Carr, Janice  

Business

3.30/4.00

55 evaluations


BUS 214


Sophomore
N/A
Required (Support)
Oct 2000
I really enjoyed taking this class with Profesor Carr. She made the material very interesting, and she grades fair. Her lectures are to the point, and wants to know that everyone is getting it. This was my first accounting class as an accounting concentration, and she really got me interested.


Sophomore
N/A
Required (Support)
May 2001
Dr. carr is enthusiastic about teaching,even though its not the most exciting subject. The tests are kinda of hard. just remember to read the chapters carefully. The comprehensive accounting problem is a pain.Overall she is a pretty nice teacher.


Junior
C
Required (Major)
Sep 2002
Professor Carr is a very nice lady, but I would say take another teacher. She was just not very easy to understand and this class is a bitch. I heard other teachers were better.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Nov 2002
Oh my God I am in love with this woman. I think under any other circumstance, I would have hated accounting. Because of Dr. Carr I absolutely loved the class and have decided to do accounting as my concentration. I recommend her to anyone. She is so brilliant and classy. We had a sub for a few days and she is also an accounting teacher at Poly, and the whole class got behind. There is just no substitute for Carr. Take her!


Junior
B
Required (Major)
Dec 2002
Dr. Carr is a great teacher. She presents the material very clearly in a subject that is not all that interesting, but I actually found myself being interested in it, and am now considering an accounting concentration. The tests are kind of hard, but it is not difficult to get at least a B on them. And yes, the comprehensive problem is a bitch, but you will get a damn lot out of doing it. I definately recommend taking Dr. Carr, she's nice and a good teacher overall.


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Jan 2003
Dr. Carr is an incredible teacher. If the class is having problems with certain concepts, she recognizes them quickly and goes over it in detail. Her quizes are multiple choice and very easy. Homework is due everyday, which might be considered good to keep you on your toes since there is a lot of material to cover at a fast pace. Her little study advice are very helpful. All you have to do is go over the questions at the back of the chapters and go over her study guides and you'll get a good grade. She is very fair and always available for help!!!!


Sophomore
A
Required (Major)
Feb 2003
Great teacher. If you are a student who doesn't mind to put in the time into a class, I recommend that you take Dr. Carr. She's very nice, helpful, and caring. The information isn't hard, but be prepared spending about 4-5 hours a week outside of class studying on the material. I don't think that anyone could've taught this material better than Dr. Carr did.


Sophomore
N/A
Required (Major)
Mar 2003
I will agree this teacher is very nice, but unless accounting is your thing you are screwed. She expects that the class knows what she is talking about while she scribbles across the board in a very unstructured format. The book is really easy to follow, but her teaching doesn't supplement it very well. She gave out the project VERY LATE in the quarter and expected everyone to finish it quickly which was difficult to do without much help from her. Also, if she had given it out earlier, it would have been easier to grasp the subject. Also, if you don't do well on the first test, you cannot convince her you really did study hard or are a good student. She doesn't give anyone slack in the class unless you are within the top 15, then you can do whatever you want. I went into the class thinking I might want to be an accountant and left hating the subject.


Freshman
A
Required (Major)
Mar 2010
Dr. J was a great professor. She thoroughly (sometimes even too much) covered everything you needed to know about financial accounting. Yes, there were many times where class was dry and I wanted to get out of class ASAP, but most classes are like that. You have to read the material and do the homework to understand what\'s going on, and if you do that, you\'ll do fine.


Freshman
C
Required (Major)
Apr 2010
Overall, Professor Carr is a great teacher, but be prepared for a work load far above a four unit class. I did everything to study for the class, from the reading assignments to every homework assignment, memorizing flash cards, and doing all the reviews from the book and Dr. Carr for the test. However, I still only received a C. Her tests cover a large amount of material, and the lectures dont have much structure. She doesnt really lecture, but instead just reviews the homework. I got all the points on every homework assignment, but the written portion of her tests were pretty difficult. She is also a pretty objective grader, so definitely get to know her and show that you care about your grade. Visit all her office hours, because that is where she really thrives at teacher, rather than in the classroom where she is a lot more scatterbrained. As long as you are willing to dedicate a significant portion of time and want to actually learn accounting, I would recommend Professor Carr.


Sophomore
A
Elective
Jun 2010
I like Dr. Carr a lot! She is like the Twiggy of Cal Poly. I ended up with an A- because I worked my butt off for the final. There is homework due every class meeting, so you definitely need to keep up with your stuff. You have to go to class every meeting and if you miss it you have to tell her why. She really takes this class seriously, and for good reason. She is constantly warning students about how much effort needs to be put in and she isn\'t joking. Read your book and take notes because the tests have multiple choice questions. Also read the slides that she puts online because she pulls questions from that too. Do the homeworks and the practice problems that she hands out because she collects them. I really enjoyed the quarter with Dr. Carr. Go to her office hours if you need help, and put in the effort and you will do great.


Sophomore
C
Required (Major)
Nov 2010
Professor Carr knows the material extremely well and will show you how to do well in the class if you are willing to work for it. I wasn\'t willing to work for an A, and I didn\'t deserve one. But I learned a lot, and I want to pursue accounting as my concentration.


Freshman
B
Required (Major)
Mar 2011
She is an amazing teacher. The stuff you learn is difficult and frustrating. especially reading that book. so boring. but she teaches it very well and and makes it way easier to understand. The midterms and final are kinda hard but you know what is on them. Do the homework. it helps a lot. She is really nice and cares about your success. She held two extra study sessions before the finals just to help us. and she curves a little. Take carr if you can. PS. Shes not at all related to chris carr. just saying.


Freshman
B
Required (Support)
Mar 2011
Professor Carr's 214 course is much more difficult than any of the other 214 courses. I thought that I was jipped and annoyed that I was going to get a lower grade than someone in the other classes. However, I deserved a C, and she gave me the B. Also, I am in 215 now, and SO EFFING GLAD that I had her. She drilled the material into our brains and so now 215 is much easier. If you get the chance, take her.


Freshman
D
Required (Support)
May 2011
Janice Carr is one of the kindest teachers at Poly. She genuinely cares about her students and is so willing to support you. That being said, don't take her class unless you are willing to work! Even though I did poorly in her class, I learned so much and I'd definitely suggest taking her.


Freshman
C
Required (Major)
Jun 2011
I feel like you have to sell your soul to the Accounting Gods to pass this class. First of all, Dr. Carr does not lecture. She expects you to read all of the chapter and do the homework before class, and then she just goes over the homework for the two hours of class. She doesn't teach you diddly squat! You have to teach yourself and pray you pass the midterms. And get this, she grades on improvement. So if you rocked the first midterm and bombed the second, you probably wont pass this class. And the first day of class, she warns all freshman that probably 1/3 of you wont pass. That being said, I heard she was better than all the other Bus 214, so.... It's not impossible to pass, its just unreasonably difficult to do so. Good Luck.


Freshman
B
Required (Major)
Nov 2011
The material for this class is not the easiest to understand but Professor Carr really wants all of her students to understand what is going on and to get a good grade. If she sees that your grade differs between the two midterms she will ask you to come meet with her and she will ask what was going on. She really wants to help you and make sure that you succeeds. If you didn't do too well on your midterms yet do better on your final she will bump your grade. There is a lot of homework but it definitely helps prepare you for the midterm and final. There are 2 midterms and a final which are all pretty long with half multiple choice and half free response. Expect to spend almost the entire time that you have to take the tests.


Freshman
C
Required (Major)
Feb 2012
She cray. Her lectures bore me to death and she expects so much out of you as a student. It's like this is your only goal in life, to succeed in Janice Carr's BUS 214. Whereas most students are taking a full load of units (16+), this class definitely sucks out all of your time and energy. She was not kidding when she said that she wants to you WORK for your grade. Honestly, there are easier professors. Don't take Carr unless you 1. can function with barely any sleep because you'll be up all night doing her work, 2. are taking less than 16 units, 3. are just a genius.


Sophomore
C
Required (Major)
Feb 2012
This class is insane. I don't know if it was just because I personally can't concentrate, but I couldn't learn anything. She moves very quickly, and expects you to read thoroughly and do all the homework on your own. In class she spends 2 hours going through homework. Her tests are near impossible. I wouldn't take this class unless you are prepared to "marry her and marry accounting" for a quarter.


Freshman
A
Required (Major)
Mar 2012
I really liked Professor Carr. She was a great professor who wastes no time in class and cares deeply for her students. But do note: she will tell you that this class requires a LOT of work. And she is right. THERE IS A LOT OF WORK AND SHE MEANS IT. If you can't do it...drop it. It's not uncommon for people to fail this course. By the middle of the quarter...a good 1/3 of the class already gave up and stopped coming to class. We do everything by hand and at first the homework will take half a day to do. Quizzes are tricky, tests will take a LOT of thinking and work. The hard work pays off incredibly though. Overall the class is 3 quizzes, 2 midterms, daily homework assignment, and a cumulative final. If you go to office hours (which is highly encouraged) she will be a GREAT help. She is very funny and tries her best to help you. She may seem intimidating at first, but she is one of the sweetest professors ever. She basically pulled an all-nighter to grade our midterms early to help us. For people who want to concentrate in accounting, you should take this class. Class can be a bit boring...so bring a snack or a drink. Anyways, I'd take her classes again if I could. Fair grader.


Freshman
A
Required (Major)
Mar 2012
She's definitely not an easy professor, but she taught us so well that it didn't matter. There are few professors who are hard AND have high polyratings so that should tell you all you need to know. Definitely recommend taking her.


Freshman
D
Required (Major)
Jun 2012
Ok, so i took this teacher because her polyratings are excellent. They all warn you about how much work it is, but they do not warn you that this class is really fricking hard. Carr gives you the reading and homework without even teaching any of the material. She expects you to teach yourself and then goes over the homework and answers questions that you have. I don't think she presented the material nor did she teach the information well. I put a lot of effort into this class, maybe the most work I've put into a class in my entire life and still ended up failing. I would not consider myself as stupid, but this class is really hard. I would recommend taking a teacher that was easier rather than Carr who supposedly "sets you up for success".


Freshman
D
Required (Major)
Aug 2012
Tests are unfairly hard! Don't take her!


Freshman
A
Required (Support)
Sep 2012
Great teacher...she obviously knows what she's doing and will go out of her way to help you if you go into her office hours. 2 midterms, a final and lots of homework, however. If you improved throughout the quarter she'll be much more lenient in bumping up your grade.

BUS 314


Junior
B
Required (Major)
Aug 2001
Dr. Carr is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She presents the material clearly and is capable of assisting any student question or concern. Her grading is fair, and I would highly recommend her to any student.

BUS 320


Senior
D
Required (Support)
Jun 2003
Even though I got a horrible grade in this class, Dr. Carr is a very helpful, intelligent instructor. I received a bad grade because I did not put out the necessary effort that this course requires. For those of you who are looking for an easy class, this is not one of them. Dr. Carr is available nights & weekends, and will give you her cell phone sometimes for emergency ?'s. Great instructor and I wasted the opportunity.


Senior
C
Required (Major)
Jun 2003
Dr. Carr is the best teacher I have ever had at Cal Poly, yet Bus 320 is the hardest and most time consuming class I have ever had also. The laws are so difficult and still changing all the time. There are always exceptions to the exceptions. She collects homework every day and has two tax problems to work out in "foursomes." There are two midterms and a final. The teacher is worth the difficulty in the class. Take Dr. Carr.


Junior
A
Elective
Aug 2003
Dr. Carr is one of the best instructors I've had at Poly. She is so genuinely nice and she really cares about her students. She makes it clear that she doesn't necessarily determine final grades solely by points earned, but takes into account the effort you've put forth, and if you get a substantially higher grade on the final than you got on the two midterms, she weighs it heavily in your final grade because you have "obviously learned the material." Tax is not an interesting subject for most people, and if it's not, why take the class in the first place?, but if it is something you are interested in, there is no one better to teach you the in's and out's than Janice Carr. She's a real sweetheart!


Senior
A
Required (Major)
Aug 2003
A quick sidebar before I evaluate Dr. Carr. In case you didn't know, tax is monotonous. But guess what, you're going to have to file taxes sometime soon if you're not already. And if you want to start you're own business it just becomes more complicated. So for those who are not required to take this class but it fulfills a requirement, take it. Better to learn it in college than on your own a few years down the line. It's very rare to have a professor as dedicated to students as Dr. Carr. She always seems to be in her office. If she's not, she's told students ahead of time and given them seven different way to get in contact with her. In that regards, if you want to learn tax and want that A in the class, Dr. Carr makes it very possible. You not only have the book and the lectures to learn from, but you have Dr. Carr's seemingly undivided attention and aid whenever you need it. She's not lively lecturer, but she is very thorough in answering all student questions. The bottom line is that you don't want to read about tax; luckily Dr. Carr's lectures cover 80% of the required material, leaving out trivial bits which, admittedly, may end up biting you in the ass come test time if you haven't cracked open the book. And yes, homework is due at the beginning of class everyday. Sounds bad now, but HW ends up being easy points generally requiring twenty minutes or less to complete. "Twenty minutes? I can do twenty minutes!" I know you're thinking that. Well, it turns out the tests are doosies. Perhaps some of the most exhausting tests I've taken at Poly to date. While she proclaims they're not tricky, they are. Not meniacally so, but you'll be second guessing what you thought you learned within the first few multiple choice questions. That's tax though, with a plethora of caveats. Advice: study groups really help out in this class. If you don't know anyone in the class, make that a very temporary situation. The most disorganized portion of the course was the tax problems which are lengthy projects you do in a group of two or four. You'll feel unprepared and rushed to complete them in the week's time she gives you. Worst of all, we never reviewed the projects. I'm not sure what we did right and what we did wrong. What may look like a boring, useless course ultimately is one with a lot of real-life practicality. Dr. Carr will be there to help you through provided you do your fair share.


Senior
B
Required (Major)
Dec 2003
Dr. Carr is my favorite teacher in the school of business. She makes you work, but you learn so much. She is really far in her grading and her assignments. She is just so cool and interesting. I recommend her for anyone who is doing accounting as their concentration. If you are one of those people who wants to take an easy class where you won't learn as much take a different teacher.


Senior
C
Required (Major)
Dec 2003
Very, very hard teacher. She obviously knows her material extremely well but she does not do a very good job of selecting which material to test and quiz on so she just tests on all of the material. This course has a large quantity of material to cover but in Dr. Carr's class you do not get to use any supplements like open notes. I would recommend taking Wacker, her grading is much more linient, and she lets you use a cheat sheet.


Senior
B
Required (Major)
Jul 2004
What can I say, Dr. Carr is truly a unique individual. Yes tax is dry for most and Dr. Carr's appearance can be percieved as being very strict and unforgiving but don't be fooled. Tax is a difficult subject and one that most will not understand without putting forth some effort. This is where Dr. Carr excels as one of the greatest teachers that I have had at Poly. In this class you truly earn a grade that reflects the amount of effort you put forth. Dr. Carr is always available during office hours, has additional study times before test, addresses all questions in class and will even sometimes give out her home number if needed. What else can you ask for in a teacher? If you're looking for an easy class, this is not the one. If you want to learn or need a teacher that is a great mentor and will motivate you then take Dr. Carr.


Junior
B
Required (Major)
Mar 2005
This is a great teacher to take for tax. She knows her stuff and she is always available to help and really cares. But, her tests and quizzes are ridiculous. She tests on so much information and it's hard to study all of it. I thought she should allow a cheat sheet for her exams. But she posts a sample exam 1 on blackboard that is basically the same as the actual test. So if you study that, you will be fine for the first test. She only has 1 midterm and then the final. But her "quizzes" aren't actually quizzes at all, they are just shorter versions of tests. Do not underestimate the quizzes! They are tough. But if you do all the homework and study, you'll do fine.


Junior
D
Required (Major)
May 2006
Carr is such a good teacher. her lectures are interesting and she explains everything very well, however she also give you a lot of work! there is homework due every day, you have one mid term, group projects, final, and 4 quizes. The quizes seem easy at first, but they get hard! the last two guizes seemed more like mid terms. I would recommend carr, but know you are in for a lot of work with a great teacher. You will learn a lot in this class, even i did despite my grade. CARR ROCKS!


Junior
B
Required (Support)
Jun 2006
320 is not an easy class but it isn't that hard if you stay on top of it. The readings and the homework take a lot of time but doing them really helps for the quizes and exams. She does an excellent job of stressing what to memorize for tests. Everything on an exam is something she covered in class. Furthermore, the grading on the tests is fair. If most of the class misses a question she will give it back. As long as you put the time and effort into this class you should get a B.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Apr 2007
Carr is such a good teacher. I'm not normally the best student but she movitated me to put a lot of effort, and as a result I really learned the material. She is very fair and I'm sad to see her retire.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Oct 2007
Dr. Carr is by far the best Accounting professor I have ever had! I had her for 320 as well as 415 (now 417), and she is absolutely amazing. She cares about her students more then anything, and is willing to drop chapters and work with students as much as necessary. Her ability to identify student's needs is remarkable. Be prepared to learn and work. Her course is not an easy one, but she will make you want to know everything about tax. If you get a chance to take her, DO IT! Her class completely changed my outlook on accounting, and directed me into a career that I truly enjoy! TAKE HER, TAKE HER, TAKE HER!!!


Junior
B
Required (Major)
Apr 2008
She is super efficient in her teaching. She is a wise counselor of life. Dr. Carr just plain cares, and I am grateful to have taken her class even though she retired last year. I hope I can be in her class for VITA next year. She has challenging tests, but I recommend, as a Deloitte partner once counseled me..."Read as slow as a glacier, and as precise as a laser." The text is chock full of info and must be read carefully with highlighter in hand and mind focused. I chose Tax because of this class, the interviews for internships got me the B, I just couldn't put in the needed time. She has a tough project, mainly because it requires true effort of time and research, but I am glad it was what it was, because I gained a lot from it. Thank you, Dr. Carr. You are awesome and a key part to the success of Cal Poly's status in the professional world for the accounting students.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Apr 2008
Dr. Carr is by the far the best teacher I've had! The class is not easy at all, you need to put the time and effort. This is not a class where you can only study the night before and expect to do well. However, she presents the material in a way that is very clear. Don't hesitate to ask for help because she will help you!! Go to her office!! She is very nice lady and has a funny sense of humor. Just study, read the material carefully, and ask questions when you don't understand something. Carr is the BEST!!!!!!


Senior
B
Required (Major)
Mar 2009
I've yet to meet anyone that has anything negative to say about Dr. Carr, in fact many of the Accounting firm recruiters I interviewed with knew who she was and were complimentary of her. Her class is tough (two midterms, comprehensive final, homework due every due class period, and a comprehensive tax return project) - but you'll learn a great deal and be better for it in the end. She is a very approachable person and genuinely cares about her students.


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Jan 2010
This class is very tough. It took up most of my time and it is very important to stay on top of the readings and the outlines and study you butt off for the tests. They are hard but if you really understand it you will be okay. Definitely not an easy A but Janice was such a good teacher. She really cared and got involved with you to help you learn. And go to her office hours!!


Freshman
A
Required (Support)
Aug 2012
I have taken both 214 and 320 with her, both as freshman, and I must say, Janice Carr is AMAZING. Seriously. Anyone who can honestly deny that fact needs to sack up and actually try in her classes, go to her office hours, and do the work that she suggests/requires. LOVE HERRRRRRRRRR<3

BUS 321


Junior
B
Required (Major)
Jan 2006
BUS 321 is difficult and requires a lot of studying and memorization. Carr is a pretty chill teacher but her tests are difficult and she takes roll daily. i learned a lot of information but she is far from a cake walk. she expects a lot out of her students so be prepared but overall i wouldn't try to avoid her but be ready to work.

BUS 415


Senior
B
Required (Major)
Feb 2003
Dr. Carr is by far one of the best professors at Cal Poly. If you want to learn, take her in whatever you can. She is so approachable during office hours and wants you to succeed! There are few teachers like her!


5th Year Senior
A
Required (Major)
Dec 2004
Dr. Carr is a great teacher! Tax is pretty uneventful, but I like it and she makes it interesting. She is very concerned with her students really understanding the material and has spurred my interest in tax. I reccommend taking her. I didn't have her for 320, but she is great!


Junior
A
Required (Major)
Dec 2004
The woman is great. She spends soooo much time on this class, and on her students. The course is demanding, but not so much that it is painful. She really works hard to make sure that everyone understands the material, and does her best to help people do well. I wish that she were teaching 414. I like tax, and respect Carr, she will make you glad that you chose your major, and is an asset to the COB


Senior
N/A
Required (Major)
Apr 2005
I absolutely love Carr too. To comment on the statements below, I have had both Carr and Wacker and can safely say that they are both equally difficult and grading is the same. Not to mention both are great professors who care about students and are more than willing to help. In 415 you get a "crib sheet" but 320 you don't for either professor. Don't be afraid, take Carr. As long as you make the effort to understand the material, you will do well in tax. It is not a subject you can just blow off. You have to work at it and ask for help if you don't understand!!


Senior
C
Elective
Jun 2005
She is a disorganized mess and is extremely overrated by the people listed below. Her outlines are terrible, the tax return she assigns is aweful because she doesn't know how to help people, and she has a tone in her voice that makes me want to knock her face around a few times. I was terribly disappointed with this teacher.


Junior
A
Elective
Jun 2005
She is the worst teacher I have ever had!!! She always assigns things last minute and the assignments always require you to visit her office and take hours to complete. Also, the assignments are only worth like 2% of your grade. The tests are easy because you get a cheat sheet but other than that the class is horrible. Take anyone else, she is just a bitter old woman.


Senior
A
Required (Major)
Aug 2005
First off this class is regarding one of the hardest subjects in the business department. So be ready to work very hard to earn a decent grade. The organization of her outlines could have been more straight-forward but considering the amount of tax code concerning C corps, it's not necessarily an easy task to organize it all into a nice pretty little package. If you are one of those students who typically doesn


Senior
N/A
Required (Major)
Dec 2005
Hard class...outstanding professor!


5th Year Senior
B
Required (Major)
Dec 2005
Carr is a great professor, I really don't think there is any question about that (although I see some of the other reviews say otherwise). I think Carr is one of a few huge assets (no pun intended) the accounting department has, along with professors like Robison and Keller. They all actually CARE about each and every student succeeding, which is not common. This class was tough...the subject is tough, and TAX IN GENERAL is tough. From having a little bit of Big 4 tax experience I can say that I wish I had more professors like this before I went off to my internship. Anyone griping about the workload or the subject is in for some tough love when they get into the real-world. Take her, for anything you can, you'll be glad you did.


Senior
B
Required (Major)
Dec 2006
I have had Dr. Carr for both 320 & 415 and can highly recomend her. Tax is a dificult subject but she has been teaching it so long that she has it down. Be prepared for a great deal of work. However, this class isn't as hard as 320 provided that you didn't do to badly in it. She will change the curriculum and even drop chapters if the class is having trouble understanding a concept. Her grading and tests are very fair. As long as you show up and go to her office hours it shouldn't be to hard to pass. I here she is retiring after Spring so if you have a chance to take her before then do it because who knows how the class will be after that.

BUS 416


5th Year Senior
A
Required (Major)
Feb 2005
Dr. Carr is the absolute best teacher I've had in the school of business. Don't ask me how, but she makes accounting interesting. You learn a lot from her classes too. She is the only reason that I went with accounting and I actually disliked all the courses I took without her. She is a very smart, sweet, kick ass woman. If all teachers were like her my school experience would have been much more enjoyable.

WS 589


Sophomore
C
General Ed
Nov 2016
What the guy/gal below said. Amen. I too took this class and have long since graduated from Poly, but I was cruising Poly Ratings for a kick and thought that I should pipe in and let you know how much of a joke this prof is.