<p>Does anyone know anything about DeSales University in Pennsylvania? I'm putting together my tentative long list at this time (I'm a junior), and I like DeSales. I believe in God, but that's pretty much the only way I identify as a Christian. </p>
<p>I checked out their curriculum and only one theology class is built in, and you can switch it out for science. I don't have a problem with that; I'm more curious about the feel of the campus. You know, how conservative it is, if they...pray every day, I don't know. I don't want to go to a school that will enforce their moral beliefs on me, etc.</p>
<p>I don't know what this school is like (and I live on the West Coast so visiting it, at least at this point, is not an option), so they could be a...liberal Roman Catholic school? I have no idea. Any information would be really appreciated! Thank you!</p>
<p>*Re-posted here; was told I'd receive good advice in the parents forum!</p>
<p>I know nothing about the school, so I can't help with your primary question.</p>
<p>I would like to venture this opinion, however. Your time in college is a superb opportunity to explore and attempt to understand other world views. This will enrich your own life, whether your views change or they do not. If you do find yourself at DeSales, the theology course will help you develop a better understanding of many of your fellow students. Regardless of where you study, a theology course could be a great opportunity to understand a part of society that may be outside your personal experience.</p>
<p>Like mafool, I too am unfamiliar w/ DeSales. I did, however, consider and tour several Catholic colleges/unis with my D. In general, we found the campuses to be more conservative than at the secular (and undeniably liberal) northeastern schs she was considering. </p>
<p>D noted two concrete examples of conservativism. First, all the Catholic colleges/unis she visted still had parietals - rules prohib guests of the opposite sex (including relatives) from staying in the dorms. Second, health services didn't dispense birth control (except for acne) and plan B was not avail at all. </p>
<p>Not that D was planning on having a constant stream of male guests or that she was worried about the birth control policy (she has her own gyn so no need to rely on campus docs for Rxs) - - but she believed, and I concur, that the existance of such policies is indicative of a more conserv admin and campus. </p>
<p>Of course, DeSales may have more liberal policies. But, if you're worried about campus culture, I'd check out the student handbook.</p>
<p>I formerly lived in Allentown and had occasion to interact with some of DeSales' students and administration. It is relatively conservative. But it also has enough diversity, and accepts enough diversity, that I don't think you'll feel like a fish out of water at all.</p>
<p>There are over 200 Catholic colleges in the US. A very wide range of approaches to maintaining a Catholic identity can be found. I'm not sure what your mean by "enforce their moral beliefs on me." Even at what is arguably the least secular Catholic College, Notre Dame, there is an effort made to find worship opportunities for the 15% of the student body who are not Catholic. Besides campus-based organizations, local synagogues, mosques, & churches have been identified by the campus ministry & those non-Catholic houses of worship transport ND students to services. Check the DeSales website to see what is offered. I have no idea what the Catholic : non-Catholic ratio is at that school. </p>
<p>I hope you approach college, whether public, private, or religiously affiliated, with an open mind. A comparitive religion course, IMHO, should be part of a core requirement for all college students. A well educated person should have at least a general understanding of the major world religions. Doesn't matter if you believe it's all hogwash, or are devout follower of a particular faith tradition -- it's critical to understand the teachings that motivate millions.</p>