zshenderson

Little Racial Diversity, Bad Record on GLBT Issues

Marquette is largely comprised of white, Catholic students from the well-to-do Chicago suburbs. While the university is working hard to recruit and retain ethnic minority students, the results are mixed. I had the chance to live on a diversity leadership floor my freshman year, and thus, got to know a variety of students from many backgrounds. Ethnic diversity is here if you look for it; non-Catholic students usually have no problems fitting in either, though it is difficult for them to find faith-based programming on campus. As a gay student, I am dismayed by the university administration's dismal response to various GLBT issues, including the refusal to hire an 'out' lesbian dean and the support of a discriminatory student organization that kicked out a student leader due to his sexual orientation. The university claims to advocate for all students, but administration seems to sing a different tune when the rubber meets the road. Because of this, it is highly unlikely I will donate to the university post-graduation.

Full of Opportunities

Marquette has so many opportunities to get involved and participate in intramural sports, student organizations or community service! It is not hard to get involved on campus and I would recommend it, as you meet great people, make good connections and build your resume, all at the same time. Look for opportunities for the various specialty programs: the Direct Admit Physical Therapy, Pre-Dental Scholars, and Pre-Law Scholars programs offer great chances to get ahead if you know what you want to do after college. Keep in mind that MU also accepts lots of AP credits...because of this, I entered with Sophomore standing!

Good Communities, Good Choices

Marquette requires students to live in residence halls during their first and second years here. There are four all freshman residence halls, several freshman/sophomore res halls, and several sophomore residence halls. For freshmen, McCormick is by far the most social residence hall...there's always something going on here! O'Donnell and Cobeen (the all male and all female residence halls) are smaller but seem to build a great community throughout the year. Abbotsford is probably the nicest all freshman res hall in terms of amenities: it features triples and private baths. Definitely look into the living/learning communities if they interest you; Straz has the Honors program floor, McCormick has CommUNITY (diverse leadership floor), Cobeen has the Nursing floor, and Carpenter has the Engineering floor. I lived on CommUNITY my first year and it was a great experience.

Mostly Rich Kids from Chicago

Everyone here is pretty attractive. Definitely pretty preppy but many people also wear sweats to class. Marquette apparel is universally popular!

Many Choices

Marquette has many major choices in the various colleges. Chances are, if you have an interest, we have a major. Besides, the first two years at Marquette are generally spent completing the university Core of Common Studies, helping students explore what they're interested in. If you're in Arts and Sciences, the advising center is great, and you'll have their help until you declare a major. Three of our business programs were also recently ranked in the top 20 according to US News, so business types, take note!

Lots of Choices

Marquette contracts with Sodexo to provide dining service in the residence halls and campus buildings. New this year, all first and second year students are required to purchase the "Carte Blanche" meal plan, i.e., all you can eat meal plan. There are three traditional dining halls on campus where you simply swipe in and can eat as much as you like; McCormick and Cobeen are traditional dining halls, Straz features healthy, organic and vegetarian cuisine. There are three destination dining halls on campus as well: Mashuda (a 50's style diner), Marquette Place (a food court style eatery in the AMU), and Schroeder (Cafe Italiano). The food is generally good, but it gets repetitive pretty quick.