Rosen College @ UCF

[Haveamagicalday!]

Does anyone go to the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida? Or does anyone know anything about it? I am thinking about transferring there next year.

 

[Traveliz]

Have you been to visit?

My daughter and I have been twice to visit - she is on the CP and looking to transfer there as well next year.

When we first visited she didn't know anyone there but has met some kids at Disney that are going there.

Liz

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

Have you been to visit?

My daughter and I have been twice to visit - she is on the CP and looking to transfer there as well next year.

When we first visited she didn't know anyone there but has met some kids at Disney that are going there.

Liz

No, I haven't visited yet. I'm currently an acting major in Oklahoma, and I am thinking of changing my manager to Hospitality and doing the Theme Park track. So, if I do decide to change, it would be a big one!

It has always been my dream to work at Disney, and I was planning on going there right after I graduated. (Which would be in four years since I'm a freshman.) I can't do the college program because I'm in a BFA program and we have to have a ton of hours, and I couldn't graduate in four years, plus I could lose my scholarships.

what did you think of the school? does it seem like a good and challenging program?

Hope

 

[Traveliz]

Let me say I was sooooo impressed with the school and facility.

I don't know what you know so I am just going to recap what I learned and what my impressions were of the school.

Ok first off the Rosen College is a separate campus located on Universal BLVD - actually from Disney it takes us about 15 minutes to get to it. It is really new - I can't remember for sure but its less than ten years old. It is located on land that Harris Rosen (a local hotelier ) donated. Adjacent to the school is one of his resorts and the views from some of the areas are of the golf course and resort...very nice!

The school is smallish - about junior college size - they have a capacity of 3000 at that campus and have just over 2000 now. You can take every single class you need at that campus (including general classes).

The facility is gorgeous. It's horseshoe shaped two stories. The second floor classes enter into an interior hallway. Hallways are large, carpeted and decorated with beach type paintings. Each and every classroom is state of the art with wireless technology, screens that pull down etc. There is a mix of stadium style seating and table seating depending on teacher's choice.

The tracks look great -- we were able to enter a few classrooms. Many of the classes are "sponsored" by hospitality giants. For example the banquet dining room and test type kitchens are called the Disney Dining Room and it has a Beauty and the Beast theme with carpet and paintings on the wall. The auditorium is the Darden Auditorium. The wine and beer tasting class is HUGE, stadium seating with an island up front with overhead cameras, recessed lighting, etc. It is sponsored by Anheuser Busch and includes a wine cellar with 1200 different types of wine. All of the art work is original from Anheuser Busch.

Also on the immediate campus is a work out room, a student lounge, a bookstore (that is Barnes and Noble related so it takes those gift cards), a very small library that only includes travel/tourism literature, and a small cafeteria.

Walking distance across the parking lot are the "dorms" which are actually apartments that require the signing of a year lease.
The apartments have a key code to enter and then each room within the apt holds just one person and you have an individual key to your room. There is a communal kitchen and living room and two bathrooms.

Just this summer they gated the complex and now a parking decal is required - for this campus it is 5.00 versus 200 at the main campus.

The classes run Monday through Thursday because they assume most students are working in the hospitality industry and are occupied with employment on the weekends. The International Disney College Students have classes on the campus on Fridays.

For now the entrance requirements are the same as UCF but should this college begin to really fill they may add requirements.

I was very impressed, so was my daughter and my husband (well except for the cost...being an out of state student is very costly)

Seriously if I could go to school there I would but I graduated years and years ago and am not up to more schooling.

If you have any questions just let me know.

Liz

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

Let me say I was sooooo impressed with the school and facility.

I don't know what you know so I am just going to recap what I learned and what my impressions were of the school.

Ok first off the Rosen College is a separate campus located on Universal BLVD - actually from Disney it takes us about 15 minutes to get to it. It is really new - I can't remember for sure but its less than ten years old. It is located on land that Harris Rosen (a local hotelier ) donated. Adjacent to the school is one of his resorts and the views from some of the areas are of the golf course and resort...very nice!

The school is smallish - about junior college size - they have a capacity of 3000 at that campus and have just over 2000 now. You can take every single class you need at that campus (including general classes).

The facility is gorgeous. It's horseshoe shaped two stories. The second floor classes enter into an interior hallway. Hallways are large, carpeted and decorated with beach type paintings. Each and every classroom is state of the art with wireless technology, screens that pull down etc. There is a mix of stadium style seating and table seating depending on teacher's choice.

The tracks look great -- we were able to enter a few classrooms. Many of the classes are "sponsored" by hospitality giants. For example the banquet dining room and test type kitchens are called the Disney Dining Room and it has a Beauty and the Beast theme with carpet and paintings on the wall. The auditorium is the Darden Auditorium. The wine and beer tasting class is HUGE, stadium seating with an island up front with overhead cameras, recessed lighting, etc. It is sponsored by Anheuser Busch and includes a wine cellar with 1200 different types of wine. All of the art work is original from Anheuser Busch.

Also on the immediate campus is a work out room, a student lounge, a bookstore (that is Barnes and Noble related so it takes those gift cards), a very small library that only includes travel/tourism literature, and a small cafeteria.

Walking distance across the parking lot are the "dorms" which are actually apartments that require the signing of a year lease.
The apartments have a key code to enter and then each room within the apt holds just one person and you have an individual key to your room. There is a communal kitchen and living room and two bathrooms.

Just this summer they gated the complex and now a parking decal is required - for this campus it is 5.00 versus 200 at the main campus.

The classes run Monday through Thursday because they assume most students are working in the hospitality industry and are occupied with employment on the weekends. The International Disney College Students have classes on the campus on Fridays.

For now the entrance requirements are the same as UCF but should this college begin to really fill they may add requirements.

I was very impressed, so was my daughter and my husband (well except for the cost...being an out of state student is very costly)

Seriously if I could go to school there I would but I graduated years and years ago and am not up to more schooling.

If you have any questions just let me know.

Liz

Wow! Thank you so much for all your information! I really appreciate it.

I agree with you about being out of state, that is definetely the main concern for me too. I read on the website somwhere about a possible waiving of out of state fees. It said it was need based, but it didn't specify about financial needs. We are a sort of middle class family, so it's hard to get financial aid, even though we need it. All the qualifications listed were just about grade point average and not being a citizen of the state of Florida, so who knows?

That is so cool about the themed rooms! And no classes on Friday!

So did it seem like a lot of the students worked at Disney?

Thank you for all your help!

Hope

 

[Traveliz]

Wow! Thank you so much for all your information! I really appreciate it.

I agree with you about being out of state, that is definetely the main concern for me too. I read on the website somwhere about a possible waiving of out of state fees. It said it was need based, but it didn't specify about financial needs. We are a sort of middle class family, so it's hard to get financial aid, even though we need it. All the qualifications listed were just about grade point average and not being a citizen of the state of Florida, so who knows?

That is so cool about the themed rooms! And no classes on Friday!

So did it seem like a lot of the students worked at Disney?

Thank you for all your help!


Hope

Ok a couple of things I thought of in the meantime -- the campus is 100% nonsmoking (Rosen) --- Harris Rosen does not have any smoking in any of his facilities and that includes this campus.

They also boast 100% placement after graduation so far - of course much of that might be in low paying hospitality jobs but they are jobs.

I got the impression that students worked all over the place - I honestly did not get the impression from the admissions counselor that alot worked at Disney...on the other hand my daughter has met a few people at her work that go to Rosen part time.

Now about the financial aid - so far I know nothing. I will say its confusing but we will be calling the financial aid office soon and I will pass on what I learn.

Liz

 

[disneylover13]

Has anyone on here been to Pepperdine? I'm only 13, but I'm plannning on going to Pepperdine and I wanted a college person's oppinion on it. Thanks.

 

[BeenieFL]

I am actually a student at Rosen for another 37 days (I graduate ), and have enjoyed my time here. If hospitality or event/restaurant management is something that you are interested in, Rosen College is definitely one of the best schools in the country to go to. I live on campus and work at Disney and is very convienent for both. You basically roll out of bed and goto class, and Disney as about 10-15 minutes away. I am a hospitality major, and on the theme park track, I would not say the class are particulary challeneging, except maybe accounting class (you have to take 3), there is a ton of group projects though in which you go out into the industry to collect information. There is also an "internship" requirement in which you have to work at a hospitality establishment, track your hours, set goals for the position etc., and that takes 3 semesters to complete. The largest class you will have is 75 people except for the required lecture class on Friday mornings during one semester. As you start getting higher up the classes get smaller, I have had a few class with 20 people in it. I am trying to think of what else....If you specifically have any questions just let me know and I will answer them but I hope this helps a little.

 

[Traveliz]

I am actually a student at Rosen for another 37 days (I graduate ), and have enjoyed my time here. If hospitality or event/restaurant management is something that you are interested in, Rosen College is definitely one of the best schools in the country to go to. I live on campus and work at Disney and is very convienent for both. You basically roll out of bed and goto class, and Disney as about 10-15 minutes away. I am a hospitality major, and on the theme park track, I would not say the class are particulary challeneging, except maybe accounting class (you have to take 3), there is a ton of group projects though in which you go out into the industry to collect information. There is also an "internship" requirement in which you have to work at a hospitality establishment, track your hours, set goals for the position etc., and that takes 3 semesters to complete. The largest class you will have is 75 people except for the required lecture class on Friday mornings during one semester. As you start getting higher up the classes get smaller, I have had a few class with 20 people in it. I am trying to think of what else....If you specifically have any questions just let me know and I will answer them but I hope this helps a little.

How many hours are you working at Disney while you are in school?

Liz

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

I am actually a student at Rosen for another 37 days (I graduate ), and have enjoyed my time here. If hospitality or event/restaurant management is something that you are interested in, Rosen College is definitely one of the best schools in the country to go to. I live on campus and work at Disney and is very convienent for both. You basically roll out of bed and goto class, and Disney as about 10-15 minutes away. I am a hospitality major, and on the theme park track, I would not say the class are particulary challeneging, except maybe accounting class (you have to take 3), there is a ton of group projects though in which you go out into the industry to collect information. There is also an "internship" requirement in which you have to work at a hospitality establishment, track your hours, set goals for the position etc., and that takes 3 semesters to complete. The largest class you will have is 75 people except for the required lecture class on Friday mornings during one semester. As you start getting higher up the classes get smaller, I have had a few class with 20 people in it. I am trying to think of what else....If you specifically have any questions just let me know and I will answer them but I hope this helps a little.

So you have to take 9 hours total of summer classes? Could I take those at home at a community college?

Also, how are the apartments, are they well kept?

Do you feel like the graduates get pretty good jobs after graduation?

Last one, I promise: What kind of jobs can students do at Disney? Do some do character work? And can you work at Disney even when you aren't doing your Internship classes?

thanks for your insight!
Hope

 

[BeenieFL]

I worked about 18-25 hours a week at Disney on average, and you can work there while your not doing your internships. I finished my internships this summer and am taking classes this fall while working at Disney. There are quite a few students who work at Disney doing a variety of jobs, some are characters, some are merchandise, I would say the majority though probably work in attractions. The 9 credit hours of summer classes is mandatory of UCF, I went to community college as well for my first 2 years and took over 9 credit hours of summer classes and actually I took a total of 19 credit hours (over 2 summer semesters) at UCF, while working at Disney. Many students get great jobs coming out of college, it just depends on what you want to do. I know a few who were hotel management majors who are now working in Las Vegas, and different hotels over the country. Disney is very different though. Do not expect to come out of college with your degree and move into a management position, this is what I am facing now. It is something you have to stick with a move your way up through the company. I have definitley enjoyed working at Disney and have made some wonderful friends as well. I am planning on sticking with Disney after I graduate to see what position I can get as well. Hope this helps!

 

[Traveliz]

The admissions person mentioned something about summer but I didn't realize it was mandatory --- is it because of the specific class or what?

Hope you understand the questions.

Liz

 

[MadamMim]

If ya'll don't mind me jumping in... I went to UCF for my undergrad as a history major and summer classes were mandatory for us too. It's just a sticking point with UCF (though I don't understand why).

 

[Traveliz]

If ya'll don't mind me jumping in... I went to UCF for my undergrad as a history major and summer classes were mandatory for us too. It's just a sticking point with UCF (though I don't understand why).

Wow that is very interesting and a bit different (at least for those of us in Illinois!)

Liz

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

That is interesting about the summer courses.

Do any of you know or have heard of any out of staters getting their out of state fees waived? This is a major factor in determining if I can go or not.

Thanks for all your input!

 

[Traveliz]

My niece (who is a FL resident) had a roommate who did BUT she was a cheerleader and it had something to do with that.

Liz

 

[coasterphil]

That is interesting about the summer courses.

Do any of you know or have heard of any out of staters getting their out of state fees waived? This is a major factor in determining if I can go or not.

Thanks for all your input!

I got half mine waived, but that was due to an academic scholarship.



If you guys have anymore questions about the school, feel free to ask me. The general impression of the school I've gotten so far has been underwhelming. I'll leave it at that unless you guys have specific questions as I don't like to be so negative about things.

 

[Traveliz]

I got half mine waived, but that was due to an academic scholarship.



If you guys have anymore questions about the school, feel free to ask me. The general impression of the school I've gotten so far has been underwhelming. I'll leave it at that unless you guys have specific questions as I don't like to be so negative about things.

What year are you? And what is the one thing you like least about the school?

Liz

 

[Haveamagicalday!]

I got half mine waived, but that was due to an academic scholarship.



If you guys have anymore questions about the school, feel free to ask me. The general impression of the school I've gotten so far has been underwhelming. I'll leave it at that unless you guys have specific questions as I don't like to be so negative about things.

Please share! I understand you not wanting to be negative,as I usually can't stand negativity either, but if you shared some bad points I would really appreciate it. Deciding whether or not to consider this school would be a huge life change for me, as I am currently an Acting major in Oklahoma.

Thanks for being honest!

Hope

 

[coasterphil]

Sorry it has taken me so long to respond, I had a crazy few days at work (I'm a CM too, so you can ask me questions about that as well!) and totally forgot about this. I also want to preface my thoughts with the fact that this is just my outlook on the school. For the most part, everyone else here seems to be having the time of their life with no regrets as to their choice of UCF and Rosen. I'm going to keep my thoughts relatively brief, as I don't want them to take over this thread. If you have more questions, Liz or Hope, feel free to PM me and I'll answer them. I'm currently in my first year-I'm actually a Sophomore as I had 36 credits from AP courses to start off-but I've spent so much time looking into every aspect of the school that I consider myself fairly knowledgeable.


To be perfectly blunt about my disappointment, the school is a joke. I have confidence that they could put a tremendous program in place with the resources and facilities here, but the program isn't going anywhere if it continues to attract the students it currently does. To say that the classes aren't challenging would be an understatement. I could argue that all my course are still in the intro arena and things will likely toughen up, but looking at the grades around me in those classes I know that can't be the case. If it were, the graduation rate would be horribly low. Getting pass the grades issue, most of the students don't know how to handle themselves in professional settings. They blow off interviews they sign up for on campus. They show up for company information sessions and ask inane/inappropriate questions or spend the entire time sending text messages right in front of the presenter(s). The school still has great placement after graduation simply because the industry is so desperate for help and a person with a college degree has still proven something over a person without one. Anyone who argues that this is a top program, which is pretty much every person involved with this school, must not have ever looked into another one or is simply taking the fact that 100% of grads are placed into jobs and using that as the end-all indicator of greatness.


That is terribly scattered and I could go on in more detail about things that have bummed me out so far (including my job, but thats another thread), but like I said it really wouldn't be fair. If you guys want the full rant or just have questions about the program in general feel free to ask me. I'll answer objectively, subjectively, or both depending on what you want.