Academics
Stetson University in Central Florida may offer more than fifty-five majors to 3,000 undergraduate students, but students say the focus remains on the individual. Between “small class sizes,” “readily available” technology (like a 3-D printer), numerous “opportunities for involvement and learning,” and a “multitude of hands-on activities,” the institution not only works to cater to each enrollee, but seeks to engage them in the world with “classes where we spend time in the classroom working on community and global problems and then address them ... through volunteering.” Stetson never limits itself or its students, which is why those in the Honors Program can design a class of their choice, “which gives students the opportunity to explore something not otherwise offered at Stetson,” and offers “countless opportunities to study abroad.”
Professors “inherently care about our paths and experiences and always want to enhance them in the best way possible,” which often means that they “encourage outdoor activity rather than remaining in one environment to learn.” As one student puts it, “They truly care about making sure that students understand the material, and are willing to go out of their way to make that happen.” This extra layer of focus on student well-being isn’t just because of the low student-to-faculty ratio, though respondents note that this feature is “allowing me to work closely with my professors and developing a unique relationship with some of the best professionals in my field of study.” Rather, this level of individualized aid is built into university life, with the school offering “so much support to [its] students. Between one-on-one tutoring, career counseling, the Writing Center, and professors who want to know their students, Stetson does an amazing job making sure we are never alone.”
Student Body
The general consensus is that “Stetson is a place where genuine, lifelong friendships develop.” Students feel that the school’s relatively smaller size makes it “easier to make connections and friends, especially in classes,” but also note that the general culture “is inviting, accessible, and open.” All of the opportunities to engage and get involved result in an “incredibly driven group of people” and what some positively describe as “a dynamic vibe on campus.” As one puts it, “everyone is a leader in some form on campus.” And most importantly about the school to some is not only that there is “a wide range of diversity in its students’ background and experience,” but that this so often tends to lead to a place where “people are supportive of one another, like a family.”
Campus Life
Stetson highly encourages involvement out of the classroom as well, and students suggest that many are “very engaged in campus activities.” Some programs, such as mixers and social networking events, are even “specifically catered towards commuters that make you engage with campus and other students.” That vibe extends beyond school-sanctioned meetings as well, with undergrads noting that “there are always on-campus events going on, which are generally very well-attended.” Even weekdays are busy—”the outside of the student union is filled with tabling events,” notes one student, and others add that “there are clubs and organizations to support all religions, faiths, races, and orientations.” There’s a lot of emphasis on the outdoors as well, whether that comes from the Hollis Center (the on-campus gym), which “has a program called SOAR where they organize outdoor activities” or just from students in general: “If it’s a nice day out, I and other students typically grab lunch and eat under the trees.” As for the weekend, nearby Main Street is known for having a “surprisingly ... nice nightlife that’s fun, even if low-key,” and of course, there’s always room to “take trips to the beach together.”
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