The Specs Howard School is an equal All photographs in this catalog opportunity educational facility. were taken over the last fifty years We welcome persons of all ages, at various locations of the Specs genders, races, creeds, orientations Howard School of Media Arts, and national origins. n The Specs unless otherwise noted. Howard School of Media Arts (“SHS”) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. n Specs Howard reserves the right to modify any portion of this catalog, as needed. Any changes to this catalog will be provided in the form of an addendum, which shall be agreed to, in writing, by all parties. Specs Howard DMA student in the field, 2011 Mission statement: The Specs Howard School of Media Arts is dedicated to inspiring, educating and motivating future leaders in the media arts. We continuously monitor and evaluate both our contents student outcomes and 2 | Welcome! the achievement of our 2 | Who is Specs Howard? 2 | About the School institutional goals so 3 | Facilities 4 | Admissions Requirements that we may improve our 6 | Broadcast Media Arts (BMA) efforts for our students, 8 | Digital Media Arts (DMA) 10 | Graphic Design (GFX) staff, employers, and 12 | Faculty 14 | Student Success community. 16 | Career Services 17 | Student Policies 20 | Academic Policies 26 | Financial Policies 30 | Class Schedules 33 | Index Volume 47 published January 2020 1 Welcome! This year, 2020, RADIO PIONEER SPECS HOWARD marks the 50th was born Jerry Liebman on April 8, 1926, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. In 1948, he received a bachelor’s degree in anniversary history/political science and radio speech and dramatics of the Specs from Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania. That same year, he opened his own radio station in his home state. Howard School. We’re excited In 1954, Specs moved to Cleveland and continued his to be celebrating broadcast career there with NBC and Westinghouse. In 1962, he joined forces with Harry Martin, launching The Martin and Howard this momentous Show, which remained on the air in Cleveland until the duo moved to event, and we’re happy Detroit in January 1967, where the show aired for another two years. you’ve expressed an In 1970, Specs founded the Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts, which has since interest in our school. We trained thousands of people for successful media careers. As a result of Specs’ hope you will become one longstanding history and dedication to the broadcast and media arts, he has been the recipient of a number of the industry’s top awards, honors and accolades. of the many students and graduates to have passed Specs still shows up for work at the school he founded 50 years ago. If you spot him in the hall, be sure to say “hi!”. Oh, and the name? “Specs” was chosen as his through our doors over professional moniker because of the trademarked horn-rimmed glasses he wore. the 50 years since we “Howard”, however, was chosen randomly out of a phone book! began teaching. About the Specs Howard School Regardless of what you The Specs Howard School offers programs in Broadcast Media Arts, Digital Media choose to study, we are Arts and Graphic Design. The curricula at the Specs Howard School focus on teaching students the skills and knowledge needed to work with industry equipment here to make sure you in job-related activities through a hands-on approach. Specs Howard students receive the best education continuously build confidence and increase skill levels, while working toward achieving their ultimate goal: employment. we can offer. Our faculty and staff are here for you The Specs Howard School is a private career school that takes an active interest in to help you on your journey. every student’s individual development. All faculty members have received college degrees in their areas of expertise and/or have worked extensively in those fields. Best of luck, and we The Broadcast Media Arts program provides hands-on training look forward to seeing BMA through supervised lab sessions in the Specs Howard School radio and television studios. BMA students refine skills in radio performance, news and you soon. commercial copywriting, television field production, audio and video production, and digital editing. A portion of the BMA curriculum is taught via an online learning management system. The Digital Media Arts program provides hands-on training through DMA supervised lab sessions in the Specs Howard School media labs. DMA Martin Liebman, President students refine skills in camera techniques, non-linear editing, media writing and 2 SHS begins offering programs in basic radio 1970 performance and federal licensing requirements. SHS incorporates its first on-air radio station, WNLD, 1973 as part of the radio program curriculum. SHS receives national accreditation. In 1983, the 1978 school is approved for federal financial aid programs. web design. A portion of the DMA curriculum is taught via an online SHS adds its first TV studio, allowing students to study learning management system. 1981 camera operation, lighting, directing and video editing. The Graphic Design GFX program provides hands-on Keeping pace with new technologies, the school adds training through supervised lab 1994 non-linear digital video editing to its curriculum. sessions in the Specs Howard School graphics labs. GFX students refine skills in basic graphic design principles, color Due to demand for graphic and web design theory, layout concepts, typography, 2008 professionals, SHS adds the Graphic Design program. copywriting, photography, motion graphics and web design. A portion of the GFX curriculum is taught via an Demand for web-based media pros inspires the online learning management system. 2010 introduction of the Digital Media Arts program. THE SPECS HOWARD SCHOOL provides students with structured opportunities to SHS receives a School of Distinction Award from its succeed in simulated job situations. 2016 accrediting body, ACCSC. Instructors provide the necessary theoretical background in traditional Specs Howard School of Media Arts celebrates its classroom settings and feedback from 2020 50th anniversary! lab and field experiences. Whenever possible, students are offered internship opportunities (usually unpaid) in the communications and media fields to enrich their educational facilities experience. Internships, while strongly encouraged, are not a requirement for The Specs Howard School is located at 26700 Lahser Rd., Suite 100, Southfield, graduation from any SHS program. MI 48033.* The Specs Howard School facilities include editing labs equipped with iMacs, Mac Pros and other PCs, audio and video editing software, a wide The final measure of the quality of Specs range of electronic news gathering equipment, access to the 24/7 News Howard’s programs is the degree of Source website, on-campus radio stations and practice studios, graphic design success of its graduates. The SHS Career software and a matte room which includes a high-quality printer. Services Department actively generates job leads and works individually with As part of our Learning Resource System, the SHARE Program (Specs Howard students and graduates to maximize their Access to Resources for Education) lends all students a computer device possibilities of timely and appropriate job for the duration of their enrollment at the Specs Howard School. To further placement. Additionally, Specs Howard augment their education, the Learning Resource Center (LRC), which is a part graduates have been working in the of the Learning Resource System, provides all Specs Howard students with industry since 1970; therefore, many of access to computers, software, a printer, WiFi, books and periodicals related to the employers are graduates themselves each curriculum, and training videos. who are currently employed in upper-level management positions in the media and *Please note that this location is to be considered temporary until further notice. All references in graphics industries. this catalog to this address are to be considered as such. 3 SPECS Admissions requirements SHEREE CALHOUN GRADS To begin the application process, Producer, WDIV Local 4 call (248) 358-9000 to schedule an Our graduates are part appointment to visit the school, at of an esteemed network which time you’ll have a chance to check out our facilities and learn more of professionals that about what we offer. Prospective have found their calling students interested in the Specs in various sectors of Howard School should schedule an appointment with an Admissions the media industry. Advisor and do the following: IAN RICHARDS Since networking plays Assistant Program CODY TROMBLEY • Take a tour: Come have a look Director, Music Director Promotions Director a significant role in & Host, 98.7 The Breeze iHeartMedia Detroit finding employment, around the Specs Howard School facilities. efforts are made to invite grads back to school • Review information about us: Take to mentor students a look at our programs of study, employment opportunities, program at various functions, schedules, policies, registration as well as provide an processes, and Career Services industry perspective at procedures. KIA BAKER advisory board meetings. • Complete an entrance evaluation: JOE WARNER Executive Multimedia Specialist Amaze U Trainer Many graduates go on Application to the Specs Howard The Carpet Guys Quicken Loans to become employers School is