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Here is a sample of comments we've heard from our participants as well as some facts we want you to know regarding the "Education" aspect of the Disney College Program. Please also be aware that all Disney College Program Cast Members receive a Resource Guide when they arrive to begin their program. This book includes phone numbers and contact information, as well as details about each component of the program. It also features answers to just about every question we get. If your child says, " I don't know," ask if he/she has looked for the answer in the Resource Guide.
Please click each question or comment for additional information.
- What can be done if my child is being scheduled closing shifts
that are interfering with their ability to attend classes?
It is possible that College Program Cast Members will be scheduled to work a closing shift and then be expected to report to an 8 a.m. class the following day. If a student is having issues with their work location schedule interfering with their class schedule, we encourage them to speak to the manager in their work area. We also recommend they talk to their instructors for guidance.
- Why should a student stay in a class if he/she is not earning
credit for it?
We encourage all of our participants to enroll in classes because it adds so much value to the overall College Program experience. It's an excellent opportunity to learn more about the subject of the class, as well as The Walt Disney Company and its business philosophies. It's also a great way to meet other participants, network with instructors, learn about future opportunities within the company, etc. Program participants who are not receiving credit for classes have the opportunity to earn credit from another university and transfer the credit to their current school. Please check the Education section of the Web site for more information.
- Can a student drop a class without penalty if he/she decides
that they no longer want to take it?
Each class has a specified deadline for dropping the class without penalty. Students who drop classes after this deadline will receive a "Withdraw/Fail" on his/her training summary sheet, which may be reported back to his/her school.
- Why am I paying tuition to my child's school and Walt Disney
World Co., for my child to take these classes?
To remain enrolled as a full-time student while participating in the Disney College Program, many students are responsible for paying tuition fees to their colleges or universities. The Disney College Program Education Team does not charge tuition for the classes it offers; however, students enrolled in classes are required to pay a materials fee and also purchase required books for the class.
- Why are the classes on a student's day(s) off? Do they have any
free time?
If students choose to enroll in one Disney College Program course, they will be in class for only four hours on one day of the week. Depending on where a Cast Member works, he/she may be able to take an early class (8 a.m.-noon) and still be scheduled to report to work for a full shift later the same day. If a Cast Member would rather report to work after taking a class, he/she should talk to the manager in his/her area.
- What can be done if my child feels that he/she doesn't have
enough time to complete the assignments, and/or he/she can't meet with his/her
group members?
We understand that it can be difficult to find a time when all group members can be present to work on a project. However, it is not unreasonable to expect that in a typical college course, students have different schedules that include classes, working, child care, etc. In finding solutions to challenges like this, students will learn valuable time-management and compromise skills.
