Steve
Solid academic programs, especially in business and science. Small classes make teacher-student relationships very accessible. Class workloads are reasonable.
Brandon
I'll be the first to tell you that people at Westminster know how to have all sorts fun. But at the end of the day, we are all here to learn, and that is exactly what happens. Professors know each student by name, and often times where you live. (I had a professor pick up the class and take it to a student's apartment who missing class.) I have yet to have a class with over 23 students (and I'm in my third semester). Professor's offices are always open if a student has questions, needs advice, or just wants to talk (or even play with a dog). The learning here is different than anywhere else I've ever seen. It is done to prepare you for the rest of your life. You learn to get ahead, and achieve the best that you can once you get into the real world. They teach as if you were at a job, not just in a classroom. It's a type of learning that Westminster College is at the forefront of, and as a student, I can honestly say it is pays off. Education gets you ahead in life, but an education from Westminster will get you to the top. The very top.
KJ
One experience I will always remember about Westminster is the fact that I know my professors and they know me. I have a professor that sends me internship opportunities that are along the field that I am looking at going into. He is always making sure I am learning what I need to so that I can be successful in the future. Another professor loves the field so much that he creates excitement in the class. We enjoy being there and I have learned more then I ever thought was possible. He also creates an environment of respect especially when we discuss others cultures and beliefs.
Max
Small class size means you're not a number. If you need help they will be willing to do what they can, and often approach you if they are concerned.
Joshua
The academic life on campus is pretty strong. The small class size and close association with your professors allows anyone to get as much individual help as they need. Students tend to be active in class, asking pertinent questions and oftentimes even directing the flow of the material. It's not uncommon for a teacher to restructure their daily lesson plan to accommodate what WE want to learn.
Elise
When dealing with the Nursing program, Westminster has a great program. It is very challenging though. I came from a great Highschool( ranked in the top 100 schools in us) and it is hard. Be prepared
James
Academically, Westminster is perfect for students looking for a small learning environment in which the teacher strive to help every student learn the material in their class. My teachers have gone out of their way to help me with every issue I have had. Most importantly each and every professor works to know the student on a personal level.
bonnie
Indvidual, personal and indepth.
Alex
My professors know my name. I like most of the professors I have had. I think students overall have a better work ethic than anywhere else. WE take pride in our grades Westminster isn't just about academic development but also personal development.
Melodie
There is a strong connection between students, both among themselves, and with their professors. There is a unique community feeling that isn't found at many campuses. Our senior thesis book is being printed with a photograph of our class and professor on the front. We have experienced a lot together, and have built lasting friendships. I appreciate the inclusion of these intellectual people in my life.
Jesse
Most of my professors have been pretty cool. Just make sure you ask around for the good ones, it is well worth your time! I have had some really cool teachers but the class participation was still really low. Why? I do not know. The requirements for graduation seem fair to me.
Nico
The professors are very envolved in the students education and very willing to help them understand concepts that have been taught. They know all of the students by name. They have given out their cell phone and home phone numbers in the past when the students have had a need to contact them and they are willing to go the extra mile to help the student succeed. Westminster has a great nursing school and they expect the best out of their students. The education their was geared toward learning for its own sake as well as getting a job, but more weighted on learning.
Jillian
At Westminster College, 90{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the professors here go by there first name, because at Westminster they want students to develop a relationship with them. My favorite class I have had here is my adolescent developemnt psychology class, our professor took the learning out of the class room, by going to after school programs and helping kids with homework and hanging out with them. With this assignment we took notes of comparing what we learned from out textbooks to what we see when hanging out with kids from variety age groups.
Sara
My favorite classes have probably been my Honors classes. They're all discussion based (instead of lecture) which makes a 2 hour class much more enjoyable for the students. I also think we learn a lot more because students don't zone out in the middle of class, and get to talk about things that genuinely interest them.
My least favorite class was probably my statistics class. Mostly because I wasn't at all interested in the subject matter, but also because the class was boring and monotonous. I never felt like attending class was really that valuable to me.
As an Honors student, I think I've had a really different experience then most students at Westminster, as far as academics go. I know I spend a substantial amount of time doing homework and studying, as do many of my friends. I think students that aren't in the Honors program still study a fair amount, but a great deal less than I do.
Honors students are also much more inclined to have intellectual conversations outside of class. I have dinner with a lot of my Honors friends almost every single night, and our conversations are frequently intellectual. I don't think thats quite as common outside of the Honors program. In fact, I think most students would rather completely forget about school when they are with their friends, which I completely understand.
I am a Communication major, but I'm only a freshman, so I don't have a whole lot of experience with the Communication Department. I have had Fred Fogo who is a fantastic professor. He is kind and helpful and really knows his stuff. Other than that, I don't really know much about the department.
I spend time with some of my professors outside of class, but again, these are mostly my Honors professors. I think the Honors professors are more personally invested in their students, and don't feel like our relationship needs to be limited to the classroom. They plan a lot of activities outside of class in which students and professors can just relax and hang out.
I think Westminster's academic requirements are really reasonable. One of the most interesting requirements is the foreign language requirement. I don't know of any other schools that require you to take a foreign language during your time in college. ( A lot of schools require foreign language credits before you apply to the college, but not while you're enrolled in the school).
Torry
Professors here at Westminster make it a point to know the students by name. They are always willing to help students outside of class whether its assisting in class assignments or non school related issues.
Louise
All professors know my name within the first two days of class. Westminster demands a pretty great amount of academic participation from students, especially because the classes are small in size. If you don't study. You are called on it. I love spending time with professors outside of class, the personal connections made are very valuable. Westminster allows students to have phenomenal opportunities in internships and jobs, as well as just focusing on the knowledge gained.
Cameron
The professors are all very friendly, care about you personally, and are willing to do whatever they can to help you.
Jody
The professors know your name, if you introduce yourself! Haha, they are human so don't be intimidated. Small class sizes make it less intimidated to participate. The science department is amazing and you'll have every opportunity to grow however you choose. Westminster is a place where you can find yourself.
Andrew
From my experiences class participation is a very big this with all of my classes. The professors understand that sitting and lecturing for 2 hours will just make students fall asleep
Matt
The academic life is interesting. If you have taken many difficult classes in high school it is about the same load. Sometimes you may have to spend Friday nights studying rather than hanging out with friends. But the professors are always there to help you out if you need it.