Posted this somewhere else, but thought it deserved a spot out here too.
Overview of the Graphic Design Program at Conestoga College.
Program Changes and Lack of Preparation:
Conestoga introduced a January cohort without adequate preparation, leading to classroom shortages and faculty unpreparedness. Simultaneously, the program lacked a creative director(cant remember the title), resulting in further struggles.
Tuition Expenses:
Tuition fees do not cover essential materials like textbooks, cameras, or design kits. most students found these items unnecessary, with little use for the expensive design kits. Additionally, most students purchased cameras for photography courses, but it's really not a necessity to buy one.
Educational Reality:
The program is content-heavy, with an overload of assignments and a lack of effective education to complete them successfully. Professors often rely on slides, directing students to LinkedIn for significant portions of their learning in the first semester.
Qualified Instructors:
Certain professors may not be qualified to teach specific topics, leading to reliance on external sources like LinkedIn. This contrasts with the intention for Molly to serve as the first-year educator, specializing in typography, although other instructors have struggled with this role.
Educational Challenges:
Several instructors, including Lucy, Barb, Mike, and Layne, face various challenges, from disengagement in class to difficulties in conveying concepts effectively. Mike's unrealistic expectations regarding student expenses and capabilities add to the challenges.
Grading System and Assignment Sheets:
The program's grading system rarely goes above 80%, and scholarship opportunities are limited as a result. Profs commonly joke about this aspect. Assignment sheets are often convoluted, filled with excessive content, and confusing instructions. Some assignments are due for multiple professors, who have different assignment sheets leading to confusion.
Expectations vs. Reality:
Instructors often assume students can spend substantial personal funds on projects, causing financial stress. Some students are advised not to work during the program, which is unrealistic for many.
Initial Struggles and First-Month Failures:
Many students fail their initial assignments within the program's first month, causing some to reconsider their enrollment. This trend continues over the years. - If all students are failing, is it their fault or the profs?
Final Evaluations and Communication:
Final evaluations involve intimidating questioning and, surprisingly, sometimes result in lower grades than initial assessments. This raises concerns about communication among educators during the grading process.
Interesting Observations:
Some educators were asked to teach for the summer semester without compensation. The program's second year introduces confusion, collaboration with third-year students, and substantial dropout rates.
Complaints and Red Flags:
Complaints about the program are redirected, as there is no direct avenue for students to voice concerns. The absence of an administrator, student advisor, or chair is considered normal by professors.
Stress Levels and Mental Health:
The stress levels in the program have negatively impacted students' mental health, leading to addiction relapses for some individuals.
Feedback from Graduates:
Graduates who previously completed degrees elsewhere express dismay at the program's disorganization and unfulfilling nature.
Work for Free Contradiction:
While the first year emphasizes not working for free, students are later required to provide design work for clients without compensation.
Conclusion:
Considering the challenges and concerns raised, it is recommended that anyone contemplating the program consider alternatives such as Fanshawe or Mohawk. The Graphic Design program at Conestoga may not be worth the associated anguish and stress. Some describe it as a place where dreams come to die.
submitted by /u/chickencatpotato
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