###### Multi-Modal Teaching Special Committee, Summer 2021


This summer I participated in a special committee, led by Marika Preziuso and Nita Sturiale, tasked with investigating remote and hybrid pedagogies and best practices. I joined a break out group where we reviewed review MassArt’s existing practices of student engagement and assessment for their accessibility, equity and inclusion. Our work resulted in a set of recommendations sent to the AUC and the creation of a new Multi-Modal Teaching and Learning governance committee being formed, which I will be on this fall.


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###### Shared Practices in Teaching+Learning Special Committee  


CHARGE:  
To continue investigating the current College-wide practices and draft best practices and recommendations on College-wide teaching and learning, with additional focus on advising. Goals and areas of special investigation include:


Draft a mission, a vision, and values for online teaching and learning, review curriculum delivery platforms and expectations, review college-wide critique models, review systems of grades and students assessment, centralize faculty and staff professional development, review faculty mentorship, promotion, and tenure structure, and investigate and research the college’s current advising model.


Our work is framed around MassArt's mission for inclusive, just, accessible, and equitable education for all students. Here is an excerpt from the MassArt Mission: We pursue a just compassionate, and equitable learning environment. We cultivate rigorous creative practices by observing, questioning, making, and remaking. We honor courage, honesty, mutual respect, and self-expression. We believe in the power of art and design to transform our world.


Multi-Modal Teaching Special Committee

###### Coordinator of Dynamic Media Institute 2018–2019, Co-Coordinator with Fish McGill 2019–2021


In the fall of 2018, I assumed the role of coordinator for the Dynamic Media Institute (DMI) MFA graduate program. Since then, I have focused on outreach efforts to promote and grow DMI, including speaking at and attending conferences, as well as teaching workshops to build connections between relevant artists, professionals, potential MFA candidates, and the DMI community. Although MassArt does not sponsor conferences financially, I successfully negotiated in-kind speaking fees to secure a DMI sponsorship at Typographics 2019 (New York, NY). As a result, DMI and MassArt were prominently featured in all printed signage, advertisements, and conference materials for this 11-day event, which drew over 900 participants from more than 25 countries.

In addition, I leveraged our extensive alumni network to introduce new and engaging curriculum to DMI, collaborating with professionals such as the Lead AR Designer from Bose, an Interactive Designer from WGBH, a Developer for the MIT Civic Media Lab, and an Interactive Producer at the Richard Lewis Media Group.

In 2019, I was grateful to begin co-directing DMI with Fish McGill. Together, we have maintained a collaborative leadership approach and successfully held steady enrollment through the challenges posed by the pandemic. Thanks to our increased presence and the launch of a comprehensive archive website showcasing student and faculty work, DMI experienced a 72% increase in applications, an 81% increase in accepted students, and a 100% increase in deposits in 2019.

I also supported DMI students in continuing the tradition of their Thesis Show. In March 2019, students held their annual exhibition, Fresh Media, at Cyber Arts Gallery and participated in the 2019 MFA Thesis Show at MASS MoCA. However, the shows were paused in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.


DMI Program Coordinator

###### Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification,  Summer 2022  
This course, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), provided skills-based training to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and over. It required a two-day commitment, along with 3-5 hours of homework before each session. Upon completion, I received certification as a Mental Health First Aider, valid for three years.

I took this course to address the growing rates of anxiety and other mental health challenges among students in my classroom. My goal was to better understand their needs and provide more effective support, ensuring I could respond appropriately to their struggles and help create a more supportive learning environment.


Martha Rettig

2024 Promotion Application

Massachusetts College of Art + Design

Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification

Mental Health First Aid Training & Certification, Summer 2022