Mark a survey and Inform Staff

Peer Review:
206.209.8.180:valid::Interesting. Based on music dept. Overall seems balanced though. Helpful
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1
5.45.80.218:valid:Content Nonsensical, Duplicate Survey, High Vulgarity, High Grammatical Error, Probably Admissions, Content Useless, Malicious Intent/Faked, SPAM, :1

Statistical Analyzer:

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 youll 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 isnt 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. Its 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. Dont 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 dont. Ive 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.