I came across Wesleyan University in Illinois and I'm a bit curious. What programs are they known for and how do students generally feel about the campus life there? Is it worth considering?
You might be referring to Illinois Wesleyan University. Just to clear up any possible confusion, Wesleyan University and Illinois Wesleyan University are two distinct institutions in different states. Wesleyan University is in Connecticut while Illinois Wesleyan University is located in Bloomington, Illinois.
Illinois Wesleyan University is a highly respected liberal arts college. It's known for its strong programs in business, nursing, and performing arts, particularly music and theatre. Their nursing program has a strong reputation with a high pass rate for the NCLEX-RN exam. The School of Theatre Arts is highly respected and has consistently been ranked nationally for its productions.
Regarding campus life, many students appreciate the small, close-knit community feeling of being at a smaller school – the student-faculty ratio is 10:1, which allows for more personalized instruction and access to professors. The university prides itself on being a residential campus where more than 75% of students live in university housing, promoting a sense of community.
The university is also known for its strong commitment to sustainability. This is visible across campus, with a notable example being the Centre for Natural Sciences, which was Illinois' first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified building in higher education.
Students also get involved in a wide array of extracurricular activities - there are more than 150 active student organizations, a vibrant Greek life, numerous academic clubs and sports teams, so there are ample opportunities to engage outside of the classroom.
That being said, as with all colleges and universities, whether or not it's worth considering will largely depend on your personal interests, academic goals, preferred environment, and a range of other factors. Consider reaching out to current students or alumni, or even visiting the campus (if possible), to get a feel for the community and see if it aligns with your expectations and preferences.
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