Nice guy, helps with any questions, read book and you're okay

Best professor yet. Very clear, precise and knowledgeable. His tests are very easy as long as you prepare - but he still teaches you a lot about finance.

Hilarious guy. Tests are reasonable as long as you keep up with your work. Very helpful in office hours and he has a great sense of humor.

His courses are not easy, but is very reasonable in terms of grading and workload. He does not give pop quizzes; and speaks clearly during lectures so students will have no trouble listening. Obviously you have to put effort into your studies, but if yo

One of the best teachers I've ever taken. Very clear explanations, very helpful. Actually makes the class interesting.

Best teacher ever. Anyone who thinks he's hard or not helpful is lost. Go to class, do some of the assignments and you'll do good - and learn a lot about the important concepts in finance.

great professor.lectures are very clear and easy. tests are based on the lectures.there're 3 mindterms and also a final exams.you're allowed to take notes on the tests which is great!he doesn't expect you to memorize crazy formulas. offers extra credit.

He has good lectures and is very clear, but his exams are hard, eventhough he allowed notes.

Tereffic teacher, great attitude, very helpful. I would recommend to anyone.

Don't think this is a eassy class. You have to be on the top of the topic. If you loss on one step it's going to be very hard. I don't recommend you if you are taking too many other classes. You have dedicate lot of time here. Exams are very hard.

Russell is very clear but he's not the easiest person to get along with. He's kind of sarcastic and has his favorites in the class. As long as you read and study his notes you'll pass. Just go to class and pay attention!

One of the best professors I have ever had at CSUN. He is very fair. Will not babysit anyone. DOn't miss class, take notes, go to his review sessions and you will do fine. Grade based on tests and attendance. Do EC.

Love this teacher...he skips all the **** in text and goes into what needed to know. His class is good, I enjoyed it very much. His test is straight forward from what he teaches.

very hard teacher, but explains very well. tests are a bit hard if you dont understand material.

first semester at CSUN, love this school, and this teacher made me like my major choice even more... so if it's your major gata take him b/c will learn, and you better get an 'A' PS: Don't weight your final!

One of the best professors at CSUN!! I'm a finance major and I truly loved his class. He teaches you what you nned to know and does not make you memorize things you don't need. Wonderful professor! Highly Recommended!!!

Very nice guy. Straight Shooter. No-nonsense professor who teaches very well. He deserves a medal for giving extra credit. This man won't waste your time. Your money is well spent if you take his class and absorb the material. Listen to what this man says and you just might get rich.

THIS is what university professors should be like. Never boring, every word he says is important, allows cheat sheets for exams. Dont have to read the book, just go to class and take notes.

The best business Professor i've had... very clear, just come to class, study, he tells you what will be on the test, teaches you the stuff you really need to know, honestly ive looked at my book like twice all semester.

He gets straight to the point. Don't have to read the confusing book. Allows cheat sheets on exams. Take GOOD NOTES and you might get an A in the class. Highly Recommend this teacher. Good Luck!

Has an attitude problem,but is a good techer, you can ask him anything and is very fair in grading. Can come across as rude but will always give a second chance if you need it.

A very fun professor, smart and very helpful. He is glad to answer your questions. He is also a fair grader. Offer extra credit work, and allow studetns to bring cheat sheets to the exams. Highly recommendate!

One of the best professors at CSUN! If you are a Finance major, you will wish that he teaches your upper division classes. Most of the other Finance teachers suck!!! He is not an easy teacher, but his lectures are very well organized and he doesn't make you memorize. Highly recommended!!!

You must take his class, none better.

Funny too

Professor Russell knows the stuff well, goes straight to the point, and has a great sense of humor. There are 4 multiple choice exams (each has a different weight) in this class. He allows a different number of cheat sheets for each exam. He offers extra credit, curves the exams (if needed), holds review sessions, and gives out his home phone #!

Very straightforward professor. Tests are hard and tricky. Your allowed cheat sheets for test. Test are based on notes so go to class. Do the practive problems for the test...they help!!

1 Word.... BEST!!!11

Tests are so hard.

the best teacher ever.you will pass as long as you try .he is the best. take him for sure

He tells it like he see's it. Is very fair and teaches what's on the tests. As long as you pay attention in class you'll be fine. Sometimes sarcastic in class but its funny.

very nice prof, give many extra credits. Highly recommended. AAA++++++++++++++

No Comments

He is an Ok teacher.. he curves his tests are tricky, but i recommend him

I don't understand some of these comments. As long as you go to class and take notes, you will do fine on the tests. He makes sure he covers all test material. He is funny. This is one of the best classes I have had at CSUN.

This class will either be hard or easy. Make sure you attend class & take good notes & you'll get a good grade. Not necessary to read book, just review. It's helpful to do study groups. If you don't understand problems, just copy all the info and then figure out how to do it w/calculator otherwise you'll get lost and don't understand anything.

Prof. Russell loves what he teaches, i had him for a PACE class and im not a PACE student, but he has agendas that are helpful he gives examples in class he has review sheets online, as long as you take notes and do the problems you should be fine, he isn't the easiest teacher but if you work you should pass the class.

He is a good human being and a good teacher. He will do everything for you to pass. Write notes, read the book and the agendas passed out on class and attend every class. I attended his classes in the PACE program which is not easy. He was very helpful. We had 3 exams with 25-26 questions through the 8 week class and one project for extra points.

An awesome teacher...Very clear and tests are fair. Complained about how no one gives him a hot rating...so here it is...

I WAS DEFINITELY NOT EXPECTING TO HAVE A GOOD TIME IN THIS CLASS, BUT HE WAS PROBABLY THE MOST INTERESTING PROFESSOR I'VE HAD FOR A SUBJECT THAT I HATED. IF YOU WANT TO LEARN SOMETHING IN FINANCE TAKE HIM.

I hate finance and I hate 3 hr night classes but I may have actually made it through this class. He does seem PO'd sometimes but usually funny, sarcastic and keeps things simple, clear, and relevant to real life. If you want to pass: 1) GO TO CLASS! 2) Stay awake and take notes 3)Bring to tests (you're allowed 1 or 2"cheat sheets")

One of the best professors I have ever had. I would highly recommend him for FIN 303. He explains everything clearly and allows cheat sheets on the exams. he gives bonus questions on the exam and offers extra credit. Plus, you will learn about finance. the class was very interesting. he's also very funny. go to class + take notes--very important

keeps it simple...teaches what is important and cuts the crap, i did not even use the book, except to make my study sheets. three m/c tests, attendence (participation) and an extra credit assignment are the only things requried for the course. if you have to take FIN 303, take this guy he's really funny, especially when stupid people ask questions

Take Him!

I loved this professor. He explains the material very well and makes it fun. He is the best finance professor ever. I almost changed my major to finance because of him. If you can, take him. He is the best.

very good teacher

If you are not a finance major, by all means take this professor. All test material is verbatim from the lecture. There is no need for the textbook or a financial calculator. However, if you are a finance person, avoid this dude like the plague. You will learn nothing and most likely be underprepared for upper division courses.

Excellent professor whether you're a Finance major or not. Class isn't easy but he makes an effort to help students. 2 m/c midterms and one final. He doesn't teach students how to use a FIN calculator, but it's not required for this course. All you need is a simple calculator with an exponential function. I highly recommend that you take him.

I hate finance but I have to say that this teacher makes concepts clear. He does everything to help students. Finally a professor who remembers he was a student! Attendance is not mandatory, but all his tests are from the lectures...so you shouldn't miss a class. I strongly advice him!!

This professor is great. He must be one of the best Finance 303 professors on campus. He is very helpful. He gives opportunity for extra credit on the exams which is really great. He also allows cheat sheets on the exam which make studying for the test a lot more managable. I would highly recommend him.

This guy has a great dry sense of humor. If you pay attention, you will learn. If CSUN would only hire more professors like him, it would be a much better institution of higher learning.

Interesting class & can apply to real life. I don't understand how anybody could pass without attending class & taking notes based on the fact tests relate mostly to what is gone over in class. The notes he provides are only guides to what will be discussed in class. Two mid terms & final, with a small extra credit project goes towards your grade

2 exams, 1 final, and one extra credit project. The exams are kinda hard but you get to use cheat sheets. You need to go to class to do well on the exams. Very nice guy who really cares about his students.

TAKE HIM!Finance is such a hard subject but his exams are not hard, 3 exams with 28 multiple choice questions,specially since he allows cheat sheets, you don't need to learn the formulas.He gives extra credit opportunity. And at the end if you are failing you can choose the final to be worth 40% or 55% of your grade. Oh! he doesnt allow fin.calcula

Overall he is knowledgeable on the subject but seem to be bias toward insurance company. Test are super easy, only 3 test and each is about 25-28 q including extra credit. Lets you bring cheat sheets for each test. He don't teach this class that often. Unlike more prof, he don't make your memorize all the exceptions, 1 extra credit exist and easy.

This guy is good. His lectures are very enjoyable, I looked foward to attending every class. he relates all material to real-world examples. He truely wants to help his students do well. He allows cheatsheets on test, but doesnt teach the financial calculator. However, he will help you with it if you ask...

He's a great teacher. I learned so much in his class and ended up getting an A; this is coming from someone who had no interest in Finance and I knew nothing. Lectures are sometimes confusing but he really tries to make you understand. Make sure to make good cheat sheets because they save your life on tests! Also there's a 4% xtra credit opportuni

He's hilarious! He doesn't take roll because his ideal way of wasting time is "driving home." Really good teacher, knows his stuff & relates a lot to current market conditions. Show up ever class, take good notes, make REALLY GOOD cheatsheets & you'll ace the class. I got 96%, 96%, and 108% (8 extra credits) on my 2 midterms & finals =D

Awesome professor, practical knowledge for the real world and for self benefit. A Must Take ! His exams are so easy if can take good notes and understand the materials. 4% extra credit, attendance taken twice. Very easy class and you'll learn so much about finance

Dr. Russell is pretty blunt and sometimes even funny. He's a very fair grader and allows you to have a cheatsheet on each exam with whatever you want on it! Also, he doesn't try to make you learn a financial calculator. He is the ideal teacher for any non-finance major.

Professor Russell is a great teacher. I thought risk management was a dry subject, but he made it interesting. He is an extremely fair grader and gives anyone a chance to get a good grade by allowing open book and notes during exams. He is extremely knowledgable about RM and you will learn a lot with him as I did.

Challenging course, but it turns out this stuff is interesting. Cool guy. Gives hard, but open-note quizzes. All exams are just take-home essays. I thought insurance and risk management were boring topics, but he had guest speakers from the whole industry to give informative presentations about what the business is really like. Highly recommended.

He is a good professor, very nice, and willing to help!! Definitely recommend him! Insurance is not the easiest subject but he makes you understand it. His final was super easy.

Best professor at CSUN. He's a no nonsense kind of guy, but half-way through the semesters he cracks a few subtle jokes. The material would be excruciatingly boring with anyone else.

Great professor. Very engaging and interesting class. As long as you attend class and take notes on the paper he hands out, you will do well on the class. He will say that you need to read the book, but it is not necessary to do well on the class. Lets you have cheat sheets on the exams.

Quite possibly the best professor at CSUN. Class is enjoyable and interesting. Professor is well versed on the subject and has a great personality. Lectures are very relevant to the exam. You don't need the book, but it helps if you want to actually learn the subject. Helps after and before class if you have questions. Recommended!

Class was the easiest and most clearest course. Prof. has awesome sense of humor, but doesn't negotiate. I was there every class, missed once and he omitted from counting me the other days for credit..and refuses to consider proof or negotiation. Annoying.Takes attendance randomly, sneaks it up on class.

GREAT PROFESSOR! TAKE HIM! Helpful, knowledgable, funny, fair. He really knows his stuff and cares about students and their futures. His advice about career and education are priceless! Tests are extremely fair and allows open notes/book, or take-home paper. TAKE HIM!

He is a great professor. I really wish CSUN could have more professors that truly care about their students, like Professor Russell. He teaches real life situations, and I learned so much. Thanks, professor Russell!!!!!!

He knows his stuff.Covered 27 chapters throught out the whole semester.Textbook is useless. Cheetsheets allowed but no curve.

Great Professor..he knows his stuff and his lectures are really interesting. Not a boring class at all. His lectures and notes will help you excel on the exams but read the chapters to ensure you get an A

Professor Russell is by far the best professor I ever had at CSUN. He is very knowledgeable and is willing to go out of his way to help students with letters or information. Love him. His lectures are great, interesting, and helpful. (You don't really need the book)

Yay first one to comment!!! All i have to say about this professor is that he truly cares!!! You will love insurance after his class!!! the best teacher i have ever had...PERIOD

He said at the beginning of the semester, " I strive to make this the most useful class you take in your college career." Mission accomplished! And, best professor I have taken at CSUN.

He is very clear and honestly most of his test (like 99%) is out of his lecture, so take good notes! Topic is interesting & applicable to life. He allows you cheat-sheets for exams and gives many extra credit opportunities. Highly recommend him!!! He also has his funny moments. :)

Very pleasant professor! Made me laugh several times. Really loves to teach. Allows a couple extra credit opportunities where students go on field trips to nice events, allowing exposure to the world of professional speakers and networking. Extremely fair grader- everything on test was discussed in class. Really there for the students.

Class is pretty straight forward. It is pretty hard to not get an A. If you dont go to class and take notes and read the book, you will not get an A period. The class is really informative, and when you leave the class you will actually have a pretty good grasp on Insurance. Recommend, easy class if you care to put in the time.

If only all professors were like him, the entire world would be well educated! He has that teaching talent that 80% of professors don't have. He is very CLEAR and goes with the pace of the class, as opposite to most professors who talk to themselves or think they are talking to experts on the subject. He gives many examples to illustrate a concept.

The test is other than the material. You can get B+ easily but trust me but very hard A because he plays with languages which means that most of international students get jeopardized because of English ability to know what he really asks on the test. Although the lecture is clear, you will notice it's nothing more than the summary of the chapters.

Lectures can get a bit long winded, so having an e-book version of the textbook would help (or take notes through the agendas). Clear grading criteria set at the beginning of course, completely dependent on your knowledge of the material and how you apply it. Random attendance is taken and minimal extra credit opportunities

He's a GREAT teacher. You have to understand the lectures. Most of the things lectured in class are in the tests. He is interested in the students if the students are interested in his class. Go ask him questions about the class and the paper. Participate in class so he can remember you. He's the best teacher teaching Finance at CSUN.

Risk Management is an interesting subject and he makes it easy. This class has 3 tests. We are allowed type written notes on each test. I get most of the test information from the book and type in on a cheat sheet. He gives handouts on the stuff we really need to know. He only takes role twice during the semester I rarely attend

This man is totally awesome! 160 person class, dead silent. Great lectures. Dumbs down insurance. It is actually 1 of the greatest industries ever. He asks ?s and If you blurt out the correct answer in 5 sec awkward silence... He acknowledges the sharpness bc he is pretty sharp himself. If you want to learn and get a good grade.. Take him!

Can't say enough great things about this professor. Best professor I've had at CSUN, by far. Really, really enjoyed his Risk Management class and learned valuable life lessons. He really cares about his students and wants them to succeed. He is passionate about the subject, and it really shows.

By far the best prof at CSUN. Attend every class and you won't have to spend an extra minute studying outside of class because he is just that good at explaining his material. He is passionate about the subject and it shows. Gives a couple extra credit options and an extra ungraded question on each of the 3 exams (in addition to cheat sheets)

Best professor there is at CSUN.

An easy A/B with decent effort, andyou will learn things that will make a positive difference in your adult life after and even during college. 2 midterms, 1 final, no hw, and plenty of EC opportunities. Attendance is taken randomly twice during the semester for 5% of your grade. This class will change your perspective on insurance.

Easy A/B. 3 midterms with a 1, 2, 3 pages cheat sheet, respectively. 6% max extra credit with Insurance Events. If you are in finance and you have no idea what to do after you graduate, you have to take him to get an overall idea of Insurance. Helps students with recruiting, and to get a job in the Insurance industry.

Great professor, but really hard class. He gives you cheat sheets on each exam, so if you do those you should be fine. I recommend reading the book and doing the online practice quizzes, as those help a lot. Has extra credit assignment as well as extra credit questions on his tests. 3 midterms and random attendance checks determine your grade.

One of the few professors that truly teaches. Lectures are interesting and informative and he really cares that you succeed and understand the information. There's more information you need for your life than boring textbook material, tests are easy if you pay attention and are interested. He's smart and keeps the lectures entertaining, best @csun

I absolutely enjoyed coming to this class and I learned a lot from this class! David Russell is a great teacher and he has a passion for teaching. Normally, 3-hour classes are heavy and difficult but he made this class fun. I definitely recommend him and would take him again. His grading consists of 3 midterms and attendance.

Professor Russell is amazing. He makes sure that students understand the top and answers questions regarding to lecture topics. He also has a great sense of humor and the class never gets boring. I took FIN 431 and 336 with Russell and enjoyed every minute of the class.

This course was one of the few class where i learned the most and was able to use it outside of school. He goes over the material very well to the point where he hints at some questions being on the exam. he makes class fun and is very passionate about the subject. Everyone should take his class no matter what major you're in.

The class itself is a very informative class. Professor Russell explains the material very well and is open to any questions. He gives a lot of extra credit opportunities. The tests are not that hard if you pay attention and take proper notes. Overall, I am happy with the class, but I wish they provided this class online.

Graded on 2 test and 1 final. No homework. All exams were 26Q graded out of 25, so the 1 question is extra credit. Also has extra credit to boost your overall grade 4%. Lets you use cheat sheets and tells you the concepts to know, so you don't need to study the entire book. Overall, excellent professor for a 150 person class - he is truly motivated

This class is a game changer for not only finance majors but in general. He takes his craft seriously and encourages every student to try their best. His lectures are long but very informative. Easy classs if you pay attention and attend every meeting. Do not take this class if youre are not going to invest the time on it. Respected professor.

Professor is amazing. Very passionate about his subject which comes through on the lectures. Class is graded by 3 tests and nothing else. Most of the exam material comes from the lecture. Cheat sheets allowed on test (1 on first, 2 on second, 3 on third) can be typed with anything on it! accomplishes goal to teach you more than any other class.

2 midterms and 1 final, CAN USE CHEATSHEETS so if you pay attention you will do fine. Gives EC chances so look out for those. Checks attendance and factors into final grade so show up. Lectures are awesome, you'll really learn something from the class. Very nice guy, this class convinced me to change my major. Pay attention to lecturesA, TAKE HIM!

Go to class and take notes under the syllabus. Some questions are common sense and the lectures are long. Go over notes you took during lecture and you'll be fine.

He is very passionate about what he teaches. I learned a lot of real-world stuff that can actually be useful unlike other business classes,it didn't feel like a waste of my time.

This class is a must take for insurance majors. It is co-taught by Dr. Russell and Farmers insurance. Graded by attendance/participation, 2 presentations, the midterm and final are research papers. Each lecture is opportunity to learn and network with professionals. Plus you get to visit Farmers HQ twice! Easy pass if you put in the work.

Love this professor his jokes reminded me of my dad. He has kids which is why I think he really cares that his students not only do well but actually learn something in his class. I studied a little did no extra credit and passed with a B. Also he WILL NOT bump your grade up no matter how close u r but he does everything to make the class passable.

One of the best professors! Thought it would be boring but I found myself looking forward to his lectures. He wants everyone to learn and understand the material, encourages questions, very passionate about the subject. 2 midterms, 1 final, will take attendance(random), ext credit available. Read the book before class and take notes, you will pass.

Two papers and two group presentations. If you find yourself wanting real world experience in the corporate/business world this class is it. An absolute hidden gem, Dr. Russell is the best. If you're an insurance major or want to work in the insurance industry, you MUST TAKE THIS CLASS!!! You'll have an edge in any insurance related job interviews.

Super chill and very clear with his expectations/coursework. Always ready to help as long as you ask. Offers many extra credit opportunities throughout the semester. He's really passionate about the subject and also has a lot of guest speakers and talks about job oppurtunitites. The class is graded on a few essays and is pretty easy tbh.

Professor Russell is one of the best professors Ive had. He is very knowledgeable, experienced and cares for his students. Overall easy class, although you need to play attention and keep up with the material since there is no homework. Theres only 2 midterms and the final heavily graded. Lots of opportunities for extra credit.

Get ready to read a lot. NOT an easy class but he gives you tons of extra credit. You will learn A LOT in his class and 100% it worth it to spend time with his knowledge. 3 main tests and PRESENTATION is important for him and yourself.

David Russell is the best teacher at CSUN. He is actually teaching with amazing lectures, and he cares about his students! During the exam, I forgot to mark one question, he reached out to me, asked me to come to class early, and he gave me another question to answer. I got it right and he added that score to my exam grade. I highly recommend him!

Professor Russell's goal is to teach you more useful information than you've learned in your other classes. He actually teaches you helpful things that you will remember. He's funny and engaging. The grades are based on 3 exams. But he gives extra credit throughout the semester. EVERYONE should take his class. Best decision I've made at CSUN.

Russell truly cares about teaching and FIN336 is his favorite class to teach. Grade is based off 3 exams, but you get to use cheat sheets. takes attendance twice, usually the week after taking a midterm, so show up to collect your scantron for the easy 5%.offers extra credit and is fair to his students. by far my favorite fin professor at CSUN.

A smart individual can simplify complex material for anyone to understand. Professor Russel exemplifies this. He makes learning about risk management and insurance captivating, to the extent that missing his class feels like getting a parking ticket. Missing out on his seminar is a regret.

Professor Russell was nothing but a great professor. His lectures are key to success for this course, if you don't attend most of them, his agendas are practically a study guide for the exams. If you dedicate some time to studying the material, this class should be smooth.

Professor Russell's class is challenging but rewarding. Attend lectures, study hard, and utilize resources like Unstuck AI for exam prep. Grading is strict but fair - put in the work and you'll learn a ton.

Multiple opportunities to get extra credit. Lectures are interesting because of the real life examples. Exams are not that hard, and you can bring couple pages of notes. He also tries to give everyone a fair chance to succeed. I bet you will enjoy this class if you are passionate about insurance. He also cares about students. No group projects.

There were several extra credit assignments, and the exams were take-home essays. Attendance is preferred. There are many class interactions and many career opportunities. He gives out fair chance to everyone, and cares about the students. Dr Russell's class are the best class I've had in CSUN. If you put in the work, you will get the A.

Dr. Russell is by the far the best instructor I've had at CSUN. This class gives you an insight of real world corporate experience being that its partially taught by Farmer's professionals. Attendance is highly encouraged, and for those who are interested, this class counts towards credit for the CPCU if you get a B or higher in the class.

Really cares for his students. Brought in many speakers from companies to add to his lectures. OK with use of AI for take home exams (final as well) as long as you let him know. He does care about attendance, especially when speakers are presenting. Doesn't just read off slides - he speaks to you and explains clearly without overcomplicating.

Professor Russell cares about his students and their success. I only got the grade I got because I slacked off towards the end but if you pay attention you'll do fine