The Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania

Date: Oct 21 2004
Major: Journalism (This Major's Salary over time)
Shippensburg has an excellent Comm./Journalism program which prepared me for deadlines, technology, writing skills, etc. I found employers in PA were well aware of SU's program and wanted SU students for P.R. positions. The quality of the P.R. program is rated excellent, and is competitive to enter. The professors are experienced in their field and receptive to student discussion, as well as job and internship placement. If you are interested in Public Relations/Communications-Journalism I VERY STRONGLY recomment SU.

Unfortunately, outside of PA I have found few people know SU, considering its academic quality, I would expect it be better known. As a P.R. major you will be required to develop a portfolio. Development of projects in class and through Ship Partners, student run PR Firm, allow for significant development of your portfolio. This portfolio allowed for employers were not familiar with SU to see the quality of work its students produce. I found employers consistantly impressed with my portfolio. Through conversation with other PR graduates, I found the portfolio carried many students into a career opportunity.

Although I am aware the academics are rated among the best in PA state schools, I do not believe the school focus is on "teaching you independent thinking," my experience was based on "information." Basic learning, not critical development of thought. The coursework could be much more challenging if independent thinking was the focus. I found most assignments in my gen. education classes were basic research. I would have prefered thoughtful reaction papers requiring critical and analytical thinking to conclude a topic of research. You will find this type of paper in the Government and Women's Studies classes, otherwise it is all regergitation of research.

Overall, academically, I WOULD attend SU again.

Student body…the student body is generally preppy, middle class america. The average student seems interested in sports and doing well in school. Nearly all my dormmates were in the National Honor Society in high school, and performed above 1050 on SATs. I don't think you can get much more "apple pie" american than SU. My greatest issue with SU student body, mealtime was essentially a "meat market" in Reiser dining hall. I transfered to SU as a sophmore from a college in New England. Never ONCE did I see this behaviour. I found it uncomfortable. However, when visiting friends off-campus and at social events, I was not aware of this same mentality as experienced on campus. So I choose to chalk it up to immature undergrads, but it was still a concern to me.

I did find a lack of social conscious among the student population. Despite recycling bins on campus, frequently students threw recyclables into trash. I found few students interested in politics or world news. I think part of the issue is a large portion of the student population attends with their high school friends. Thus bringing their high school mentality, which does not seem to wear off significantly until junior year.

On a positive note there is a PLETHORA of extra-curricular activities which provide a great opportunity to meet people. The school population is small enough that you will see friends daily, but large enough to meet someone new each day. There is a strong sports program at SU, it seems one out of two students played a varsity sport or was in R.O.T.C. (this is not an accurate statistic, but just my impression). Because SU is DEFINITELY a suitcase school I believe the school spirit lacked significantly. If more students were present on weekends and active in attending sporting events and school sponsored events there would be a steady increase in school spirit. I was an out-of-state student, basically I stayed at SU every weekend. I found most of my friends were from out-of-state as well, or were at SU to find themselves and develop independence from home. While I was not Greek, I would recommend joining a Greek organization, or playing a team sport. This affords a LOT of opportunity for the non-suitcase student. There are several club and intramural sports, including a currently VERY SUCCESSFUL women's rugby team. Joining one of these sport teams or greek organizations will give you a legacy to return to SU and visit each Homecoming. It develops a "tie" to the school that you will relish as an alumni.

I really enjoyed my SU experience. While most students do go home every weekend, the remaining population is your "fun loving" crowd. The crowd who probably chose SU over Penn State because of the size, otherwise they want a fun time on the weekend. The Greek Life and sports teams host weekly parties. These are great opportunities to mingle and enjoy the social aspect living in a community of peers. There are also several bars, Orkies and Maxies are great laid-back scene, while Wibs is more a dance and have-fun location. You will NOT get into these bars unless you are 21. So don't even bother trying. It isnt worth the ticket for underage drinking.

I found the town quaint. It was quiet and full of interesting and friendly people. While the town does not embrace the student body (I found Lancaster and State College incredibly welcoming and proud of the student population), there exists a negative impression of the students. Students call the locals "townies" and locals call the students "spoiled." There is a happy medium, just finding it has not happened yet. Again, this may be part of the suitcase syndrome. If more students stuck around on weekends they would be active in town, such as the Fire Dept, or community programs. Perhaps even holding local jobs.

OVERALL I would recommend SU to perspective students. It is a safe, well stuctured school. There are a variety of activities, a nice size student population, and well above average academics. I think for the cost, location and activity level you are getting a darn good deal. Of the nine college friends I keep in contact with EVERY ONE has found a job in their field, two have continued their education (veterinarian and a chemist).

A piece of advice I would give any perspective student, to any school—ENJOY IT! Every moment live your college experience to the utmost. Get to know your professors, take time to meet your classmates. Ask questions, sit in the front row. Really relish that you have four years to be a giant sponge for information!

It is a quiet school with a great reputation, and a high job placement rate.