The Colorado Mesa University Board of Trustees is required to approve any new degree or certificate programs. At the last meeting, a digital filmmaking program was proposed. There were different associates of applied sciences and certificates recommended to the board.

• Associate of Applied Science in Digital Filmmaking: Writing/Directing emphasis
• Associate of Applied Science in Digital Filmmaking: Production Design emphasis

Technical certificates in:

• Digital Filmmaking: Writing/Directing Elements
• Digital Filmmaking: Basic Production Design
• Digital Filmmaking: Basic Writing/Directing
• Digital Filmmaking: Production Design Elements
• Digital Filmmaking: Intermediate Production Design
• Digital Filmmaking: Intermediate Writing and Directing

The idea is for this program to replace the current A.A.S and Technical Certificate in Visual Communications. The Digital Filmmaking program will teach commercial and narrative video production, visual storytelling, screenwriting, producing, directing and other parts of narrative filmmaking.

In the proposal for the program, there are listed potential local employers that would hire with purposed associates or certificate. Some listed to the board were St. Mary’s and Community Hospitals, Grand Junction Visitors and Convention Bureau, local real estate offices, local retail, restaurants and bars, Grand Junction Police and Fire Departments and Mesa County School District 51.

The board was also presented with goals for the program.

The proposal states, “The goals of the proposed Associate degrees and Technical Certificates: is designed for people who want to enter the workforce quickly and not wait for another two years. Also, the degree prepares the students to face the business demands of the industry by not only teaching the skills to survive working for a company but the business knowledge to go out on their own if they wish to freelance. Many filmmakers on the Western Slope do not have any degree. By offering the degree or enrolling in individual classes, local filmmakers are given the opportunity to learn skills that could increase the quality of their own work.”

There would be 25 new courses to support this program.

After the board approves the program it is then submitted to the Colorado Commission on Higher Education for approval and to be information items to update the statewide Student Unit Record Data System.