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Sort By: [Date] [Major] [Rating] Music Education  Major Salary, Salary Trend, Satisfaction, Unemployment Quite Bright USD gives students a unique experience. I can't state it any other way. There are good and bad aspects that will affect students differently. Here are my opinions: There are departments that stand out on campus. The music department is especially helpful. It was the department that made me stay. Professors within the Department of Music are talented and look out for their students. They are not necessarily the best at recruitment, but once a student arrives- many stay. The course work within the department can be challenging at times. Overall, academics are doable by most students. The talent levels within the School of Fine Arts (the FA) vary. Some are extremely talented, others are still working on basic concepts. The beginning 100 classes show usually who will do well. Some music students leave the department because they feel as if the department doesn't cater to their needs. Some have good points (such as differing pedogical approaches and philosophies) others expect too much and are not realistic. Many that leave, in my opinion, are arrogant and think they know more than TAs. Faculty within the FA are pretty genuine. I have heard horror stories from across campus though in other departments- some barely know you years down the road. Some departments that stand out (in regards to good faculty interaction) include: Theatre, American Indian Studies, Communication Studies, Political Science, Nursing, and Psychology. I've heard of negative interactions coming from: Business, Biology, Chemistry, and Social Work. Many students complain about the lack of interaction with USD administration, yet, many could not even locate office locations if you asked. Departmental offices are infamous for giving the roundabout. Be consistent and courteous and you’ll find your answers. The campus itself is quite beautiful- especially in the fall! Warning: Winters can be bitterly cold. The buildings on campus display a variety of architectural styles- and currently, three buildings are being built (Student Center, Business School, Med School) Upkeep varies on the building. A handful emergency contact poles exist on campus (I have seen a long term plan- with funding, of course- to put many more on campus) DPS (Campus security) provides 24-7 security escorts if called upon. All buildings lock down on campus by DPS. 24-7 desks exist within all residential halls. The residential hall experience varies for many. I believe some go in with an unrealistic image of the hall which results in drastically negative interactions. Most have a good experience. The halls' have been somewhat updated, but vary in quality. Many students choose to go off-campus after their sophomore year. The residential halls give a great opportunity to meet a variety of students. I recommend living on campus. The food company on campus, Aramark, is terrible. Their food quality varies. Unfortunately, the prices are ridiculous and screw everyone. (In a Volante article a year or so ago, an Aramark head was quoted for admitting to price gouging) Unfortunately, Aramark has contracted a firm hold on the university. There are some jems on campus that should be acknowledged: The National Music Museum, The Rawlins Piano Trio, Old Main, Slagle Hall, The Dakota Dome, and Shakespeare Garden. Check them out. Athletics are big at USD. Many are discouraged by the amount of energy and money dedicated to athletes. Rightly so- as the department dedicates large amounts of money to tutors and dome “upgrades”. The recent move to D1 will only make it worse. Greek Life on campus is big but pointless. It is nothing more than paying for friends. They say they promote “academic excellence and leadership development”. In actuality, they promote gossip and building a tolerance for high levels of alcohol. (For an interesting read, look up the history of the houses that have gotten in trouble or been put on probation because of hazing and/or alcohol incidents) I will say, though, that house parties are a good way to meet a lot of people! Everyone should go to at least a few to gain their own perception- just be safe when you do. There are a variety of student groups available on campus. Some groups become inactive easily. The most active include: Amnesty International, Student Republicans and Democrats, Coffee Loft, Dance Marathon, Tiospaye, 10% Society, Habitat for Humanity, HELP, and Program Counsel. Student body government isn’t taken seriously at USD. Very few actually utilize it. The government has been the scene of somewhat scandalous politics in recent years. As a result, the organization has lost many students’ respect- if they knew about it. The town of Vermillion is small. Its listed population includes the university. Very few places are open late (Walmart, HyVee, McDonalds, and SOMETIMES Cherry St. Grill) There are a lot of bars downtown- some are really good. It’s easy to find your own niche. Other stuff: Two coffeehouses. A Walmart and Pamida. A variety of restaurants (but they can quickly grow old). Vermillion residents are generally nice and usually have good interactions with the students. A lot of students find their own entertainment (house parties, or just simply leaving town) Provided on-campus activities vary in interest. Sometimes they are really cool (Guster and Dethklok concerts, skydiving) but many can be quite boring. Advice: If you are looking into USD, visit the campus and interact with your potential department. Don’t listen to just advertisements and admissions staff. Take Fastrack and Orientation Team members with a grain of salt (unless they are actual professors) as they tend to be misinformed on some logistics and elaborate the truth. Most importantly: Trust your instincts about USD. Many students quickly feel at home here- others don’t. I’ve had a good time at USD and recommend it, but I realize it is not the fit for all students. Hopefully this will aid some students in their searching. University Resource Use: A, Surrounding City: D Have a Question? Your Response/Question:     To be informed when someone replies to your comment. (private)  More →  Aug 03 2008 3rd Year Male -- Class 1985    Forward  Blog it! Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account: Just copy and paste! <script src='sr_comment.js?sckey=53292&uid=1277'></script> <a href='http://www.studentsreview.com' style='font-size:8pt;'>Data Source: StudentsReview!</a> Rate this comment: Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful       Save   Undecided  Major Salary, Salary Trend, Satisfaction, Unemployment Quite Bright Please take this review with a grain of salt to minimize bias. I can count the number of faculty that are above average, exceptional, or superior on one hand. Similarly, there are only about 3 departments that are worthwhile at all. The Al Neuharth Media Center makes any journalism major happy, the criminal justice department has Dr. Roche who brings a lot of respect and style to the university, and the native american department is well staffed as well. The law school and Medicine schools are smaller than most state universities' but still good enough to not be ashamed of getting your degree from. The campus itself is the only business that is keeping the community of Vermillion alive. If USD was not in Vermillion, then Vermillion simply would be nothing more than a farmhouse and a convenience store. Many students smoke cigarettes and drink frequently. The Greek system is strong but does not instill values or any morals into the student pledges. The Greek System, in essence, is supposed to stand for friendship, academic competition and encouragment, and function as a network for students to get to know alumni who might have influence on getting the graduating students future jobs. At USD, the Greek system functions as a tool for students lacking in social skills to buy their friends with house dues, so that they will not have to drink alone in the dorm room every thursday, friday, and saturday, for the next four years. Very sad. These people should be in therapy. If you are a traditional student do not come here if you can get into U of Minnesota or any place else. Coming here might end up getting you arrested or killed by a drunk driver. be careful and take this decision to attend USD seriously. a select 15 - 20% have a good experience. Others are too ignorant to know any better or lack the capacity for rational thought which would lead them to the conclusion that they would be better off elsewhere. however, it is probably the cheapest state university in the nation, which is a plus. Friendliness: A, Education Quality: F Have a Question? Your Response/Question:     To be informed when someone replies to your comment. (private)  More →  Jul 18 2005 2nd Year Male -- Class 2007    Forward  Blog it! Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account: Just copy and paste! <script src='sr_comment.js?sckey=17795&uid=1277'></script> <a href='http://www.studentsreview.com' style='font-size:8pt;'>Data Source: StudentsReview!</a> Rate this comment: Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful       Save   Biology  Major Salary, Salary Trend, Satisfaction, Unemployment Bright A lack of financial resources and an environment that promotes the development of social troglodites. If you're not conservative or are pursuing a science other than biology. DON'T COME HERE. Greeks dominate and everyone else is stuck at home. It's not a fun place. Friendliness: A, Surrounding City: D+ Have a Question? Your Response/Question:     To be informed when someone replies to your comment. (private)  More →  Mar 08 2004 2nd Year Female -- Class 2006    Forward  Blog it! Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account: Just copy and paste! <script src='sr_comment.js?sckey=8791&uid=1277'></script> <a href='http://www.studentsreview.com' style='font-size:8pt;'>Data Source: StudentsReview!</a> Rate this comment: Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful       Save   Geography and Geosciences  Major Salary, Salary Trend, Satisfaction, Unemployment Not so bright To be honest with you I had many options coming out of high school. I could have gone to BU, BC or Tufts. However, I needed a change of pace. After looking at Texas and the UC schools I realized that I may never get the personal attention I enjoy. So I looked at USD. I have very good professors but the programs are weak. Research atmosphere, well there is none. I'll be transferring out of here next semester solely based on this institutions lack of academic stimulation. Faculty Accessibility: A-, Surrounding City: D- Have a Question? Your Response/Question:     To be informed when someone replies to your comment. (private)  More →  Feb 20 2004 1st Year Male -- Class 2006    Forward  Blog it! Blog about this comment from your webpage or Blog, or MySpace account: Just copy and paste! <script src='sr_comment.js?sckey=8582&uid=1277'></script> <a href='http://www.studentsreview.com' style='font-size:8pt;'>Data Source: StudentsReview!</a> Rate this comment: Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful       Save      Prev    Select Page:    Next

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