A Note from Benni Harding

We appreciate any student taking the time to share an opinion and we do value student concerns. Constructive feedback is key in all good relationships.

We read your blog post and would like to correct some misinformation regarding our competitiveness with other colleges, our instructors' academic and career qualifications, our students' and graduates' ability to compete in the workforce with other college graduates, transferable credits of curriculum, as well as the value and quality of a specialized curriculum.

Some examples: In one of the majors, about 70% of the instructors have master's degrees. As a private, for profit college, FIDM is not publicly traded as other colleges that have been negatively profiled recently in the press. As far as transferability of courses, students choose FIDM precisely because of the specialized curriculum which may include courses that are not offered at other colleges. For this reason, some major courses cannot transfer, not because they don't meet baccalaureate requirements, but because there are no equivalent courses existing in the curriculum of other colleges.

As a graduate of FIDM, you have full access to the Alumni Association which offers a Job Search with a dedicated team of Career Advisors who cultivate job leads and assist graduates in launching and evolving their career identities. We're proud to say that over 90% of our graduates (in all majors) who utilize the Career Center find employment within six months of graduation. Also, for peer-to-peer networking opportunities, the Alumni Association has 36 Alumni chapters, as well as the Dialogue alumni magazine, LiveWire newsletter, and other resources, which I hope you'll utilize. FIDM's blueprint is tried and true. If a student does their coursework and takes advantage of all the available resources, they have every opportunity to succeed.

If you have spoken to any administrator and you feel have been disregarded, that is not our intention. Let’s try again.

We would like the opportunity to meet with you in person to address the concerns expressed in your blog post. In regards to complaints of any kind, we have an open door policy here at FIDM. In fact, my door is open to you and any student here at FIDM.

We can assure you, after you meet with appropriate staff members, your pride will be sky high!

Benni Harding
Director of Student Advisement
FIDM

In response to Waiting for Superman...

Dear readers,

I have been getting comments and emails regarding our previous post entitled "Waiting for Superman". The entry was sent to me anonymously by a current Advanced Study student who is in the process of transferring schools. As a previous student and grad, I could understand the frustrations and I felt it was something that should to be heard. However, it is not my intention to draw any backlash towards FIDM. I very much still believe in FIDM and what our school stands for. I started this blog to give students a voice--good, bad, or ugly--it has to be heard. I just hope you take the information and use it well. Please take your time to read my response to "Waiting for Superman" via Post FIDM Life.

Best,

thefidmlife Founder

Waiting for Superman

I recently watched a documentary called "Waiting for Superman" that addressed the issue of America's failing public school system.

As unfortunate as this is, while watching this documentary I could not help but question my own education, specifically here at FIDM.

There is not a single day, or single quarter that goes by when I don't hear complaints about FIDM's administration, politics, and policies.

You hear it every day, Alumni not being able to find jobs, students complaining about tuition, teachers complaining about the curriculum and yet this seems to be the topic of discussion that reverberates throughout the institutes hallways, relentlessly.

It's almost as if our school anthem has become the students complaints followed by disregard by our administrators that echo back with a tour for prospective student's who are witnessing the same false promises I dreamed of not too long ago.

I can't help but think of where my own education stands as a graduating student and why outside these halls, my pride falls short when I state the name of my school. I think of the competition that my peers here at FIDM will face from other schools, and if we are up on the same level as students graduating from other universities. I can't help but think this because, this is the security that FIDM did promise me when entering this institute, and now I am doubting if I could even compete with students from other schools?

I think the reason for this is doubt comes from our schools structure itself and the fact that it is a for profit university. Although I do believe that there are good, and qualified instructors at fidm, I feel as if though the problem is the lack of interest, as students learning enrichment and education to be the schools top priority. I think of how the school is more focused on expansion of endowment, instead of the cultivation of their current student body. Do not get me wrong, again, I believe that FIDM does have instructors who are great not only at their profession in the industry but in educating students as well but, I believe that the numbers of these instructors fall short. For what we pay for in tuition, and for our own school being an accredited university, I believe that every single one of our instructors should be an outstanding educator, and professional. I am baffled by some of the instructors, and even the curriculum that is taught at FIDM. Since FIDM does run as a for profit, it has the ability to higher professionals who have industry experience even if they only have an Associate of Arts degree. Although I do believe that many of these teachers are great in the industry, many of these instructors do not have the formal educational background, or a Masters, and in some cases even a Masters Degree. I can't help but think of how we are supposed to compete with schools, even HIGH SCHOOLS with more educated and qualified educators. I can't even begin to fathom how difficult it was for me to find out that my own classes at FIDM were not transferable, and that I had to take another year at a Junior College to apply to a 4 year university.

What I don't fully understand is that I do believe FIDM does have student's and instructors who are passionate, and most of all, it has every possible resource to change and be at a competitive level.

What I don't understand is why there has not been opposition, or at least why no one has exposed the school for what it actually encompasses, I can only hope better for current and prospective students, and that one day FIDM will be able to not only teach industry practices, but challenge them on an academic and intellectual level so they are not only preparing students for the industry, but for a well rounded education as well.

~ FIDM Advanced Studies Student

who run this mutha-? FIDM grads, bitch.

NY Alumni Chapter Holiday Dinner

Industry Expo 2010

Over 20 companies came out to meet and talk to FIDM students on Wednesday, May 12th about planning their career paths and different opportunities in the industry. I made it there before it got too crazy and I got to meet with reps from Saks, St. John's, Ed Hardy, MAC, BCBG, Perry Ellis, Guess, Buckle, Urban Outfitters and many others. I appreciate the networking opportunity but I wish we didn't have to "Apply Online" -- the words I heard from most of the employers. All in all, I had a great time. Congratulations to FIDM's Career Center for putting another fabulous event for students!  

FIDM Staff & Faculty Represent!

The Bachelor Season 14 Runner Up, Tenley Molzahn with Project Runway Season 2 Finalist, Nick Verreos post on the purple carpet at the FIDM Debut Gala 2010

our trends teacher in wedding crashers?

ms. robertson, the sweetest instructor at FIDM, was the crying lady in wedding crashers? haha! though this isn't confirmed, it's still totally rad. you've probably had her in color and design theory, trends analysis, or history of costumes.

rest in peace, dear Michael...

Tonian Hohberg, President of FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, has issued the following statement regarding the loss of FIDM Student Michael Bryan Blozil:

“All associates and students at FIDM are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our treasured student, Michael Bryan, and we send heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

A floral memorial is being placed in the rotunda of our main college building where students and associates can add their remembrances and thoughts.”

FIDM Students are welcome to speak with our on-staff counselors who are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

You know you go to FIDM...

(I didn't write this. Saw it on the FIDM facebook and thought it was funny. Had to edit some. Enjoy!)

...when everyday is a fashion show.

...when your teachers cell phone rings more then yours & 90% of the time, they come to class later than you

...when you don't even bother checking out the guys that pass you because you already assume they're gay

...when the security guys think they are FBI agents.

...when every other girl has a Louis Vuitton, a Chanel, or a Marc Jacobs bag

...when people who don't go to FIDM ask you about the show "THE HILLS" or about L.C. and you have nothing but negative comments about her and the show

...when the people at Ralphs, Fashion Cafe, or Coffee Bean knows you because you're such a regular.

...when you've gone 24 hours (or more) without sleep because you were sewing.

...when all the USC guys love you because you go to FIDM.

...when you've experienced waiting for a computer at the annex during finals week.

...when half your class has dropped out by their 3rd quarter.

...when there is a cat fight to get into the elevators.

...when half of your friends are gays.

...when you go to the bean bags in the library for naps.

[more to be added later]

Question of the Week

How are classes at FIDM different from other colleges?

Class is just like any other school, you register, you show up, there's an instructor, there's homework/assignments/projects...but the material is all fashion based. Math classes have to do with retail, and cost, and markdowns, science has to do with textiles, history has to do with costume.. etc etc. The classes are pretty small, and the teachers vary. I picked most of my classes based on the teacher. Ratemyprofessor.com is a great resource for knowing about teachers before you pick a class.

Take the stairs. Thats my one advice!

- Lana, Merchandise Marketing

"sink or swim"

my instructor said this line in class today and it completely spoke to me. believe it or not, it's not the first time i've heard it. it's the third instructor at fidm to say this. definitely words to live by. especially if you're living this fidm life. trust. short, to the point, and very true. what do they mean by "sink or swim"?

when you first come to fidm, you'll quickly realize just how overwhelming the work load is. first quarter is not too bad, but once those introductory classes are over, your 2nd, 3rd, 4th... and every quarter onward will seem more challenging that you'll feel there's not enough time in the week to finish all the you have to do. where does sinking or swimming come into play?

fidm will teach you all that you need to know -- as far as your specialized major. your ultimate source for knowledge, skills, and industry information surrounds you here at fidm. how you use it is completely up to you. i'm saying all this because there WILL be times when you feel like you don't know or have the answer to. instead of an FML moment, take a 'sink or swim' action. you absolutely will not survive if you don't stick it out! you'll DROWN. seriously -- you'll be thrown in to do things that you may not know how to do at first... but should you give up right away? if you do, you'll sink. if you work hard, fight through it, you'll swim. are you getting my point?

that's all for tonight. xoxo

stress.

there's this knot on my right shoulder right now that won't go away. it comes right around the same time every quarter. FINALS.

why is it there? because i am on S.T.R.E.S.S. overload.

no matter how hard i've worked for the last nine weeks in the quarter, the last day of class--which can take in the form of a major project, a porfolio, an oral presentation, or a good ol' fashion final examination--can be tremendously stressful.
i'm burnt out, i'm tired, i'm sleep-deprived... after this week, i am so ready to pass out.

"stress" is tension, both bodily or mentally; "state of alarm and adrenaline production, short-term resistance as a coping mechanism, and exhaustion, as well as irritability, muscular tension, inability to concentrate and a variety of physiological reactions such as headache and elevated heart rate" (wikipedia).

school, work, family, social situations, financial problems, and surroundings are all factors of stress. stress can lead to depression, high blood pressure, weight gain, muscle pain, and substance abuse.

someone recently spoke about stress in my organizational behavior class and i personally wanted to blog a little about it. we're all stressful, but we can't let that affect our schooling. (of course, it will a little) we still need a strong finish. so in an effort to try to relax before finals, i am writing a blog entry for thefidmlife. hey, a little perspective sometimes helps. enjoy the picture below. :-)

here's some tips on stress management strategies:

*find a good support system (friends, family, coworkers, advisors)
*excersie (seriously, it SOUNDS stressful, but it works)
*time management
*SLEEP
*relaxation/meditation - take a moment to be by yourself. get out of the city, walk around in a quiet place...talk to an old friend, pray.
*... BREATHE.

Nick Verreos doing his thang...

Photos by: Eimi Akunama

making complete nonsense = mixed art/fashion

When I walked into the Anthropologie store at the Americana in Glendale, this piece of exhibit completely drew me in. As I passed all the racks of hot items for fall and the table of new accessories, I couldn’t help but wonder where I’ve seen such similar art before. This unique, irregular yet potent display in such a retail environment startled a powerful message that I, too, may not be able to conceptualize. Then it hit me.

DMF’s art website: mixedmediartist.com. If you don’t already know, Dawn Marie Forsyth is the Chairperson of Fashion Design at FIDM. I remember crossing through Ms. Forsyth’s website some months ago, but her overriding and racy images stayed with me.

DMF’s personal composition takes the audience into a whole new level of standard juxtaposition. For a topic that rarely discloses perceptibly, this artist dissects and presents her message through the deconstruction and comparison of material things.

In her words, “These processes of deconstruction and reconstruction allow me to create tactile environments that expose limitations, our own and those put upon us by others through social constructs.” Her interpretation for feminism and social freedom points the validity of how we can discover new meanings and lessons from reconstructing and revitalizing old constructed ideas.

Looking closely at the way tangible pieces display such complication symbolizes the restraints of real life’s struggle. Perhaps it would take relentless research, patience, and creativity to understand this unconventional way of accepting the existence of human limitations, but Ms. Dawn Marie’s work of art, in all its metaphoric complexity, is not at all short of inspiring.

I would be curious to see what she does next...

**artwork belong to Anthropologie (in the Urban Outfitters' family)

Mrs. Blecks

It's 8:39AM, she’s late. Where is our teacher? It’s bad enough that I have to take this class on a Friday morning, but to wait around in the hallway—still half asleep, wondering if I’ll ever make it through class… this is dreadful. “Selling Techniques” is what they call it – already it sounds boring as hell. All I can think to myself was, ‘what did I get myself into?’

8:42 AM, there she is. Finally. With her black rolling bag following behind her, the blonde A-line, bob-haired lady walks pass the students waiting by the door, “Oh you’re all waiting for me?”

No lady…we just like to stand around here on a Friday morning.

She had a serious face and doesn’t seem to smile much. ‘Oh god, she looks like a mean one….here we go,’ I thought as I walked passed her.

To avoid being too close to Ms. Late* at the front and to avoid being called on in the back, I took a seat in the middle of the room. The usual greeting and introductions took place, not the most exciting, but at least it killed some time.

After a few stories, Ms. Teacher* here didn’t seem so mean—or boring—after all. Actually, she’s quite the funny lady and, dare I say, cool. Once a pro herself, out in the field of being a sales representative, my instructor had so many interesting and inspiring stories. There’s this calm and extraordinary ambiance to her and after all the “what have you’s” she manages to sound so witty and charming. I remember laughing throughout class, even while taking notes. Really? Can class really be educational and fun, all at the same time?!

Ms. Funny Lady* taught us straight from the textbook, but added real stories and humor to the lectures, making class so much more enjoyable. I’ll be honest here…the 2.5 hour period flew by and felt like only 20 minutes. No kidding.

To keep this short, let me say that I truly enjoyed my Selling Techniques class. I definitely learned so much more than I had anticipated. And that’s just the beauty of attending this school. An outstanding faculty defines a college. One of the best things about FIDM is the fact that they hire instructors who are professionals and have incomparable industry experience to teach us. I can’t tell you how invaluable that is.


* Teacher name not disclosed for obvious reasons

Rate FIDM Professor

Make sure you check out http://www.ratemyprofessors.com/ when you're about to register for classes - it is definitely helpful! Find what classes you need to take, see all the available instructors, read their reviews, and get the best FIDM teachers!



Picture caption: "Although flattering, distinguising me as 'Hot' at Rate My Professor will not help your grade."

Career Connections 2009

Career Connections this year was on Wednesday, July 29th. It was a fantastic speed networking event for FIDM students and grads!

COLORFUL balloons with the beautiful DOWNTOWN LA backdrop

The visual communications section
Pictured Above: James Paul - FIDM Grad, Fashion Designer, and cast of BRAVO's The Fashion Show.

Students and Staff mingled at the scene.
The park was packed by 10:45am.

CONGRATULATIONS CAREER CENTER FOR ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL EVENT!

our instructors inspire us...

Spotted: Nancy Riegelman, fashion illustrator, writer, FIDM instructor, & artist.

Look for her famous 9 HEADS fashion sketching books!

FIDM's (best) Instructors

where's kerr bear?

I'd like to know where Kerry Lathon is. He was the coolest guard at FIDM and now he's not around anymore. He hasn't been around in awhile. Someone please tell FIDM that we, the students, want him back. He was our story-teller, our funny man, our kare-bear. He brings so much warmth and joy to the rotunda, FIDM elevators aren't the same without him.