Skidmore College - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

One of the huge advantages of class size at Skidmore is that they are anything but huge. Classes average about 20 to 30 students and offer a tight-knit environment with a closer student-professor relationship than your typical state university. The professors are about as outspoken and quirky as the students. One professor that offers a course in fiction writing is actually famous for going off on tangents about how he “floated” through the ‘70s. Most of the professors willingly offer home phone numbers to ease panicked minds the night before a morning deadline. Trust is a big part of the Skidmore classroom, and students are expected to call only for “appropriate reasons,” so go ahead and squash the fantasy. The Honor Code, a signed agreement by all students, is always in effect in regards to exams and work. The best part about Skidmore professors is that they acknowledge the fact that college just simply isn’t all about academics. They know what you do outside the classroom (and many admit to their own indulgences). But don’t be fooled. If you want to stay on the good side of your professors, show up on time and hand in your work.

The unique charm of Skidmore is without a doubt its versatility—the school is home to both serious and apathetic students who successfully co-exist. In fact, Skidmore is a self-starting institution. If you can find a teacher willing to sponsor an independent study, the College has no problem allowing it. The SGA is very supportive to those who want to charter new clubs, or if you have an idea for a program or a speaker, a little elbow grease can make it happen. The atmosphere is shaped not by strict college-imposed regulations, but by the students themselves.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

The teachers are great. They are... The teachers are great. They are all easy to approach and they want you to succeed. They are always available outside class to provide help if you need it. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Skidmore has a mix of professors;... Skidmore has a mix of professors; some truly stand out, and others are less inspiring. For the most part, I think the professors at Skidmore feel very passionate about their subject matter and do the best they can to pass that enthusiasm onto their students. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I have found most of the... I have found most of the professors to be enthusiastic, engaging, and very intelligent. I have only had one or two truly boring classes, and those were classes in my core curriculum, including Liberal Studies 1. I love all the courses in my disciplines. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

If you pick them right, the... If you pick them right, the professors can be amazing and the classes fascinating. If you make a mistake, the wrong professor will make your life hell. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

They are enthusiastic about... They are enthusiastic about classes and really stress learning, even if you don’t get the grades; you come away learning a lot. As a bio major, I think the classes will be helpful for the upper-level courses in the biology and chemistry departments. I took an art course last semester, and I thought it was the best course I have taken. The only course that I hated was the LS1 course as a freshman because my class was doing so much more work than the other classes, and they ended up getting a better grade for the same class. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

Skidmore’s radio station, WSPN, boasts a ranking of eighth on a national survey of “Best College Radio Stations,” and has repeatedly been named “Best Local Radio Station” by Metroland. Check out the award-winning tunes online at www.skidmore.edu/wspn.

Students gather once a semester during finals in the Spa for Waffle Fest. This a chance for students to take a well-needed break from studying to fuel up at the dining hall. One of Skidmore’s a capella groups usually entertains, while students are treated to bagels, muffins, french toast, waffles, and ice cream for dessert.

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