University of Toledo

University of Toledo
"Guide to the Present, Moulder of the Future"

Background Information: The University of Toledo is one of 13 state universities in Ohio. We were established in 1872 and became a member of the state university system in 1967 in order to improve the human condition, advance knowledge through excellence in learning, discovery and engagement, and to serve as a diverse, student-centered public metropolitan research university. The University of Toledo is a transformative force for the world. As such, the University will become a thriving student-centered, community-engaged, comprehensive research university known for its strong liberal arts core and multiple nationally ranked professional colleges, and distinguished by exceptional strength in science and technology. (UT website)

Initial Thoughts: I don't really know much about UT. Not a lot of people from my high school graduating class went to UT -- actually, the only thing I knew about it before I began my research was that UT usually signed a couple students from my highschool to play for them collegiately. After researching the school, however, I have developed a few more opinions about the University of Toledo -- specifically pertaining to campus aesthetics (which is the focus of this blog). Based on the aerial view (the only view available in the ViewBook), UT should be quite lovely and very gray (I always get excited for campuses that are not red-bricked nowadays...). The one building that stuck out to me when I was looking at the school was the emblematic image of University Hall --- the tall building that UT always pastes on anything it sends out to prospective students. University Hall looks very grand, very gothic, very beautiful .... and I hope that it does not disappoint when I make my visit.

Notable website features: virtual campus tour

Lacking: some of the links do not work on the International Student portion of UT's website

The Campus

• Layout: UT's main campus is more than 450 acres in size, but there is no singular way that UT separates its campus. Unlike schools that separate its campus into quadrangles (quads), UT's campus is more defined by different landmarks within certain sections. For an example of the "random" layout of UT's campus, the visitor's center is located across the street from a few residence halls, which is adjancent to fully functional rail road tracks. According to a current student at UT, "the most annoying thing about UT" is the fact that trains run on those tracks, causing delay for students going to and from class.
  
  
• Architecture: I'm hesitant to say whether I believe Toledo's campus to be "beautiful" -- certainly, there are striking landmarks on campus --- but striking and beautiful are two very different words. UT's campus is a mixed bag -- there are elements of the fantastic and the mundane. Most of the buildings at UT are composed of either a light gray or very light peach colored bricks, and for the most part, they look pretty standard. The only building that stuck out in my mind was University Hall --- you know, the building UT pastes on everything they send out to prospective students! University Hall in real life was quite a sight -- such classic, gothic architecture -- and I really loved it. Apparently every afternoon at 5pm, the bells of UHall ring the UT fight song. I would have liked to have seen UHall up close, unfortunately, my tour guide did not get closer to the building. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed since UHall was the landmark that I wanted to see the most at UT.
  
  
• Scale: University of Toledo is, what I would call, a "good" size --- it's not too big, not too small -- just somewhere in the middle. According to a friend who currently attends the University, UT is a place where you will see a lot of familiar faces while walking to and from class, but you can still meet new people every day. It's definitely not a place where everyone knows your name, but you still won't be a number either. In terms of walking around UT --- everything that you need is within walking distance. According to my friend's estimation, the most you would have to walk to get from one end of campus to the other is about 20 minutes (assuming you are on main campus). If you need to get from Main Campus to the other 2 campuses -- Health Science Campus, Scott Park Campus --- then the university does provide shuttles for its students.
  
  
• The Student Union: UT's student union is basically one big multi-purpose facility, housing classrooms, food court/cafeteria, coffee place, lounges, a credit union, the bookstore, and lounges for students to come hang out in. It's a typical student union. For more information about it, please click here.
  
  
• Student Living: As far as campus living goes, Toledo offers housing on a first-come, first served basis (but those in the Honors program get priority over regular students). You can request to live in a specific residence hall, and the Office of Residential Life will try to be accommodating … provided that there is still enough space. I think the best thing to do once you have decided to enroll at UT is to get your housing application in as fast as you can! There are about 10 different residence halls to choose from, and all are co-ed living facilities. Depending on where you live is a determining factor on how the term "co-ed" is applied --- for an example, it is possible to live in a dorm that has all-male room with female neighbors right next door, or it is also possible to live in a dorm that separates male and female by floor. Wherever you live, however, it is worthwhile to note that UT has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the consumption of drugs and alcohol inside the residence halls. This meaning that the party scene for the typical UT student is usually found off-campus. Aside from the typical residence hall, UT has also designated a place called McComas Village for Greek organizations.
  
  
• Notable attractions: University Hall. I think I've talked a lot about UHall in my earlier rantings, so I will refrain from doing so here! Aside from UHall, I also found Centennial Mall to be quite lovely. Centennial Mall is a stretch of green space spanning from UHall to the Student Center.
  

Final Conclusions: Overall, I thought Toledo had an above average looking campus --- nothing to rave about, but nothing to flame either. There was nothing at Toledo that I fell in love with, but UHall and Cetennial Mall were definitely beautiful features on a mostly average looking campus. I don't want to bad mouth UT, but I think it was a bit unmemorable. If I were a junior/senior in high school who was going on a lot of these trips, I think my visit at UT would probably be the one with blurry details, making it hard to distinguish it from other schools. Of course, these are just my opinions. I urge you to find out for yourself.

Photostream of UT: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Ohio University

Ohio University
Religion, Learning, Civility; Above All, Virtue

Background Information: Established in 1804, Ohio University is the oldest public institution of higher learning in the state of Ohio and the first in the Northwest Territory. Admission to Ohio University is granted to the best-qualified applicants as determined by a selective admission policy. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University is a place where you live, learn and grow. Students come to OHIO for an excellent education. And that's only the beginning. Here they become scholars, leaders, researchers, and engaged citizens. They study abroad, volunteer, and form friendships that last a lifetime. (OU website)

Initial Thoughts: Honestly, the only thing I knew about before I researched Ohio University is that it was widely known to be a "party school" at my high school, and in particular, its "Halloween" celebrations. After looking at the website, however, I became much more familiar with the "promise" that OU offers to its students --- the promise to help its students grow to their fullest potential. Based on this information, I would expect OU to have a campus that will allow its students to be both comfortable and challenged at the same time. I have a few reservations about such expectations, however, since OU is located out in the middle of nowhere....

Notable website features: virtual campus tour, Voices of Promise video

The Campus

• Layout: OU is divided up into "Greens" -- College, North, South, East, West --- and incoming freshmen come to love whatever "Green" they are put in, regardless of what Green it might be. This camaraderie is heightened by the fact that all freshmen and sophomores are required to live on campus in either all-freshmen dorms or mixed-level dormitories. Being a state-sponsored institution, OU is quite large, boasting about 1,800 acres in size in the classic college town of Athens, Ohio. In fact, it’s easy to see that the city of Athens exists for Ohio University and its students; Uptown Athens features a few university owned buildings, and also an assortment of cute eateries for the students of OU. In terms of the actual campus layout, I have to say that OU is situated in one of the loveliest parts of Ohio. My tour guide told me that OU basically built on one big hill – so for those who fear the flatness of the buckeye state, rest assured that I have found a place that features something than flat land! Those who live in Ohio can surely understand my excitement at such a revelation!
  
  
• Architecture: OU's brochure tells me that the proper term for OU's architecture style is "Georgian" -- and you can click here for an explanation of what that entails --- and the residence halls/academic buildings definitely lend itself to such an explanation. I really can't comment on this subject, but I can tell you that what really struck me about OU is its diverse landscape and subtle homage to Greek themes. Like stated before, OU is located in a part of Ohio that has beautiful rolling hills (instead of just corn fields!), making some parts of OU to be either a climb up or a "roll down." It's quite unlike anything I've encountered thus far in my travels, and I must admit that I hold OU's campus in high affection. I didn't think I'd like it so much, but its white columns and ivy growing on buildings really got to me.
  
  
• Scale: The only bad part about my tour was the fact that I think I only saw 1/3 of the entire 1,800 acre campus (and understandably so). However, I must say that what I did see, I really enjoyed. In terms of scale, be mindful that OU is a public institution, which naturally requires it to be much bigger than the previous colleges I have reviewed. Despite the fact that OU is on a much larger scale than the aforementioned institutions, it still felt “small enough” to me --- meaning that despite the fact that it is “big,” I don’t run the risk of being lost in the “shuffle.” I think this is a great feeling to come away with because it soothes the fear that most people have regarding public universities.
  
  
• The Student Center: I absolutely loved Baker University Center. I think it has to be the grandest student center s I have seen thus far, and definitely the most memorable. Baker University Center looks to be somewhere in between a hotel and a mall. It does not feel very “homey,” but it is definitely a sight to behold. It has 5 floors, and each floor serves a specific function. For information about what is located on each floor, please click here.
  
  
• Student Living: OU’s housing is divided up into “Greens” (North, South, East, and West), and these Greens do a lot to foster community life. Students usually love and become extremely loyal to whatever Green they might be assigned to. This love is facilitated by the university’s requirement that all first and second year students live in the residence halls on campus. Most of the residence halls are co-ed, but OU does have a couple non-traditional residence halls that cater to the specific needs of its students like the all-women’s residence hall and one that is substance free. Furthermore, parties are technically not allowed to be thrown in residence halls in order to promote a more studious and comfortable environment. In terms of safety, one must acknowledge that OU is a large university (definitely not as big as OSU, but it’s still a good size), and I was told that a “buddy system” is highly recommended. After all, Athens is a college town --- not just strictly a “small town” --- and crime does occur, even though there is campus security and the local police force.
  
  
• Notable Attractions: The thing that I enjoyed the most about OU is its homage to Grecian themes – which is incredibly fitting since it is situated in Athens. Aside from that, I loved the diversity in landscape at OU – flat land and rolling hills were mixed together to form the beauty that is Ohio University – and as a person who goes to an institution whose campus is incredibly flat, I found this to be a breath of fresh air. Anyway, sorry to get ahead of myself and bogging you down with vague descriptions. I guess I really should narrow it down to one singular thing --- and that thing has to be the Class Gateway on College Green. It is located just before the start of Uptown Athens. Coming in from the “gates,” the inscription reads “So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge, wisdom, and love.” When you depart from OU, these are the words that bade you farewell, “So depart that daily thou mayest better serve thy fellowmen, thy country, and thy God.”

Final Conclusions: I was pleasantly surprised by OU. I didn’t know what to think of it because it’s always been so infamously referred to as strictly a “party school” --- and whether or not this is true, I have no grounds to say --- all I can tell you is that I really, really liked the campus. I thought it was beautiful in such a classic kind of way. Athens is definitely a college town, and I found myself wishing that my university was situated in such a setting. It’s definitely picturesque. In fact, I think that might be the best way to describe OU – picturesque – with its rolling hills, vast amount of greenery (so many trees!), and old buildings. I urge you to visit OU – if only to experience something than utter flatness! – I think you will be surprised with what you might find.

Photostream of OU: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself. Schedule a visit today!

Ohio Wesleyan University

Ohio Wesleyan University

"In Your Light We Shall See the Light"

Background Information: Chartered in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan is a highly selective, coeducational, residential, privately supported liberal arts college located 20 minutes north of Columbus in Delaware, Ohio, a vibrant community of 31,000 and seat of one of the fastest-growing counties in the country. OWU's charter provides that “the University is forever to be conducted on the most liberal principles, accessible to all religious denominations, and designed for the benefit of our citizens in general.” In the spirit of its heritage, the University defines itself as a community of teachers and students devoted to the free pursuit of truth. It develops, in its students, qualities of intellect and character that will be useful no matter what they choose to do in later life. (OWU website)

Initial thoughts: According to the school's website, OWU is a place where you will get a rigorous liberal arts education, develop personal relationships with your professors, and be apart that of a community that is both small in size but still large enough to offer a lot of opportunities. Given that these statements are accurate, I would expect OWU's campus to be a place that is able to foster a passion for learning, comfortable enough to let students interact with one another, and perhaps good relations with the surrounding town so that its students can reap the benefits of what Delaware has to offer.

Notable website features: A where to? section (suggestions on where to eat and what to do), photo gallery, and an interactive tour map, 360 degree campus tour, and other virtual tour options!

The Campus

• Layout: OWU’s campus is very interesting because it is basically divided up into 3 sections, and each section is separated by crossing a major street. My tour started on the Academic/Administrative end of campus, a section composed of the academic buildings, office of admissions, and other administrative offices. This end was, without a doubt, the prettiest section of campus for me. The next section of campus is what I would call the Student Services/other half of the Academic Section since it is composed of the Beeghly Library, Student Center, and various academic department buildings/performing arts hall. The last section of campus is specifically for student housing, featuring various residence halls and SLUs (Small Living Units) -- the most interesting living arrangment at OWU.
  
  
• Architecture: Unlike the schools that I have visited thus far, OWU is not all red-bricked; rather, it is an assortment of styles. The first third of campus has both classic (Gray Chapel) and modern themes (the Science building), and the second third of campus is the same way. I don't know how I feel about such an assortment since I'm used to/prefer the singular theme, but it does allow OWU to stick out a bit in my mind. My only complaint with OWU is the fact that the student housing/SLUs could have been better kept. The aesthetic quality of some of the SLUs leave a little something to be desired -- no matter how interesting the concept behind their existence is.
  
  
• Scale: As a school that caters to just over 2000 undergraduates , OWU is definitely not what I would call "big" -- but it's not incredibly tiny either. Everything (including downtown Delaware) is within walking distance, and my tour guide even told me that a car is a bit unnecessary. Instead of cars, OWU students perfer bikes to help them get around campus. Honestly, though, you really can walk to whatever service you might be looking for at OWU -- I think it's safe to estimate a 10-15 minute walk to get from one end of the campus to the other.
  
  
• The Student Center: The Hamilton-Williams Campus Center at OWU offers the following services to its students -- a chapel, mail room, the campus bookstore, a food court, several lounges, offices for student activities, the career center, and also the office of residential life. From the description gathered from OWU's website, it appears as if there is no convenience mart at OWU; however, since downtown Delaware is but a 5 minute walk away, this shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.
  
  
• Student Living: In terms of housing, OWU students have quite a few options. They can either live off-campus in Delaware (a rare choice since most students choose to reside on campus), in a sorority/fraternity house, in a residence hall, or in a Small Living Unit (SLU). All students are required to live on campus in a residence hall during their first year, and all of the halls are co-ed by floor with the exception of Hayes Hall, which only houses women. One of the most convenient features of OWU’s residence halls is that it does stay open during breaks for those students who might not be able to travel home.
  
  There’s not much else to say about the residence halls at OWU – they looked pretty standard and definitely not note worthy. The most interesting part of my tour of OWU’s housing options occurred at the Small Living Units (SLU). Although the outside of some of the SLUs left a little something to be desired (I thought they could have been better maintained by the university), the idea behind SLUs is very interesting. SLUs are basically themed houses on campus, and depending on which house you choose to apply for, you are required to adhere to the interesting rules behind each house. For an example, if you were to live in the Modern Foreign Language House, you would be asked not to speak English while in the house. Other current SLUs include the House of Black Culture, Creative Arts House, Inter-Faith House, International House, Modern Foreign Language House, Peace and Justice House, House of Thought, Tree House, and the Women’s House (all women).
  
  
• Notable Attractions: My favorite building at OWU is the Admissions Building; I think it's so lovely and the Admissions counselor were also very helpful while I was conducting my tour. The best part of the Admissions building has to be the upstairs Reading Room. Slocum Hall's Reading Room is a memorable sight with its stained glass ceilings and many windows. My only complaint with the room is that there was no air conditioning in it, and the day that I visited proved to be a very muggy one!
  
  

Final Conclusions: Well, I must admit that I have had some experience with OWU; I attended a science camp that OWU hosted during the summer of my Junior year in high school. I wish that I could say that it was a pleasant experience, but it really wasn't and I was left with a figurative "bad taste in my mouth." Since then, I have not looked too kindly on anything associated with OWU -- which I realize is quite unfair because I was not looking at OWU from an undergraduate point of view. Now that I have had time to reevaulate, I can truthfully say that OWU isn't the horror that I used to associate it with. On the contrary, I think it has a lot to offer its strictly undergraduate population in terms of opportunities and also in diversity --- OWU is actually the most diverse bachelor seeking university in the state of Ohio, a fact that surprised me a great deal. Would I say that OWU was a memorable visit? No, not in terms of aesthetics --- I thought the campus was very practical in its set up, but as a fan of a uniformed looking campus, I wasn't that impressed by it. However, I think it's worthwhile to note that I am merely nit-picking. I think that OWU does have a lot to offer, and I ask that you give it a chance.

Photostream of OWU: See the campus in pictures!

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Capital University

Capital University

Background Information: Since its founding in 1830 by the Lutheran Church, Capital has earned a reputation for academic excellence ... a reputation for being one of the top colleges and universities in the country. Data gathered recently by the Lutheran Educational Council of North America shows that Capital and its sister church institutions deliver a quality, personalized and affordable education better than what you can get at many flagship public schools. By drawing on its Lutheran heritage, Capital provides an environment that emphasizes strong values and ethics and prepares graduates for lives of giving back to the communities in which they live and work. (Capital website)

Initial Thoughts: At Capital, we are asked “Will You?” Will we ask big questions, think up new ventures, and lead others towards the future. Capital seeks to create leaders, professionals, people who are committed to their future and what it may hold. I wonder how this commitment will translate to the design of the campus and what it holds for students.

Notable site features: a virtual tour (campus in pictures), Will You? video (click on the bolded links to view it!)

Lacking: Appropriate links -- some of the links on the website do not work and takes you to an error page.

The Campus

• Layout: Capital’s campus is about 50 acres in size, but there is a lot to see within these 50 acres. Capital is home to 6 residence halls, 2 on-campus apartments, 9 academic buildings, and a handful of others serving various purposes. It is surrounded by Bexley, OH which is an affluent suburb that is located minutes away from downtown Columbus. There are quite a few cute shops located in Bexley that caters especially to “Cap students,” and even a small movie theater that is just across the street from the campus gates. University and community relations appear to be quite good since Bexley residents have been known to frequent Capital’s stadium grounds and even the school’s work out facility.
  
  
• Architecture: Every building at Capital is red-bricked and appears to follow the same style of architecture. In terms of aesthetics, Capital’s campus isn’t one that I would rave about, nor is it one I would look unkindly on either. If I had to describe Capital’s campus in one word, I would have to use the word “professional” – which is well suited for the many of its pre-professional major students. Capital’s campus looks very structured and uniform. The drawback of the uniformity of its architectural style makes it’s a bit confusing for first year students to distinguish them at first, but rest assured, Capital’s campus is quite small. Its small size will allow you to learn the campus layout relatively quickly.
  
  
• Scale: You can go from one end of Capital’s campus to the other end in a 5 minute walk. This makes it very convenient for those who want to sleep a bit longer and still make it to class on time – a luxury, I assure you! My tour guide was also quite enthusiastic about this perk, and I would have to agree. Aside from having the residence halls and academic buildings, the grocery stores are also just down the street from the campus.
  
  
• The Student Center: Capital’s Campus Center is home to the following: two dining halls with a variety of choices, the Cabaret Theater, a multi-purpose room, a student affairs office, the campus bookstore, and the career services office. The Campus Center has many places for students to lounge and hang out in; in fact, in the lower level of the Campus Center is the Rec Center, where you can watch shows on the big screen TV, play air hockey and billiards, and even bowl a few games.
  
  
• Student Living: Capital has 5 co-ed residence halls and 2 on-campus apartments. The dorms themselves are pretty standard and are co-ed, separated by floors. Students can be paired up with their room mates in two ways – either they can take a survey and wait for the office of residence life to pair them up, or meet and “connect” with someone during orientation. Most students actually choose to live on campus because it’s much more convenient.
  
  
• Notable Attractions: One of the most interesting things I saw during my visit at Capital was a piece of the Berlin Wall inside the library. It was such an incredible sight, and definitely a must see if you’re ever on Capital’s campus. Aside from the Berlin Wall relic, Capital also has a space outside of a academic building called an “outdoor classroom.” What the outdoor classroom basically is is a space encircled by benches that professors can use to conduct class. Many professors choose to use this space in order to get out of the monotony of the classroom.

Final Conclusions: Overall, I had a really positive experience at Capital. My tour guide was very nice and helpful, and I felt incredibly welcomed during my visit. With the vibe that I received from Capital’s campus, I think those who are looking for a welcoming place to start their professional and corporate careers would find a great home there. The architecture is not stunning, and those who wish to have a "now this feels like a college campus" kind of moment should probably look elsewhere. Instead of inspiring a wide-eye awe within its visitors (or even students), Capital's campus serves a different purpose -- it makes us feel professional, "corporate," and like we can really stake our own claim within the working world while still sheltered behind its walls.

Photostream of Capital University: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Otterbein College

Otterbein College

Background Information:

Founded in 1847, Otterbein is a private, independent, coeducational four-year liberal arts college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is located in Westerville, OH. Otterbein College is a nationally ranked, comprehensive college with a liberal arts tradition dating back to 1847. An emphasis on community engagement and service learning in 56 undergraduate and three graduate programs create endless opportunities. Small class sizes, a tree-lined campus, and an open and friendly community ensure personal attention and the freedom to Be Yourself at Otterbein. (OC website)

Initial Thoughts:

At Otterbein, we are told that we can be ourselves. With its various majors, small class sizes, and "family" based appeal, Otterbein tells us that it is possible to "have the best of both worlds." We can have the fast paced city life that we desire (Columbus) without compromising our needs for a small town (Westerville). These are high claims for the college based in Westerville. On my campus tour, I wish to investigate whether or not its campus promotes the idea of having the best of both worlds. Is the campus inviting enough for students to claim that they do have the freedom to be themselves? Is Otterbein integrated within the city of Westerville? Can one find everything one needs on campus without having to travel to the suburb? I am hoping to answer these questions and many others while on my campus tour.

Notable website feature(s): Be Yourself video

Lacking: campus photos (in a convenient location), virtual campus tour

The Campus:

• Layout: Otterbein’s campus is on the smaller size, but not so small that it is stifling. The great thing about Otterbein is that it feels very much like an open campus, even though the city of Westerville does not weave itself into the campus layout. One of the most charming things about Otterbein is its relations with the adjacent city. Westerville residents seem very invested in Otterbein; in fact, I was told by my tour guide that local shops even have special deals for Otterbein students. Aside from having good community relations, Otterbein also has a lot of green spaces for students to hang out. This might not seem very important, but I can assure you that it is a plus to be able to do work and lay around outside.
  
  
• Architecture: The campus is an interesting mixture of red bricked buildings and assorted houses – literal houses serving as whole departments. For an example, both the psychology and security buildings are actually white houses that are across the street from the more typical red-brick academic buildings. I had never seen a house serving as one of the college departments before, so this certainly surprised me a great deal.
  
  All of the buildings have a theme to it -- administration is in one place, classrooms are in another, etc – which is helpful to those who are trying to remember and differentiate between the red-bricked buildings and numerous houses. The architecture of Otterbein’s campus definitely gives off a very collegiate feel, and with the various campus telephones spread out around campus, a very safe feeling as well. In fact, my tour guide even told me that she always feels very safe around campus since, according to her, “not much happens.”
  
  
• Scale: Otterbein College’s campus is about 114 acres in size, and one can easily go from one end of campus to the other in 5-10 minutes. For those (like myself) who lack a sense of direction, I was assured by my tour guide that it’s very hard to get lost on campus since everything is well-marked. She recounted for me a story during her first day of freshman year, where she too was overwhelmed by the scale of the college, but by the second day, admonishing herself for being so naïve. This is a natural reaction to things that are new and foreign, so please do not be discouraged. For someone who is not particularly good with maps, I found myself very at ease at Otterbein’s campus. It’s actually not very big at all!
  
  Everything at Otterbein is within walking distance, including downtown Westerville, where students can find the essentials they need that cannot be found on campus (ex: groceries, specialty items, etc). Unlike past colleges I have visited and reviewed, the adjacent town of Westerville actually plays an integral part in the lives of the student body. For those who need to get away from Westerville, Columbus is 17-20 miles away for those who want to experience city life.
  
  
• The Student Center: I thought the Campus Center was very nice; it had some lounging areas on the first floor, and featured a lot of windows to give it a very “open” feel. The Campus Center is home to lounges and the bookstore on the first floor, and the dining area on the second floor. One of my favorite experiences when I was at Otterbein happened in the campus center – when I turned around, my back facing the dining area, and looked straight out, I was met with a very pretty sight of some open green spaces and the campus apartments. I know it doesn’t sound like much of a sight, but I found it to be very picturesque and charming.
  
  
• Student Living: All freshman and sophomores who do not live within a 30 mile radius of campus are required to live on campus; after sophomore year, upperclassmen can choose to live in an on-campus apartment, or find other housing off-campus and then commuting to and from Otterbein. Freshmen are paired up after filling out a survey of personal habits and traits, and are then assigned for a co-ed dormitory. There are about 8 residence halls (all co-ed) on campus, a couple campus apartments, and numerous fraternity and sorority houses across the street from campus.
  
  
• Notable Attractions: One of my favorite sights on campus was Otterbein’s Memorial Stadium, located next to the Campus Center. It wasn’t impressive in the sense that it was seeped in lore, but rather, impressive in the fact that even the stadium conveyed a sense of community. The stadium only has one stand, so when the fans of opposing teams do come to Memorial Stadium, they are forced to acknowledge and mingle with Otterbein fans. I’ve never seen a stadium with one stand before – I’m used to having a home section and a visitor’s section – so this certainly stuck out for me. While I was looking at the stadium, my tour guide acknowledged something she found to be distinctive of Otterbein in that everyone is very supportive of one another. Otterbein students not only go football and basketball games, but they actually make their rounds to the other sporting events around campus.

Final Conclusions:

I think Otterbein’s campus is very charming. Its architecture is not haunting, wherein you might spend hours gazing upon it in deep contemplation; rather, it maintains a very collegiate feel while inspiring a sense of comfort within its students. With houses dubbing as department centers and red brick academic building, students can feel collegiate without feeling overwhelmed. Because of the college’s close relations with the city of Westerville, students can feel like they are living a small-town life without having to compromise a need for something urban since Columbus is 20 miles away. With its open spaces and numerous campus telephones, students can feel safe and protected without feeling restricted. In other words, Otterbein’s campus truly does make it possible for its students to feel like they can be themselves.

Photostream of Otterbein: see the campus in pictures!

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

Ohio Dominican University

Ohio Dominican University

"To contemplate truth and to share with others the fruits of this contemplation. "

Background Information:

Ohio Dominican University is a four-year liberal arts institution, founded in 1911 in the Catholic and Dominican tradition. The university has over 3,000 students and offers undergraduate degrees in over 50 majors as well as several graduate degree programs. Ohio Dominican uses a student-centered approach, with a commitment to quality teaching and learning and a number of academic programs of distinction. Ohio Dominican's primary mission is to provide degree and continuing education programs for the intellectual development, the growth in truth, of each student. In keeping with the Dominican tradition, educational experiences should be grounded in the liberal arts, foster the development of spiritual, aesthetic, and ethical values, promote physical and mental health, and provide for the development and responsible use of human skills and talents in professional and social service. (ODU website)

Initial Thoughts:

From the get-go, Ohio Dominican declares itself to be a place that is warm, friendly, and inviting to anyone who visits its campus. For students, it is a place where education is personalized to their specific needs; for outsiders, a place where everyone knows your name (or will get to know your name). However, it is important to point out that many schools claim to have this appeal, but whether or not it does is up for debate.

With that being said, I guess the first word that came to my mind when I was researching the school is the word small. ODU has a very small campus -- which can have 2 connotations -- so small that it is stifling, or small enough to invite a true sense of communal living. Judging from its mission statement, it is obvious that the campus is trying to achieve the latter. One of the biggest advantages for ODU students is that ODU is located 7 minutes away from downtown Columbus, OH (15th largest city in the US), a city with plenty of things to do. ODU's location makes it possible for its students to escape the "bubble" of a college campus.

Notable website features: virtual tour, 360 degree college campus tour.

The Campus

• Layout: As indicated previously, ODU has a very small campus, and the layout of the buildings definitely contribute to its "close-knit" feel. Buildings are very close together on campus, and there aren't that many open green spaces. Although it is worthwhile to note that ODU does have a well-kept campus, with flowers lining the many of the walkways leading towards many of its buildings. Although very close to the street, ODU's campus gives off a very quaint feeling. Its mission to be a place that fosters a strong sense of community is definitely made possible by a campus that allows for close proximity.
  
  
• Architecture: ODU's campus is a little bit over 60 acres in size, and because of the small size, many of its red-bricked buildings serve more than one function. For an example, Erskine Hall is home to the following services: an Academic Advising Fenter, Administrative and Faculty Offices, the college bookstore, the Business Office, the office of Financial Aid, International Relations Office, the Office of the President, the Registrar, the Matesich Theater, and also Panther Plaza -- one of the student lounges on campus. The multi-functionality of this particular building also shares its theme with other buildings on campus, and contributes to a feeling of randomness in regards to the layout of campus. Instead of having a centralized location for its administrative offices, ODU's office of the president is actually down the hall from student classrooms. Apart from its buildings, it is quite evident that ODU is a well-kept campus (although one must overlook that it is currently under construction due to the building of Battelle Hall -- the new science center -- and the Bishop A. Griffin Student Center, set to open during fall of 2009). Something else that is important to mention is ODU's devotion to its Catholic heritage -- there are several statues honoring the Dominican order around campus.
  
  
• Scale: ODU's campus is a bit over 60 acres in size, and it is possible to get from one end of the campus to the other in 5-10 minutes. The student dormitories are right next to the class room buildings, lounges, cafeteria, etc. It would be very hard to get lost on this campus. Apart from having a small campus, ODU is about 7 minutes away from downtown Columbus, which is a perfect distraction should ODU students need to get away for a while. Check out the campus map.
  
  
• The Student Center: Unfortunately, the Bishop James A. Griffin Student Center was not yet open when I conducted my tour of ODU, but is set to open during Fall 2009. From speaking to several ODU students, the Student Center (already nicknamed "The Griff") will be a welcome relief for many of its students. The new center will be the home to many things, including a Meditation Room, more lounges (it seems like ODU currently doesn't have enough student lounges), the new bookstore, a work out facility, a convenience store, and a cafe.
  
  
• Student Living: There are 4 dormitories on campus -- Aquinas, Lynam, Siena, and Fitzpatrick, all red-bricked, all featuring almost apartment-style architecture. The rooms are very diverse, and all dorms have one lounge per floor. Most students do choose to stay on campus (all grade levels), but there are over 800 commuter students. Also, since it is based in Columbus, it is quite easy to find apartments -- so moving off-campus and commuting to ODU is not too much of a hassle.
  
  
• Notable Attractions: I found Wehrle Hall to be a welcoming sight on campus. Inside the Hall is the Wehrle Art Gallery, featuring the artwork of current undergraduate students. The Gallery itself was very lovely, with light filtering in from the glass ceiling from above. Aside from the gallery, I thought the Christ the King Chapel inside Sansbury Hall to be quite serene and lovely. Masses are held at this Chapel every day around noon, and two times on Sundays.
  

Final Conclusions:

My original belief that ODU is a place where "everybody knows your name" was proven to be true when I went on my campus tour. My tour guide was recognized by 80% of the people we passed while scoping out campus, and all of them stopped to say hello and ask how he was doing. I think ODU's greatest strength is that it truly does foster a sense of community among its students. The campus' small size contribute to this sense of "family" that was pervasive at ODU. However, perhaps it must also be said that ODU's greatest strength might also be its weakness in that everyone does know who you are. It's hard to hide at ODU (we were told that the University president knows most students by name!), and those who wish to be exposed to a variety of people day-in and day-out should be advised to stay away. For me, ODU felt too much like high school, and as a person who wanted to be in a more collegiate/bigger environment, this was a huge turn-off for me. However, if you are a person who enjoys a very close-knit environment, a place where you are treated as members of one "big" (I say this loosely) family, where everything is a 5 minute walk away --- then perhaps ODU is the place for you. Finally, on a more shallow note, I must admit that I didn't find ODU's campus to be very memorable. It was "nice," but nothing to rave about ... IMO. Nevertheless, don't just take my word for it ....

Photostream of Ohio Dominican: see the campus in pictures.

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself! Schedule a visit today!

University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame

"Life, Sweetness, Hope"

Background Information:

The University of Notre Dame, founded in 1842 by a priest of the Congregation of Holy Cross, is an independent, national Catholic university located adjacent to the city of South Bend, Indiana, and approximately 90 miles east of Chicago. The University seeks to cultivate in its students not only an appreciation for the great achievements of human beings, but also a disciplined sensibility to the poverty, injustice, and oppression that burden the lives of so many. The aim is to create a sense of human solidarity and concern for the common good that will bear fruit as learning becomes service to justice. (ND website)

Initial Thoughts:

Everyone has an opinion about Notre Dame. Those who love Notre Dame really, really love Notre Dame, and those who hate Notre Dame really, really hate it. It's amazing how one university can inspire such distinctly polar reactions.

Notable website features: different videos, prayer website, chat with Admissions

Lacking: virtual tour (likened to ODU), opting instead for just campus pictures

The Campus:

• Layout: Notre Dame is a closed campus with 1,250 acres (including the two lakes), and over 130 buildings. Although adjacent to the city of South Bend, IN, Notre Dame is its own entity and quite separate from its neighboring city. The campus itself is separated into quads -- North Quad, South Quad, God Quad, Library Quad, Debartolo Quad (no one really calls it this), West Quad, Far Quad. There are many places for students to hang around and relax around campus; North Quad features many trees for students to sit under and plenty of green spaces, and South Quad has wide open spaces for games of frisbee, football, lounging around in the sun (although quite rare due to the unpredictable Midwest weather). Click here for the campus map.
  
  
• Architecture: Everything is very uniform at Notre Dame. All of the buildings (except for very few exceptions) have the same coloring to it, contributing to the close-knit feel of the campus. Apart from its close-knit appeal, it is quite evident where the inspiration for its buildings come from -- its Catholic faith. The Catholic faith is evident the moment that you step onto campus -- the Golden Dome with Mary on top, the Basilica, the Grotto, Jesus on God Quad, the Library featuring a mosaic of Touchdown Jesus (formally known as the Word of Life mural), First Down Moses (statue of Moses outside the Library), and many other statues around campus. Faith is evident everywhere on campus, and in fact, in every classroom -- every classroom on campus features a Crucifix somewhere inside the room.
  
  
• Scale - Although quite daunting at first, Notre Dame is actually a good size for a university. It's not too big and not too small. You can literally go from one end of the campus to the other in a matter of 15-20 minutes. Everything at Notre Dame is within walking distance.
  
  
• The Student Center - Lafortune Student Center is quite small compared to other college student centers. Inside of LaFun, you can find a Starbucks, Sbarro, Burger King, Subway, The Huddle Mart, Notre Dame Federal Credit Union, lounges, a computer cluster, floral shop, FedEx Kinko's, a travel agency, pool and arcade rooms, etc.
  
  
• Student Living - Unlike most schools, Notre Dame is distinctly different in the fact that it does not have Greek life, opting instead for single-sex dormitories. These dormitories can be considered Notre Dame's version of Greek life, as every dorm has its own colors, traditions, and mascots. Dorm life is very important to the Notre Dame culture. Unlike some schools, there are no "freshman dorms" -- all of the dormitories on campus house every grade level. All first years are randomly assigned to a dorm their freshman year, and afterwards, stay in the same dorm they were assigned to. Switching dorms is rare for the typical Notre Dame student and hard since ND tries to foster a true sense of community -- although this close-knit feel can be stifling at times. Students live on campus for at least 2-3 years before moving off, and many actually opt to stay on for all 4 years. As for the housing off campus, one can find a variety of student housing that is just minutes away from campus -- although none of these places are owned by the University. It is important to note that South Bend is not exactly the most vibrant/safest city to live in, nevertheless, it is very possible to find a good location in the city.
  
  
• Notable Attractions: Notre Dame boasts a lot of must-see attractions, and it's hard to pick just one, but one of the sights that never fail to amaze me is the mural inside of the Golden Dome. When you walk inside Main Building, be sure to go to the center of the first floor and look straight up. Up above, you will find a mural of Mary in the heavens -- a truly exquisite image. Aside from the Main Building, I also love going into the Basilica. Walking inside the Basilica (no matter how many times you have done it), is an experience in itself. The beauty within that sacred place is truly breathtaking, and words do not do it justice.
  
  

Final Conclusions:

The beauty of the Notre Dame campus is undeniable. In the spring and summer, it is green and vibrant; in the fall, warm and gold; in the rough winters, cold and haunting. And no matter what your perception of Notre Dame may be, it is difficult to deny that Notre Dame is truly a special place. The phrase "Nowhere Else But Notre Dame" is uttered by many people who have (or had) the privilege of attending this university. It is a place seeped in lore, in "magic" (as the typical Notre Dame student will gladly tell you), and most of all, in faith. Notre Dame seeks to do much more than just foster the growth of intellectuals; rather, it aims at helping its students to become better people in every sense of the word -- educating the mind, heart, and soul. I know many schools boast this type of education, but at Notre Dame, you can rest assured knowing that this is the absolute truth. At Notre Dame, you are asked to ask very big questions -- about faith, about life, and about your role in the world. Students are taught that of whom much is given, much is expected. Due to this teaching, Notre Dame students leave believing that they truly can change the world, and that this is expected of them.

Photostream of Notre Dame: see the campus in pictures

Still not convinced? Experience it for yourself. Schedule a visit today!