An Honest Review

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Oregon
1

<p>Not to scare those of you who plan on attending this University, but I feel that there are things that people do not say about the UO. This is only my opinion and I am away that many people love UO.</p>

<p>This school spends very little on its academics, and gets most of its notoriety from its sports teams, not its academic quality. There are few teachers of note here, and unfortunately, in my experience, I have been taught by a number of Graduate Teaching Fellows (GTFs) who were unqualified and some of the worst teachers I have ever had. Some of the dorms are nice, but others are completely lacking. I, unfortunately, was placed in a dorm where my roommate happens to sleep 3ft away from me (fun!). Unlike other schools where you actually know your advisor, here, you do not. You are not assigned a specific person, and in my experience, they have done very little to help me despite the numerous times I met with them.</p>

<p>If you go into college without any credits (like I did, going to a private high school that didn't offer APs), you are going to have a miserable time getting the classes you want/need. It doesn't get any better as you gain credits. I actually know a lot of people who have gone here, and 1/5 has graduated in four years.</p>

<p>The social scene can be great at times, but parties get shut down fast by cops. Unfortunately, I know a few girls, and have heard numerous horror stories, of girls being drugged at frat parties (which are a main source of social entertainment). Currently, two fraternities may be losing their charters. Speaking of which, the school is currently under fire because some athletes sexually assaulted a girl and the school hasn't done much about it. Furthermore, the school rarely does anything to punish athletes.</p>

<p>The athletes can get away with anything. While you are trying, with no success, to reschedule a math exam so you can fly home for your sister's graduation, a teacher will jump through hoops to make the athlete's life easier. An example of this is the, Jaqua Athlete Academic Center--a lavished building that, after the first floor, is off limits to regular students.</p>

<p>That being said, I am sure that there are people who would fit in well with this school and would love to go here. Many people find a home at this school. This is my opinion, it isn't law. I am just putting this out there because I wish someone would have told me this stuff before I came here. There are plenty of good reviews out there, but it can be hard to find an honest review. Mine may be a bit pessimistic, so take it with a grain of salt.</p>

<p>For those of you headed to the UO next year, good luck! I hope you find your place and enjoy these four years! </p>

2

<p>My son’s experience with faculty and registering for courses has mirrored yours, unfortunately, and he likely will be transferring in the fall. I’m not sure he would have heeded your warning if you had posted it last year (he was so excited becoming, about and determined to be a Duck), however, but I applaud you for telling your story. There is much to like at U of O, but the education he’s getting, or not getting, has been disappointing.</p>

3

<p>From a current UO student working in the athletic department and also dislikes the school:
The rumor that the school spends most of its money on athletics is just that, a rumor. The vast majority of funds for athletes and the athletic department come from revenue sports (football, MBB, etc.) and donations (Duck Athletic Fund). The Jaqua was donated by Phil Knight for athletes to have a place to communicate with each other, academic advisors and tutors, and a place to study without hassle. Obviously the latter part being very important for star football and basketball players who would be bothered in places like the library (which did undergo a $27M renovation thanks to the funds of… you guessed it, Phil Knight). The HDC, also, donated by Phil. The new softball stadium is being built from the funds donated by a former football player. These rumors are disturbingly growing in large part to faculty spreading them, which is sad.
As far as academics, you do in fact get assigned to one academic advisor for any major, including undeclared. I am assigned to two advisors because I have two majors, and those are the people I communicate with. Not sure why you don’t think you get assigned an advisor, you should probably double check that info. Getting classes is a pain, but should be somewhat expected from a large public university. I also have been taught by quite a few GTFs, which is annoying. I would prefer at least instructors because that is what they are here to do.
Overall, I dislike the school, more so for the lack of relevant internship opportunities for many fields due to the size of Eugene, but also for academic quality with graduate students teaching many courses.</p>