Faculty
FIT’s approach to teaching combines theory and practice in all the disciplines; students are provided with a curriculum that blends critical thinking and creative problem-solving challenges with a hands-on, real-world-based education. Faculty are required to have extensive experience in diverse fields, enabling them to integrate their continuing professional activities into their teaching. They contribute to the development of the design and business professions through their participation in conferences, exhibitions, and publications and are often sought by the media as experts in their fields. In addition to regular faculty, working professionals also serve as advisors, visiting critics, and guest lecturers.
The college is committed to faculty development through its Center for Excellence in Teaching and the Teaching Institute, which support faculty research and professional development. These facilities provide instructional support to faculty as they work to develop innovative teaching methodologies and integrate developing technologies into their curricula. Regular mentoring programs bring together faculty for discussions on effective teaching and learning.
Advisory Groups
Many FIT programs are supported by an advisory group of professionals in the field, often drawn from the college’s well-placed alumni. Using their work experience as the basis for consultation, group members work with faculty to ensure that the curricula remain current. They arrange for student field work and help students identify internship and career possibilities. Advisory groups also plan seminars on the latest technological and theoretical advancements and work to maintain close ties between industry and the college.
FIT’s location places its students at the heart of the fashion, advertising, visual arts, design, business, and communications industries. FIT views New York City as a laboratory for learning and living, and the college makes use of the city’s unparalleled cultural and commercial resources to enrich its programs and enhance each student’s opportunity for personal and professional growth. Frequent visits by students to design studios, museums and galleries, production and distribution centers, and retail establishments complement the regular visits to FIT’s campus by business leaders who discuss current trends, new developments, and technological changes. Class projects take students to the city’s numerous museums, libraries, galleries, studios, workrooms, and showrooms.
Industry research and development, seminars, job placements, workshops, executive forums, and many other activities are enhanced by their location in New York City. FIT’s extensive internship program provides students with vital professional experience.