Freed Hardeman University

Date: Jun 10 2008
Major: Psychology (This Major's Salary over time)
I think the university has its good aspects and bad just like any university. Before I came I had experience at a state university with much larger classes and a type of "fend for yourself" attitude which made the material more difficult and additionally less well learned. The friendly atmosphere is abundant and the availability of the faculty helps students not only have social support but academic support. The material is not as challenging but I don't know whether that is due to the availability of study groups and faculty or because it is actually easier material. Since being at Freed-Hardeman, I've had the opportunity to compete with students of great caliber from other universities and have certainly been able to hold my own. I feel it is unfair to say that education is poor at Freed-Hardeman. In fact, while the atmosphere is Christian and, dare I say, closeminded, I have found that I've grown into a more open minded individual - so there is hope. Most of Freed-Hardeman's shorting comings are not because it's a Christian university but because 1. it is a small university, only offering a limited number of courses and expertise and 2. because many of its faculty and administration come from a long lineage of Freed-Hardeman graduates who rarely have any experience in other academic communities. However, with it's new president, significant positive changes are coming for Freed-Hardeman due to his highly successful experience at other non-private academic institutions. A fresh experienced mind should bring new perspectives to the university.

Considering all this on a secular level, Freed-Hardeman is a Christian university and for those who take their religion seriously will seriously appreciate the good intent of the university (although some of their rules are ridiculous, namely curfew; most students find this merely an annoyance). While some of the faculty may be come across arrogant to some, I assure you, their intentions are completely commendable and they truly care about God and their students. Besides, what university doesn't have arrogant professors - as long as the world exists, so will these professors. For Christians looking for an environment to help them grow as people and not merely professionally, Freed-Hardeman is the way to go. One serious flaw that is inexcusable for many departments is that students are not prepared for at the very least applying to graduate school. Freed-Hardeman does not stifle student creativity in taking care of their own education, but it certainly does not encourage it enough (with the exception of the Honors College). However, students in accounting, bible, and education do exceptionally well. The sciences and history departments have a lot of growing to do; they're beginning to make these changes.

Many of the students who do despise the university are probably just not at the right university. I would surmise that 90% of the university, though disappointed in some of the facilities and annoying rules and tendencies, love the university. I think it's important to keep in mind that some students fit better at different universities. What these people find important at a university are clearly not what is emphasized at Freed-Hardeman. Freed-Hardeman is a place where some typical college freedoms (staying out late and what not), a variety of courses, and more active social life are exchanged for religious and social support, more helpful relationships with professors, and intimate friendships they WILL last a lifetime.