Published October 2024

MEDIA TRAINING PROGRAM

Catalog and General Information Supplement
The Media Arts Center
3420 Toringdon Way Suite 100
Charlotte, NC 28277

704-502-1979 | NCMediaArts.com

A MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL DIRECTOR

Welcome to The Media Arts Center

The Media Arts Center is a digital media school that focuses on social media, broadcast media, filmmaking, and business operations training in the media arts space.  Our Programs are avocational - designed for recreational, self improvement, or continuing education of occupationally qualified individuals. They are intense, interactive, and taught by industry professionals, allowing students to retain more than from a traditional classroom setting or online studies alone. 

The Media Arts Center is committed to providing quality instruction by industry professionals, dynamic and relevant courses of study, and opportunities for an authentic, hands-on experience. Students learn the skills necessary for a rewarding and successful future in a course of study that continues to expand and evolve. 

We strive to be the premier digital media arts school in North Carolina. Student success is central to everything we do. The success of The Media Arts Center is defined solely by the satisfaction of each student’s ability to learn and prosper from their newly learned skills.

On a personal note, I’ve worked and taught in this field for more than a quarter century. Today when I wake up, I see my students on television, hear them on the radio, or learn about their dreams and goals as I stroll through campus - I am delighted that my team had something to do with this.  It has always been my goal to help people thrive.  The reward is indescribable. Thank-you!

John Casson

Owner | Principal
Director Emeritus
The Media Arts Center

Table of Contents

1. Catalog Publishing Information ......................................................... 1

2. Message from the Director ................................................................. 1

• • Table of Contents………………………………………………………….. 2

1. Administration ..................................................................................... 3

2. Faculty ...................................................................................................3

3. Program Training Periods ..................................................................  4

4. Tuition and Fees.....................................................................................4

• • Dynamic Price Credit ……………………………………………………… 4

1. Governing Body & Legal Ownership .................................................. 4

                    Transparency Statement……………………………………………………5

1. Mission Statement ................................................................................ 5

2. Program Objectives .........................................................................…. 5

3. Hours of Operation / Program Calendar ..............................................5

4. Course Schedule ................................................................................... 5

5. Facilities and Equipment ....................................................................   6

6. Requirements for Admission .............................................................   6

7. Credit for Previous Training ...............................................................   7

8. Attendance ...........................................................................................   7

9. Satisfactory Academic Progress / Grading ................................. …. ..7

10. Conduct ................................................................................................ . 7

11. Default .................................................................................................... 7

12. Program Completion ............................................................................ .7

13. Type of Award ...................................................................................... ..7

14. Student Transcript / Permanent Record ............................................. .7

15. Placement Policy ................................................................................... 7

16. Refund Policy .......................................................................................  7

17. Expulsion………………. .......................................................................  7

18. Withdrawal ...........................................................................................   8

19. Leave of Absence ................................................................................   8

20. Student Complaint Policy ..................................................................    8

21. Advertising ..........................................................................................    8

• • Image Release Form .......................................................................…..  8

1. 1. Application for Enrollment………………………………………………… 9

Administration Oversight  

John Casson | Executive Director

[Position Open] Education Director

[Position Open] Outreach Director

Program Training Periods

Class Days: Mondays + Wednesdays  11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Studio Days: Tuesdays + Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Business Operations Program [online]

• 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Social Media  Program [online]

• 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Broadcast Media Program

•  3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. High School Program

• 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Social Media Program [online]

• 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Filmmaking Program

• 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Business Operations Program [online]

Tuition and Fees $6220

Tuition:  $4,864 Includes 72 clock hours of instruction and 72 available studio use hours

Fees: $1356

• Application Fee $50

• Student Activity Fee: $60

• Campus Access, Parking, and Security (CAPS) Fee: $34

• Technology Fee: $192

• Program studio use Fee  $1020

• Students put 20% down and pay 20% with each course completion date.[ $1234 x 5 = $6170]

Dynamic Tuition Credit

Dynamic tuition affects how much your final cost will be and is calculated by the number of available seats at the time of your enrollment. Early applicants are rewarded. Procrastinators pay the full published rate. The maximum dynamic credit is $1000 less than posted tuition. Technology and lab fees are not impacted by dynamic pricing. The dynamic price is posted on the Program page online each day by 9:30am. 

Governing Body & Legal Ownership

The school does not require licensure or and is not required to report to a governing body.

The Media Arts Center is owned and operated by Operations Management Company  d.b.a. The Media Arts Center
3520 Toringdon Way, Suite 100, Charlotte, North Carolina 28277

Operations Management Company is wholly owned by John Casson, 15442 Brem Lane, Charlotte, NC 28277

Transparency Statement

The Media Arts Center is committed to transparency and providing prospective students with clear information about our programs, operations, and policies.

Licensure Status

None. Programs are avocational and do not require license in North Carolina.

Programs Offered

Our avocational programs include Broadcasting, Filmmaking, Social Media, and Business Operations for these mediums. We aim to provide practical skills and knowledge to support your career goals. 

Quality of Education

While we do not have accreditation, and are not regulated by any governing body;  we are dedicated to maintaining high educational standards and continuously improving our offerings based on student feedback. 

Student Outcomes:

We encourage prospective students to inquire about our graduates' success. We are committed to helping our students achieve their personal and professional goals. That said, we make no promise on any individual outcome or promise to find work. 

Contact Information:

For more information or questions about the school, please contact school Principal, John Casson. He can be reached at the school number 704-502-1979 which is also his cell phone. You can also email him at john@ncmediaarts.com. Students can speak  to him without an appointment during campus hours, or schedule an appointment off campus if needed via the school website: ncmediaarts.com

Mission Statement

We will be the best choice for concise, affordable, non-nonsense, avocational programs in the creative media arts field in the communities we serve. We will focus on Broadcasting, Filmmaking, Social Media, and Business Operations. But our greatest focus must always be on the students we serve. To that end, we will keep tuition affordable, keep our facilities spotless, and treat all students  with dignity and respect.

Program Objective

Programs are avocational - designed for recreational, self improvement, or continuing education of occupationally qualified individuals.

Hours of Operation

Monday and Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

We observe the following building holidays for 2024:

• New Year’s Day: January 1 (Wednesday)

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day: January 20 (Monday)

• Memorial Day: May 26 (Monday)

• Juneteenth: June 19 (Thursday)

• Independence Day: July 4 (Friday)

• Labor Day: September 1 (Monday)

• Thanksgiving Day: November 27 (Thursday)

• Christmas Day: December 25 (Thursday)

In the event that a scheduled class occurs on a legal holiday, or the school closes due to inclement weather, the class will be made up at a day and time to be determined by the administration. 

Facilities and Equipment

The Media Arts Center is on the Toringdon campus in Charlotte, North Carolina. Our facility features:

• 14 large screen televisions 

• 9 Apple M2 desktop computers on tables with hardwiring for technology charging and:

• 24-inch 4.5K Retina display¹ features 500 nits of brightness and support for one billion colors. Everything from streaming movies to editing photos is sharp, colorful and available to students

• Advanced camera and audio—Look and sound your best with a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, 

• a studio-quality three-mic array, and a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.

• Software including Adobe Premier Suite, Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Zoom. 

• Every Mac comes with encryption, robust virus protections, and a powerful firewall system. 

• iMac comes with a color-matched Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard.

• iMac features two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports, up to two USB 3 ports, and a headphone jack. (Gigabit Ethernet available.), wireless connectivity option with Wi-Fi 6E⁵ and Bluetooth 5.3.

• Filine storage—iMac comes with plenty of fast SSD storage for all your photo and video libraries, files, and apps.

• Mac is designed to learn and use during labs without instruction

• 10 Swivel back executive chairs with side-rests for all students and faculty.

• 10 computer desks including fixed and remote raise for comfort

• Four separate green screen areas and multiple furnished areas for movie sets in the common area.

• A studio for video production, sound cards, video cards, and other hardware.

• Remote lighting with C-stands and Tripods for video cameras.

• A master control room with switchers, monitors, controllers, and remote teleprompter. 

• Two large cameras with built in teleprompter for new anchoring.

• Remote operating capabilities and portable technology with travel cases.

• Three distinct audio studios with professional control boards and custom desks. 

• Two dedicated lab areas for hands-on work. 

• Updated technology in cameras, editing software, audio equipment, movie cameras.

• Portable and fixed lighting kits for student use. 

• Common areas with scene ready suites including couches, chairs, and professional decor and 

• Office style kitchen is stocked with snacks, soda, water, and plenty of popcorn.

Requirements for Admission

1. Read the catalog

2. Complete the registration

3. Pay tuition and fees

No credit for previous training. 

Attendance

Regular attendance is essential for student success and group projects. Students are expected to attend scheduled classes and labs. Absence should be reported to the administration in advance. Excessive absences and no show/no calls may lead to dismissal from the program.

Satisfactory Progress

Students are evaluated through practical assignments, projects, and participation in class activities. No grades are given. Students will demonstrate their skills with their projects.

Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally and with respect toward instructors, staff, peers, and equipment. Disruptive behavior may cause disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program.

Default

Students who fail to make required payments may be dismissed from the program.

Completion

Successful completion of required courses and labs is necessary to complete the program. However, as an avocational school, students are considered complete when the program they are enrolled in ends.

Awards

Our Programs are avocational - designed for recreational, self improvement, or continuing education of occupationally qualified individuals. Students do not receive degrees from our programs. Successful students will produce portfolios that may include  short films, news packages, demos, or social media portfolios. However, no such portfolio is required.

Student Transcripts and Records

Transcripts will be available upon request after program completion. Any digital media stored on the school's server or computers will be deleted after the final day of class. Students should download all materials prior to their last day.

Placement Policy

Our programs are avocational. Assistance is provided to those who satisfactorily complete the program and seek to work in the industry.

Refund Policy

Before the first class or if class is canceled by the school: 100% refund of all monies paid.

On or before the third class: 75% refund of tuition

After the third but prior to the fifteenth class: Prorated refund of tuition based on the percentage of the program not completed

After the 15th class: No refund. Student responsible for all monies owed.

Expulsions

A student may be terminated for excessive absences, failure to meet academic requirements, or violation of conduct policies.

Withdrawals

Students wishing to withdraw from the program must provide written notice to the administration.

Leave of Absence

Students may request a leave of absence due to extenuating circumstances. The administration must grant written approval.

Complaints

Students are encouraged to raise concerns directly with faculty or staff. If a resolution cannot be reached, a formal complaint may be submitted to the administration.

Advertising

Advertising materials for The Media Arts Center may include the images of students and faculty. The Media Arts Center does not engage in false advertising.

Permission to Use Images

The Media Arts Center may use photographs, video recordings, or other digital media during your participation in programs and activities at the School. This permission includes the use of these images in promotional materials, including but not limited to brochures, websites, social media, and other advertising formats.

Please note:

1. No Compensation: You will not receive any compensation for the use of image or likeness in these materials.

2. Duration of Use: The School may use my image for an indefinite period unless you provide written notice not to do so prior to the video taking place.

3. Right to Withdraw: You may withdraw this permission by providing written notice to the School prior to any project or promotion.

Release of Liability
You release and hold harmless The Media Arts Center and its students and staff from any claims, demands, or causes of action arising from the use of my image in accordance with this release.

Conduct

Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally and with respect toward instructors, staff, and peers. Disruptive behavior may cause disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program. Additionally, students are prohibited from using copyrighted materials in their projects without proper licensing or permission. This includes but is not limited to music, images, video clips, and text. Violation of this policy may cause disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program.