A handbook designed for new students at New College, one of U of T’s largest colleges

Acme was tasked with redesigning the student handbook for New College, a constituent college of the University of Toronto. The goal was to create a more user-friendly and visually appealing resource that would effectively guide and inform students about college policies, resources, and campus life. Acme took a comprehensive approach to the redesign, combining meticulous design work with photography services.

The design process began with a thorough review of the existing handbook’s structure and content. Collaborating closely with New College administrators, we developed a streamlined layout that prioritized clarity and accessibility. In addition to handling all aspects of the design, Acme conducted photography to enhance the handbook’s visual appeal and authenticity. Capturing campus scenes, student activities, and key facilities, the photography complemented the design and contributed to a cohesive and engaging student experience.

In the years following the initial redesign Acme collaborated with the New College team on a parent’s handbook as well as an online version of the student handbook.

Photo of New College Student Handbook cover
Interior spread from New College Student Handbook
Interior spread from New College Student Handbook
Interior spread from New College Student Handbook
Interior spread from New College Student Handbook
Interior spread from New College Student Handbook
A photo of a page detail from the New College student handbook showing a sample student weekly schedule titled "Your Schedule".
A photo of a page detail from the New College student handbook showing a sample course description. The page title reads "How to Read a Course Description"
A photo of a page detail from the New College student handbook showing a sample course description. The page title reads "How to Read a Course Description"

Photography

New College Student Handbook
New College Student Handbook
New College Student Handbook
Photo from New College Student Handbook
Photo from New College Student Handbook
Photo from New College Student Handbook
Photo from New College Student Handbook

Website

Screenshot of New College student handbook web page
Screenshot of New College student handbook web page
Screenshot of New College student handbook web page
Mammalian Droppings

Mammalian Droppings

Five copies of the book The Prophets in a stack, fanned out so a little of each cover below the top book is visible. The books are in a triangle of light framed by deep shadows.
The Prophets

The Prophets

University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies viewbook
U of T School of Graduate Studies Viewbook

U of T School of Graduate Studies Viewbook

To stacks of wavy, watery, and distorted text—one stack reads "Where do our memories memories go?" and the other reads "What happened to produce these ruins?"
Islands in the Stream

Islands in the Stream

Mammalian Diving Reflex 30th Anniversary Annual Report
Mammalian Diving Reflex 2023 Annual Report

Mammalian Diving Reflex 2023 Annual Report

Water/Fall Festival
Water Fall Festival

Water Fall Festival

Amplified Opera poster detail
Amplified Opera Visual identity

Amplified Opera Visual identity

Three copies of the Mammalian Diving Reflex 2019 Annual Report in a stack
Mammalian Diving Reflex 2019 Annual Report

Mammalian Diving Reflex 2019 Annual Report

Shakespeare in the Ruff
Shakespeare in the Ruff

Shakespeare in the Ruff

Tafelmusik 40th Sunburst Lockup
Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra

Helen Lucas
Helen Lucas: Roots to Present

Helen Lucas: Roots to Present

Three ReNew magazine covers stacked on top of one another
Re:New Magazine

Re:New Magazine

Explosion in the Movie Machine book cover design emerging from shadows in a triangle of light
Explosion in the Movie Machine

Explosion in the Movie Machine

A roll of tape with the words "Exposed Film" sits on top of four copies of the exhibition catalogue "Bright Lights Dark City"
Bright Lights Dark City

Bright Lights Dark City

Against the Grain Theatre logo in silver ink on black paper.
Against the Grain Theatre

Against the Grain Theatre