UNCC Graduate School Catalog (2007-2009)

Graduate catalogs such as this one serve the purpose of showcasing requirements needed by students during the specified catalog year. These catalogs apply to students enrolled in UNC Charlotte who have continued their education and graduated to receive a degree. This printed record was made by the Office of Academic Affairs in May of 2007. (University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2007).  

Important topics are highlighted within each catalog. Topics such as the academic programs, policies and rules, as well as the University’s requirements of students are clearly addressed. The University of North Carolina at Charlotte for years has found it important to address that equal educational opportunity is provided. The college does not discriminate based on race, religion, sex, disability or age. UNC Charlotte prides themselves in having a Noble Niner Code as well. The code had to be approved by the UNC Charlotte Board of Trustees and highlights behaviors and mindsets that all students should strive towards (University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2026). This catalog was published for not only prospective students but also current students in order to leave viewers feeling inspired, motivated and hopeful in their own educational pathway. The sole purpose of this catalog is to balance authority, provide clear understanding and available, yet helpful resources. This record is also to be used as a guide alongside academic advising so that all requirements can be met in order for a student to graduate on time. 

As catalogs provide a hefty amount of helpful information, they must also follow a careful layout in order to be easily readable to viewers. Strong, clear usage of type is used to establish hierarchy and guide the reader smoothly throughout each page. One primary Serif font is used in order to bring elegance, yet importance to the reading. The usage of one font ensures that each page feels cohesive. Each spread in the catalog is formatted with columns of text with equal gutters and spacing so that the reader is not easily overwhelmed. Design decisions such as boxes including text are used to divide sections. Usage of thin lines to split each page are also used in a way that creates visual interest, yet divides additional information. Images are also used to inform and intrigue the reader while adding a pop of color for added interest.

The value of printed catalogs has increased as many individuals gravitate towards them. Between the years 2004 to 2018, the interest and demand for catalogs increased by 170% (Zhang, 2020). Printed catalogs are used to “sell” a University's courses and there are several effective ways in which designers choose to send out catalogs. For example, one of the main reasons is that individuals are more likely to remember information from physically holding the book. It also eliminates distractions and is formatted in an organized way to combat confusion. Catalog’s such as this one are also built to last and can be referenced back to when revising updated graduate records (Lyons, 2022). 

Catalog such as this one continue to be dispersed among individuals. Even though technology is rapidly growing, the public continues to enjoy flipping through pages, gathering helpful insight to their future. This catalog design remains minimal, yet clearly divides sections among each page for a smooth reading experience. Graduate Catalogs aim to inform yet use bright imagery, simple typography and equal width of columns to draw prospective and current students in.