The University of Illinois - Chicago

Date: Dec 31 1969
Major: Art & Design Department (This Major's Salary over time)
I graduated from UIC in 1998. I HAD A BLAST! Originally I thought I would be a psychologist but discovered I didn't want to listen to other peoples problems. I also went into the Arts program because I knew I loved Art. I minored in theater. If you want social time then UIC may not be the school for you but I argue any experience is what you make of it. There was a Christian group on camput when I was there who was always doing volunteer work and singing and having fun I hung out with them for a while and made some friends. Also I got a job on campus working in Events Production. I got to participate in all the campus events. We used to have yearly talent shows, and comedy jams as well as special programs in the Inner Circle. I guess what is going on, on campus now is a relfection of the planning of the Events Production department. When I was there it was awesome.

Professors/ Faculty: While I was there I only had one bad experience with a professor. I think that is pretty darn good. The professor was computer aided drafting teacher who refused to allow me access to the computer lab via allowing me to use a key. I was a struggling student who did not own their own computer back then and I really need more work on the software he told me unless I was good enough to be an aid to others then I couldn't use a key and I obviously wasn't good enough. I went through alot with I believe his name was Drew but it taught me (I am now a teacher myself) about the type of teacher I don't want to be. That is what I recommend for all those who have bad experiences learn from it and move on.

A lot of postings I read are from freshman who have to adjust their expectations from the ideal of college. Sometimes its a hard transition, you have to have study skills and knowledge of how to take notes in large universities. I don't think it is that professors don't care so much as it is that it is way too many students for the professors to be able to take that type of one on one interest. Sometimes if you're struggling you have to make your presence felt. Let the professors know you need help, sometimes you have to seek other sources, classmates, form a study group. College is what you make of it. I made lifelong friends.

I never had a view of the school as ugly, its urban. The Art building is VERY ARTISTIC, I loved it because as part of my art project I could paint the halls in the hallway black and no one blinked an eye. What a great school. Very liberating in an art department. Yeah there is a lot of cement but even when I was there the renovation project was underway. If you are truly there for a learning experience UIC is a great choice.

A UIC diploma definitely holds weight.