Eastern Michigan University (EMU)

There are more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations available to the undergraduates at Eastern Michigan University, representative of "the resources that [the school gives] to the students so that they have a chance to improve on themselves." Some students take note of "how passionate and dedicated the staff are to their students," and say that professors "are generally accessible and willing to go above and beyond to help you with any questions, projects, or future planning you might have." There is a feeling that the university values and promotes inclusivity and "is constantly creating opportunities for their students to grow, learn, and be integrated into the college lifestyle," and "they also do a good job of making sure students know about events that are available to them."

Classroom formats vary from projects to lectures to online components, as "instructors always make an effort to make class exciting and more than just a simple teaching course." For instance, "a class focused on disability accessibility had an activity where we tried to navigate the building in a wheelchair." There are also plenty of chances for "learning outside of the classroom through field trips, volunteer opportunities, and student organizations," including "going off site with place-based education directives within the local neighborhood." Students appreciate that many classes are taught by professors that "have gone out into the world and have held jobs instead of only doing research." Many also utilize active learning styles in which students "watch a video some time before the lecture to prepare ourselves for the lecture, and during the lecture we do a lot of group work and practice questions on the content." The university offers flexible learning options with "a good combination of online and in person instruction that allows for you to study at home to supplement the lecture material."

EMU has "a lot of representation in the student body," and this is "a very unique place in the sense that the student age range is large," with a mix of "traditional college students who have recently graduated high school and first-time college students in their middle adult years." Students "are active on campus and are diverse in their interests, pursuits, and backgrounds" and "thrive on teamwork and communication with each other." One student attests, "As a transgender student, I generally feel very welcomed and safe. The campus population is majority white in my experience, but there is a large POC population." Another agrees, saying that this "very diverse student body...has been an incredible experience and has helped further my understanding of other cultures as well as [making] me a more well-rounded individual." DEI is also a priority, and "there are many events about religion and/or culture that help [students and their] peers connect." All in all, the school "does a great job of celebrating all ... [and has] lots of resources for all their students," providing an environment in which "students with a variety of backgrounds are coming together to graduate with a diploma, pursue a career, and become the greater adults of tomorrow."

Students consider EMU's main campus in Ypsilanti small but active. Given that there are "a lot of events," such as "paint and pour (non-alcoholic) [or] a carving pumpkin contest," it is "easy to connect with people." Students enjoy the "different activities that the different clubs and organizations put on periodically." Additionally, students "[go] to the mini golf place Putterz that is near campus," and also "go to the gym [or] go to the student center with friends to study." Although many students are commuters, when not studying, they "like to hang out in the common room and the Eagles [Cafés] on the weekends and after class." The school is "far more affordable than many other options" and there "are many job opportunities in the surrounding area" for students looking to earn some extra money (or stay local after graduation). Students note that "the atmosphere on the campus is very laid back," and "it's very easy to get involved on-campus and to meet new friends."