The trimester system at Union College sets it apart from other small liberal arts schools with more conventional schedules. As one freshman explains, this means “we have three ten week semesters. We get a really long winter break (Thanksgiving to New Years), however we only get a week for spring break and we stay in school until the second week of June, about a month after most colleges get out.” Students generally appreciate their unique position for the opportunities it affords: “you can't beat only having to deal with 3 classes for ten weeks. It makes the school year seem a lot more organized and it is easy to get internships in the winter (when most kids are still in school and there is less competition), and the summer,” says one. But not being able to compete for most summer internships can be frustrating, and some students complain about the piles of work that can accumulate if they aren’t careful.
One benefit of the unusual calendar is that students remain on campus through the end of the spring, when the weather finally improves. After the long, grueling upstate New York winter, students feel like they deserve the break, and they enjoy relearning how beautifully designed and maintained their campus is. As one freshman points out, however, “It’s great that the campus is so nice because very little time is ever spent off campus.” That is in part because Schenectady is gritty and unsafe, though it does show signs of improvement. Still, as one freshman puts it, “We don’t venture into the surrounding areas of Schenectady much... it’s not the nicest part of town.”
Albany and Saratoga are relatively close by for those who need the variety, and NYC is only a few hours by car, but students for the most part have a good time staying where they are. Greek life has a long and storied history at Union. Several national fraternities originated here, and students still take it very seriously. They also make a point of resisting efforts by the administration to tamp it down. The frats are amazing,” says one freshman, raving about the “ great parties that dominate the social scene.” Other students are more circumspect. An alum reports, “One thing I would change would be the overwhelming emphasis of Greek life. Fraternities and sororities are a large part of many students Union experience, and it sometimes seemed that there was not a lot of social choice outside of frats.” One new partial alternative is the residential and cultural Minerva Houses, around which a subculture is developing. One sophomore explains, “The Minerva System is unique to Union and is a wonderful academic and social tool. It is important to note that the Minervas do not in any way replace Greek Life or weekend parties; instead they offer more wholesome activities and academically related events such as speakers and discussions.”
The size and character of the student body can also pose a challenge to some. One freshman maintains, “If you are not wealthy and your skin is not white you will feel out of place at Union but you will most likely hang out with a more ‘alternative’ group and the majority of the school will pretend that you don't exist.” Another offers a different perspective: “Most of the students here are very wealthy; a lot of people are wearing Dolce & Gabana, Hermes, Kate Spade, Louis Vutton, Gucci, etc. However, I come from a family that is not so well off and found that most of the kids here are still relatable and friendly. At first I thought the money barrier would be a problem but it usually is not.” Most students are happy with the other 2,000 undergrads and insist diversity can be found if looked for, but a sizable minority confesses to ambivalence about living in a community primarily composed of white, financially comfortable New Englanders. A senior sums it up: “I often wish that I went to a bigger school because it would make it more diverse and I would be able to meet new people all the time.”
Aside from some griping about General Education requirements, everyone can agree on the academics, which have been the backbone of the college since its founding over two centuries ago. “Union College is perfect for academically serious students seeking a small liberal arts environment. The college matches its reputation,” says a junior econ major, adding, “Out of the 14 professors I have had at Union, I have built strong relationships with 3/4's of them.” A senior engineering major adds, “Academics at Union are incredible. Our facilities are fantastic. For example, we have a scanning electron microscope that is only reserved for undergraduate use. At larger schools, this is unheard of.”
Overall, most students enjoy their well-rounded college experience. Here at Union, says one ambitious freshman, “You will get a great education, party a great deal at frats, and in the end you will become a more socially involved and active person in ways you never thought you would before. I was always involved in cooking at restaurants and now I am running the Culinary House on campus and am making a cookbook right now I hope to release next year.”
