Our Vision
Division III — Visual and Performing Arts
Mission Statements
The guiding purpose of each area within the Division of Visual and Performing Arts.
Division
Yavapai College Arts cultivates visionary storytellers, artisans and creators in film, visual, and performing arts. Through artistic growth, critical thinking, and technical mastery we prepare students for transfer, workforce careers, and lifelong creativity. As Northern Arizona's cultural heart, we provide accessible, high-quality arts experiences that foster community, collaboration, and belonging, transforming lives and elevating Yavapai County through the power of the arts.
Film & Media Arts
The Yavapai College Film and Media Arts Program empowers aspiring storytellers by providing industry-standard gear, professional software, and expert instruction in screenwriting, film production, and editing. Rooted in a commitment to creativity, collaboration, and community, we offer hands-on learning to prepare students for success in film, television, and digital media.
Performing Arts
The pursuit of the Yavapai College Performing Arts Department is to be the centerpiece for the arts in Northern Arizona. Offering the opportunity to enlighten, excite, and educate through performance, YCPAD endeavors to enrich the community through artistic expression.
Visual Arts
The mission of the Visual Arts Department is to empower students to identify, analyze, and apply the formal elements and principles of design across a diverse range of mediums—including 2D, 3D, and new media—fostering creative expression, critical thinking, and artistic growth.
"Be the person you wish you had."
Division III Teaching Philosophy
10 Retention Strategies
Provide Rapid Communication
Respond to discussion boards, inquiries, and email questions ASAP. Send out weekly announcements and updates on a consistent day. Send reminders before important dates: gallery openings, performances, add/drop deadlines.
Accept Late Work / Offer Flexibility
Based on your comfort and style, allow some form of late work and a grace period for submissions. Accept initial attempts that "miss the mark" but allow opportunities to improve or re-engage.
Train Them to Be Successful
Guide, scaffold experiences and assignments, and provide examples of successful work. Provide samples of what you're expecting: model assignments, example critiques, program guides. In the first week, assign discussion board posts with full points and feedback on what needs improvement.
Be Organized
Clear assignments. Clear rubrics. Clear due dates. Clear program descriptions. Clear expectations for participation. Clear event schedules and deadlines.
Encourage ALL Students and Patrons
Let students who are doing well know it. Recognize those who are engaged and participating actively. Celebrate milestones — completed courses, season attendance, membership anniversaries.
Provide Feedback
Provide feedback on every submission turned in on time. Solicit and respond to feedback after events, exhibitions, and programs. Show that their input and participation matters.
Be Human
Make an effort to connect with EACH student individually. Be open for individual conferences or one-on-one conversations. Ask for letters or feedback. Interview students about their experience. Collect information forms or surveys to learn more about students' lives and interests.
Be an Excellent Role Model
Be the instructor you wish you had. Be happy to be there — love what you do and let it show! Be engaging: interact with students before, after, and during classes. Be accepting: value students for who they are. Be approachable: have an inviting demeanor.
Use a Respectful Tone
When students reach out, say "Thank you for your email." When they ask questions (even if you've answered it multiple times), say "Excellent question. Thank you for reaching out." Maintain professionalism and warmth in all communications.
Build Rapport and Community
Help students create community with you and each other. Use names in all interactions. Offer incentives for organizing peer study groups. Foster supportive communities — students become very supportive of each other, which helps retain them in classes.
Persistence Spotlight
What our faculty say about keeping students engaged
"Emailed students individually on a regular basis to check in"
— YC Arts Faculty Member