UArts shutting down was so shocking for a variety of reasons. I graduated from there two yrs ago but have a younger cousin who just graduated this year. He told me how his professors were excited and expecting a bigger student body this fall, new hirers would be joining in, my even littler cousin attended UArts’ high school Saturday school program, which is brand new! It just seemed like the school would be expanding, this younger cousin and all her friends that attended this program had UArts as their top choice. And why would they not after a positive experience with the professors (shout out to Lowell!) and in a city with such a bustling creative scene like Philadelphia? Much of the community are suspecting higher management, as you said there’s no arguing how poorly they handle money lol. Both the previous and current president are terribly unpopular among the community. But to shut down soon after the faculty union finally settled on a contract too, after years of them fighting? It’s so extremely suspicious! Where is everyone’s money going if not back into the school, the professors, upgrading the equipment and infrastructure? And who’s spending it? There will be a town hall meeting on Monday. I’m not gonna get my expectations up, but I hope the big questions will be answered. I hope the best for everyone who made this school what it is, who are now left scrambling but deserve so much better Update: the town hall meeting got cancelled 10 min before it was supposed to happen 🙃
Likewise!! I was shocked when I learned that they were expecting bigger classes as well and STILL closed. Even more disheartening was hearing a former professor earned a promotion recently just to never actually assume that role. My heart really goes out to the community - it's truly disheartening to witness the decline of a 120 year old institution that birthed and guided so many amazing careers
@@niadragon seeing the posts shared from our beloved professors is the most heartbreaking part :( that’s so sad to hear, many people had similar expectations due to the opportunities the school had given them, and now this? What a detriment, and towards something as important as your professional/college career!
I wonder how current students are taking this. I hope their education isn’t too disrupted. This goes for high school students planning their futures as well. Not from the US and nowhere near those post-secondaries, but my best wishes for anyone affected by this!
Love the shoutouts to Chris and Erik. They have truly shaped the animation department at UArts, along with the rest of the professors/faculty too, and have positively impacted so many artists (including myself) thanks to the program. Still processing the loss of UArts, a huge gut to the Avenue of the Arts here in Philly
Professor Claudia!!! I’m so happy this reached you, and thanks for watching! Your gender studies and feminism class stick with me to this day! UArts may have closed, but your profound teachings and the impact you had on your students are truly everlasting. Thank you for being such an influential and inspiring educator during my time there!! :)
@@niadragon im so sad ill never get to experience this now. its been my dream for years. now im back on the search for affordable Fine Arts colleges. do you have any suggestions that may help?
I have been in contact with UArts since the beginning of 2024 to pursue a degree there. and I was finally getting on track. recently was offered multiple scholarships and possibly an exhibit here (at home) soon in a local art center and the gallery at my workplace. and suddenly I found the article about the university's closure. I was devastated, which may seem dramatic but since my freshman year, I've been searching for an art college that suited all my needs. I finally found it and was so excited it became my dream and what drove me in school and my art. Then reality seemed to cave in on me. I recently relocated the files i made when i was researching colleges. next on my list was PAFA, gone. Delaware wasn't my top choice but it was still on that list. gone. I'm so scared that by the time i graduate all my options will have run dry. and even then, if i do find a college then it may fail at some point in my 4 years. at this rate there will be no Fine Arts\ none digital art specializing colleges or universities in the U.S in a matter of years. almost 2 colleges monthly are ubruptly closing. you can go to a number of community colleges or universities for graphic design or digital art, but for the fine arts, expressive dance, etc., these colleges are a dying breed.
I just graduated from film school with a very similar experience to you. I would be crying for days if I found out they had to close. Praying for all the teachers, students, and alumni!
Just came across your video. Your path is exactly the same my daughter planned for next year. We live in DE and thought the transition from DCAD to Uarts was good since she's a younger senior. She planned to attend the summer program this year and it was canceled due to low enrollment I was told. Open house listed on their website, but when we showed up no one knew what was going on. We are very sad as this was her dream for some time to study animation, because like to said high teachers tend to focus on fine arts. TFS
So many Philly art colleges have been shutting down it’s disheartening mine shut down a few years ago Hussian and I still lol need that loan money back
UArts shutting down was so shocking for a variety of reasons. I graduated from there two yrs ago but have a younger cousin who just graduated this year. He told me how his professors were excited and expecting a bigger student body this fall, new hirers would be joining in, my even littler cousin attended UArts’ high school Saturday school program, which is brand new! It just seemed like the school would be expanding, this younger cousin and all her friends that attended this program had UArts as their top choice. And why would they not after a positive experience with the professors (shout out to Lowell!) and in a city with such a bustling creative scene like Philadelphia?
Much of the community are suspecting higher management, as you said there’s no arguing how poorly they handle money lol. Both the previous and current president are terribly unpopular among the community. But to shut down soon after the faculty union finally settled on a contract too, after years of them fighting? It’s so extremely suspicious! Where is everyone’s money going if not back into the school, the professors, upgrading the equipment and infrastructure? And who’s spending it? There will be a town hall meeting on Monday. I’m not gonna get my expectations up, but I hope the big questions will be answered.
I hope the best for everyone who made this school what it is, who are now left scrambling but deserve so much better
Update: the town hall meeting got cancelled 10 min before it was supposed to happen 🙃
Likewise!! I was shocked when I learned that they were expecting bigger classes as well and STILL closed. Even more disheartening was hearing a former professor earned a promotion recently just to never actually assume that role. My heart really goes out to the community - it's truly disheartening to witness the decline of a 120 year old institution that birthed and guided so many amazing careers
@@niadragon seeing the posts shared from our beloved professors is the most heartbreaking part :( that’s so sad to hear, many people had similar expectations due to the opportunities the school had given them, and now this? What a detriment, and towards something as important as your professional/college career!
I wonder how current students are taking this. I hope their education isn’t too disrupted. This goes for high school students planning their futures as well. Not from the US and nowhere near those post-secondaries, but my best wishes for anyone affected by this!
Likewise. I hope they're able to transfer smoothly, or find success launching their careers if they decide not to go that route :(
Love the shoutouts to Chris and Erik. They have truly shaped the animation department at UArts, along with the rest of the professors/faculty too, and have positively impacted so many artists (including myself) thanks to the program. Still processing the loss of UArts, a huge gut to the Avenue of the Arts here in Philly
Couldn't agree more. Such a devastating loss, but I will always appreciate them and my time there!!
You have great thoughts on all this, Nia! Insightful as always! 😄 RIP UArts and DCAD
thank so much!! indeed RIP 😔✊🏽
I was a professor at UArts until 2022 & it’s so sad to me 😭😭. This is a wonderful video - thank you.
Professor Claudia!!! I’m so happy this reached you, and thanks for watching! Your gender studies and feminism class stick with me to this day! UArts may have closed, but your profound teachings and the impact you had on your students are truly everlasting. Thank you for being such an influential and inspiring educator during my time there!! :)
@@niadragon im so sad ill never get to experience this now. its been my dream for years. now im back on the search for affordable Fine Arts colleges. do you have any suggestions that may help?
I have been in contact with UArts since the beginning of 2024 to pursue a degree there. and I was finally getting on track. recently was offered multiple scholarships and possibly an exhibit here (at home) soon in a local art center and the gallery at my workplace. and suddenly I found the article about the university's closure. I was devastated, which may seem dramatic but since my freshman year, I've been searching for an art college that suited all my needs. I finally found it and was so excited it became my dream and what drove me in school and my art. Then reality seemed to cave in on me. I recently relocated the files i made when i was researching colleges. next on my list was PAFA, gone. Delaware wasn't my top choice but it was still on that list. gone. I'm so scared that by the time i graduate all my options will have run dry. and even then, if i do find a college then it may fail at some point in my 4 years. at this rate there will be no Fine Arts\ none digital art specializing colleges or universities in the U.S in a matter of years. almost 2 colleges monthly are ubruptly closing. you can go to a number of community colleges or universities for graphic design or digital art, but for the fine arts, expressive dance, etc., these colleges are a dying breed.
I just graduated from film school with a very similar experience to you. I would be crying for days if I found out they had to close. Praying for all the teachers, students, and alumni!
Just came across your video. Your path is exactly the same my daughter planned for next year. We live in DE and thought the transition from DCAD to Uarts was good since she's a younger senior. She planned to attend the summer program this year and it was canceled due to low enrollment I was told. Open house listed on their website, but when we showed up no one knew what was going on. We are very sad as this was her dream for some time to study animation, because like to said high teachers tend to focus on fine arts. TFS
So many Philly art colleges have been shutting down it’s disheartening mine shut down a few years ago Hussian and I still lol need that loan money back
As Alumni, it makes me sad to hear this. My thoughts are with everyone affected.