The Game Design and Development Degree begins this fall.

Attention gamers and game enthusiasts: the simulated, animated world of electronic gaming is coming to a classroom near you. Wilmington University’s College of Technology is presenting a new Bachelor of Science degree in Game Design and Development this fall, with classes set to begin in September. “There is not a program like this in the state,” said Scott Shaw, the faculty member in charge of teaching the program in the College of Technology. “A lot of research went into bringing this program to fruition and we are looking forward to welcoming new students into the degree program.”

“The great thing about game design and development is that it is very much a cross-disciplinary field,” said Shaw, who along with Program Chair Susan Gregg, worked for several months to research the practical uses of the degree program. “Through the training at Wilmington University, our students will be able to create simulations and games that can be used in fields like architecture, the military, nursing, business and law enforcement,” said Shaw. Susan Gregg agreed, stating, “Our graduates are going to be some really well-rounded individuals with a variety of multi-disciplinary skill sets. The curriculum is rigorous and will challenge students to apply their efforts fully.”

A small buzz has turned into a roar as interested applicants have inquired about the program by email, over the phone, or stopped by the campus to talk to a staff member in person. The last information session featuring the Game Design and Development program, which was held in May, was a huge success with over 70 people filling the Doberstein Admissions Center auditorium. Another information session is set for July 15 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the New Castle campus.

Even scientists and researchers are fascinated with video games and the impact they have had on our society. Over the years, scientists have studied how the U.S. military uses game simulation in training, doctors have researched the mental health benefits of playing video games, and physical therapists have documented the affect of video games on children’s motor skills.

“Education and technology have always been something that go hand in hand,” said Dr. Ed Guthrie, Dean of the College of Technology. “Over the years, Wilmington University has used technology to enhance our students’ overall educational experience. Our Game Design and Development program is one of many programs we offer that is a direct response to a growing need in industry. We hope to continue to stay relevant and meet the needs of an ever-evolving society.”

Interested students are encouraged to attend an information session on the Game Development and Design program on Wednesday, July 15 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Doberstein Admissions Center, located at Wilmington University’s New Castle campus.

To learn more about the Game Design and Development degree at Wilmington University visit www.wilmu.edu/gamedesign.

Wilmington University Hosts Delaware InfraGard School and Workplace Violence Seminar and Training on Cyber Safety

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 – New Castle, DE

Wilmington University’s Dover campus.

Wilmington University’s College of Technology will be hosting the June meeting of InfraGard Delaware, at the University’s Dover campus at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, June 25, 2010. Computer Network Security Program Chair Mark Hufe is a member of the organization and is coordinating with Mr. Dave Dekker, President of the Delaware Chapter of InfraGard, to host the meeting, which is open to faculty, staff, students and the business community. This meeting will include a lecture on ‘Preparing for School and Workplace Violence’ by the Delaware State Police and ‘Cyber Safety 101 Training’ by Cyveillance, World Leader in Cyber Intelligence. Sponsored by Symantec, the meeting will begin at 8:15 a.m. in Building 1 of the Dover campus.

InfraGard is a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) program that is a local effort to gain support from the information technology industry and academia. The program is part of the Cyber Division of the FBI and an effort to develop and maintain a relationship of trust and credibility in the exchange of information concerning various terrorism, intelligence, criminal, and security matters. Founded in 1996 in the Cleveland Field Office, InfraGard’s goal is to promote “ongoing dialogue and timely communication between members and the FBI.”

The June meeting of the Delaware chapter of IngraGard will begin with registrations and refreshments. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to network with their peers. After an introduction and welcome, Master Corporal James P. Warwick and Master Corporal Donald R. Boulerice of the Delaware State Police will lead the crowd in a presentation on what and what not to do in the case on an active shooter on campus or in the workplace. This presentation will include how to prepare yourself mentally and tactically for an active shooting, the psychological and physiological effects of experiencing a life threatening situation and a briefing on school shootings and the lessons learned from them.
Next, Thomas Johnson from Cyveillance will give teach attendees of the importance of cyber safety. This seminar will feature the basics and the limitations of the rules, policies and laws that do (or fail to) govern, manage and safeguard users and information in the cyber world. Johnson will also give an overview of today’s online threats and how to recognize, avoid and eradicate those threats.

To register for this event please visit http://register.deinfragard.com.

On Tuesday, May 18^th, Wilmington University has two words for you:

GAME ON.

Wilmington University’s College of Technology is putting work aside and focusing on the serious fun of its brand new Game Design and Development Major, opening its’ doors to game enthusiasts in the first of three events promising an afternoon of virtual fragging, football, and fighting. Thanks to their friends at GamerDoc, WilmU will have five different stations set up, featuring games ranging from the fighting styles of Street Fighter 4, the interactivity of Wii Sports, the athletic competition of Madden 10, and the intense battles of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2; as well as a few indie games and more!

Players will be given the chance to flex their skills, or learn new tricks, all with the chance to win big prizes! The high scoring players on all systems will have the chance to win $30 gift cards to GamerDoc! But victory isn’t reserved for the elite. Just by registering, attendants will have the chance at one of two $60 gift cards, as well as a shot at a grand prize drawn in August! Even if you’re not out to win, you could still win big!

While resting in between rounds, attendees will still have plenty to do. Faculty from WilmU’s Game Development and Design program will show prospective students all they can do with a GD&D degree. Current students look forward to sharing their knowledge on campus life, while representatives from WilmU’s Admissions will walk interested parties through the admissions process. Financial Aid representatives will be in attendance to give information on financial aid as well. Students will be given the knowledge they need to start leveling their career with Wilmington University, all before the next battle loads.

Wilmington University is setting the stage. Will you answer the call? The Game Design and Development Information Session runs from 3pm-6pm on Tuesday, May 18^th in the Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium at the Wilmington University New Castle Campus. For more information, check out www.wilmu.edu/technology, or contact Adam Voyton at (302) 356-6977.

Computer and Network Students Win
2009 DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge

Roman Sheriff, Michael Escobar, Secretary James Sills, CIO State of Delaware, Mark Hufe, Governor Jack Markell, Enjolokee Jones, Chris Shanahan, Senator Tom Carper, and Clay Batchelor at the Digital Forensics Challenge Winners recognition event in Wilmington Delaware on January 15, 2010.

The highlight of the year for the Computer and Network Security program was made possible by Team WILMU01. Consisting of students Clay Batchelor, Roman Sheriff, Enjolokee Jones, and Michael Escobar together with coach Chris Shanahan, the team earned first place in the 2009 DC3 Digital Forensics Challenge in the SANS Undergraduate category. This is an annual event hosted by the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) that attracted 1153 teams from more than 56 countries. Overall, the team compiled the third highest score in the world, besting every military, government, and civilian team. Only two graduate teams, one from Texas and the other from South Korea, managed to top the WILMU01 score. To gain perspective on the measure of their accomplishment, the contest began in March and ended in November, but the WU team did not enter until September. That gave them just 68 days to complete a solution.

In terms of a solution, the challenge consisted of a hypothetical investigation into the activities of a suspected terrorist. Each team was given a copy of the suspect’s computer hard drive and the goal was to find whatever evidence they could, using accepted evidentiary procedures, and to put it into a form that a prosecutor could work with. This included everything from emails to steganography (the art of hiding messages in digital images).

This was WU’s first attempt at any kind of cyber contest and nobody expected them to win, including themselves. As a result, they were not expecting what followed. Both Senator Carper and Governor Markell, major supporters of the U.S. Cyber Challenge, awarded certificates to the team at a ceremony in Wilmington on January 15th. The prize for winning the contest itself was an all expenses paid trip to the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Conference where the team and the University were awarded plaques from the DC3. At a conference breakout session, the team members presented their strategies for success to a very appreciative audience and were later warmly greeted by representatives of General Dynamics, Harris Corporation, and Computer Sciences Corporation in the vendor display area. Beyond the three corporations mentioned, the team is in the spotlight of Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Security Agency (NSA), the FBI, and lots of other organizations that need this very special skill set. General Dynamics has subsequently hired two of the team’s members.

While we enjoyed basking in the glow, the victory was a little bitter sweet. We lost a passionate and gifted instructor. Chris Shanahan was subsequently hired by DC3 in Linthicum, MD, and travel makes it impossible for him to continue teaching for us. However, the students he coached on the team have agreed to each serve as coach on teams we will be entering in this year’s DC3 Challenge. That will be like having a player with a Super Bowl ring on each team. These guys found a way to win.

In addition to competing again in the forensics area, CNS students recently participated in the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, which focuses on keeping network services safe and secure. We’ll be doing more of this kind of thing in the months and years to follow and have been working with the U.S. Cyber Challenge to put together a platform for Cyber Defense contests within the state. Our very own Paul Pond, through his day job at DOE, is in charge of the effort.

Roman Sheriff, Michael Escobar, Secretary James Sills, CIO State of Delaware, Mark Hufe, Governor Jack Markell, Enjolokee Jones, Chris Shanahan, Senator Tom Carper, and Clay Batchelor at the Digital Forensics Challenge Winners recognition event in Wilmington Delaware on January 15, 2010.

Have you ever been caught pwning noobs just for the fun of it? Are you constantly staying up all night to raid dungeons? Do you remember finally leveling up to level 99 and having the chance to leave victorious against the Ruby Weapon? Do you spend your evenings calculating each of your finger’s movements to score that final touchdown you need to win in the final minutes of the fourth quarter? If any of these symptoms sound like you, you may be affected by GFL – Gamer for Life – syndrome. GFL affects people between the ages of 3-99.

Now thanks to Wilmington University, there is a new solution – GDD. GDD is a Bachelor of Science Degree in Game Design and Development and useful in treating GFL. GDD will take away the urge to constantly play games and replace it with the ability to create games.

GDD combines both the programming and design aspects of creating video games for major platforms, consoles, and mobile devices. Combining the skills of video production, graphic design, interactive de-sign, and 3D skills and programming, GDD prepares students for the exciting world of game design and development.

Side effects may include finding employment in a dynamic industry and a broad understanding of the workflow involved in designing and developing a game or training simulation environment, game design techniques, and the ability to effectively communicate with designers and programmers in the industry.

To learn more about the new Game Design and Development, Bachelors‟ degree program, visit www.wilmu.edu/gamedesign