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"I am posting this because I see no other way to have my concerns addressed. There is a general sentiment among the student body that there is no effective sounding board for our concerns. I fully expect these concerns to be handled as they always are, by censure. You can take this post down but it will not fix the problems, and in the end it will only delay the inevitable confrontation that must occur to set things straight.
Full Sail has allowed its student body to expand past the bounds of what its current infrastructure can support. I have over 30 students in my current lab which is beyond the 25 person limit I was promised when I toured. I have paid for a parking permit and find no place to park at Full Sail 3. Class sizes are approaching 100 students, well beyond the estimated class sizes given in your tours. This is the root of many of the following issues. In addition, the administration is distant and no longer in touch with what is actually happing day to day in the class room. This is evidenced by the fact that the curriculum changes every month in a guess-and-check fashion. Furthermore, I have never seen our program director in a single one of my classes these past 14 months. I have never seen him outside of his office. Many of my classmates don’t even know who he is.
I think any individual who has been forced to spend some time in the education office can attest to the fact that, on many an occasion, the staff and faculty (the staff more than faculty) are not taking the education of the students seriously. "If you take your dreams seriously, we'll take your dreams. Seriously." This is not a comment of mine, but one I have seen all too many times in student doodles and graffiti, just check the bathroom stalls if you don’t believe me. In the education office, I saw one of the student advisors bring a concern to my program director who said, "Tell them to write a letter." Does that sound like the student's concern was being taken seriously? A friend of mine went to education to sort out an add to roster problem and was not even allowed to speak to an advisor, the secretary relayed the advisors comments from an instant messenger. I have been forced to wait for receptionists to finish their personal conversations concerning their love lives and after work plans so that I could have them hand me a form. I have had lab instructors asleep in lab, absent from lab, or in lab with an unprofessional attitude. Many of these lab instructors are in their first position of leadership and their inexperience causes friction with the student body. We were promised experienced professionals, not recent grads. Just because I have graduated the 6th grade, it does not necessarily follow that I am qualified to teach the 6th grade. It requires training in public speaking, management, and educational techniques. These are comments that have been passed along through student critics by me and many of my fellow students.
During one of my classes we had aprox. 92 students in a room that was (is?) used for storage of audio equipment and had leaking ceilings (FS3-125). I have a book bag full of water-stained books, and I am upset about it. Furthermore the condition of the roof had caused a number of ceiling tiles to deteriorate, and during the final (which was administered 45 minutes late and was not the 50 question test we were told to prepare for, but a 75 question test with questions repeated and jumbled together) one of the ceiling tiles fell, missing a student by only about 10 feet. I brought these concerns to my course director who was troubled by them, but unable to offer any input as to what I could do to have these concerns addressed. A RECKLESS disregard for our education and well as our safety was displayed through the course of those events.
In my CSF class we had over ninety students on the roster and only four cameras available for the whole class. If we had had 9 cameras that still would have left 10 people to a group with a week to get the camera to everyone and finish our projects. So I bought a camera, I should not have had to. Only five students were allowed access to the green screen on a first come first served basis.
In my Model Creation class our books were not available until two weeks before the end of class. We were being tested on the missing material in the interim.
We are taught no motion capture, something that has become a staple in this industry. Less pretty fountains, more meat and potatoes. DAVE school has motion capture and I think we can agree that we set our standards much higher.
We are taught NURBS modeling as foundation and expected to play catch up with poly modeling.
During another of my classes our professor did not attend 2 of our classes and did not reschedule them. By Full Sail's own attendance policy, that we the students must live and die by, our professor failed on attendance. That is not taking YOUR job or MY education seriously. The faculty and staff MUST live up to the standards of excellence and accountability that has been set for the students.
In addition to these concerns there is a general sentiment of fear among the student body that they will suffer retaliatory action from the faculty and/or staff by voicing these concerns, not the least of which will involve going home. Another friend tried to straighten out a grade for GCSD. The instructors did not collect an assignment until seven days later and by then the files had been overwritten by final drafts that were expected to be turned in at the same place with the same name. Of course the timestamps were not intact. It could have been avoided by collecting the assignments when they were due. My friend could not get the issue resolved to his satisfaction, and with out ever having raised his voice or having made any threat or taken any inappropriate action was told he would be ejected by security if he did not leave. You are creating an adversarial environment. Engage the students! Let them know that their input is expected and welcomed. Restore our confidence in this institution by trying to correct the processes that cause the problems and not just the symptoms themselves. You are clients of ours, every one of us; please treat that relationship with respect by endeavoring to give us what we paid for, a first class education and a solid, positive experience.
In closing let me say that if you simply remove my post, I will take it to the local newspapers and radio. I mean to force a confrontation here, these concerns MUST be addressed by somebody with the power to fix them. Work with us. Make this a place that I can be proud to have attended.
Deeply concerned,
J. Luke Huber
Jhuber11@cfl.rr.com
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Paul Moore
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 2:23:49 PM
Subject: quote report post
#2
Im going to say I agree with this post 100%. I always have some problems with my grade when they are posted 2 weeks after the fact and then its my job to track the appropiate person down to fix. This has caused me mental anguish over the past months and I dont see how hard it is to send an email to say there is a problem with your project when I know they have it on file. Many times also have I seen a 0% for my final project knoing i turned it in and then finding out its a Propeller issue or know one knows why it was posted as a 0. I love how many people fail each month in this program due to technicalities that could easily be resolved (corrupt files, incorrect name, incorrect file size, wrong folder, and especially wrong format or not having enough render time). The work is always there, but because of 1 single error which could be fixed usually in a matter of seconds, It is tossed in the garbage, spit on, and lit on fire. People sacrifice alot of time into projects only to be told see you in a month your formats is wrong. Telling me format is an important part of the real world? of course it is. However, it is fixed and the work is used as soon as possible. Not oh sorry your fired. However, what I love most of all is when I go to see a student advisor about problems I may be having with the school or with a grade or just things in general, I am shown an excuse about how it is NOT Fullsails problem and/or fault. I'm not sure if its just Computer Animation program or rather the whole system in general.
On a side note, This 50% course completion then we get all your money is robbery.
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Patrick Mirocha
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:23:12 PM
Subject: quote report post
#3
I couldn't have said any of this better myself. This is my eduacation, which I paid a lot of money for, and there are times when I wonder if it was all worth it. When I first came to Full Sail, I was so excited, all of us were. But since then I have had so many negative experiences, so many frustrations, that I don't know if I can rcommend this school anymore.
I believe that all these problems can be fixed easily! Talk and actually listen to the student body, adress these issues, and do something about it! None of these post so far have been an attack on this school, we're just saddened, disillusioned, and frustrated students! Please help make my education a positive evperience.
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Robert Hardwick
Computer Animation
December 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:26:06 PM
Subject: quote report post
#4
I've been here a couple months shorter than the author of this post and although I have not personally run in to these many issues, thank God, I do realize the need to attention regarding infrastructure and what Full Sail can support. Granted I do give them credit for getting these buildings built, everyone moved and all but the big picture is the concern. Now looking back at it I haven't even noticed the class sized and lab sizes simply because I'm too busy to even notice or care if I did. I am so crazed with getting the projects planned, worked and finished all I truly care about is rest.
I do wonder what Full Sail will do about this. However, whoever in the administration does respond to this can know, although I'm just a single animation student I'm willing to help with anything I can. Huber is correct in saying, Full Sail has been contracted to teach us about computer animation in the "real world" and what I've gathered from my 11 months here is that its hectic, a non-sleeping world, and ever-changing every month. Although its been an eye opener my work ethic and stamina has shot through the roof.
Really, Full Sail just needs to get a hold of its growth, its a good thing just don't binge it. Take care of what you have before you add. You add to fast, it gets out of hand and you break promises about what you offer as an institute of education.
I like Full Sail, just slow down, perfect what you have and burn the road up from there.
-Bryant
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Dustin Carpenter
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 6:07:47 PM
Subject: In my humble opinion- quote report post
#5
I have seen a great many people, among the student body, who are under the impression that dissension is not condoned under any circumstances, and therefore most students keep their opinions to themselves. I have seen these problems around the school. I have voiced concern within my student critiques, being told that they would all be read, but have been hard pressed to see any change at all.
While getting the most out of our education here takes willingness, perseverance, a good attitude and copious amounts of hard work, I feel that those of us who ARE putting in all the hard work are fighting for every scrap of information that falls beneath the table- almost like begging dogs. We have to push to get our questions answered, and when such questions arise, we find ourselves bouncing from lab to lab to find someone who can at least give us an answer.
To give light to some of the more unpleasant experiences that I have experienced in this institution, I offer the following: When I started final project, the instructors were always late to lecture. I understand people have lives outside of work, but I also do understand that we are being told to live by the standards of promptness and punctual, professional behavior. We walk the sharp blade of a knife when we get an illness that does not merit a medical visit, as many of us cannot afford medical care unless it is urgent. Everybody gets a cold, or a flu- why pass it around to the rest of the student body? I am currently in my second time through CAP, and the conditions are getting worse. While the instructor is not running late every single day, (in fact, the last few times he's been early) attendance gets under way at 9:30AM, and another 15 minutes must be devoted to fixing the projector because it does not work. That is 45 minutes of a lecture wasted where we could be in open labs or at home working on projects.
Our classes are over-filled. Highly over-filled. In fact, this past friday the lab staff for CAP canceled two labs because they are short on staff, and the instructor that was there was already on or past his overtime. Where does this benefit the people in those two particular lab groups? Granted they were left open for open labs, but our lab groups are completely full, and people coming in for lab who wanted to stay may have been deterred by the lack of equipment. If they were able to get onto a machine, what would happen if they needed a question answered that was not fully understood by peers?
The bachelors program is going to be putting more people through our already filled lab rooms. Will this mean that open labs are to be a thing of the past- because the space is needed more? What will those of us who strive for better results and higher quality work do if we do not have access to sufficient machinery or software at home, especially if we cannot find a lab in which to work? Will more labs be opened thus?
I am also an alumni of the film program, and I do feel that the admission representatives that I interfaced with weren't entirely honest with the education that I would be receiving in that particular program.
While I have no desire to go to the media, I do wish to leave my OPINION in the open instead of complaining about it in the privacy of friends or within the tangled lines of the bubbled critiques, as that seems to get little done. WHO is taking my dreams seriously? What is being done to guarantee the QUALITY of MY overall education?
Kindest Regards-
Dustin Carpenter
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Andrew Roeder
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 7:55:36 PM
Subject: quote report post
#6
I agree with Luke's mentions in this post, and I have had plenty of sour experiences myself, especially with the office departments of Fullsail.
I had to visit Education 3 times because they pinkslipped me and the person i was supposed to speak to was not in their office. How I resolved the issue was to go on a break during a class and wait 15-20 minutes (the person i was seeing also had no previous students in their office - It was viewable from the where I was sitting.) All that I had to do was sign a paper.
The FS3 Parking problem is one that needs concern though, regardless of the time you arrive you'll deal with it, because there are always enough students to fill the spots, especially at the 1pm class time.
I however definately feel that the computer animation department isn't being given the financial attention it deserves. With that said, purchasing G5 Mac computers which for personal buyers begins around $2000.00 a piece as opposed to placing this money into something actual useful, there is a large obvious reason why most corporations are using linux as their OS.
I also feel that the animation department seriosuly lacks training in artistic painting. In this industry we must have some serious skill and talent in painting with a computer brush to make our models/etc industry standard, theres no training in this whatsoever and only one art class at all(object perspective.) Other schools which teach "computer animation" completely are leaned towards more art then technical skill.
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Michael Quevedo
Computer Animation
December 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 8:21:37 PM
Subject: quote report post
#7
Agreed 100%. Every month that passes the more I regret coming to this "accelarated program" versus another. The incompetence in this school grows everyday. Specially in the last few months/classes. I have already completely lost my trust in its staff, and expectations. To me Full Sail has become 95% expensive resource center, 5% school. A place where you must learn what you can, and make the best demo reel you can. Ive never given a single thought to signing up for bachelors. After 10+ months its just not worth it to continue.
P.S: I highly doubt this will accomplish anything.
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Dustin Carpenter
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:44:16 PM
Subject: quote report post
#8
In reply to:
"I also feel that the animation department seriosuly lacks training in artistic painting."
I have to disagree with you slightly. I don't think that it lacks the training as much as the time constraints of the progams that do offer any sort of traditional art. Any of the help that I have received I have had to ask for it, I admit, but I did receive great instruction and advice from Tom and the OP staff. And recently, Marife (formerly storyboarding, now in OP) has been giving me crits on my acrryllic work for my demo reel.
A painting course after OP wouldn't go amiss, however- but that's just another course to cram a few hundred people into... (That and the cost of the Canvas, paints, brushes and other misc. mediums would be phenomenal!)
D
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Angela Nelson
Computer Animation
February 2005
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:41:34 AM
Subject: more to say quote report post
#9
I too agree with this! I as well have had many unpleasent experiances with fullsail, not just hte animation department but the education and the finatial aid department as well! When Fullsail has no policys for some thing that is very common, something needs to be changed, or at least looked at! I love going here, as hectic as it is, and i wish the expieriance to be better.
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Matthew Stratford
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:44:16 AM
Subject: quote report post
#10
I have to agree that a lot of Luke's complaints are valid. While the class size is not something that really bothers me, I can definately see how it would bother other people, especially when classes half the size of many current ones were what was promised.
There are a lot of things that could be handled better, I agree. Based on my own personal experience and that of people I know, there have been many times when course directors seem more interested in teaching the "hard lesson" of failing students than ensuring they get an education. For example, I know someone who received a failing grade on his final project in a class because one of the lab instructors was unable to open it. Even though the other two who graded it were able to do so, he received a 0 from that lab instructor. On taking this to the director of the course, and watching him open the file with no problems right in front of him, he was told "Sorry, I'm not changing your grade". I have heard many similar stories.
Luke's comments about the class size versus number of available cameras in CSF is something I greatly sympathise with, as I am a compositor myself. Even when I went through the class with significantly fewer people, there were still groups who were hard pressed to get their assigned camera passed around in time to film everything. Luckily some people had their own cameras. CAP, however, is completely different. There are no cameras available for student use, and CSF cameras are not allowed to be loaned to CAP students. A friend of mine trying to film footage spoke to someone in CSF and was told that a camera was on order for the CAP class's use. On speaking to someone from CAP, however, all he got was a laugh.
I take great issue with the lack of support that compositors receive throughout the final months of the course. There are no lectures on compositing in CAP (heads up to any compositors hoping to glean something from the class) and there are rarely any lab instructors who can be asked compositing questions. Compositing critiques are handled by the Course Director, who, being the Course Director, has many things to worry about in addition to those critiques. I feel this is unfair to both him and what few compositors come through CAP, as it often takes a long time to hear back about a project.
Don't get me wrong. I am supremely glad I came here. I am very happy with the education I've received and I do not in any way feel my money was not well spent. The program feels like it is still growing into itself, and in a rapidly changing industry this is not unexpected. There are still some kinks that don't necessarily need to be worked out, but would create a better environment for everyone if they were.
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Dustin Carpenter
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 3:02:45 AM
Subject: quote report post
#11
This might be a long shot (probably is, actually) - but the CA department should hold a panel in Full Sail live or some other larger venue close to campus. This panel should include Pete Bandstra, Administration, all course directors, and anyone who wishes to voice concerns over the way this department is handled. Perhaps that way we could talk, listen, and hopefully come to some sort of peaceful solution to all of these issues.
Just a thought.
D
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Brett Williams
Computer Animation
November 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:06:06 AM
Subject: quote report post
#12
James all i have to say is HUGE applause to you. Not only are you doing the students a huge service by brining up these growing problems but you are helping out the school as well. This school is so blinded by the millions of dollars its brining in that i think they lost sight of the fact they have peoples futures in their hands. If this school doesn’t get back on track really soon, they are going to hit a HUGE downfall as word gets out. Any striving business can go down in an instant if they let themselves go like this school has. Iv personally felt so cheated and lied to in my education here that i am already searching for another school to attend after i graduate so that hopefully i can get the training i need to make my dreams come true. I really hope someone from full sail listens to this post and begins to take action. Not only for the students sake, but for the sake of full sails survival in the future. Because as of right now, i have very little good to say about the school. There are a few teachers and lab instructors that i think are awesome at what they do, but being a teacher myself i hate to say that almost none (ALMOST none) of the instructors here know how to teach. Or answer questions in a way that makes sense to anyone but them. Yes they know how to do it, they know what they want to say, but they don’t know how to teach it. Like James said there is a HUGE difference between being able to do something, and being able to teach something. Just because you give someone a slide show doest make them a teacher. Anyway, there is way to much to complain about and way to little space on this forum. I doubt anyone wants to read a book of "what should be fixed about full sail" so i just hope that Full Sail administration takes this thread seriously, doesn’t try and censor us or threaten us with "You go against us you go home". I hope they take our concerns and find out what is wrong with what they are doing so i can come back and audit the newly formed structure and maybe finally get my moneys worth out of this school.
P.S.
I am not saying iv learned nothing. I’m not saying full sail is the worse school ever. I'm just saying I agree that its getting out of control, i feel taken advantage of, I feel lied too, i feel like iv wasted not only money, but time by attending this school. I did not get out of it what I played for or put into it.
E-mail: naisa@naisaevoli.com
P.P.S.
Please excuse my spelling and grammar, it is 5 A.M. and I’m tired. Sorry J
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Christopher Smith
Computer Animation
November 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:34:34 AM
Subject: quote report post
#13
I agree with Luke Huber 100% as well as the others that have replied. Im not going to waste my time just paraphrasing what Luke has already said because frankly i could have not said it better my self. I have had the pleasure of sepending many lecture and lab hours with Luke and this always seems to be the #1 topic of the convorsations that we often have and it always ends in the same fasion " What is the use nothing we will ever say will make any better, and for the fact of the matter, who else besides students listen anyway."
p.s- it has been 15.5 hours and i cant believe this topic is still posted for discussion
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Brett Williams
Computer Animation
November 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:44:55 AM
Subject: quote report post
#14
Christopher Smith wrote:
p.s- it has been 15.5 hours and i cant believe this topic is still posted for discussion
I think (at least I hope) its because they finally realize we aren’t just talking crap, or venting. We have legitimate concerns."
Full Sail has allowed its student body to expand past the bounds of what its current infrastructure can support. I have over 30 students in my current lab which is beyond the 25 person limit I was promised when I toured. I have paid for a parking permit and find no place to park at Full Sail 3. Class sizes are approaching 100 students, well beyond the estimated class sizes given in your tours. This is the root of many of the following issues. In addition, the administration is distant and no longer in touch with what is actually happing day to day in the class room. This is evidenced by the fact that the curriculum changes every month in a guess-and-check fashion. Furthermore, I have never seen our program director in a single one of my classes these past 14 months. I have never seen him outside of his office. Many of my classmates don’t even know who he is.
I think any individual who has been forced to spend some time in the education office can attest to the fact that, on many an occasion, the staff and faculty (the staff more than faculty) are not taking the education of the students seriously. "If you take your dreams seriously, we'll take your dreams. Seriously." This is not a comment of mine, but one I have seen all too many times in student doodles and graffiti, just check the bathroom stalls if you don’t believe me. In the education office, I saw one of the student advisors bring a concern to my program director who said, "Tell them to write a letter." Does that sound like the student's concern was being taken seriously? A friend of mine went to education to sort out an add to roster problem and was not even allowed to speak to an advisor, the secretary relayed the advisors comments from an instant messenger. I have been forced to wait for receptionists to finish their personal conversations concerning their love lives and after work plans so that I could have them hand me a form. I have had lab instructors asleep in lab, absent from lab, or in lab with an unprofessional attitude. Many of these lab instructors are in their first position of leadership and their inexperience causes friction with the student body. We were promised experienced professionals, not recent grads. Just because I have graduated the 6th grade, it does not necessarily follow that I am qualified to teach the 6th grade. It requires training in public speaking, management, and educational techniques. These are comments that have been passed along through student critics by me and many of my fellow students.
During one of my classes we had aprox. 92 students in a room that was (is?) used for storage of audio equipment and had leaking ceilings (FS3-125). I have a book bag full of water-stained books, and I am upset about it. Furthermore the condition of the roof had caused a number of ceiling tiles to deteriorate, and during the final (which was administered 45 minutes late and was not the 50 question test we were told to prepare for, but a 75 question test with questions repeated and jumbled together) one of the ceiling tiles fell, missing a student by only about 10 feet. I brought these concerns to my course director who was troubled by them, but unable to offer any input as to what I could do to have these concerns addressed. A RECKLESS disregard for our education and well as our safety was displayed through the course of those events.
In my CSF class we had over ninety students on the roster and only four cameras available for the whole class. If we had had 9 cameras that still would have left 10 people to a group with a week to get the camera to everyone and finish our projects. So I bought a camera, I should not have had to. Only five students were allowed access to the green screen on a first come first served basis.
In my Model Creation class our books were not available until two weeks before the end of class. We were being tested on the missing material in the interim.
We are taught no motion capture, something that has become a staple in this industry. Less pretty fountains, more meat and potatoes. DAVE school has motion capture and I think we can agree that we set our standards much higher.
We are taught NURBS modeling as foundation and expected to play catch up with poly modeling.
During another of my classes our professor did not attend 2 of our classes and did not reschedule them. By Full Sail's own attendance policy, that we the students must live and die by, our professor failed on attendance. That is not taking YOUR job or MY education seriously. The faculty and staff MUST live up to the standards of excellence and accountability that has been set for the students.
In addition to these concerns there is a general sentiment of fear among the student body that they will suffer retaliatory action from the faculty and/or staff by voicing these concerns, not the least of which will involve going home. Another friend tried to straighten out a grade for GCSD. The instructors did not collect an assignment until seven days later and by then the files had been overwritten by final drafts that were expected to be turned in at the same place with the same name. Of course the timestamps were not intact. It could have been avoided by collecting the assignments when they were due. My friend could not get the issue resolved to his satisfaction, and with out ever having raised his voice or having made any threat or taken any inappropriate action was told he would be ejected by security if he did not leave. You are creating an adversarial environment. Engage the students! Let them know that their input is expected and welcomed. Restore our confidence in this institution by trying to correct the processes that cause the problems and not just the symptoms themselves. You are clients of ours, every one of us; please treat that relationship with respect by endeavoring to give us what we paid for, a first class education and a solid, positive experience.
In closing let me say that if you simply remove my post, I will take it to the local newspapers and radio. I mean to force a confrontation here, these concerns MUST be addressed by somebody with the power to fix them. Work with us. Make this a place that I can be proud to have attended.
Deeply concerned,
J. Luke Huber
Jhuber11@cfl.rr.com
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Paul Moore
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 2:23:49 PM
Subject: quote report post
#2
Im going to say I agree with this post 100%. I always have some problems with my grade when they are posted 2 weeks after the fact and then its my job to track the appropiate person down to fix. This has caused me mental anguish over the past months and I dont see how hard it is to send an email to say there is a problem with your project when I know they have it on file. Many times also have I seen a 0% for my final project knoing i turned it in and then finding out its a Propeller issue or know one knows why it was posted as a 0. I love how many people fail each month in this program due to technicalities that could easily be resolved (corrupt files, incorrect name, incorrect file size, wrong folder, and especially wrong format or not having enough render time). The work is always there, but because of 1 single error which could be fixed usually in a matter of seconds, It is tossed in the garbage, spit on, and lit on fire. People sacrifice alot of time into projects only to be told see you in a month your formats is wrong. Telling me format is an important part of the real world? of course it is. However, it is fixed and the work is used as soon as possible. Not oh sorry your fired. However, what I love most of all is when I go to see a student advisor about problems I may be having with the school or with a grade or just things in general, I am shown an excuse about how it is NOT Fullsails problem and/or fault. I'm not sure if its just Computer Animation program or rather the whole system in general.
On a side note, This 50% course completion then we get all your money is robbery.
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Patrick Mirocha
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:23:12 PM
Subject: quote report post
#3
I couldn't have said any of this better myself. This is my eduacation, which I paid a lot of money for, and there are times when I wonder if it was all worth it. When I first came to Full Sail, I was so excited, all of us were. But since then I have had so many negative experiences, so many frustrations, that I don't know if I can rcommend this school anymore.
I believe that all these problems can be fixed easily! Talk and actually listen to the student body, adress these issues, and do something about it! None of these post so far have been an attack on this school, we're just saddened, disillusioned, and frustrated students! Please help make my education a positive evperience.
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Robert Hardwick
Computer Animation
December 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 5:26:06 PM
Subject: quote report post
#4
I've been here a couple months shorter than the author of this post and although I have not personally run in to these many issues, thank God, I do realize the need to attention regarding infrastructure and what Full Sail can support. Granted I do give them credit for getting these buildings built, everyone moved and all but the big picture is the concern. Now looking back at it I haven't even noticed the class sized and lab sizes simply because I'm too busy to even notice or care if I did. I am so crazed with getting the projects planned, worked and finished all I truly care about is rest.
I do wonder what Full Sail will do about this. However, whoever in the administration does respond to this can know, although I'm just a single animation student I'm willing to help with anything I can. Huber is correct in saying, Full Sail has been contracted to teach us about computer animation in the "real world" and what I've gathered from my 11 months here is that its hectic, a non-sleeping world, and ever-changing every month. Although its been an eye opener my work ethic and stamina has shot through the roof.
Really, Full Sail just needs to get a hold of its growth, its a good thing just don't binge it. Take care of what you have before you add. You add to fast, it gets out of hand and you break promises about what you offer as an institute of education.
I like Full Sail, just slow down, perfect what you have and burn the road up from there.
-Bryant
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Dustin Carpenter
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 6:07:47 PM
Subject: In my humble opinion- quote report post
#5
I have seen a great many people, among the student body, who are under the impression that dissension is not condoned under any circumstances, and therefore most students keep their opinions to themselves. I have seen these problems around the school. I have voiced concern within my student critiques, being told that they would all be read, but have been hard pressed to see any change at all.
While getting the most out of our education here takes willingness, perseverance, a good attitude and copious amounts of hard work, I feel that those of us who ARE putting in all the hard work are fighting for every scrap of information that falls beneath the table- almost like begging dogs. We have to push to get our questions answered, and when such questions arise, we find ourselves bouncing from lab to lab to find someone who can at least give us an answer.
To give light to some of the more unpleasant experiences that I have experienced in this institution, I offer the following: When I started final project, the instructors were always late to lecture. I understand people have lives outside of work, but I also do understand that we are being told to live by the standards of promptness and punctual, professional behavior. We walk the sharp blade of a knife when we get an illness that does not merit a medical visit, as many of us cannot afford medical care unless it is urgent. Everybody gets a cold, or a flu- why pass it around to the rest of the student body? I am currently in my second time through CAP, and the conditions are getting worse. While the instructor is not running late every single day, (in fact, the last few times he's been early) attendance gets under way at 9:30AM, and another 15 minutes must be devoted to fixing the projector because it does not work. That is 45 minutes of a lecture wasted where we could be in open labs or at home working on projects.
Our classes are over-filled. Highly over-filled. In fact, this past friday the lab staff for CAP canceled two labs because they are short on staff, and the instructor that was there was already on or past his overtime. Where does this benefit the people in those two particular lab groups? Granted they were left open for open labs, but our lab groups are completely full, and people coming in for lab who wanted to stay may have been deterred by the lack of equipment. If they were able to get onto a machine, what would happen if they needed a question answered that was not fully understood by peers?
The bachelors program is going to be putting more people through our already filled lab rooms. Will this mean that open labs are to be a thing of the past- because the space is needed more? What will those of us who strive for better results and higher quality work do if we do not have access to sufficient machinery or software at home, especially if we cannot find a lab in which to work? Will more labs be opened thus?
I am also an alumni of the film program, and I do feel that the admission representatives that I interfaced with weren't entirely honest with the education that I would be receiving in that particular program.
While I have no desire to go to the media, I do wish to leave my OPINION in the open instead of complaining about it in the privacy of friends or within the tangled lines of the bubbled critiques, as that seems to get little done. WHO is taking my dreams seriously? What is being done to guarantee the QUALITY of MY overall education?
Kindest Regards-
Dustin Carpenter
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Andrew Roeder
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 7:55:36 PM
Subject: quote report post
#6
I agree with Luke's mentions in this post, and I have had plenty of sour experiences myself, especially with the office departments of Fullsail.
I had to visit Education 3 times because they pinkslipped me and the person i was supposed to speak to was not in their office. How I resolved the issue was to go on a break during a class and wait 15-20 minutes (the person i was seeing also had no previous students in their office - It was viewable from the where I was sitting.) All that I had to do was sign a paper.
The FS3 Parking problem is one that needs concern though, regardless of the time you arrive you'll deal with it, because there are always enough students to fill the spots, especially at the 1pm class time.
I however definately feel that the computer animation department isn't being given the financial attention it deserves. With that said, purchasing G5 Mac computers which for personal buyers begins around $2000.00 a piece as opposed to placing this money into something actual useful, there is a large obvious reason why most corporations are using linux as their OS.
I also feel that the animation department seriosuly lacks training in artistic painting. In this industry we must have some serious skill and talent in painting with a computer brush to make our models/etc industry standard, theres no training in this whatsoever and only one art class at all(object perspective.) Other schools which teach "computer animation" completely are leaned towards more art then technical skill.
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Michael Quevedo
Computer Animation
December 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 8:21:37 PM
Subject: quote report post
#7
Agreed 100%. Every month that passes the more I regret coming to this "accelarated program" versus another. The incompetence in this school grows everyday. Specially in the last few months/classes. I have already completely lost my trust in its staff, and expectations. To me Full Sail has become 95% expensive resource center, 5% school. A place where you must learn what you can, and make the best demo reel you can. Ive never given a single thought to signing up for bachelors. After 10+ months its just not worth it to continue.
P.S: I highly doubt this will accomplish anything.
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Dustin Carpenter
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 9:44:16 PM
Subject: quote report post
#8
In reply to:
"I also feel that the animation department seriosuly lacks training in artistic painting."
I have to disagree with you slightly. I don't think that it lacks the training as much as the time constraints of the progams that do offer any sort of traditional art. Any of the help that I have received I have had to ask for it, I admit, but I did receive great instruction and advice from Tom and the OP staff. And recently, Marife (formerly storyboarding, now in OP) has been giving me crits on my acrryllic work for my demo reel.
A painting course after OP wouldn't go amiss, however- but that's just another course to cram a few hundred people into... (That and the cost of the Canvas, paints, brushes and other misc. mediums would be phenomenal!)
D
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Angela Nelson
Computer Animation
February 2005
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:41:34 AM
Subject: more to say quote report post
#9
I too agree with this! I as well have had many unpleasent experiances with fullsail, not just hte animation department but the education and the finatial aid department as well! When Fullsail has no policys for some thing that is very common, something needs to be changed, or at least looked at! I love going here, as hectic as it is, and i wish the expieriance to be better.
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Matthew Stratford
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 12:44:16 AM
Subject: quote report post
#10
I have to agree that a lot of Luke's complaints are valid. While the class size is not something that really bothers me, I can definately see how it would bother other people, especially when classes half the size of many current ones were what was promised.
There are a lot of things that could be handled better, I agree. Based on my own personal experience and that of people I know, there have been many times when course directors seem more interested in teaching the "hard lesson" of failing students than ensuring they get an education. For example, I know someone who received a failing grade on his final project in a class because one of the lab instructors was unable to open it. Even though the other two who graded it were able to do so, he received a 0 from that lab instructor. On taking this to the director of the course, and watching him open the file with no problems right in front of him, he was told "Sorry, I'm not changing your grade". I have heard many similar stories.
Luke's comments about the class size versus number of available cameras in CSF is something I greatly sympathise with, as I am a compositor myself. Even when I went through the class with significantly fewer people, there were still groups who were hard pressed to get their assigned camera passed around in time to film everything. Luckily some people had their own cameras. CAP, however, is completely different. There are no cameras available for student use, and CSF cameras are not allowed to be loaned to CAP students. A friend of mine trying to film footage spoke to someone in CSF and was told that a camera was on order for the CAP class's use. On speaking to someone from CAP, however, all he got was a laugh.
I take great issue with the lack of support that compositors receive throughout the final months of the course. There are no lectures on compositing in CAP (heads up to any compositors hoping to glean something from the class) and there are rarely any lab instructors who can be asked compositing questions. Compositing critiques are handled by the Course Director, who, being the Course Director, has many things to worry about in addition to those critiques. I feel this is unfair to both him and what few compositors come through CAP, as it often takes a long time to hear back about a project.
Don't get me wrong. I am supremely glad I came here. I am very happy with the education I've received and I do not in any way feel my money was not well spent. The program feels like it is still growing into itself, and in a rapidly changing industry this is not unexpected. There are still some kinks that don't necessarily need to be worked out, but would create a better environment for everyone if they were.
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Dustin Carpenter
Computer Animation
September 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 3:02:45 AM
Subject: quote report post
#11
This might be a long shot (probably is, actually) - but the CA department should hold a panel in Full Sail live or some other larger venue close to campus. This panel should include Pete Bandstra, Administration, all course directors, and anyone who wishes to voice concerns over the way this department is handled. Perhaps that way we could talk, listen, and hopefully come to some sort of peaceful solution to all of these issues.
Just a thought.
D
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Brett Williams
Computer Animation
November 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:06:06 AM
Subject: quote report post
#12
James all i have to say is HUGE applause to you. Not only are you doing the students a huge service by brining up these growing problems but you are helping out the school as well. This school is so blinded by the millions of dollars its brining in that i think they lost sight of the fact they have peoples futures in their hands. If this school doesn’t get back on track really soon, they are going to hit a HUGE downfall as word gets out. Any striving business can go down in an instant if they let themselves go like this school has. Iv personally felt so cheated and lied to in my education here that i am already searching for another school to attend after i graduate so that hopefully i can get the training i need to make my dreams come true. I really hope someone from full sail listens to this post and begins to take action. Not only for the students sake, but for the sake of full sails survival in the future. Because as of right now, i have very little good to say about the school. There are a few teachers and lab instructors that i think are awesome at what they do, but being a teacher myself i hate to say that almost none (ALMOST none) of the instructors here know how to teach. Or answer questions in a way that makes sense to anyone but them. Yes they know how to do it, they know what they want to say, but they don’t know how to teach it. Like James said there is a HUGE difference between being able to do something, and being able to teach something. Just because you give someone a slide show doest make them a teacher. Anyway, there is way to much to complain about and way to little space on this forum. I doubt anyone wants to read a book of "what should be fixed about full sail" so i just hope that Full Sail administration takes this thread seriously, doesn’t try and censor us or threaten us with "You go against us you go home". I hope they take our concerns and find out what is wrong with what they are doing so i can come back and audit the newly formed structure and maybe finally get my moneys worth out of this school.
P.S.
I am not saying iv learned nothing. I’m not saying full sail is the worse school ever. I'm just saying I agree that its getting out of control, i feel taken advantage of, I feel lied too, i feel like iv wasted not only money, but time by attending this school. I did not get out of it what I played for or put into it.
E-mail: naisa@naisaevoli.com
P.P.S.
Please excuse my spelling and grammar, it is 5 A.M. and I’m tired. Sorry J
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Christopher Smith
Computer Animation
November 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 5:34:34 AM
Subject: quote report post
#13
I agree with Luke Huber 100% as well as the others that have replied. Im not going to waste my time just paraphrasing what Luke has already said because frankly i could have not said it better my self. I have had the pleasure of sepending many lecture and lab hours with Luke and this always seems to be the #1 topic of the convorsations that we often have and it always ends in the same fasion " What is the use nothing we will ever say will make any better, and for the fact of the matter, who else besides students listen anyway."
p.s- it has been 15.5 hours and i cant believe this topic is still posted for discussion
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Brett Williams
Computer Animation
November 2004
Posted: Thu Oct 13, 2005 6:44:55 AM
Subject: quote report post
#14
Christopher Smith wrote:
p.s- it has been 15.5 hours and i cant believe this topic is still posted for discussion
I think (at least I hope) its because they finally realize we aren’t just talking crap, or venting. We have legitimate concerns."