The University of Dayton

Date: May 16 2007
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
Dayton's campus is beautiful, though maintenance is lacking in some areas, particularly in the older dorms that have yet to be renovated (nothing like walking up 100+ foot elevation, half-mile long Stuart hill only to find out the lone elevator that takes you to your 7th floor room broke for the 5th time this week, only to have to go back down 7 flights of stairs 5 minutes later because the steam coming from a microwave in a lounge set the over-sensitive fire alarm system off for the 50th time, and the facility manager doesn't care to have the system repaired, or understand the concept of fire doors and how there's no need to have burned popcorn on one floor clear out the entire building's 3 SEPARATE towers). The food selection gets worse by the day, particularly with healthy choices. The dining staff are always very friendly and work hard for us with what low quality ingredients (mostly a freezer and deep fryer) they're given - it brightens my day.

Unless you come from money (average income of a UD family was $137,000 last time I heard, which is skewed by those who attend on full rides that have nothing), are a raging alcoholic, enjoy smoking marijuana, or plan on becoming a Marianist priest/brother, then there's really nothing at UD for you in terms of a social life. Sure there's lots of fun CAB (Campus Activities Board) activities like scrapbooking and designing your own pottery, but if you're a freshman who wants away from the alcohol abuse and plays by the rules of not bringing a car to campus (like I did till I begged my parents to let me bring it back after spring break where I parked it in the neighborhood and someone tried to break into it) then good luck finding something to do on the weekends. Immediately north of campus is downtown, which is rotting and has little to offer. East is a large cemetery & arboretum which literally borders campus, followed by the poorer white area. West of campus is the river, with the sports complex, but if you wander past it, you'll be shot because you're white (Dayton is extremely segregated, by the way). Immediately on the southern border of campus is the lovely town of Oakwood, which happens to be the richest area in the county. It offers a nice shopping district (though quite a long walk if you don't have a car) but if you happen to go jogging without a shirt, the police will literally stop you. The shady bus system does run on the perimeter of campus, which will get you to the Dayton mall, however the movie theater is a 3/4 mile game of frogger from where the bus lets you off (no crosswalks).

The one other thing that bothers me is how EXCESSIVELY LIBERAL campus ministry is. They are not just catholic campus ministry, which is fine. Catholicism is available and present, but not shoved down your throat. The part that bothers me is that the gay/lesbian community is supported by campus ministry. Now, don't get me wrong; if someone chooses a different sexual orientation, then I have nothing but respect for that person, and I treat them like I would any other person. I just don't think one of the only remaining catholic religious parts of a catholic needs to vehemently support something that is against church teaching.

On the academic side, I have had many very good professors who knew me by name, invited class discussion, and really were an asset to my learning. There are those however who could care less about your personal goals & requests for friendly, approachable help outside class, or are to absorbed in their research. UD's newer provost has been advancing the place towards greater academic excellence in recent years, however his efforts are somewhat thwarted by the idiot president, Dr. Curran who couldn't make a decision to save his life, and spends 20%, or about $650,000 on himself and the men's basketball coach.

Overall, I'm making the best of my experience. I've found enough extra-curriculars to keep me busy, though many of the 250+ available groups aren't as open and inviting as the admissions folks will tell you. I'll be happy enough with my $100,000 piece of paper as long as it gets me into a good MPA program. If I had the chance to pick another school, I probably wouldn't go to UD, because while the campus brags about community, that word is really code for alcohol abuse and drinking (this disambiguation is the single most important thing to keep in mind if you're a prospective student visiting - knowing this before I visited would have changed my mind). Father Chaminade (founder of the Marianists) is probably rolling around in his grave right now wondering what the heck happened.