From:	Office of the VPAA
To:	Ringling College Full Time and Visiting Full Time Faculty, Part Time and Long-Term Part Time Faculty
Date:	Thursday, May 29, 2025
Subject:	Deadline Extension: Call for Workshop Proposals - Workshop Week 2025 at Ringling College

Dear Ringling Faculty,

We are excited to announce Workshop Week 2025, which will take place from November 3-7, 2025. This weeklong event offers faculty the opportunity to share their expertise, creativity, or personal interests in a short-format workshop setting open to the entire Ringling College community.

What is Workshop Week?

Workshop Week will feature a curated series of one-time workshops, each lasting 1 to 3 hours. Depending on your format and preferences, sessions may be small (around 10 participants) or large (up to 212). Each community member-faculty, staff, and students-may register for one workshop, and registration will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why Participate?

This initiative fosters a culture of shared knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration. Whether you're interested in offering a technical demonstration, leading a hands-on activity, or facilitating a discussion around a topic you care about, Workshop Week is a chance to meaningfully enrich the campus experience.

Next Steps

Below is a link to a Google form with a call for workshop proposals. Please review and consider submitting a proposal by July 1, 2025.

Thank you for helping us build a vibrant and engaging Workshop Week. We look forward to seeing the diverse ideas and interests our faculty will bring to this initiative.

Google Form Link

From:	Student Health Insurance
To:	Ringling College 1st Year Students, 2nd Year Students, 3rd Year Students
Date:	Thursday, May 29, 2025
Subject:	Now Open! Annual Student Health Insurance Waiver & Enrollment Forms

The 2025-26 Student Health Insurance Waiver & Enrollment Forms are now open!

As a reminder, all domestic students must submit a waiver or enroll in the student health insurance (now offered with dental coverage) on an annual basis.

International students are automatically enrolled in the student health insurance plan and do not need to take action. International students who wish to waive must complete a paper waiver form each year (email healthinsurance@ringling.edu to request this form).

You will see a health insurance fee on your student account for the annual health insurance premium. The charge will be removed after your waiver for the 2025-26 year has been submitted. Please note: It may take 3-5 days for the charge to be removed from your account.

The deadline to submit a waiver is Friday, August 22, 2025!

• Waiver Form: Click here to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan.
• Enrollment Form: Click here to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan.

From:	Office of the VPAA
To:	Ringling College Staff, Full Time and Visiting Full Time Faculty, Part Time and Long-Term Part Time Faculty
Date:	Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Subject:	Employment Transitions Following Englewood Art Center Closure

Dear Ringling College Community,

We are writing to inform you of important employment transitions that reflect our attempt, where possible, to support our valued team members during organizational changes.

As part of our ongoing strategic planning, Ringling College has made the difficult decision to close the Englewood Art Center and centralize all community-facing activities at the nearby Ringling College Museum Campus. In keeping with our dedication to our employees and recognizing the valuable contributions of our team members, we are pleased to announce the following employment transitions:

Samantha "Sam" Parkinson will be transitioning to a one-year Visiting Full Time position within the Department of Liberal Arts. After 15 years on the administrative side at our community-facing site, Sam is thrilled about the direct engagement with students that her new faculty role will offer. "I'm super excited about working directly with students," Sam shares. "I'm looking forward to the conversations, engaging with their energy, and learning about their ideas and interests." Sam will be developing two exciting new courses focused on public engagement with art-one covering the history of graffiti and street art, and another exploring the role of public and community art in shaping our environments. A fifth-generation Floridian from this area, Sam brings a deep connection to our region along with experience living and working in Paris and New York City.

Charleen Elliott will be joining our Academic Affairs team, filling a previously vacant Administrative Assistant position. While Charleen deeply valued her 12 years engaging with artists in the community through her work at the Englewood Art Center, she shares that her favorite aspect of working for Ringling is "its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive culture." Charleen is particularly excited about being situated on the main campus, saying "I'm really looking forward to engaging with the campus community and participating in events and activities that build connections among staff and faculty." A native Floridian with a passion for the arts, nature, and live music, Charleen enjoys attending concerts and exploring our wonderful local and state parks.

We appreciate your support as we implement these changes and look forward to the continued contributions of both Sam and Charleen in their new roles.

Please join us in congratulating them on their new positions.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Holmes, PhD

From:	E Ramey
To:	Ringling College Staff, Full Time and Visiting Full Time Faculty, Part Time and Long-Term Part Time Faculty
Date:	Friday, May 16, 2025
Subject:	Summer Esports Camp information
Attachment(s):	853ef09713db674679331678.jpg  Size: 95 Kb 3.jpg  Size: 465 Kb 4.jpg  Size: 477 Kb

From:	Christina Hess
To:	Ringling College Illustration Juniors, Illustration Seniors
Date:	Thursday, May 15, 2025
Subject:	REMINDER! - CONCEPT ART AWARDS - CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Below are instructions for how to enter your work into the CONCEPT ART AWARDS!

WHAT?: 

• Every year, the Concept Art Association sponsors the Concept Art Awards, with the awards ceremony occurring during Lightbox Expo in Pasadena, CA in October. 

• The Concept Art Awards ceremony is like the Oscars for concept artists - it takes place in a historic theater near the Expo, there is an MC, famous concept artist announcers, a live band, and winners get to go on stage to accept their award - it???s a great time!

• It is open to all concept art professionals and students, and there are 2 student-specific categories: Character and Environment

WHO?

• All Junior and Senior Illustration Majors

WHEN?

• As soon as possible

• The entries for the Concept Art Awards aren???t due until August usually, but I would like to get it done as soon as entries are allowed to be submitted.

• If you need some extra time (like a week or so) LET ME KNOW: smurray@c.ringling.edu

HOW?

• Sean Murray, everyone???s second-favorite professor, has graciously agreed to ENTER YOUR WORK ON YOUR BEHALF

• All YOU have to do is put 1 or 2 (max) of your best pieces from the past 2 semesters as JPGs no bigger than 2000 pixels on the longest side into A FOLDER LABELED WITH YOUR NAME (In other words, create a folder inside of the respective ???Character??? or ???Environment??? category folder that is labeled something like: ???LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME???), AND a Google Doc with the following information:

• YOUR NAME (as you would like it to appear with your entry and if you win)

• YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS

• YOUR GRADUATING YEAR

• THE NAME(s) OF  YOUR PIECES (reference the file name)

• THE NAME OF THE PROFESSOR YOU COMPLETED THE IMAGE FOR

WHY?

• Because it???s cool

• Because IT???S FREE!!!!!

• Because I said so.

Here is the folder with the 2 Category folders. Remember to CREATE A NEW FOLDER in the category you are entering in (Or BOTH if you are entering something in both categories) that is labeled with your name:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nMSApDIS1s4Enzz33o6zjvLAjfMkIS2w?usp=drive_link

IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AS I HAVE WRITTEN THEM you risk not having your pieces entered. 

Remember - maximum 2 entries per category per student (so 4 total possible)

Thanks, and GOOD LUCK!

-Sean A Murray

From:	Karin Kiernan
To:	Ringling College Students, Staff, Full Time and Visiting Full Time Faculty, Part Time and Long-Term Part Time Faculty, Faculty with Emeritus Status
Date:	Thursday, May 15, 2025
Subject:	GENESIS 2026 Fashion Show

Hello Everyone!

Are you looking to take your creativity to the next level whether you're a designer, model, filmmaker, photographer or a behind-the-scenes mastermind? Then GENESIS is your stage. One of Ringling's largest student-led events returns next year for its annual fashion show. This year GENESIS continues its mission to push the boundaries of fashion and sustainability, blending art, design and storytelling into one unforgettable experience. This is your opportunity to be part of something spectacular!

Who we are looking for:

• Designers: Debut your original designs on the runway.
• Motion & Graphic Designers: Breathe life into the GENESIS visuals and motion graphics.
• Models: Strut the runway and showcase bold designs.
• Construction and Fabrication: Help build the set and transform the space.
• Jewelry/Accessory Design: Showcase handcrafted accessories that elevate each design.
• Film and Photo: Capture the energy, experience and behind-the-scenes magic.
• Makeup and Hair: Craft bold, creative looks that bring each designer's vision to life on the runway.
• Business and Marketing: Coordinate and promote the event, engage the community, and build buzz.
• Head of Designers: Join the core team to guide designers and define the show's look.
• Other: Have a unique skill set that doesn't fit the above categories? Don't hesitate to apply! We're open to innovative ideas.

Before submitting your application, be sure to review the instructions in your designated Google Drive role folder.
APPLY BY CLICKING HERE

APPLICATIONS CLOSE AUGUST 31, 2025 

Created by students to showcase artistic expression, sustainable innovation and collaboration. 

If you have any questions, please reach us at genesis@c.ringling.edu or DM @genesis_runway on Instagram







We wish you all the best,

Lindelwa, Timo & Amanda

GENESIS

IG: @genesis_runway

LinkedIn: GENESIS Fashion Show

From:	Bianca Prather-Jones
To:	Ringling College Students, Staff, Full Time and Visiting Full Time Faculty, Part Time and Long-Term Part Time Faculty
Date:	Monday, May 5, 2025
Subject:	Library Summer Hours and Closings

Alfred R. Goldstein Library Summer Hours and Closings

Beginning Wednesday, May 7, the Library will adopt the following Summer schedule:

Monday - Friday: 8:30a.m. -  4:30p.m.

Closed Weekends

In addition, all Ringling offices (including the Library) are closed on

May 12, May 26, June 19, and July 4.

Questions? Please contact us at library@ringling.edu or 941-359-7587.

Have an incredible summer! 

From:	Office of the VPAA
To:	Ringling College Students, Staff, Full Time and Visiting Full Time Faculty, Part Time and Long-Term Part Time Faculty
Date:	Monday, May 5, 2025
Subject:	Paul Downs appointed Interim Department Head for Computer Animation

Please join me in congratulating Paul Downs on his appointment as Interim Department Head of Computer Animation at Ringling College beginning August 1, 2025. 

Paul brings an impressive blend of creative, educational, and professional experience to this role. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation from Ringling School of Art and Design in 2001, where he began a lifelong connection with our institution that started when he attended Ringling Pre-College in 1996.

Paul has been an integral part of the Ringling College Computer Animation Department, where he has served on our faculty since 2011. His commitment to education is matched by his active engagement in the animation industry, modeling for our students the importance of maintaining professional practice alongside teaching excellence.

As an accomplished animator, Paul has worked for major studios such as DreamWorks, 20th Century Fox/Blue Sky Studios, Reel FX, and Electronic Arts (EA). His animation achievements include acclaimed projects such as Kung Fu Panda 4, the Ice Age franchise, Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who, Rio, Epic, Free Birds, Ferdinand, and Spies in Disguise.

In addition, Paul continues to work as a screenwriter for film and television. His screenwriting credits include projects for Apple TV+, Annapurna Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Cartoon Network, Humanoids Inc., Janet Yang Productions, and Smart Entertainment. Paul has also collaborated professionally with former students, co-creating an Apple TV+ series with Michael Yates '14, based on their graphic novel Urban Legendz and co-writing the first episode of The Box Assassin: Handle With Care web series with Jeremy Schaefer '20.

Beyond his creative work, Paul demonstrates his commitment to education through speaking and teaching engagements at Hasbro, Blue Sky Studios, Boston University, American Library Association, Los Angeles Public Libraries and the San Diego Comic Con.

Originally from Boston, Paul enjoys down time with his family and 8-pound attack dog named Bosco. Paul and his wife (also a Ringling alumna) spend weekends at the mall or beach with their daughter and at the lacrosse field with their son. When not in the classroom or creating, Paul can be found playing basketball, running, skiing, or listening to 90's hip hop.

Of course, I would be remiss in not taking this opportunity to again thank Jim McCampbell for his decades of service as the Department Head for Computer Animation.  A visionary leader, Jim built an internationally renowned program boasting 34 Siggraph Electronic Theater winners and 17 Student Academy Awards-six from his own classes.  I appreciate Jim's guidance in recommending the interim appointment of Paul Downs.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Holmes

From:	Institutional Technology
To:	Ringling College Students, Full Time and Visiting Full Time Faculty, Part Time and Long-Term Part Time Faculty
Date:	Friday, May 2, 2025
Subject:	Reminder - IT Summer Maintenance and New Graduate Transitions 2025

As we transition from our Spring Semester into the Summer, we want to make you all aware of the following important dates and summer maintenance plans for 2025.

Spring Access Ending May 29, 2025

• Render Farm
• Academic Labs will close as the semester ends with limited availability to the Library throughout the summer.

Spring Resource EXPIRATIONS  on June 4, 2025

• Homespaces (Z: drives)  will be cleared for all students and faculty.
• Perforce Repositories will be cleared for all students and faculty.
• SyncSketch Storage will be cleared for all students and faculty.
• Course, Thesis Shares and other shares will be cleared for all students and faculty.
• The Local Scratch drives of all campus Macintosh computers including classroom, lab, and faculty office machines will be cleared.

Class of 2025 Resource EXPIRATIONS on July 31, 2025

• Adobe Creative Cloud Subscription access
• Visit https://helpx.adobe.com/in/enterprise/kb/transfer-assets.html for information on how to transfer assets from your assigned school account to your personal account. This includes Behance and Portfolio. You will have until July 31st, 2025 to transfer your assets to your personal account.
• Google Drive access ends. Alumni will retain access to their Ringling College Gmail account for as long as Google allows us to provide this service. Please visit it.ringling.edu/alumni for more information on how to transfer or download your assets from Google Drive.
• Microsoft Office 365 Application Access Ends. Alumni will lose access to their student Microsoft office licenses including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, etc., and any files stored in Microsoft OneDrive as part of their @ringling.edu account.

Please back up any resources you wish to keep to an external source of your choice prior to these dates.

If you have any questions about these transition dates and processes, please feel free to contact our Helpdesk by calling 941-359-7633 or send an email to support@ringling.edu

Sincerely, 

Institutional Technology

From:	Medical Services
To:	Ringling College Students
Date:	Friday, May 2, 2025
Subject:	Student Medical Services: Summer Closure