The Utah State University College of Eastern Utah

I am a geology major at CEU working toward a career in paleontology. This school has the only active field museum of any two year college that I am currently aware of. Five new species of dinosaur have been discovered by workers at this museum over the past 20 years. The last was discovered only 30 minutes away from campus just a few years ago. Given the tiny size of this institution, this is a phenomenal number of discoveries! My very first class when I arrived on campus was fossil preparation. Normally a paleo student would not even touch a fossil until about their senior year or, more likely, not until graduate school! However, despite these positive attributes, the school and the museum has virtually no student involvement in the sciences. I am the sole geology major and student museum volunteer on the entire campus. This is deeply disturbing considering the paleontological and geological resources of the local area.

The faculty here are approachable, and completely qualified. Unfortunately, undergraduate research is not a priority here by any stretch of the imagination. Even though opportunities for research abound, there is no faculty support. This begs the question: why would somebody bother with a community college when a university can offer so much more? I assumed (wrongfully so)that I was giving myself a leg up on the competition by attending a small personable school.

CEU has some good programs, rigorous courses, and some EXCELLENT instructors. Unfortunately, it IS a low cost school designed only for students to come, take courses, graduate with an associates, and move on. In the end it offers no more or less than just that.

The natural beauty of the desert is second to no other, but the cultural atmosphere leaves something to be desired. Generally speaking, this is not a place that nurtures intellect.

I have tried to make the most out of my experience at CEU. My advice to anyone looking to attend would be to look closely at your options before making any decision about coming here. Should you decide to come here, lower your expectations and use the school for its intended purpose--completion of a cheap two year degree. Good Luck!

3rd Year Male -- Class 2008

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Social Life: F

The teaching staff and the departmental staff are very good to work with. The teachers are very knowledgeable in their respective fields. The coursework was very challenging. The administrative staff, however, is less than mediocre. Administrative staff seems to be focused on attracting new students and regularly overlook the current student body. My biggest disappointment was in the scholarship offerings. Generally scholarships are only offered to first year students. Returning students are generally over looked. I received one scholarship for one year out of the three years attending CEU and applied each year for one. Overall I was very pleased with the teaching staff but very disappointed in the staff trying to keep me attending the school.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2008

Faculty Accessibility: B, Collaboration/Competitive: F