The Academy of Art University

1st Year Male -- Class 2014

Surrounding City: A, Friendliness: C+

I will admit, 70% of the instructors are great. But 30% of faulty instructors is too high of a rate for 2 reasons.

1. The University highers instructors with a BA being the minimum requirement. (I've seen postings on Craigslist.com)

2. The amount of money the University charges is too high considering we don't have qualified "teachers."

I Have witnessed instructors harass, & discriminate, and I have witnessed instructors with such compassion, & constructive criticism.

Besides instructors, the Faculty at AAU is AWFUL!!!! If you ever find yourself caught up in the politics of AAU, make sure you DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!!! Record, follow up letters stating facts, have witnesses... for EVERYTHING!!!!

You see, AAU thinks they are above the law. I personally feel since President Elisa Stephens has been born into billions, she feels the university needs to be run by spoiled brats, and mafia-like idiots.

The accreditation they hold by WASC is great tho! It's the same accreditation as any other California University... and can easily transfer to Universities like Boston's Northeastern University (which I did to avoid corrupt AAU.)

To succeed at AAU, you should be driven and disciplined.. do not rely on educational growth, and learning from experience... there is NO TIME. It's hard work & corruption from your 1st day! Stay out of the politics of the University, and STAY OUT OF CAMPUS HOUSING!! Campus Living Villages is a 3rd party management company that manages the dormitories, due to past problems with the University managing housing.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2010

Campus Aesthetics: A, Scholastic Success: F

Student Artists should understand that their product is still viewed subjectively and not for what it is. The formality of traditional techniques is appreciated and at times over shadowing creative aptitude. This is a pisser. There in lies the personal challenge... It's easy to lose your original creative vision in a place like AAU due to the expectation of any individual instructors' interpretation of technique and which part is more valuable. Your original vision must be put on hold until you satisfy the terms of AAU instruction. I'm an older student who has sold my own art for years. I came here improve my technique and finish my degree, and I found myself double guessing what I know intuitively. I can look at this as torture or an opportunity to transform... I'm sure it's an ugly combination. I'll keep going, but I'm also sure that any future I have lies in my hands and not AAU.

1st Year Female -- Class 2011

Surrounding City: A, Collaboration/Competitive: F