five adjunct faculty:
Dave Mc Cormac
Wilson Wong
Brett Mullenaux
Sam Karaba
Glen Huerth
F. PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Ron Lowey, Berkshire Westwood Inc. – Chairperson
Dennis Howey, Instructor, Fullerton College – Recording secretary
Dave Mc Cormac, Part time instructor, Fullerton College - member
Wilson Wong, Part time instructor, Fullerton College - member
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Brett Mullenaux, Part time instructor, Fullerton College - member
Sam Karaba, Part time instructor, Fullerton College - member
Glen Huerth, Part time instructor, Fullerton College – member
Paul Miller, Retired printing instructor, Fullerton College – member
Don Marsh, La Habra High School – member
John Bynon, Troy High School – member
Phil Taylor, Rotometrics – member
Craig Weiner, WS Packaging – member
Ken Suzuki, Printing Industries of America – member
Rebecca Morgan, Counselor, Fullerton College – member
Doug Staggs, Pittman Inc. – member
Gerald Sabol, Anaheim One Stop – member
Kathy Hardy, Xerox – member
Kevin Laing, Best Label - member
Bob Peterson, Superior Inks – member
Norma Alvarado, Competitive Technologies Center, NOCCCD – member
Scott Mc Kenzie, Dean, Fullerton College - member
II.
Program Key Performance Indicators
See attached data sheet from institutional research.
III.
Program Outcomes Analysis
A. REPORT ON STATUS OF PREVIOUS REVIEW OUTCOMES ANALYSIS
Since the last program review the printing department has updated curriculum as part of
the six-year review process and has added two new courses, Advanced Flexography and
Special Topics in Printing Technology. We have focused our efforts on updating the printing
program equipment and curriculum through two grants. We are in the second year of a threeyear VTEA grant, Transition from Analog to Digital, that focuses on making the jump from the
use of film to a digital workflow. This major change has affected all courses, with the digital
processes and equipment being integrated into the Electronic Pre-Press area. Partnering with
the Center for Advanced Competitive Technologies (CACT), which is part of the North Orange
County Community College District (NOCCCD), as part of the Digital to Print grant, we have
new computer to plate equipment in the Flexography programs. These new technologies
change the way we print, emulating the current industry processes and trends.
An accelerated training program focusing on the label manufacturing industry has been
established by working with the CACT and the Anaheim Workforce Investment Board. This
one semester program has provided increased enrollment and has helped revitalized the
printing program. This label-manufacturing program is the only one in Southern California,
providing students with the opportunity to learn the skills needed to enter the flexographic
printing industry. The Flexography program is in the process of changing from the analog
process to the digital label manufacturing process through the Digital to Print grant that will
provide our students with state of the art, CTP (computer to plate) technologies.
B. SUMMARY OF DATA – Recommend Evaluation of Data
Program Access – the printing department is accessible to all students. Electronic pre-press,
flexography, screen-printing, press and quick print classes are offered during the day and at
night. Students can obtain certification for program completion through the printing industry or
the printing department. Our students come from many different places with various goals and
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needs. The majority of our students are looking for job skills needed to enter the printing
industry in search of employment. Due to the recent cutbacks in funding, students are having
trouble finding class offering in our night programs.
Program Resources – the printing department uses many resources to provide the state of the
art training programs used to help students obtain the current job skills needed to enter the
printing field. The Printing Industries of America and the Flexographic Technical Association
provide support through industry testing and certification, current curriculum, books,
workshops, student recruitment, industry contacts and much more. Our industry partners
provide donations of supplies and equipment, technical support, job opportunities, field trips,
guest lectures, special programs and much more. The various student programs and services
found on campus provide many opportunities to help support our students. We have several
deaf and learning handicapped students that are supported through the department of disabled
student services. Many students take advantage of the writing center, tech prep, career center,
counseling and tutoring centers in the completion of their work and explorations of their
careers.
Program Efficiency – most students that complete the coursework are successful in obtaining
the skills and knowledge provided by the course curriculum to enter or retrain for the printing
industry. Due to cutbacks in course offerings campus wide, we are seeing a trend where
students enroll in a course just because it has seats available without understanding the
course content. This problem has resulted in higher no show and withdraw rates among
students in entry-level classes. Our advanced courses show a very high retention and
completion rate due to the direct effect the content of these courses have on student
employment and success. We continue to find that the greatest withdrawals and drop outs
come from employment and personal demands on our students creating conflicts within their
schedules.
Program Success – the vocational nature of the printing program provides a warm and friendly
atmosphere that nurtures student success, producing a very high retention rate, averaging
above 80% over the past 5 years. Our student success rate average is well above 70%, which
reflects the commitment of the faculty and students to student success. There were in excess
of 75 industry certificates and 50 printing department certificates awarded to students in the
areas of electronic imaging, sheet-fed offset presswork, and flexographic printing during the
past five years.
C. IDENTIFICATION OF TRENDS
The current trends associated with the printing industry are the continued increased
demand for color printing with higher quality and consistent color reproduction. We are seeing
a strong growth in the digital printing market with emphasis placed on the computer to plate
and digital workflows in both the offset and flexographic printing fields.
Color printing continues to be the common place in the advertising market and drives
the need for high-speed multi color presses in all sectors of the printing industry. Because of
the advancements in printing technology systems, inks, substrates, processes and workflows,
our students must be kept on the leading edge of technology.
The computer and computer software continues to have a tremendous impact on the
commercial printing industry. With the development of advanced page layout and imposition
programs, workflow systems, digital imaging software and color management programs, our
industry is experiencing a dramatic change that drives our industry to produce a product at a
higher level and at a much faster pace. These changes are reflected in the new curriculum
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development, new equipment purchases and software installations being implemented into the
printing department programs.
D. IMMEDIATE SHORT-TERM PLANS
The printing industry is seeing significant growth in the digital printing segment and the
printing department needs to research and identify which segment of the digital market we
need to focus our attention on. As part of the third year of the VTEA grant, there is a
component for the development of a digital printing program including new equipment. Due to
the ever-changing digital technology market associated with the printing field, it is important to
make equipment and software decisions shortly after the funds become available to avoid
software becoming obsolete.
We will develop short-term industry training sessions for the Flexographic printing
industry. These sessions will focus on digital plate-making processes using the new Esko
digital imaging software and hardware. The new digital equipment will provide the technology
for color management and consistent color production practices for the label program. New
course curriculum will be developed around the new digital imaging technologies being
implemented in the electronic pre-press, offset lithography and flexographic printing classes.
New digital printing curriculum will be developed around the Xerox Docu Color variable
imaging equipment and software. New curriculum will be developed around the use of the new
XMPie variable data software. New program and curriculum development will be implemented
around the purchase of a new four color Heidelberg offset printing press that is currently in the
purchasing process.
Much work is needed to develop new curriculum and programs around the new
equipment and software that has been purchased through the IDRC - Industry Driven Regional
Collaborative and VTEA grants. The development of these programs will allow the printing
department the ability to offer students the most current knowledge and job skills needed to be
successful in the emerging digital market that the printing industry is currently experiencing.
The printing technology program should be relocated to a swing space during the planned
construction of our new facility. Future employment in our region remains strong with an
indication of high paying jobs.
E. LONG-TERM PLANS
The strengths of the printing department are found in its faculty and state of the art digital
imaging equipment. There is a need to develop long term plans to monitor the development of
other digital processes and equipment that will most likely represent the future of the printing
field. Future trends show the development of high-speed ink jet technologies and plans should
be made in the future to incorporate this into the program when it becomes more affordable.
The redesign and reorganization the printing facility will take place over the next several
years, as a new facility will be built. As we see a shift from analog to digital printing in our
facility, the reconstruction of the program will provide many challenges. We see a continued
expansion of the Flexographic printing area as this sector of the printing industry is showing
moderate growth even in these difficult economic times.
There is a continued need to establish new resources and re-establish old relationships
with high school graphics programs, graphic design programs on and off campus, work force
development centers and other sources that provide opportunities for enrollment. There is a
need to replace the full-time teaching position created by a recent retirement.
REQUEST FOR RESOURCES
Due to the retirement of a full-time instructor and a hiring freeze, we are not able to replace
a full-time teaching position. With all of the new equipment and software in the electronic
imaging areas in our department, it is imperative to replace the full-time position that was lost
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due to retirement. Failure to replace this position will have significant negative effects on the
printing program. Funding for this position needs to become a priority of the current
administration.
The local print industry associations, industry suppliers and local printing facilities have and
will continue to be a resource for new equipment, supplies, technical help, certification, job
placement, guest lecturers and other program resources. We will need continued recruitment
support through programs on and off campus to help build student enrollment. There is a need
to educate the counseling staff, providing them with information describing the various career
opportunities giving them the knowledge and confidence to refer students into the printing
programs. There is a continuing need to update software and equipment to keep current with
the trends of the printing industry. The funds needed to purchase new equipment and
software should be possible through grant writing and other state and federal funding
resources.
Program Review Response Form
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