Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design Protects Their Student Experience With Preparedness And Resilient Protocols

When it comes to higher education, there are many considerations a potential student will have when choosing their desired institution. From the depth and rigor of the curriculum to the expansive array of programs and clubs, to an active and engaged school culture, a large number of factors contribute to the calculus of that final decision. In the wake of large-scale disruptions to college life, such as the 2020 pandemic, many students and their families are seeking college institutions that can navigate the myriad challenges that could impact their education. 

Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD), a leading art and design institution located in Lakewood, Colorado and online, is committed to putting its students first and takes a proactive approach to crisis management and prevention. The college’s commitment to fostering a dynamic, community-oriented environment that empowers students is protected by a student-centered set of policies, training, procedures, and plans. By ensuring that its students, staff, and faculty are connected and supported in uncertain or stressful times, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design can protect the valuable experience that is higher art education.

Founded in 1963, RMCAD nurtures creative talent through a rigorous and innovative educational approach, inspiring a passion for critical thinking and industry influence in its students. The college’s values highlight the importance of student-centered education, professional and creative development, and an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives. With this combination of rigorous, critical curricula and a multifaceted, engaging community, RMCAD prepares its students for success in multidisciplinary careers and societal contributions.

Adaptability And Mission-Driven Planning

It’s impossible to plan for and account for every potential event or crisis. Still, by establishing a strong foundation and clear policies, an institution is better equipped to adapt to whatever comes next. RMCAD takes a proactive, student-centered approach to preparing for disruptions to student life, emphasizing preparedness, adaptability, and data-driven decision-making in its mission-driven strategic plans. From established plans, such as the “I Love U Guys” Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for emergencies, to strategic, long-term plans like RMCAD RISE (Reflect, Innovate, Serve, and Evolve), the college is well-prepared to protect its students and their educational experience. 

“The strategic planning process itself is seen as a tool for anticipating change and responding effectively, with ongoing analysis (SWOT), regular reviews, and data-driven decision-making to ensure the plan remains relevant,” explains Leila Ertel, Vice President of Marketing.

A significant portion of RMCAD’s effective planning is attributed to its internal communication and cross-departmental collaboration processes. The college utilizes a variety of communication channels to keep students, staff, and faculty informed about news, emergency notifications, and events, including phone, text, and email via SchoolMessenger. The school’s Department Services Directory includes a comprehensive list of internal departments, including Academic Advising, Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Student Affairs, and more. Each of these departments benefits from consistent interdepartmental communication and support. 

RMCAD reviews and publishes an annual Campus Safety Report as required by the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. This demonstrates a commitment to transparency and adherence to federal safety regulations, which inherently involves preparedness planning. In a crisis, RMCAD’s Marketing Department serves as the primary liaison to news outlets and various audiences, leveraging facts and data to respond to media inquiries and provide information to students, staff, and their families.  

A Crisis Case Study

RMCAD’s adaptability was already impactful during the COVID-19 pandemic, as its established protocols and blended learning model enabled it to meet both students’ safety and educational needs. RMCAD had already supported online learning through several tools and platforms, so the swift transition to remote learning while maintaining academic continuity went more smoothly than for many other higher education providers. The school implemented specific protocols, including social distancing and mask mandates, alongside enhanced cleaning processes and restrictions on non-essential travel, to protect its students, faculty, and staff. 

Protecting and enabling students on their educational journey was a top priority, and RMCAD’s student-first philosophy was evident. For fine arts courses that required hands-on learning, RMCAD allowed access to on-campus labs and studios by appointment, with safety measures in place. For new and returning students, the school offered a tuition break to ease the burden of the stressful time. Also, it provided them with continuous updates, surveys, and Q&A sessions through RMCAD’s transparency policy. 

The pandemic is just one example of RMCAD’s effective crisis management and robust preparation, which served to educate further and prepare the school for any future crises. Swift adaptation and flexible policies enable students and staff alike to respond to dynamic environments, while the school’s dedicated teams and clear lines of communication facilitate rapid and effective responses. Throughout it all, student well-being has been and continues to be a top priority. 

Putting Students First

The philosophy of RMCAD is that the student’s well-being and success are the highest priority. Decisions at all times, including during major disruptions or crises, are guided by risk management fundamentals that always prioritize the best option for students’ safety, success, and long-term impact in chosen fields. Through concierge-level support and a commitment to a diverse and equitable environment, Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design is prepared to provide its students with the most enriching possible college experience, regardless of whatever life throws their way. 

The school’s CARE (Communication, Assessment, Response, and Evaluation) team proactively intervenes in issues related to the safety and general well-being of the RMCAD campus community and provides confidential support services. This is an essential service at a baseline, but it’s even more crucial in the wake of a crisis. These support services were provided to students, while other Q&As and ongoing reviews, such as those seen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed students to share their experiences and concerns directly with the college. 

This blend of proactive support, post-event reflections, and inclusion combines to provide RMCAD students with the safety they need and deserve, while also empowering them with the agency and impact they’ll soon exercise in the job market as talented graduates. RMCAD’s robust online learning infrastructure provides its students with clear lines of communication and a resilient set of tools that enable them to learn and succeed regardless of what events may arise.