Ringling College Collaboratory FAQs

1. What is the definition of a collaboratory?
   A collaboratory, defined as recently as 1989, is a “center without walls, in which the nation’s researchers can perform their research without regard to physical location, interacting with colleagues, accessing instrumentation, sharing data and computational resources, [and] accessing information in digital libraries” (Wulf, 1989).
   
   Viewing the collaboratory through the academic lens, the mission of Ringling College Collaboratory (RC2) is to build an academic support entity that can attract opportunities that invest in the development and incorporation of real-world projects into the learning process through the Ringling College curriculum. In the simplest of terms, the RC2 will function as an experiential learning conduit between students, faculty members, and outside entities THAT need a project completed.
2. What is the Ringling College Collaboratory (RC2)?
   The concept of the Ringling College Collaboratory (RC2) is to create a learning environment where businesses, non-profits, governments, and other entities could work with Ringling College students to plan, propose, and design creative solutions for a specific context informed by professional-level engagement within the discipline.  The Collaboratory as envisioned is to provide a designated, designed space for project teams, involving students from all art and design disciplines, including students from the Business of Art and Design program to come together and collaborate on projects with industry professionals. 
   
   RC2, as an alternative strategic unit of instruction, provides the framework to enhance student learning by providing a variety of real-world scenarios beyond what is possible from the traditional studio experience.  While these opportunities are becoming necessary for student success beyond their studies, they also have incredible benefit to all participants in the process. Consequently, RC2 will offer direct benefits to Ringling College of Art and Design by better preparing our students for their careers, heightening the college’s engagement with the professional world, and building a community of expertise to meet the demands of a constantly shifting global landscape.
3. How does this initiative honor the vision of The Patterson Foundation?
   RC2 connects external organizations and partners with Ringling College students in a way that we believe will transform the current higher educational framework for art and design students with Ringling College as the model program. The Patterson family believed in the power of the visual image. Ringling College’s expertise and educational mission focuses on visual communications across a variety of disciplines. RC2 will develop the creative leaders of the future.
4. Who makes up the initiative team?
   The RC2 is directed by Initiative Manager Melody Weiler, Ringling College VP of Academic Affairs.
5. What is the progress to date?
   The RC2 is now in the research and development phase. More information will be available as the initiative evolves.