The Academy of Art University

Date: Mar 02 2006
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
I have read all of the comments here and can relate to what most of the students have been stating. I've been attending the Academy since Sept. of 2001 and would like to enlighten those that are considering this school as the path to enter the competitive field of computer graphics. These are my thoughts:

The school does a satisfactory job of trying to keep the level of technology up to par, however, I can't say the same about the education. I feel that the administration does a poor job of screening their candidates for course instruction and many are hired last minute. Students are not notified of their intructors until the first day of classes and it's a lottery on whether you receive a good instructor or not. Most are just thrown into the teaching position to prevent the class from being dropped (an effort by the president of the school so that she can still afford to be limo'd in to guest presentations). It would be unfair for me to say that there aren't any good instructors at the Academy, however, the best are just balanced out by some of the worst. It's either hit or miss. The worst comprise of those who are finding time inbetween projects (contract work) to make a little extra money and others who are recent grads that can't find a job. Don't be surprised to find yourself in another class with your instructor (as I am currently). Am I learning anything from him? Yes. I'm learning that I too can teach a class if I chose to.

Why not voice your concerns with the administration if you are so unhappy with your education? I have sent numerous emails to the board of education about my experience and still to this date have not yet to received a letter of concern or rectification. If you are stuck with a poor instructor you will need to work extra hard outside of class to get the knowledge that you need to move onto the next class and just hope that you aren't dealt the same bad cards. It's a really sad fact that you are paying to be taught and end up teaching yourself but whining about it isn't going to get you anywhere. If you don't want this experience, heed my advice and choose a better school…

Rent… If you are out of state, please take the time to research housing off campus unless you have realy rich parents or like sharing a rat hole with other students. A good place to start your search is www.craigslist.org

Nearing graduation in May I can only say that I've spent most of my time working hard outside of class and have taught myself a great deal. Hopefully someone from the administration will read this and find ways to better improve the quality of education provided. Hopefully you won't have the same experience as I did. Bottom line, if I had the choice to attend this school again would I? HELL NO!