Partnership Opportunities
Welcome! If you’re interested in working with students and faculty to research, design, and/or develop an interactive digital product for your organization, you’re in the right place! But first, let’s learn a bit more about the NMI and what we do…
New Media Institute
The New Media Institute (NMI) is an interdisciplinary academic unit dedicated to exploring the critical, commercial and creative dimensions of emerging technologies. The NMI is committed to the teaching and training of new and emerging media professionals and to providing students with technical skills and knowledge. Curriculum focuses on critical investigations into the constantly changing technology and media landscape and the development of skills to design and build interactive digital products. As a key partner of the Innovation District, the New Media Institute connects our students with industry and university needs to provide interactive digital solutions to organizational objectives.
New Media Certificate & Emerging Media Masters
The New Media Institute houses one of the University of Georgia’s largest certificate program, the New Media Certificate, and spearheads the operations and instruction of the Emerging Media Masters. Designed to be interdisciplinary, both programs build off existing disciplines and careers, providing students an understanding of new media technologies and their application in a chosen field. Certificate and Masters students have access to hands-on classroom environments, innovative technologies, and networking opportunities.
Capstone Project Opportunities
In the New Media Certificate and Emerging Media Masters programs, students call upon all of the skills gained throughout their academic journey to develop, design, and debut Capstone Projects. These projects are built by teams of Capstone students and address specific client problems, explore emerging technologies, or both. Innovation District Clients have the opportunity to work directly with a student team throughout their Capstone journey to solve an organizational objective. These projects typically employ an innovative use of emerging technology and/or a compelling application of an interactive digital product. Previous capstone project examples can be found at mynmi.net under “Projects.”
There are two potential Capstone Project tracks NMI Sponsors can propose a project for:
- New Media Capstone Project (1 Semester)
- Emerging Media Masters Capstone Project (1 Year)
NMIXpert Project Opportunities
Some projects may fall outside the parameters of a typical Capstone project or the project is best suited for an individual rather than a Capstone team. This is where our NMIXperts come in. NMIXperts are NMI students that have been identified to have exceptional talent in a particular area or areas (design, development, video production, etc). These students can be called upon for specific special projects. These projects typically run throughout a semester or part of a semester, but may have the opportunity for extension as needed.
Note: In some cases, Capstone Project teams may also hire NMIXperts to help in particular areas related to their specialty.
Sponsorship Investment
We ask those capable to cover the NMI Sponsorship Fee. The requested fees are as follows:
- New Media Capstone Project (1 semester): $1,500 plus direct project costs (special technology, student travel, *additional NMIXpert hiring, etc)
- EM Capstone Project (3 semesters): $3,500 plus direct costs
- NMIXpert Projects: Start at $1,500 but range depending on project complexities
In some cases, additional costs may be required. However, all costs will be clearly communicated up front and agreed upon prior to commitment.
All Project Sponsors are featured in an array of marketing and communication efforts across social media, email newsletters, and more throughout the semester. Additionally, Project Sponsors will be highlighted at SLAM, our end-of-semester event.
ALL funds raised from project fees and sponsorships are reinvested into the New Media Institute to further enhance our students’ academic experience.
NOTE: Non-profit organizations are not required nor expected to cover the NMI Sponsorship Fee. If your organization doesn’t qualify as a non-profit but is financially unable to cover the Sponsorship Fee, please contact Chris Gerlach at chrisgerlach@uga.edu to explore how we can still work together.
Project Timelines + Proposal Deadlines
New Media Capstone
New Media Capstone Projects generally run the length of 1 semester (August to December or January to April).
Deadline for Proposal Submission: August 1 for Fall consideration; January 1 for Spring consideration
Emerging Media Masters Capstone
Emerging Media Masters Capstone Projects run the length of one year (beginning in June and wrapping the following April).
Deadline for Proposal Submission: May 1
NMIXpert Special Project
NMIXpert Projects generally run the length of 1 semester Fall (August to December), Spring (January to April), or Summer (May to August).
Deadline for Proposal Submission: August 1 for Fall consideration; January 1 for Spring consideration; May 1 for Summer consideration
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you have questions (i.e. “Which project path is best for me and my org?”) or you’re ready to get started, we’re ready to help connect you to our awesome students! Please contact Chris Gerlach at chrisgerlach@uga.edu to learn more.