University of St. Thomas – My Experience as a Student

I have been attending the University of St. Thomas for several years now. With a major GPA of 3.8 and active involvement in various university projects, I feel I represent students striving for academic excellence and campus engagement.

If your academic interests extend beyond Catholic theology or philosophy, this may not be the ideal institution for you. Similarly, if you're seeking a broader focus in Catholic philosophy beyond the teachings of St. Thomas Aquinas, you might want to explore other options. It's important to note that the core curriculum heavily emphasizes these subjects, which may not align with everyone's academic goals.

The university recently faced federal fines for its handling of multiple crimes, including instances of rape. In response, the university president expressed concerns about the financial strain of the fine impacting future compliance efforts. Source

While individual professors have positively impacted my academic journey, I've observed many instances where university administration has taken punitive measures against faculty who advocate for students' rights or even uphold academic integrity. This includes cases related to disability accommodations, academic honesty, privacy laws, and advocacy for marginalized student groups.

The university's small department sizes can limit exposure to diverse perspectives. Additionally, frequent turnover among faculty, especially in highly-rated departments, can disrupt the learning experience.

On-campus healthcare services are notably absent, with students directed to off-campus facilities for basic medical needs due to institutional restrictions on contraceptive information.

The campus culture can be characterized as insular, with non-Catholic students and those with differing views often feeling marginalized. Instances of public condemnation based on religious beliefs are not uncommon, contributing to a pervasive sense of scrutiny and judgment within the community.

Furthermore, recent student-led initiatives have shed light on issues within the communication department. A video linked here highlights concerns about the department's treatment and the reduction of faculty numbers from seven to two. This underscores ongoing challenges within the university that warrant attention and reflection.