Making Decisions: Taking Classes

Wahhhhhh! Class registration is open! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Okay, I’ve calmed down now. Some of you may be going “Psssssh, classes? I don’t want to take a class, this is my break from school!” And that is completely respectable. I myself will admit to having felt a sense triumph when my advisor and teachers reminded me that it is time to sign up for classes, because I’m going to Disney! No school for me! However, Disney classes are different! Hopefully you’ve read the emails that went out, but let’s get into a bit more detail for those of you who haven’t been obsessively look at the course syllabus for the last several years.
What are Disney classes?!
Disney offers several different types of classes for it’s college program participants. There are 3 categories of classes: Collegiate, Exploration, and Professional Development. Each category presents it’s own unique set of classes and learning experience, which should be taken advantage of! If you’re taking classes through school for one reason or another, you can also sign up for Distance Learning, which we will get more into latter.

How many classes can I take?

In the past, you could only take 2 classes (this includes a distance learning class you might be taking through school). Things are running a bit differently now. You can still only take 2 classes at a time, but you have the opportunity to take 2 “mini semesters” through the Disney Exploration series. So while Collegiate courses and the Professional Development series still run the normal length, the Exploration series is now 4 weeks long. So you can take 4 exploration classes, 2 collegiate classes, 2 exploration classes and a professional class, etc. Make sense?

What are the different series? 

Collegiate classes - These are exactly what they sound like. Classes designed to act as credit for school. You’ll have a text book, homework, paper, it’ll be just like school! The difference, of course, is that you’ll be learning the Disney way, learning from Disney professionals, who have experience with what they’re teaching you. You must be receiving school credit to be eligible to take these classes and must provide proof from your school that you are receiving credit. If you are not receiving credit, you can be put on the waiting list, but know that people receiving credit who are on the waiting list receive first priority.  There are currently 6 collegiate courses being offered, and at the end of the course you’ll receive your Ducktorate!

• Disney Advanced Studies In Hospitality Management
• Disney Corporate Analysis
• Disney Corporate Communications
• Disney Creativity and Innovation
• Disney Human Resource Management
• Disney Organizational Leadership

Disney Exploration Series - Disney’s exploration series is home to Disney's most popular class - Disney Heritage (which has now been split into 2 classes!). The Exploration series explores the Disney way, from it’s history to it’s environmental impact. These classes are highly interactive, with field experience offered in several classes. There are currently 9 classes being offered and at the end you’ll receive your Mousters!

• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability: Creating a Green Culture
• Disney Heritage:1901-1954
• Disney Hospitality & Guest Service
• Disney Cast Engagement & Human Resources
• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability: Inspiring Action
• Disney Heritage:1955-1982
• Disney Leadership 101
• Disney Marketing and Sales: Defining the Strategy
• Disney Marketing and Sales: Implementing the Strategy

Proffesional Development Studies - These classes are offered to specific majors only, and are very limited in the number of seats available. There are currently only 2 classes available in this category, and at the end of the course you'll recieve your Mousters!

• Engineering Professional Development Study
• Entertainment Professional Development Study

Distance learning - Distance learning is set up for students who are taking classes through school and need time set aside for class. Disney offers a 4 hour block, set aside at the same time each week for students to use for homework, classes, tests, etc. CPs enrolled in Distance learning will find their hours capped of at 45 hours a week, except on busy weeks (i.e. Spring Break). Many people see this as a reason to not sign up for the course, but most roles rarely work more than 45 hours a week anyway.

Which class should I take?

So you've decided to take a class. Yay! I'm so excited for you! Now, I'm sure you're wondering which class is for you! Now you need to sit down and decide what you're looking for in a class.

Are you looking for classes that offer field experience? 

• Disney's Environmentality & Sustainability:Creating a Green Culture 
• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability:Inspiring Action
• Disney Heritage:1955-1982
• Engineering Professional Development Study
• Entertainment Professional Development Study
  

 Are you a hospitality/customer service/human resources/similar major?

• Disney Advanced Studies in Hospitality Management
• Disney Human Resource Management
• Disney Organizational Leadership
• Disney Hospitality & Guest Service
• Disney Cast Engagement & Human Resources
• Disney Leadership 101

Are you interested in Disney History or how Disney helps the community?

• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability:Creating a Green Culture
• Disney Heritage:1901-1954 
• Disney Environmentality & Sustainability:Inspiring Action
• Disney Heritage:1955-1982 

Sit down and figure out what classes are best for you. Make sure you're looking at the list of classes sent to you from DORMS, not at the list on the on boarding website. As soon as you know what class you want to take, be sure to sign up, as many classes fill up quick! If the class you want is full, don't give up hope! Be sure to put yourself on the wait list, you never know when a spot will open up!

I'm going to be taking Disney Heritage: 1901-1954 and Disney Leadership 101 for the first mini semester on Wednesdays! If you're going to be in one of my classes, feel free to stop by and say hello! If you're NOT going to be in one of my classes, still feel free to stop by and say hello! I'll see you all soon!