Zoe
OSU is right in the middle of the board for class size. On some classes, like Intro Biology, General Chemistry, or General Physics, you'll be in a huge auditorium, and the only way you'll know your professor (and him or her know you) is if you make an effort to go talk to him or her (this is STRONGLY encouraged anyway). But others can be tiny, especially as you get into your area of focus. Also, I'm in the honor's college, so I get to pick classes that are required to have a small size. In these classes, the professor knows your name, and usually more about you than your GPA or writing style. One honors seminar, Magical Ring Allegories, is my favorite class (so far) because it's a small group talking about stories in western history about rings (think Tolkien). On the other hand, my least favorite class was General Chemistry, because I had a very large class, and this was before I realized that I needed to make the effort to get to know my professor. Class participation depends on the course. For example, my Magical Ring Allegories requires class discussion, and it may frequently continue among students after the class is over. The larger lecture style courses have less discussion, although other participation is encouraged, like in class quizzes. Students can be quite competitive in these classes, especially to be noticed by professors, but I find that the best way to get noticed is to go during office hours to speak with the professor one on one. This way I get a better idea of what's required and encouraged within each course.
Zoe
OSU is right in the middle of the board for class size. On some classes, like Intro Biology, General Chemistry, or General Physics, you'll be in a huge auditorium, and the only way you'll know your professor (and him or her know you) is if you make an effort to go talk to him or her (this is STRONGLY encouraged anyway). But others can be tiny, especially as you get into your area of focus. Also, I'm in the honor's college, so I get to pick classes that are required to have a small size. In these classes, the professor knows your name, and usually more about you than your GPA or writing style. One honors seminar, Magical Ring Allegories, is my favorite class (so far) because it's a small group talking about stories in western history about rings (think Tolkien). On the other hand, my least favorite class was General Chemistry, because I had a very large class, and this was before I realized that I needed to make the effort to get to know my professor. Class participation depends on the course. For example, my Magical Ring Allegories requires class discussion, and it may frequently continue among students after the class is over. The larger lecture style courses have less discussion, although other participation is encouraged, like in class quizzes. Students can be quite competitive in these classes, especially to be noticed by professors, but I find that the best way to get noticed is to go during office hours to speak with the professor one on one. This way I get a better idea of what's required and encouraged within each course.
Elizabeth
Many of the good professors try to learn the names of all of their students' names. There is adequate class participation which is generally optional so no one is put on the spot. Many student are constantly competing to attain higher grades than their peers. I am in the Animal Scence department. The professors in this department are excellent. They truly care about the success of their student.
Jordann
Myself having a double major in Animal Science and Agricultural Communications. All the professors within those two departments know my name and a little something about my background. It's very welcoming and I never have the feeling that I am alone or have no one to talk to. The professors are always free to answer questions and help in whatever aspect that best suits the student. My favorite classes include the Agricultural Communications writing classes, the social media class, photography class, and the web and layout classes. I think that all of these class are very unique, the most different or exclusive class to the communication major at Oklahoma State, I think is the social media class. Within this class you are exposed to many kinds of social media outlets and taught now to present a positive image of Agriculture through using these many outlets. I think that the academic requirements these two majors are very specific and necessary to gain the complete knowledge to help you in any job within the major. The classes also help you to become a better, well-rounded individual. One thing that Oklahoma State University really stresses is that there are many opportunities out there, so don't be afraid to try new things and expand your horizons.
Whitney
Classes at OSU are extremely engaging and interesting. Professors truly care about your success and will do anything to help you do good in their courses. Most courses have class discussion in which you and your fellow classmates get to share your own personal experiences and views. Education at OSU is more than just coursework, it's also geared a lot towards professional development for your future career.
Erica
I'm an engineering student so I find the academics challenging but very good. Most of my professors do know my name, but I make the effort to make sure they do. My group of friends us very hardworking. We combine our social and academic lives so that we play, work, and succeed together.