The University of Delaware

While this school is not for me( I'm looking into transferring next year to a smaller, ivy league school ), I've found the professors and students to be very nice and welcoming. Sometimes the administration has a way of putting its foot in its mouth and coming off badly, but I think the intentions are good.

The campus isn't particularly diverse, but people from all different backgrounds get along.
After learning a little bit more about myself, I'm now looking for a university with more of an academic atmosphere. Certainly not all, but a majority of the people here do not strike me as very intelligent. It's easy to coast here if you want to.

And while I enjoy partying, I feel like it's really the only thing to do here. If you don't have a car or friends with cars, you'll end up feeling pretty isolated on campus. Other than the few shops on Main St., nothing is very convenient and the town of Newark is pretty dull. Also, the school is on its way to lowering the requirements for in-state applicants to allow almost any Delawarean. So, for out-of-state students who have worked harder, have better grades and are paying more, it's a little disheartening.This just wasn't the place for me, but if you like to party and are outgoing and not necessarily in need of small or focused academic environment, then UD might be for you. I know some people who love it here.

1st Year Female -- Class 2012

Friendliness: A, Surrounding City: F

As parents, and former alums of the University of Delaware, we were very concerned about safety at this institution. Our son, an Honors student, who was admitted to the Business School, attended there for 2 ½ years. We transferred him this past January to another college further south.

The City of Newark, and the University of Delaware, is perhaps one of the few places where the “Townies” are actually worse than the students. The major issue is crime, particularly against students. It is truly an unsafe place. Here is just a small, yet recent sample of crimes below.

http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/apr/arrest042507.html
http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/apr/robbery041607.html
http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/apr/robberies041307.html
http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/apr/robbery041207.html
http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/apr/robbery040307.html
http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2007/mar/arrest030907.html
The University is very intertwined with the City of Newark. For instance, if your son or daughter plays his or her stereo too loud, the City will charge them – with a crime! In addition, the University Judicial Affairs Office receives the tickets from the City and will count this as a “strike” against the student. Three strikes, you’re out. Suspended for a year. The University will post a permanent, negative notation on the transcript stating “withdrawn by the university” and it will stay there forever. Rather draconian, don’t you think?

They also have a zero tolerance towards alcohol which applies to the 3 strikes rule, which is understandable to a point. The University receives a $1 million Grant each year from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. To keep receiving this Grant, many students become sacrificial lambs. Hence they get suspended from the University with the same negative notation. Their tactics are punishment, not counseling or treatment.

We urge you to pass this on to students considering their admission status with Delaware. There are safer schools. We will certainly NOT send our daughter there! And do not listen to Admissions whose job it is too play the safety concerns down and get your kid to accept.

There are many crimes, particularly robbery of students, which do not get reported. We are very disappointed with Delaware and it is a shame.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: B, Individual Value: F

You have No Civil Liberties here. If you are caught playing your stereo too loud, the City or the University Campus Police can issue you a ticket and then you are brought up for charges with the City Court and with Judicial Affairs at UD. It is considered a crime to violate the Noise Ordinance. I am Not kidding. It will go on your record unless you get it expunged. You will have to hire an attorney.

The University receives a $800K grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation aimed solely at helping the University bust kids for drinking. In the State of Delaware, you can be arrested just for appearing suspicious for alcohol. Your RA can simply contact Campus Police who have the same authority as city police, and have you arrested.

The violence is out of control here. So while Campus Police are busting kids for loud stereos and drinking beer, local "townies" are raping, stealing, knifing, and shooting at University students.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2008

Campus Aesthetics: A, Individual Value: F