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Valparaiso University
- Inside Scoop

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Inside Scoop

Quick Stats

School Slang
  • ‘Berg: Wehrenberg Hall (either the cafeteria or the dorm itself)
  • Ark: ARC (Athletics Recreation Center)
  • CC: Christ College, Mueller Hall (the honors college—both the college and the building)
  • Chapel: The Chapel of the Resurrection
  • Chapel Meadow: The grassy area behind the Chapel
  • DA: Desk Attendant
  • The Dungeon: The basement of Mueller Hall
  • Fish Tank Lounge: The lounge with the fireplace right next to the Founder's Table.
  • Hilltop: The neighborhood just west of campus
  • Merlin: The huge, grizzled tree in Chapel Meadow
  • Mound Street: The fraternity house neighborhood
  • TA: Technology Assistant (help you with computer problems in the dorms)
  • The Vooka: VUCA (Center for the Arts)
  • Voopdee: VUPD (Valparaiso University Police Department)
  • VUCRU: The student fan section at basketball games and other sporting events
Things I Wish I Knew Before Coming To School
  • Go to FOCUS (freshman orientation).
  • Hit up the Activities Fair each year for free stuff and good info.
  • How strict RAs can be in the dorms.
  • How unsatisfying the campus food can be.
  • It’s not a party school.
  • None of the freshman dorms have air-conditioning.
  • Specifics about Christ College.
  • The classes are very challenging.
Tips to Succeed
  • Check your e-mail, and then check it again.
  • Get enough sleep or you’re likely to get sick.
  • Get used to community bathrooms.
  • Go to class. Get used to studying more than you did in high school.
  • Join Greek Life. Just get involved in all the organizations that Valpo has to offer.
  • Learn the number for Domino’s by heart.
  • Learn to like college basketball.
  • Take advantage of on-campus jobs.
  • Talk to your profs—they are more than willing to help you.
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Valparaiso Student ReviewsWhat's This?

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Inside Scoop at Valparaiso University

valpoman

'12

Theology and Religious Vocations

5.0
A+

Highly Academic and Fun

I know it is a university, but I was impressed by the academic strength here.

Dec 01, 2009

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Inside Scoop at Valparaiso University

cmarsha2

'11

Theology and Religious Vocations

4.6
A

The Hidden Wonder

Academics here are amazing. The professors really want to get to know you and help you out as much as possible. Plus, there is a lot going on on campus through union board and organizations-concerts, comedians, campus movies and other events. Greek life also offers a great way to be involved and really enjoy a good college experience while still learning and growing as an individual.

Nov 30, 2009

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Inside Scoop at Valparaiso University

krogers4

'11

4.6
A

Yay Valpo!

I love Valpo especially for the ease it offers as far as getting involved on campus. If you want to be a part of a club or organization there is usually no problem. I also love the study abroad opportunities and all the help the international office offers. I like the smaller student body because I feel like I see people I know all the time, but there is still plenty to do around campus.

Nov 30, 2009

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Page 1 of 5

Facts

Traditions
  • FOCUS: Each year, incoming freshmen attend this two-day orientation event held the summer before freshman year starts. This is a great way for students to meet other members of their class, find roommates, take placement exams, and meet with professors to talk about majors. Many freshmen end up remaining friends with fellow Foci for all four years at Valpo.
  • Late-Night Bingo: About once a month, the Union holds Late-Night Bingo from 11 p.m.–2 a.m. The proceeds go to charity, and students play for big prizes like TVs, DVD players, bicycles, gift certificates, and tons more. There are smaller prizes, too, such as baskets of candy and McDonald’s certificates. This event has become so popular over the years that it had to change locations in order to accommodate the many people who wanted to play.
  • Midnight Madness: That’s right, it’s basketball again! Midnight Madness is held the midnight of the day when basketball practices can officially start as per NCAA rules. Thousands of fans and students gather at the ARC to watch the first practice of the men’s and women’s teams, including a scrimmage, slam dunk contest, and three-point contest. Tons of free prizes are given out and students are usually treated to a laser-light show and a meet-and-greet with the players.
  • Paint the Campus: During Homecoming, student groups and Greek organizations turn out to paint the windows of the Union and the dorms with their artistic renderings of the Homecoming theme. These are judged in a competition, and the winning team receives points toward their Homecoming total.
  • Sibling Weekend: Each winter, Valpo students host any and all of their siblings for a weekend of campus fun. The University shows kid-friendly movies and schedules multiple events that students can easily attend with siblings.
  • Songfest: Songfest is the culmination of Spring Week and is a contest between Greek organizations. It is basically a song-and-dance revue; each team choreographs a routine and chooses costumes. The performance is held in the Chapel, and it always promises to be a good time.
  • Vespers: These are special music-filled worship services held late at night during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Tickets disappear so quickly that some students go all four years without ever being able to attend. Even though they are held in the Chapel, which seats about 5,000 people, tickets are offered to the community and alumni as well, and they always sell out.
Urban Legends
  • If you step on the seal in Berg Hall, you'll fail your finals. Go kiss the grave instead!
  • In the 1920s, the Ku Klux Klan considered buying the University.
  • Kiss the dog's grave on Old Campus for luck on finals.
  • Kissing Bridge has moved a few times. The original legend was that if you kissed your sweetie on the bridge as a train passed below, you were soul mates.
  • Legend has it that the administration nudged a group of students to create and implement the Honor Code system.

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Most Recent Student Author

College Prowler guides are in the hands of students throughout the entire process. Because you can't make student-written guides without the students, we have students at each campus who write, edit, and survey their peers for every guide that we publish. Thanks to our most recent student author at Valpo

Name: Amber Will

Hometown: Schofield, WI

Major: Political Science and History

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