On Wednesday, Nov. 7, the Guilford Art Department held their general meeting to go over new changes and agenda items with their art students. This meeting, held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., focused on the new updates about how the Art Department will function under the Guilford Edge calendar.

The meeting was held in the newly renovated Hege-Cox building in the Aquarium Classroom on the first floor. It was a small sleek room with chairs and tables set up for the meeting. Students were chatting about the possible changes and updates that were coming for the coming 2019 fall semester. Some students were interested in the upcoming changes despite their graduation this spring.

“We have a general art department meeting year every year,” senior Erin Kye said. “But this, even though I’m not coming here next year I’m still interested in the changes they’re making.”

The meeting was led by Associate Professor of Art Mark Dixon and Visitng Professor of Art Katy Colliers. Together, they started the meeting with a welcome and short introductions from everyone in the room.

Dixon discussed the agenda items, covering the topics of registration for classes next semester and applications for future thesis students. Dixon then invited students to “take ownership” and explore their renovated studios and working area.

Next, Collier spoke about how the new Edge calendar would be affecting the Arts Department. According to Collier, the Arts Department feels confidently that many parts of the program will remain consistent with the past.

Many attending students support the Arts Department and felt confidently that the Edge would be a beneficial experience for incoming students.

“At this point, I’m kinda like ‘I’ll try and see what happens.’” first year Adebayo Oladele said. “I’m gonna hold back judgement. I want to wait and see how it turns out.”

For many students, one of their major concerns was cleared during the meeting. Current students would have the option to decide to keep their original graduation requirements or make the switch to the new set curriculum that the Edge would bring next fall.

Although the requirements needed to graduate are set to two options for students, the calendar system will change for everyone. This was new and valuable information for many students in the room who did not know beforehand.

“Now, I’m not too worried, my advisor usually keeps me on track and all the teachers want you to succeed so they’ll obviously help you with transitions,” said junior Whitley Sink.

With the new three-week intensive periods, Collier assures that there would be more room for exploration and hands-on experience.

“The classes would be more project based potentially. Instead of you sitting there and getting lectured at, you’re doing the things,” Collier said.

The meeting was a casual sit-in but it explained and assured many students who knew they could rely on answers and dedication from their professors.

“The professors take a lot of time and dedication to making sure everyone will get the education they deserve,” Kye said.