Florida International University students laud their school for its commitment to diversity—not just in name, but in fact, too. “
Because it’s an international school, you are exposed to such a wide variety of cultures and different kinds of people," writes a sophomore. Another sophomore notes that the diversity fosters open-mindedness: “
I have never experienced or seen anyone being disrespectful, especially not in any racist or homophobic fashion. Our university is right in the middle of a city that is so diverse that tolerance is part of our everyday life.” A majority of students—60 percent—are Hispanic, reflecting the demographics of the surrounding city, Miami.
Many students live near FIU’s main campus, University Park, and commute to class—a big money-saver. The commuter culture, though, dampens school spirit and students’ attachment to the university. “
It's difficult to establish ‘solid’ pride in FIU within the body at large because it is primarily a commuter school. The general opinion is, ‘I don't want to stay on campus longer than I have to’ - which means students may sometimes be unable to participate in activities and events the university offers in order to instill esteem. It’s a rather unfortunate circumstance; the school plans many activities for its students, primarily through the Student Programming Council. But until students see the university on a more personal level - as perhaps out-of-state students see theirs - then this attitude won’t change,” writes a junior. As one freshman describes it, the campus is “
dead on weekends” since many students go home when they’re done with class for the week. FIU’s commuter status also makes it difficult for students to spend a lot of time together outside of class. “
FIU is constantly full of people but it’s hard to meet new friends because the people that are there on campus are constantly flowing in and out - because it's commuter school,” writes a senior.
Though FIU is a big school of more than 30,000 undergraduates, students do create more intimate niches on campus. Fraternities and sororities are particularly popular, and while involved students love the campus Greek scene, others resent its prevalence. “
Basically the Greeks run the school, from start to end,” writes a sophomore. Students also bemoan FIU’s poor parking situation, an outgrowth of its commuter status. “
The classrooms fit the class sizes, but the parking lot does not,” writes a senior.
Students rate FIU’s academics on a spectrum from impressive to disappointing. Some complain about the quality of teaching: “
I would change some of the professors at FIU because some of them, really do not know how to teach,” writes a sophomore. Others report that it’s difficult to establish relationships with professors—but, in smaller classes, it’s possible. “
Professors tend to not know my name when I’m in their classes, probably due to the large size of most of my auditorium classes. However, the professors I’ve had in my major classes (education) have gotten to know me in their classes and I’ve gotten advice from them regarding my future plans and further topics,” another sophomore writes. Generally, though, students think the academics are a good deal for the low tuition (just over $3,000 in-state).
Unlike the tuition, FIU’s Financial Aid and other administrative offices aren’t first-rate: students describe a lot of disorganization and bureaucratic hurdles. “
The most problematic area on campus is the Financial Aid office,” writes a sophomore. A senior echoes the complaint: “
FIU administrative policies take way too much time to process. Too bureaucratic.” Recently, the Florida State Legislature cut its public education budget, reducing FIU’S scholarship and departmental funding—a big burden for students, especially paired with the administrative difficulties. “
It is a typical college complaint, but athletics are put above academics in many instances. While this does have the opportunity to pay off for universities since athletics generates revenue, with the record of the Golden Panthers football team, it is sucking more money than it is bringing in. Especially with the recent budget cuts, many programs and services are suffering at the university, and it’s hard to say that out of order priorities are not to blame,” explains one freshman. The good news is that since FIU is such a new school—it was founded in 1965—there’s a lot of room for growth. Low tuition, a heterogeneous student body, and academics that often satisfy students’ needs—not bad for a 43-year-old university.
