Strange reactions to Fordham

Colleges and Universities A-Z Fordham University
21

<p>I graduated from Fordham in the '70's, and I can remember at that time to receive anykind of financial support from the federal government, the school had to be "non-demominational". (Someone needs to find out if this is still the case.) So, although Fordham is administered by the Jesuits, it did not demand that students take courses in Catholicism. To get out of the required theology courses at that time, I took classes in art history which fulfilled the requirement - and I ended up with a double major in fine arts and communications. (St John's in Queens was traditionally Catholic in my time; I don't know anything about that school's Catholic standing today.)</p>

<p>In regard to visitation: the guys were around the girls all the time! I don't even recall any restrictions/curfews! I do remember, though, a streaking incident which made the front page of the local newspaper and had the alumni buzzing! :)</p>

22

<p>positivebalance- I want to drink in college, so I think I would have a problem signing a form saying I wouldn't do it. I respect others who don't want to drink or smoke pot but it's not the path I, or many students, chose to take. Why lie about it?</p>

<p>I also ate a meal there while I visited and I didn't enjoy it at all. When I saw what a low ranking the food had gotten I wasn't at all surprised. As a big fan of eating, I need a college with delicious food.</p>

<p>Most of the two buildings I toured at Lincoln center, specifically the air, smelled like feet. I suppose the pizza didn't smell like feet though, nicely observed.</p>

<p>I have a person dislike for religious schools because I'm an atheist. I don't think they should be abolished or anything, I just wouldn't ever want to go to one.</p>

23

<p>The food at Lincoln Center <em>is</em> ghastly. Is it a deal-killer for going to Fordham? That seems silly. There has to be something in that cafeteria for you to eat each day. </p>

<p>I've been to the Lincoln Center campus and it doesn't "smell" any different from a lot of other colleges I have visited. </p>

<p>You gave a curious answer to the pot/alcohol policy. They want you to agree not to use these illegal substances on campus. I think that's a fair -- and legal -- request. Did you ever think that some students don't want the smell of marijuana drifting in their hallway each evening? Or any smoke, for that matter? Call us naive, but as parents, some of us don't want our kids hanging around students who "want to drink and smoke pot." If you can't agree to those rules, Fordham probably isn't for you.</p>

<p>The religious objection wearies me. On our campus visits (including Fordham), we kept running into student hosts who felt the need to apologize for the school being Catholic. At DePaul, there was a beautiful church on campus, but our Catholic student host said she had "never been there."
The value of a Jesuit education cannot be ignored. You won't find too many Jesuits themselves apologizing for being Catholic.
Again, it sounds as if you and Fordham may be an uncomfortable fit.
Good luck in your college search.</p>

24

<p>Most colleges have agreements that state you, as an underage citizen, will be dealt with should you consume alcohol on the grounds and be found out you'll be delt with strictly. </p>

<p>Fordham students, despite the 'restriction', throw some of the most EPIC parties in the Bronx. So I think your concern about not being able to drink there is quite unfounded.</p>

25

<p>I know at a lot of schools there are no substance dorms which are optional. There are much harsher punishments for substance use in these dorms because people choose them to avoid parties. I like that option much better.</p>

26

<p>as a current student here, justed wanted to chime in about some things that i do/don't like about Fordham:
First off I've lived in the Bronx for most of my life. I actually lived in the Fordham area for like 7 years before moving to another part of the Bronx. I past FU a bunch of times going to middle school but never stepped into the campus. It wasn't until I went into a tour that I decided FU was to place to be. The campus really is that beautiful. You really don't even feel like you're in the Bronx when you step in.
Anyways I commuted and now I dorm. It's pretty bad for commuters here. So any bad reactions you get from them I can understand. The school tries to include commuters into campus life but it's just not the same time. You feel very excluded as a commuter from the campus life.
As for dorming, there are a couple of problems I've had, mainly with policies. I've found it very dumb how as a resident I can't go over to a friend's dorm and say past 3:30. What's even worse is that I have to be signed in to be let into their dorm. I understand if you're bringing in a guest that would make sense but for residents that just makes no sense. Residents should be able to go into any dorm they want at any time of the time. The restrictions they have with that are stupid. And you will get fined if you have someone signed in past 3:30.
Another thing is that the food either sucks. Don't let anyone tell you it's all subjective and relative to what you're comparing the food to. The food just isn't good. My roommates say it's edible and we joke about it all the time (he eats just about anything), but not everything is edible here. One good thing that has happened to me because of the bad food here is that I've had to force myself to try different foods that they offer. This has allowed me to taste different foods which is never a bad thing.
One good thing is that they have free washing machines and dryers.</p>

<p>As for the Jesuit education here, I hate that I have to take two courses in theology but luckily I got a professor who's just freaking awesome and is making the class enjoyable. Hopefully I get him again for my next theology course. I'm not even into religion. I know about different religions (a bit about each) and respect them but that's it. I still haven't met a person that actually came to this school because of the Jesuit education. It's a bunch of crock if you ask me. I've just learned to ignore all the talk about the Jesuits (and religion) to be honest. Even for an Atheist it shouldn't be a problem coming here. It's all about tolerance. The school and student population isn't in your face about religion. The people here aren't ultra conservative. If they were, I sure as hell wouldn't be here. The students here are tolerant and mixed here. I like the diversity I see here sometimes because I grew up in NYC so it's what I'm used to seeing. It's a really nice community here and that's all one could really hope for. The rest you have to make for yourself.</p>

<p>Other things to note: there's a bunch of buses and a couple of trains near by that you can take to get around. The Little Italy in the Bronx is the real Little Italy in NYC. That place in Manhattan in the middle of Chinatown that calls itself Little Italy is a hack. The pizza doesn't even compare.</p>

27

<p>Ok...since I am a grad of Fordham Rose Hill (from 20yrs ago) I feel the need to respond to BP's previous post.</p>

<p>I, too, was a Bronx native -- for the first 26yrs of my life. The Rose Hill campus is amazing, which was one of the things that attracted me to Fordham. I also commuted to it throughout my undergrad years. I would be careful in saying that it's "terrible" for commuters. It's just the nature of the beast, so to say, that if one is not living in a place 24hrs a day, the bonds to that location will be different than those who do. By residing on campus, by default, the campus is going to be your home...your community. Your daily existence with all of the daily minutia that goes with it becomes intertwined with the existences of your fellow resident students -- for better or worse. As a result, the college experience is much different as compared to a commuter. Being a commuter is not better or worse, but different. It really depends upon what you're expecting out of your college experience. To fully appreciate this experience, then I would recommend residing on campus. For me, twenty years ago, the commuter's "world" was the better of the two options for me at that time and the other responsibilities that I had.</p>

<p>The many comments from others that Fordham's food "sucks" is a very relative perception. I've been on Fordham's campus too many times to count in the past year, which also meant sampling their dining choices too many times to count. The only thing that I can say is that I'm envious of the choices that you have to eat at Fordham. My advice to students: enjoy and appreciate what you currently have. My life is so busy with my work schedule that the 30 minutes I get to quickly eat lunch or being exhausted by the time dinner comes around makes my current dining menu very monotonous. Unfortunately, this is what 21st century life is about for many of us. Again, what is considered good or bad in life and what is considered to be worth its cost is very relative. You may be looking back 20yrs and remembering McGinley's dining hall to be pretty good when compared to your what your culinary choices may be on a daily basis when you're older.</p>

<p>The most disconcerting part of the previous post, at least to me, refers to the "Jesuit Education". The importance of a broad based liberal core curriculum, which stresses theology, philosophy, literature, mathematics, science, and other liberal arts exposures, is the mission of Fordham, now, and 20yrs ago. Just look at Fordham's Mission statement, it includes:</p>

<p>"Guided by its Catholic and Jesuit traditions, Fordham fosters the intellectual, moral and religious development of its students and prepares them for leadership in a global society."</p>

<p>Look at Fordham's description of a Jesuit education:</p>

<p>"Fordham draws its inspiration from the dual heritage of Christian Humanism and Ignatian Spirituality, and consequently sees all disciplines as potential paths to God....Fordham recognizes the dignity and uniqueness of each person. A Fordham education at all levels is student-centered, and attentive to the development of the whole person. Such an education is based on close collaboration among students, faculty and staff....Jesuit education is cosmopolitan education. Therefore, education at Fordham is international in its scope and in its aspirations."</p>

<p>So...yes...one does need to take theology courses if attending Fordham. And...no...Jesuit education is not a "bunch of crock." The education at Fordham, or let me say the "Jesuit" education at Fordham, is very special. If you cannot understand why this education is very special, and also unique, then you're missing the true "magic" that is going on at Fordham. With all honesty, I did not really appreciate it 20yrs ago as much as I should have. I was too busy in trying to use Fordham as a stepping stone to achieve future educational and professional goals in my life (and mind you, I was a theology minor). But as the saying goes, "Hindsite is 20/20." Hopefully, my son will be a bit more wiser in this respect, then I was, when he attends Fordham this coming September.</p>

<p>So, when you say that "I still haven't met a person that actually came to this school because of the Jesuit education", that more than likely is an exaggeration. And for those current students that do not appreciate the Jesuit education yet, I hope they do before they graduate, because otherwise it's too late -- they have missed out on a period of their lives where the primary goal should be expanding the mind's understanding of oneself and the world that one lives in.</p>

28

<p>With all due respect...at first i did not like Fordam at all. It just reminded me so much of a high school and i don't know why. When I went with my friends we were the ones on the tour that decided almost right away that we didn't like it. our tour guide was uninviting and everything was just bleh. Plus to top it all off they are a Jesuit college and I am one to strongly disagree with religious institutions forcing their religious views on their students...but upon further research that is not the case. the initial reaction was still negative however. now when it came time to apply i found myself applying to fordham and i didn't really know why. Maybe because of the location? I don't know. When i got my acceptance letter (today) i started really looking into the college and i love it!</p>

<p>i think the problem is at the surface fordham is not all that great. but if you look closer it is easily one of the best in the city.</p>

29

<p>"Until 10 years ago, Fordham was objectively rated better than NYU. In my book, it remains so, although I readily admit the schools offer two different experiences."</p>

<p>i went to nyu 10 years ago and it was still considered far better than fordham. the bashing that happens on these boards are from a few rotten snooty apples so i wouldn't take it too seriously. it is typical of the snobbiness re: schools that will occur once your child graduates. i went to fordham law and encountered an ultra rude nyu law student at an interview who disparaged fordham. it happens. there will always be rude people.</p>

30

<p>Indeed, Fordham requires one to take two Theology courses and two Philosophy courses, but we do not mandate one to take the Christian text courses in sophomore year. The student is allowed to choose from a wide range of religious text courses, such as Judaism, Buddhism, Islam, and many others. The first course of Theology is a Faith and Critical Reason courage that usually explores all of the faiths around the world. Also, we have a Campus Ministry that is open to all faiths. I agree with HousePetMarla with her research in the end.</p>

<p>Fordham: Conservative or Liberal: This depends on the campus. In general, Lincoln Center is more liberal. I cannot speak for Rose Hill. However, they do have Republican and Democrat clubs. </p>

<p>About the LC campus: Perfect food can not be on every college campus, but it should not be the decision maker over one of the great colleges in the nation. The trade off for the food will be the dorms. If you have visited the Lincoln Center McMahon Hall dorms, you have a kitchen to share with your suite mates. Additionally, you live in Midtown Manhattan, and there are many stores to buy food to suit your personal tastes.</p>

31

<p>Pick your college based on the best fit for yourself, and don't worry about the schools that you don't like. (Reverse your thinking: "I'm glad those awful schools like FU exist--I'll kick their graduates' a--es at my first job fair.") In the meantime, remember that wherever you end up, the product of your college years will be mostly the result of the efforts that you put into them. However bad the food may be, you are still responsible for you. Good luck to all.</p>

32

<p>I don't understand everyone's complaints about Fordham's food. A few days ago, I shadowed a student throughout the day and ate lunch in the lincoln center campus' cafeteria. I had a delicious vegetarian soup and I mixed-up my own salad--it was great. There were plenty of other things to choose from, too. </p>

<p>I could see myself getting tired of cafeteria food, but isn't that that same at any other school? Both of my brothers went to Notre Dame, and even though their food is rated as one of the top in the country, they got tired of it.</p>

<p>My solution for when I get sick of it all: take-out.</p>

<p>What's the big deal??</p>

33

<p>Ditto Shannon. We just visited Fordham and the cafeteria food was hands down WAY better than that of other colleges we've visited this week - plus better selection, more food "stations."</p>

34

<p>I had a discussion a couple of months ago with a former co-worker.</p>

<p>She was convinced Fordham was a better institution than NYU. However, this belief is based on perception. As the OP said, Fordham was considered a superior school to NYU in the past; but in the last 10-15 years, NYU has improved steadily to now consolidate itself as one of the top 40 schools of higher learning in the U.S. and second in NYC behind Columbia University.</p>

<p>On Fordham being underrated, this has to do with people not knowing about the school and its educational quality. I have always considered Fordham to be a reputable school. The problem is Fordham, unlike NYU and Columbia, does not have much appeal outside NYC. It's prestige is still considered regional. </p>

<p>Finally, I cannot firmly comment on whether Fordham and NYU business students earn the same after graduation because I have no data.
However, just based on the supposed strength of the two schools business programs, NYU alumni "should" have higher employment rates and earn more money after graduation because their program is more nationally renowned and they have good relationships with many leading employers in the NYC business community and beyond.</p>

35

<p>Fordham does offer many internships to undergrads. So, a student might want to look into his/her field of interest and see what Fordham can offer for him/her. NYU is a larger, more competitive school. Depending upon the student's strengths, the student might be better off in the long run at Fordham. Fordham has produced many successful alumni, too, over its long history.</p>

36

<p>Just wanted to come to mention one thing about food because it keeps getting defended. Most students say the food is bad at Fordham. Some of you have visited or go here and have heard it from other students already. There's obviously a reason that most students say it. Now if you want to say it's all subjective then that's fine, but you will be in the minority here when it comes to the food. And for whoever mentioned take-out as an alternative to the cafeteria, I can only tell you that unless you have money that will not be a reasonable option. Financially speaking you most likely won't be able to support something like that, plus you are already paying for the meal plan on campus (forced, unless you live in a dorm with a kitchen: Walsh or off-campus housing or Lincoln Center). Secondly, it isn't exactly that healthy either. I mean most of the places that make take-out are Chinese restaurants and Pizzerias. Not to say that I don't like them because I definitely like eating Chinese and pizzas but you aren't going to be getting a healthy meal like that everyday. Ultimately it's up to you. Maybe you'll be lucky and fall into the minority that don't have a problem with the food on campus.</p>

37

<p>^^^ Great post. People complain for a reason, trust me. It's one of Fordham's major drawbacks, however, there are plenty of other elements that make Fordham a great school.</p>

38

<p>You could probably get your own copy of this by contacting either the College of Business Administration or the Director of Admissions. The CBA Dean gave my son and me a copy when we met during spring preview. It's about four (landscape) pages long. The high-low range of salaries is $85,000 + $10,000 signing bonus (that is an excellent starting wage for an analyst at Goldman Sachs) down to $30,000 (a manager position at Remco), with the medians looking to be about $60,000 for a starting salary (in fact, the average range looks like $50,000-$65,000) and around $6,000 for the starting bonus. (That's from a very unscientific eyeballing of the numbers.) I have looked at Bloomberg job postings, and these numbers at FU are at least average or better for New York City starting positions for equity/credit analysts, staff accountants, financial analysts, consultants, and so forth. (I've been in finance in NYC for 17 years.)</p>

39

<p>People say the food at Fordham is bad cause it is bad. I don't know about LC, but Rose Hill is bad. The options aren't that great (but yes anywhere it'll get tedious). From what I've heard, the food quality has grades on a scale from 1-7 or something, offered by the food service. We get grade 3 (or something on the lowside). It's not that it's cooked poorly or anything--it's that the ingredients are just not of the highest caliber. I don't see why they can't just charge us a little more and get us better graded food, but whatever.</p>

<p>There are plenty of other options though... you won't go hungry. And truly, the caf is edible and I do go about twice a day. It's just something to get used to. ANd if you like it already... well then great!</p>

40

<p>Why is there so much discussion about food??? The first priority should be the academics.... You're in NY - not the rural "sticks" - there are plenty of places around to eat if you don't care for Fordham's food.</p>