"We're very proud of everything we offer" says Tammy Bennett, Registrar, at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, School of Art. "All our classes are phenomenal."

MWPAI operates under the motto of "bringing the arts to everyone" and has been describe as a little gem in the middle of central New York. Located in downtown Utica, New York MWPAI is a community oriented, non-profit organization. Twelve of their 30 buildings house the school - a few buildings are for dorms for the 135 full-time residential students and other facilities are dedicated to performing arts and the museum collections, which are open free to the public.

There are three separate divisions of Munson-Williams: the Museum of Arts, Performing Arts and the School of Art. In the School of Art, the non-credit division serves over 1,000 students per year ranging in age from four to 99 years who study fine arts and dance. Approximately 100 classes meet weekly in spring and fall semesters, twice weekly in the shorter summer term.

MWPAI has used Student Manager for nine years. Bennett inherited the system when she joined the organization eight years ago. "I am a guru by default" she says.

Bennett works closely with her network administrator to keep things humming. "When we have a problem we call the 800 number and talk with Mike. In no time he fixes whatever the problem seems to be."

"The program is extremely user friendly - it's almost fool proof. New staff is easily trained, the tech support is great, and the webinars are terrific. We're learning a lot from the webinars, and we're re-thinking the way we do things. As a result we're using notes and comments more and our report writing has improved. The webinars are also helping us with our goal to use email more effectively."

ACEware Software

Student Manager, Email Module

Database

Approximately 5,000 names are stored in Student Manager. MWPAI uses Student Manager to record approximately 1,000 registrations annually, track 5,000 past participants, and track prospective credit students.

Programs

Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute is a regional fine arts center serving diverse audiences through three program divisions - Museum of Art, Performing Arts, and School of Art.

Founded in 1919, MWPAI continues to evolve while maintaining traditions of fine art and culture. The Museum of Art features a renowned permanent collection, fascinating exhibitions and education for all ages in an International-style gallery building designed by world famous architect Philip Johnson and also in Fountain Elms, a superb Victorian-era Italianate mansion.

The Performing Arts Division presents world famous soloists and ensembles, rising stars, recitals with commentary, cinema, family programs, outdoor festival concerts, special events, and educational activities.

The School of Art offers a nationally accredited college program in association with Pratt Institute and community art education for adults, teens and children.