The Franciscan University of Steubenville

The curriculum is complete nonsense. Every class from English to Mathematics, is nothing more than a empty rhetorical speech on their warped sense of the Catholic Faith. The professors expect you to be totally "on board" with their propaganda. If you should happen to disagree with a professor on a theological matter, you can certainly expect to get a poor grade. This is very discouraging to real students, who enjoy thought provoking discussions regarding politics, philosophy and religion.

Many of the students who attend Franciscan unfortunately become indoctrinated into the strange cult-like lifestyle that exists in Steubenville. "Apparitions" on campus, are an almost daily occurrence. If you doubt the credibility of the occurrence, you will most certainly be ridiculed. Students will often spend four years at this school working on some sort of theology degree, to become "youth ministers".

Social life is virtually non-existent. On a Friday or Saturday you can find students going to Festivals of Praise! where they will convulse on the floor after being "slain in the spirit" also known as "getting high on God" to quote James Brown. After the FOP students might go swing dancing, or play candy land in their dorm room (this is not a fabrication). If you do not enjoy such activities there is absolutely nothing to do. The parties which are quite lame, are a peril to attend, as you must travel through the crack infested town of Steubenville. I was forced to spend most of my free time in solitary listening to music or watching dvds.

The administration is a joke. The resident directors and resident assistants, will try to do everything in their power to hand out infractions and extort money from the students. A "quiet hours" violation for instance will usually cost at least 10 dollars. A drinking violation will cost about $75. Two drinking violations results in mandatory AA meetings. Also be sure not to watch any inappropriate videos. If you are caught watching an R rated movie you will also be admonished and fined. These fines are handed under the pretense that they build Christian Character.

The dorms are for the most part disgusting and in disrepair. Many of the students are unsanitary, wearing sandals to class in all seasons, and often not showering as a "penance". The food is also horrible. I would strongly advise anyone considering Franciscan University to choose another school, where the primary purpose is education. The purpose of attending a college is to earn a degree that will enable you to get a good job. If you are attending Franciscan and find yourself in a similar situation that I was in, study hard and agree will your professors, so you can get good grades and transfer as soon as possible. Franciscan is nothing more than an expensive pre school. I spent one dreaded year at Franciscan, and I am currently attending a real university. Good luck.