hannah429

Discussion and Writing

You'll probably never have a class with more than 50 students. Even the "big" freshman classes usually have around 30, and some have fewer. Some professors are the typical "chalk and talk" kind, but most are into discussions, critical thinking, analysis, etc. Most division 2 and 3 (social sciences, humanities) have a lot of reading and writing. This is not the place to be if you want to just slide through 4 years and end up with a degree. It's not that academics controls everything- you'll still have time for a social life- but it's definitely more real learning, not memorizing and multiple choice.

It's really laid-back. People aren't competing to get the best grade. They want to do well, but it's not a competition.

No "Dry Campus" Delusions

Beloit has an alcohol "policy" and an alcohol "philosophy".

Policy is Wisconsin state law. It's illegal if you're under 21, it's illegal to supply people under 21.

Philosophy says that we're all adults, and if we're responsible enough to be independent, vote, and join the military, we're responsible enough to decide whether or not/how much to drink.

They have some restrictions like no drinking games and no hard stuff straight from the bottle, but they'll only enforce them if you give them a reason to. Official, registered parties technically can't serve alcohol since they're sponsored by the school, but there's nobody stopping you from drinking outside, and then going to the party.

Policy is only enacted if you give them a reason to. If security finds you passed out alone in the grass, they'll get you to the ER. If you're screaming on the quad at 3AM, they'll tell you to go home. I've never heard of someone getting ticketed here.

Drugs are a little different story. I've heard that weed gets overlooked most of the time on purpose, but if you're causing problems, they'll ticket you.

Just don't be obnoxious, and you'll be fine.

No other crazy rules that I'm aware of...

OK

Commons (the dining hall/cafeteria) gets a little creative sometimes, but there's always something tolerable. They make their own versions of Chinese, Indian, Mexican, etc. in addition to more normal cafeteria food. There's at least 1 vegetarian and 1 vegan option at every meal. Sometimes they have the Fresco Grille, where they make made-to-order stir fries, burritos, pastas, etc. There's also always a deli/sandwich place where you can get basically anything you'd want, plus panini grills if you want it toasted. The salad bar is huge and awesome. There are always 30-some kinds of cereals, and basically always bagels leftover from breakfast. PB&J is always out. There's a sundae bar every friday night, and a frozen yogurt machine the rest of the time, plus other desserts. The best part is, it's all-you-can eat. You swipe your card when you walk in, and you can get as much of whatever you want. They serve BLD on M-F, breakfast, brunch, and dinner on Saturdays, and breakfast and brunch on Sundays. Sunday dinner, you're on your own. People make food in the kitchens, go out, or order in. Sometimes clubs will make and sell food or have potlucks. Commons is located in Chapin Hall, on the residential side of campus.

DK's is the fast food place. The food is good, and fairly cheap. It's popular for lunch, and is usually crowded. It's on the first floor of Pearsons. Java Joint is the coffee shop/cafe. It has muffins/bagels, but also wraps, soups, and paninis. It's not open for dinner, and is in the basement of Pearsons. You can use your meal plan at both DKs and Java Joint. You get up to $2.25 for breakfast, $4.25 for lunch, and $4.75 for dinner. If you eat a lot and go over, you just make up the difference in cash.