Current instructor
Original student reviews · all captured dates
Professor Hilyard is a really great professor if you have some challenging project ideas and need some help getting things done. He has expansive knowledge of the animation industry and clearly knows how Maya works in general, plus he never sets limit to your project idea. Take his class if you have interesting ideas for your portfolios!Rate My Professors ↗
Stephen was always around to provide feedback. Don't get me wrong- if you don't put work into this course you won't pass. Need to understand the software he teaches you and it's not something you can just wait until the night before and wing it. As long as you give ample time towards your projects, start early and ask for feedback you'll have fun.Rate My Professors ↗
Mr Hilyard has definetly gotten closer to his students by coming around and providing feedback, I think that is very supportive. Since I've taken many classes with him, I've noticed he has changed for the better. I think his feedback on your work in constructive and he is a fair grader.Rate My Professors ↗
Stressful due to the large amount of homework (6 hours a week of boring and complex video tutorials), intense critiques, and overall not friendly professor. Lectures were excessively long and time could have been better used for in-class work time. Also - why is it required to buy an expensive drawing tablet if we never used it?Rate My Professors ↗
I personally enjoy working with Steve,though I do agree with other comments regarding his dry humor,sometimes harsh feedback, long lecturing. But I guess it kinda depends on person and how you like his way of teaching. I personally think Steve gives some really valuable feedback in terms of professional development. I'm taking his class again now.Rate My Professors ↗
I didn't dislike him, and he grades fairly, but he's not a professor I'd recommend at all. He gives long, excruciatingly dull lectures, and if you ask for clarification or help on anything he's covered before he'll act like you didn't pay close enough attention or didn't take good notes, and if you're lucky he might condescendingly help you.Rate My Professors ↗
Personal experiences, not a representative survey. Profile matching and captured coverage are shown in the source details.
Introduces three-dimensional modeling in the computer for creating images and objects.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Stephen Hilyard is frequently described as abrasive, condescending, and rude, with students citing his monotone lectures and harsh feedback on artwork. While he grades fairly, his dry humor and pushy demeanor are viewed negatively by many reviewers.
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026ART 629 is an advanced 3D digital animation course focused on completing a major independent project.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Recent recorded grades — Fall 2019: 3.50 GPA, 83.3% A/AB (n=6 letter grades); Fall 2021: 3.88 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=8 letter grades); Spring 2022: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=3 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleART 699 is an independent undergraduate study course in an advanced area of art under faculty direction.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2022 · limited sampleART 999 is an independent graduate study course in an advanced area of art under faculty direction.
Offering recorded · Fall 2026
Recent recorded grades — Spring 2025: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=10 letter grades); Fall 2025: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=8 letter grades); Spring 2026: 4.00 GPA, 100.0% A/AB (n=12 letter grades).
historical GPA · grades
Spring 2022–Spring 2026Teaching history may be incomplete. Course pages contain course-specific feedback and citations.
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