The University of Miami

Date: Aug 17 2001
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I think New Students going in or looking at this school should consider their options carefully. I spent 4 years in an extremely tough program that taught me a lot about human nature and hard work. But it also left me with bitter sentiments not wishing my program on anyone. As a theatre student and working in my profession I agree that i was adaquatly prepared for my field. But I also think that 65 % of that, I had going in. I spent 4 years trying to prove it to others in my field only to be met with critical, demeaning and hurtful review all in the name of toughening me up for the real world.I have spent well over the alotted 120 credit hours doing jobs and taking classes I did not get credit for just to have the name of a prestigious university on my degree.

As for the university as a whole there are several aspects that have equal and alarming issues. The Housing is horrid. I spent 2 years in an apartment with Leaky water pipes and flaky paint chips falling from the ceiling. The day we moved out the entire building was condemed.Meanwhile the university boasted about all the plans for new places to live the entire four years i was there. Housing department was less than helpful and always met every request with a need of 12 peoples permission just to settle any grevience and they all were required of people in 14 diffrent buildings that you had to obtain. Unless they could see a way that your request would monetarily enhance there department.

The Financial Aid and Student Account Services were always rude, unhelpful and demanding. THey were quick to remind you that you owed them money 3-4 times a week after sign up for classes for the upcoming semster. They were quick to cancel your requested classes at the end of the week if there was not prompt payment. Many times financial aid could be pulled, revoked or suspended with out prior notice and take 10 - 12 weeks to re-instate. You recieve a re-evaluation of your financial package every 3 weeks for the first 4 months most of the semseter with adjusted aid not in your favor.

The overall activities planned for the university are all dependent on money. Most are run by the greek organizations and cost a great deal of money that make it impossible to be a part of if you are not a member of the "greek " life. When you are apart of it you quickly realize that unless your greek you will not be heard or hold much in means of office with any recognized society on campus. Entire weeks of campus fun that are supposed to be all inclusive depend greatly on the greeks running it. The university is greatly known nation wide for its campus life.

The teacher and facilities used are greatly dependent on how much money they bring into the university. Other than our Football pragram that has recieved several national titles not all department recieve the same amount of aid from the university every year. Those that due are given out based on the noteriety of the teachers in the department at the time. Several smaller departments are required to raise their annual budget on their own and have less help from the university only to be bitten by the rules that govern all departments. I will also tell you that the department you signed up for may not be the department you graduate from due to the high number of change overs of professors and staff in many smaller areas.
I have to say I am greatful for the education i recieved and I learned alot about myself. But I would not wish my experience or program on anyone.