Page 7 - College Guide 2017 Digital Edition

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
URBAN RURAL
OR
CG: What are
some common characteristics of traditional campuses like the University
of Delaware?
DZ: Green spaces, places where stu- dents can congregate, residential areas— not just residence halls and classrooms. Having a real sense of place. When you’re on campus, you definitely feel like you’re part of the university. It creates a safe space, a comfort zone. We talk a lot about wanting students to step outside their comfort zones, but it’s also impor- tant to create a [place where] students can feel safe to take a risk.
CG: What’s the best way to get a sense of
a school?
DZ: Talk with the students who go there. Ask what they do for recreation,
what activities they’re involved in, their experiences in class. Get a sense academically—the richness of the experience—as well as the social side. Those two pieces are really important for a student’s sense of being able
to connect.
CG: What about
safety concerns?
DZ: It may be less that students are thinking about it than their parents. You really want to have a strong sense that, when you’re sending your son or daughter off, they are safe. There are federal regulations that require [colleges and universities] to report statistics on crimes committed on campus, so it’s pretty easy to get
that sense.
CG: Is there any other crucial information that students should seek out?
DZ: One of the most important things is to be open to learning new things and having new experiences. The purpose of attending college is to be a scholar, to really think about critical problems and issues. We want them to be on fire about that piece of it.
At the same time, you want crea- ture comforts—but, in the end, that shouldn’t be the decision-maker.
WHERE DO I WANT TO BE? SIX QUESTIONS TO ASK.
1.
How far would I be from home?
2.
Would I need transportation where I attend school?
3.
Are there activities and events to engage off campus?
4.
Would I be able to get an internship nearby while I’m in school?
5.
Are there areas for outdoor sports and activities?
6.
What is the cost of living?
JANUARY 2017 I www.todaymedia.com I C7