UCSC Extension Silicon Valley

I took a Java Beginner course taught by Bineet Sharma, and it was terrible. That instructor didn’t even teach at all, his materials are all over the place and he has no passion for teaching people! Some poor student kept asking him questions, and he didn’t even respond back to help him. I don’t even know where UCSCX get their instructors. I guess anyone from India can just get hired and not teach. I question that instructors’ experience too. Overall, I don’t recommend anyone to take that class taught by him. He is terrible at teaching and makes UCSCX look bad!

I have taken some classes here. You really have to choose the right class for a good experience. There are bad and good lecturers in this Extension.
For example, I have taken «Data Structures and Algorithms with C++» class from Jagadeesh Vasudevamurthy. This class was one of the best I have ever seen including my Ms degree classes. I have learnt a lot, although I am a developer already. Jag was so awesome.
On the other hand, I have taken Mobile Interface Design from Eric Dorf. It is the worst thing I have ever seen in my life. This was a 6 weeks class, last week was all student presentations. And in remaining 5 weeks, Eric Dorf came in and made groups for morning session, and it was all talking with other students until noon time. This is called in-​class lab exercise. It was very boring. In other part of the day Eric Dorf makes a very simple presentation, where you can simply learn nothing. Half of the class stopped attending to lectures after second week. If you are interested in learning mobile design, just save your money and watch a few videos on youtube, you will learn more. But if you want to learn some marketing, you can actually take this class and watch Eric. He was very motivated to sell his other classes to us. I am not sure about his teaching abilities, but he is definitely a marketing guy who desperately tries to sell his classes in every way possible. It was very annoying for me to listen his marketing all the time, but I had the chance to observe aggressive marketing and this is something valuable to learn.
UCSC stuff is friendly and nice. But be very careful before you buy a class. There is no refund after first day of the class. I wanted to drop Eric Dorf‘s class after first day, but it was not possible. Just be careful while you choose.

I have had a very positive experience taking classes through UCSC Extension, quite different than what some other reviewers describe. I have almost completed a TESOL Certificate, so I am enrolled in my eighth class, and I have found all of the classes and teachers super helpful, except for one, so I consider that a very high success rate. In particular, the class assignments and texts have a terrific balance of theoretical and pragmatic, giving me experience and information which I can readily apply to my work. The class sizes are also small, so you get to know your teachers and fellow students well – creating community and optimizing learning. The cost of the certificate is also very much cheaper than SJSU, anywhere from half to a third of the cost if classes are spread out over time (as most of us have to do while working). If I have any complaint about the program, I think that the online part of the instruction emphasizes student forums too much without taking enough advantage of other online resources. But, happily, almost all of the classes in TESOL are hybrid, so there is plenty of excellent traditional instruction. As for the UCSC Extension staff, I have found them incredibly friendly, helpful, and responsive (with even same-​day detailed email responses). So – overall, I’m really pleased with my experience and will definitely take more classes in the future if the need arises and will recommend UCSC Extension to others.

That’s a great school. The school is perfectly clean and their infrastructure is great. They can do some work on their website that doesn’t reflect the quality of the school. You can get some great professors that work on the greatest companies on the valley. Yes, most of the students are foreigners and you will find resumes from IT and developers in their early 20s that will make your jaw drop. Most of them will get great technical jobs.

I took an introductory level java course with UCSC extension and the class was an awful experience.
The instructor spoke poor English and their was little to no guidance provided when I asked for clarification. The last few videos of the demo and lecture were very poor quality and I mentioned to the instructor I felt his explanations were unclear and video quality poor.
Instead of taking the feedback to himself he said I should watch them slowly… and he would talk to the admin about voice quality. Overall I felt this was a disgrace to the UC system as a whole and this extension really ought to think about a better way to provide quality education. The costs of the classes are too high to justify poor instruction. Will be dissuading all my co-​workers and companies from sending workers to this place.
I’m better of learning from actual engineers or taking a free online java course. Complete waste of time and money :(very upset.

Money making place. You absolutely don’t get what you pay for. Most, if not all, of the instructors have very difficult English/​accent to understand. Courses are not well-​organized and most instructors are sloppy. I took 4 courses at this place, one of them is online. The online instructor’s accent is so heavy, he can’t even pronounce the «sh». He calls it «s». So pay attensen as he tries to so you his Englis. Please, give me a break. This is an instruction job, and ONLINE. This only shows that whoever wants to teach a class at UCSC Extension can simply do it. Apparently, there’s no diligent pre-​screening process and the standards UCSC-​Ext has are below negative. One other instructor compiled a stupid PDF file with about 4 line in each slide (with very large font). The material was extremely useless. All he would do is reading the slides out loud. The guy has been jobless for a long time and UCSC-​Ext hired him to TEACH. He gave no assignments, ended lectures up to 1 hour before the official end time of the course. For one of the midterms, he didn’t return our answered midterms. He just graded them online. When we asked him about our work, he smiled and said that he didn’t set it up in a way that enables him to get each student’s answers. He just provided the solution to the system and the system graded our exams, provided that there were fill-​in-​the-​space questions, which could have multiple correct answers. He didn’t even announce the opening time for the second midterm beforehand to prepare for it. If you’re an international student, this is just a place to take advantage of your situation and charge you as much money as they desire. As an international student, you have to be enrolled in at least 12 units to maintain your status and get an Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is absolutely useless. Who’s going to hire you to work for them for a year and then let you go? I’m a living example, immigration laws in that aspect are extremely strict on both of you and your employer. The chances for you to get a job while you’re on OPT and get your H-​1B is very very slim and uncertain. A lottery system is used to select who would get the H-​1B and who wouldn’t. So, by going to UCSC you will be wasting at least 9 to 12 grand and not learn anything that you can use to get a decent job in the U.S. or anywhere else. Please, don’t support this business. They mandate international students to pay $ 2000 just to «show how to apply for OPT and maintain your SEVIS record». You can apply for the OPT on your own. Every legitimate school has the resources for how to do that on their website for free. As the SEVIS record, they just need to logon to the system and update the student’s information, only in the case of a change in the circumstances. UCSC-​Extension made me sick. I’m glad I didn’t go there for a long time. The only benefit I got from there is getting to know some of the smartest students I’ve ever met. Most of the students are waaaay more knowledgeable than the instructors. I am never going there again.
On the positive side, I had one class that I really benefited from the instructor. So, I spent about $ 6000 and my benefit was worth about a $ 1000 or less. Money well-​spent
Oh, and the staff is nice! They would come right at the end of your class and kick you right out. The person who’s in charge would get so mad at you if you haven’t packed your stuff and ready to go by 9:30 (which is the end of the class). keep in mind, this would be the only chance in the entire week to ask questions to the UCSC-​claimed instructors

The course structure is really bad. it seems like team of rookies run this course. They do not have the experience in course design neither in examination system. They are simply a money making business rather an educational institution.
Again as many people already mentioned their course refund or transfer policy is ridiculous… here is what i went through… their system shouldn’t have allowed me in the first place to take course 1 and II together as 2^nd course has prerequisite of first. As much it was my mistake, it was theirs as well. But they do not have staff with head on their shoulders to understand your needs, they copy paste the same answers written in their documentations. They will not work with you, guide you as a university is supposed to do. You get better service from a business than these people.
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Thank you for asking about transferring to the next Java section. There is no refund or transfer unless requested 3 days before a course starts. All transfer requests not within this timeframe, must be received in writing and reviewed by the Academic Review Committee. Please submit your request with all details via the following web form
The Committee generally responds within 1 – 2 weeks.
Best Regards,
Jim Kostecka
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If you need further assistance, please contact the Program representative, Jim Kostecka
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Hi Jessica,
Thank you for quick response. I am not looking to drop the course and/​or refund, but rather I would like to postpone the 2^nd course into the next session that’s starting in Dec’14 so I can successfully complete both the courses.
Course #6634 Java Programming Comprehensive has prerequisite course «Programming for Beginners #5185» which I am doing currently and there is no way I can move to the comprehensive course without completing the beginners. I understand it was my mistake as well to add both these courses in the same time slot, but at this time I will not be able to complete the 2^nd course in due time and that will be waste.
I would appreciate if you could please help me connect with your supervisor or someone who could make an exception and help me move me to the next session for comprehensive course. I want to make the most out of this session, learn and complete the courses. Please help me in doing so.
Regards
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Dear,
Unfortunately, the deadline to drop with a refund has passed. You may still drop the course but you will not be issued a refund. If you are able to finish one course quickly, you may be able to finish in time. Please consider all options before dropping.
To drop a course, please complete the Online Drop Request form.
Best regards,
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Hello,
I am currently enrolled in following 2 courses. 5185 (Java for Beginners) and 6634(Java Programming, Comprehensive. Both the programs started at same time and ends on ¹²⁄₁₆ at the same time.
I am yet to start the lessons of the comprehensive course and I cannot start the 6634 until I finish the beginners course as the comprehensive course is more advance level. So, I would like to move my schedule for the Comprehensive course to the next online session to start the course later on once I have finished the Beginners course.
I am sorry I didn’t realize this at the time of adding the courses to the cart, but it seems now that I won’t be able to complete both the courses together by ¹²⁄₁₆ deadline.
Please let me know what the viable options for me at this time to successfully complete the course?
5185
Java Programming for Beginners 5185.(083) 09/​16/​2014 12/​16/​2014
6634
Java Programming, Comprehensive 6634.(083) 09/​16/​2014 12/​16/​2014
Thank & Regards

DON’T DO BUSINESS WITH THEM!!! They Make it sound very simple to sign up for classes but they don’t open disclose that dropping a course will cost you $ 40, further more if your are a VA student they will require that you plan ALL YOUR COURSE FOR A CERTIFICATE WELL IN ADVANCE. So i followed there VA Rep and planned my classes for a certificate in advance only to find I am not properly prepared for the courses. So I decided to drop the courses.
Then I get a email saying they will mail me my first completed certificate but that the mailing address was wrong and that I should email them a updated address, the first letter I get is an Invoice NOT MY CERTIFICATE. HONEST AND UP FRONT HUH?

Don’t sign up for INTRODUCTION TO MACHINE LEARNING AND DATA MINING!
I recently signed up for for this Class. I was very disappointed from the Class instructor.
She is a poor lecturer. The lecture slides seem to be mix of prior presentations without order specific to the course. There were no conceptual introductions and we didn’t spent any time on fundamental concepts, there were also complains in class about the same. Instructor seems genually surprised on the slides content. Most of the time students from the audience answer and explain tricky questions, the instructor does not cover in depth or demonstrates competence in the subject matter.
And unfortunately the REFUND policy of the UCSC Extension Silicon Valley is completely UNFAIR. Students are PUNISHED for instructors inability to lead lectures. Under NO circumstances they will return your money back or allow to attend other classes instead.
I really thanks that Unilocal exists where I can leave my review so that other students don’t be mislead by cool advertisements of UCSC Extension Silicon Valley! They just want to take your money without offering GOOD QUALITY of service!

I’ve taken a lot of classes over the years including getting a Masters degree and to some extent, how much I’ve enjoyed those classes had to do with the staff of the facility.
The people at UCSC Extension are some of nicest I have ever encountered. Helpful and informative just begins to describe them. The facility is also one of the cleanest I’ve been in as well.
I noticed that another review commented on the soda machine. All I have to say about that is what kind of person complains about that when there is fresh brewed coffee, tea, and water available for FREE every night of classes? That reviewer is right, that is petty.

I took two classes at UCSC-​Silicon Valley and I have a «meh» opinion of it. This is going to be a mixed review.
The first class was a disappointment from the start. It was taught at a much lower level than described in the course catalog and I didn’t learn much at all. The instructor, I could tell, was way behind the times and was teaching technology that was perhaps two years out of date. Also, it seemed that he didn’t prepare in advance and just lectured off the cuff. All the while he was passing himself off as an expert in the field.
The second class was actually quite good. The instructor was very knowledgeable and up-​to-​date and I learned some valuable skills. He actually *is* an expert in his field.
As others have mentioned, the classes are quite expensive. I think that most people must be having their employers pay the tuition.
Now, here are some specific things that irked me:
— During the entire five-​month period in which I was taking classes, the soda machine in the student lounge was out of order. At times there would be a note that it would be repaired soon… but it never was. Five months and they couldn’t get a working soda machine?
— They seem to have a lot of trouble controlling the temperature in the classrooms. One time it was so cold that everyone was shivering, and another time it was so hot that we had to find another classroom to move to.
— In one of my classes the video projector was broken throughout the class.
I know that these may seem petty, but in my opinion for all the thousands of dollars they are charging for the classes, these kind of things should be handled better.

I will NEVER take a course from this place again. If I could give 0 stars I would. Not only are they ungodly expensive, their website is terrible, and their classes are a joke. I took a class in July and I’m still trying to obtain a transcript from them. I keep having to «chase» things. First it was my grade, now it’s my transcript. I don’t have time to make sure they grant requests that I’m entitled to as a student — especially for the prices they charge. They really need to get their game on if they expect us to recommend our friends and family. I wouldn’t recommend this school to an enemy!

I had a terrible experience at the UCSC Extension. Threw away $ 700!
PLEASE READ THEIR UNFAIR REFUND AND CANCELLATION POLICY BEFORE REGISTERING!
After completing the Accounting Certificate at UC Berkeley Extension I needed a couple of extra courses to qualify for the CPA exam. Since UCSC Extention is closer to me, I decided to try them out.
On the first day of class the instructor tells me that the Cost Accounting course I’m taking covers the same material as a course called Managerial Accounting I had already taken at the other extension. Of course I was not aware of this prior to the first class.
The next morning, I called the Extension to cancel the course and they said their policy does not allow for cancellations after the start date. Well, the problem was I didn’t have the right info until the first class!
Then I tried to ask for a credit so I could take another one of their accounting courses. Took me a couple of days to hear back, so I actually drove there and tried to talk to somebody. They don’t allow students to see their coordinators, who are just upstairs. I had to use a phone at the reception to talk to the director.
After driving there twice and exchanging about 8 emails with the director, I decided I just couldn’t deal with unreasonable people anymore. She kept referring to the policy and could not seem to have the slight sympathy for the situation.
I paid for my course out of my own money and just can’t accept the fact that they took my $ 700 for the one class I attended!
Seriously the worst experience I’ve ever had. I felt cheated and robbed.
I’m sure some of the instructors are good. I’m taking a course in at the UC Berkeley Extension in SF at the moment and the same instructor teaches at the UCSC Extension. I’m happily willing to drive from Mountain View all the way to SF to take the same course at the other extension just because of how upset I am at the UCSC policy.
Being a reasonable person, I do want to mention I’ve sat for two proctored exams at UCSC Extension and the front desk lady who dealt with me both times was very nice and professional.

December — time to submit my reimbursements for the classes I took… Low and behold, once class I finished in October still has not posted grades. I went to the student service and asked why and was told «…you need to wait the full 6 weeks after the class before the grades post» There were only 5 people in the class… come on how hard can that be. It took 2 more week, 5 times me calling and 4 times being told to wait another day to get it resolved…
Don’t get me wrong — the most of the classes are great — it’s the administrative part that needs improvement.

I took the android programming course here and I really loved it. The professor was great and very helpful. I found the examples and assignments catering to the requirements of any android programming job in the industry. I really learnt a lot from this course. I have also heard from other people that the iPhone programming course is good, but I have never personally taken the course.
I enrolled for another course with UI development with Jquery and found the course interesting. But as I was doing this course with basic kowledge of XML & HTML programming I had hard time picking up pace to keep up with the assignments. The professor was not very helpful in helping me out either. I would still say it helped me to gain a lot of knowledge in the subject even though I struggled alone to get to know very simple installation issues which the professor should have easily helped me out with.
I had also enrolled for an online java course earlier and I was not very satisfied with it. The online courses just do not work for me. I think in future I would like to take only in class courses here as the other 2 courses are in class and I had positive experience with one of them. Overall a great institute catering to professionals with fulltime jobs wanting to learn new technologies. I wish they had an option to check out the course and professor for one week and then join the course. But they don’t have an option of refunding the fees if you don’t like the course or the professor and want to drop the course after a week of attendance.

Education is what you want it to be.
There are some areas that need to be improved but we have to remember that this is an extension of the main campus. The administrative staff is superb in my opinion. They quickly answer emails, the director and I met face to face to resolve issues TOGETHER which is something that I never had the privilege of at my 4yr college.
The range of classes that they offer is simply enormous and the quality of teachers that they demand are amazing. This place makes me excited to learn and does so giving me a positive outlook on the future I am crafting.
I would have offered them a full 5 stars but I do feel that their online classes need some work. Perhaps this is me just not liking the online classes and that online classes do not work for me and that in itself is OK. BUT UCSC does offer them and they are available to those that want them. I just wish that they were «taught» a little differently. So in fairness this really should be a 4.5 star review.
Good job UCSC Ext! Keep it up!

This review is for the administrative staff ONLY. I would have given it 0 star if I had the choice.
Anyway, it is difficult as hell to drop the class and get a refund even if you have a legitimate reason (let’s say it’s a medical condition) that you won’t be able to attend the class. I’m still in the process of dropping my class and get my company’s refund.
They tried to argue with me because they don’t want to give the refund back, and that the policy is stated on the website. Well, hello! There are exceptions, especially for medical reasons. Long story short, staying in a 3-​hour long class will worsen my condition no matter how they’d attempt to accomodate by letting me stand/​walk around the class. First of all, it’s distracting the class, and second, I don’t want to compromise my health just because of a class.
They said they would need a doctor’s note and I provided them the note and they were still arguing with me. When it is for a person’s health/​safety, I think any place should be obligated to grant one’s request.
UCSCX disappoints me, and I will never ever sign up for a class there ever again. No wonder they have low enrollments for most of their courses.

Modern building — unexceptional classrooms (but what do you need really?) Hopelessly time consuming to reach via public transit, much more convenient if driving — but parking can fill up if you have an evening class.
Class quality (of course) is dependent on the instructor, and as with most extension classes are fairly expensive.

Nothing fancy. Its just a large building with a bunch of classrooms. Parking is plentiful if you get to class early. After 5:30 the lot fills up and you have to start stalking people who leave.
There is a student lounge that has a small kitchen sink, microwave, and a few vending machines. I do see people camp out in there but its kind of depressing so I don’t go in there except for coffee.
Each classroom is equipped with a projector, a video projector and a computer. There are long tables and chairs. The classrooms are a bit depressing too, no windows.
If you get cold easily bring a jacket, the AC is strong.

Great examination center!
$ 25 for proctored exams… I had my final sent here from UC Berkeley. This saved me the long drive and hassle of traffic.
Facilities are clean, there is plenty of parking, and they provide fresh coffee and teas in the student lounge. Best of all, Shirley (who works at the front desk) is extremely helpful, friendly and organized.
Just one thing to consider… desks are shared, so when it’s busy you may feel cramped if you’re the type of person who needs tons of scratch paper and likes to spread out.