My D was thrilled to have been accepted into the USC Roski class of 2020. We have been under the impression that Roski’s program is very well-respected, and D likes the idea that she possibly can minor in a non-art field. However, we recently become aware that the entire MFA class of 2015 withdrew from the school in protest over changes to the program and dissatisfaction with Roski’s dean. Recent MFA grads and Roski undergrads have openly and vocally supported the students who withdrew. There is talk of increasing class sizes and lack of studio space. D really loves USC, but we’re getting concerned that Roski may not be the best program to enter at this time. Can any Roski students/parents provide any insight? Thanks!
[bcmoto] My D. loves Roski and her teachers but she doesn’t interact with the Dean only the teaching faculty.
If your D is an entering undergrad, this is probably no big issue and will not impact her at all. Since most students that go on to a Masters go to a different school she need not worry about the MFA issues.
Yes, there still appears to be fallout but the politics are essentially being played out between the staff and the Dean. But the undergrads are expressing solidarity. Unfortunately this doesn’t make for a big happy family but sometimes learning in an environment that has a bit of adversity is good character development. In fact there is a “bit of censorship” going on with the administration removing blogs and/or solidarity sheets (which the undergrads sign and support) that put Roski’s Dean in a poor light.
If you want to learn more (of course the admin will says the views are biased):
http://dailytrojan.com/2015/09/22/removing-roski-blog-erases-student-voices/
http://mfanomfa.■■■■■■■■■■/
http://dailytrojan.com/2016/03/03/poster-removal-sparks-dialogue-roski-students-admin/
http://blogs.artinfo.com/artintheair/2015/08/05/usc-administration-holds-firm-as-mfa-outrage-grows/
This shows the Dean’s viewpoint (in her letter) have to be fair here
http://hyperallergic.com/209275/usc-roski-dean-denies-the-mfa-program-problems-claimed-by-usc7/
Petitions
https://www.change.org/p/dean-erica-muhl-of-usc-roski-school-of-art-and-design-must-resign-now
I’m sorry I can’t help you with the politics, becase I just dont’ know, but my two cents the adminstration currently is trying not to scare of new MFA candidates
Thank you ArtDad222. I was starting to fear no one would reply! Some of the things I’ve read have been concerning, but it’s reassuring to hear your D loves Roski & her professors.