Student Profile
Andrew
- Class: Senior
- Major: Communications
- Gender: M
- High School: Saddle Brook High School
- Transfer Student: N
Big Picture
When I first came to Monmouth it was a little harder to make friends. Most kids were like me but for some reason I didn't hit it off with them. I ended up going home almost every weekend of my first semester freshman year. Then, in the spring I decided to pledge a fraternity - Sigma Pi. At first I didn't think I would like it because I didn't think I was a "frat guy". I even finished up the pledge process, got in, and still didn't think it was for me, but then in my sophomore year everything changed. I actually took a step forward and decided to get more active in the fraternity; give it a real shot. That decision ended up being the best one I ever made at Monmouth University. I started taking positions in my fraternity, running events, and this eventually led me to being elected President for the 2007 school year. I ended up learning that Sigma Pi was not the prototypical "frat" but was actually a fraternity. A fraternity that changed my life for the better. Not only did it help shape me as individual but it taught me about leadership, decision-making, delegating and much more. Sigma Pi always strives to uphold its standards and ideals through many community service/outreach programs, which is why it was such a great fraternity to join. Outside of Sigma Pi, Greek Life here at Monmouth is a pretty big deal. Monmouth itself is a tight-knit community but Greek Life is its own community inside Monmouth University. All the Greeks know each other and host many different events on campus. They also are most heavily involved in extracurricular activities as most Greeks are heads of other respective organizations such as SGA and the Senior Class Executive Board. The one thing I wish Monmouth had more of is school spirit. Monmouth is a Division I school but no one seems to notice. Our men's basketball team has made the NCAA tournament 3 out of the last 7 years. Everyone of course goes to those games but no one seems to make it out the regular season games which is a little discouraging. I always see these big-time schools with their fight chants and huge school spirit, and I look at Monmouth and there is barely any of that. I just think if we had a better school spirit it would enhance everyone's collegiate experience a little more. Monmouth isn't really apart of a college town persay, but it's not like it resides in a desolate area. There are tons of things to do around Monmouth's campus. There is West End which is great for 21 year olds because there are multiple bars on the road that students can hop to and from on any given night. Most importantly, the most distinguised (AND BEST) bar is located on West End and that is Jack's Goal Line Stand. Anyone who's anyone that goes to Monmouth knows about Jack's. It is the Monmouth Bar and it deserves to be. It's great food, great prices, and just prestigious, laid-back atmosphere make it the place to go. Also, outside of the bars there is the Monmouth Mall which is less than 4 miles away from campus. There's Nelly's which is a great, late-night spot for some of the best college food around. And finally, Monmouth's kind of only a half a mile from the beach which is needless to say, awesome. All-in-all as I look back at my time I Monmouth I enjoyed it so very much. I mean, yeah, some of the kids are a bit stuck up and judgemental but once you get passed that little annoyance you really can enjoy yourself. The professors are great and really care about you. They even take time out to learn your first name which I always thought was pretty cool, and you're more than just a number here at Monmouth, you actually matter to your professors and what not. You're NOT just a name on a class roster. The classes are not that tough, just make sure you study and get your work done and you'll be fine. And most importantly...HAVE FUN! Your 4 years go by so quick, enjoy every second.
Academic Life
Like I said earlier, all the professors are extrememly passionate at Monmouth. All teachers know your first name, you actually matter to them. You're NOT just a name on a class roster. There are tons of times to meet with your professor outside of the classroom as all professor are mandated to have at least 4 office hours per week. Some classes have more class participation than others. Academics aren't hard as long as you study and get your work done. I was a Communication major and the department heavily stressed getting involved outside of the class room. WMCX (our school's radio station) was a huge part of my collegiate experience as I was able to learn very extensively about radio, something I really couldn't experience inside the class room.
Student Body
Like I said earlier, most Monmouth students are upper-middle class kids. Almost all students wear Abercrombie, Hollister, or American Eagle. Status in general is pretty big at Monmouth. How much money you have, what type of car you have, who's going out with who, are all paid attention to pretty closely at MU. Not to say it's a bad thing, but almost everyone knows everyone's business (particuarly in the Greek community). Monmouth is predominantly white, and not that's its overwhelming, but its noticeable that Monmouth has more females than males. Monmouth doesn't really have a politically dominant class, most people thing it's more right-winged because it is a rich, private institution, but politics aren't really discussed alot at MU.
The Best Things
The tight-knit community. Everyone's face is familiar.
The Worst Things
Some times kids don't give MU a chance and are constantly going home on the weekends.
