Re-post: A Message to Incoming Students
Hi there. I graduated from Western a couple of years ago as a public relations major. Overall, I had a pretty good experience once I got into the swing of things. However, if this is your first time attending college, I would reconsider Western. In my opinion, the school does not have the infrastructure or resources to adequately support students, especially those with unique needs. I also found that many students seemed aloof and reclusive.
Advisors are ineffective. Faculty often show preferential treatment to favored students and even highlight outside opportunities for them in front of the entire class. One professor even said, “If you need a reference, I will back you up,” as if the rest of us are not paying tens of thousands of dollars to be here. I have used the career center in the past; it is serviceable, but you will need to build your own network because many faculty and staff seem to find it an inconvenience to do their jobs, despite sometimes being well compensated.
On one of my first days, a professor cried and repeatedly issued coercive threats, using profanity. That professor had attended Princeton University.
I think schools such as Grand Valley State University and Ferris State University are outperforming Western because they are student-centered rather than institutionally focused; they prioritize students’ needs instead of treating Western like an academic theme park. This is not meant to disparage Western. I want it to improve, especially in an ever-changing environment. The university needs to embrace change. I like Western, but for it to grow, it must change. Go, Broncos!