Idaho State University

Classes can be a bit of a joke. Doctoral students sit in classes with a majority of undergraduate students. As in 20 undergrads, 5 or 6 masters students and 1 or 2 doctoral students. Not a challenging program. Only a handful of courses are for doctoral students. Also, doctoral seminars are taught by adjuncts. I am glad to get out when I did. Program enrollment is dropping. They gave funding to a grad student who cussed out a teacher in class. They are desperate to give away funding. Pocatello is a quiet town. Low cost of living but boring. My fellowship went a long way in paying my bills.

I will not list my major or department as I do not want to offend anyone, especially friends who are in the department. ISU is not great or good, but could be described as adequate. During my time at ISU, I experienced or saw,

1. The 'old boys network' awarding funding to students who did not deserve or earn the funding,
2. Graduate students attaining grades they did not earn,
3. Graduate students allowed to graduate with terrible and embarrassing dissertations,
4. Professors and mentors who simply do not care,
5. Crazy students (even graduate students) yelling and cussing at other students and or professors in the classroom,

6. Terrible students who would have a difficult time getting into Arizona State who lets in anything with a heartbeat,

7. The most egotistical and ridiculously bad football team in the USA,
8. Religiously guided students (Mormons and fundamentalists) who refused to accept or at least show a little respect for other belief systems,

9. Terrible support network for faculty and students starting with the President on down to the Deans and so on,

10. Stifling and incompetent staff in departments such as financial aid
However, there are some redeeming values,
1. Great camping, hiking and fishing in the nearby mountains,
2. A few faculty who care (who were wonderful!). . . . (but, who the administration cares nothing for),

3. A few administrators, chairs and staff who are barely holding some the various programs and graduate programs together. For example, the dean of the graduate school was truly amazing as was one particular hard working secretary in Graveley Hall,

4. A few of the student workers in tech support, labs and various other places who do so much more than the low wages they are paid,

5. The Recreation Center is good and taken care of,
6. Lots of time to study since there is little to else to do,
7. Relatively cheap tuition and cost of living,
8. Variety of student clubs and organizations.
Idaho State University is adequate. I would not go back if I was given a time machine and a chance to 'redo' my education. I would attend a higher ranked university.