Recently, Baruch College has been in the news for protests against tuition hike. The greatest asset to an individual in this country is "freedom of speech." With that, both students and faculty members gathered outside Baruch to rally against the raise. However, by the evening, CUNY board of trustees had made their decision: they approved the $300- per- year increase in tuition. So, don't be alarmed when you see that bill increasing in amount every year.
While the increase in tuition is a bummer, Baruch College, located at Lexington Ave and 24th Street (NYC), buzzes with students of various age and ethnicity.The college has been consistently named one of the most diverse schools in the United States.
Baruch doesn't have a big campus environment like other CUNY colleges, but rather consists of 3 main buildings:
1. North Vertical Campus---NVC (most of classes are held in);
2. Field Building, also called the 23rd Building; and
3. The library located on 25th street.
Being that it is a commuter school, Dr. Mitchel B. Wallerstein, (President of Baruch College) is trying create a public plaza for students, which is to be situated between the NVC and library. While that is still in process, one can enjoy Madison Park, located just a few steps away. At the park, you can sit and enjoy your coffee during the fall, or read a novel and bask in the sun during spring. Union Square is also not far, and is the spot for shopping and hanging around. Baruch location is optimal. If you are hungry, you can walk a few blocks and be in the center of Indian cuisine, or walk to the other side, and find yourself eating Vietnamese. I find myself exploring the area and always finding different cuisines to eat. Not to mention, there are many halal stands that you can visit, if you are in a rush and need something quick to eat.
In terms of education, Baruch provides opportunities in business (Zicklin School of Business), arts & sciences (Weissman), and public affairs (School of Public Affairs). While it branches into liberal arts and public affairs, Baruch is mainly synonymous with the Zicklin School of Business. Many students, international and domestic, enter as undergraduates to major in a specific field of business, with Accounting and Finance being the top contenders.
When it comes to registration, it is difficult to get into a class that you really want, because you are competing with other students for seats. Many of the professors are amazing, but there are a few that I have encountered that haven't been the greatest. However, that is life. You have to learn to adapt yourself to certain situations and make the best of it. On a positive notes, professors are always available during office hours to provide extra help and guidance. So don't hesitate to drop by their offices and ask for their help.
There are others sources you can turn to in order to improve your academic performance. If you are struggling in a subject, there is the SACC (Student Academic Consulting Center) tutoring service that can be used. Along with SACC, the writing center provides guidance to help you hone your writing skills. Furthermore, the Bernard L. Schwartz Communication Institute, helps in developing your communication skills. Baruch stresses communication and writing intensive course to help students improve in both areas.
One of the complaints with the college is that it doesn't emulate the campus feeling. To combat the issue, various clubs and organizations exist to provide the social atmosphere. To give a number, there are more than 160 clubs registered and recognized by Student Life. To get students involved, clubs collaborate with each other to host events such as Masquerade Party, Dress For Success Fashion Show, Relay for Life, and many more. Clubs hours (Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12:30-2:30PM and Fridays from 6:00-8:00pm) are specifically set aside, so students can get out of the confines of their classrooms and socialize/network with their peers.
When I started my freshman year at Baruch, I felt lost and alone. Transitioning from high school to college wasn't a piece of cake. The setting and the people were all new. However, I soon settled in and went with the flow. I would wake up in the morning, get ready, and take the MTA to arrive at the college. Then take out my ID, swipe through the turnstile (just like swiping the metro card), and go to my classes. Speaking of ID, it is a hassle to go from one building to the next. If you want to enter the library, you have to swipe your ID. If you want to enter the computer lab, you have to once again swipe your ID. Oh! and if you want to enter the gym, guess what, you have to swipe your ID. It is understandable the safety measures Baruch implements, but at the same time, as a student it becomes a tad bit annoying. It is especially frustrating when you're running late for a class, but you're more late when you have to search through your bag to take out your ID to swipe and enter. But, rules are rule and so one has to follow them. After some time, it becomes a part of your routine when coming to Baruch. So remember, always have your ID handy, or else be ready to put in your ID# through the computer system in order to receive verification from the security that you may enter the educational facility.
Furthermore, you will certainly get your daily dose of exercise, for the escalators that are located on the floors don't function. Repairs have been started, but they are still not functioning at the moment. So you have couple of options to choose from:
1. Use the main elevators (stop at main floors 5, 8, 11) and then walk up the stairs;
2. Use local elevators (very slow at coming);
3. Use the stairway, but you don't want to walk all the way up to 12th Floor; or
4. Walk up the non-functioning escalators.
In addition, the purchasing price of textbooks is astounding. It not just at Baruch, but at other institutions as well. So make Amazon your best friend. Don't hesitate to buy used books and be on the look out for fliers posted by students who are selling textbooks. Practice your bargaining skills and ask for a better price.
Lastly, if your going to the library, good luck finding a comfy cough to sit on and study. You will find students using couches as makeshifts beds by combining two couches together. So if your tired, and want to take a nap, be very quick, and dash to the library to make your bed. You will sure to get a good sleep, because it is very quite at the library, with an exception of few individuals. But, if you're not there to sleep, but rather to study, then don't worry. There are study rooms that you can rent for couple of hours. But be sure to renew the key if you need the room for extra hours because if you fail to return the key on time, then be ready to take out your wallet and pay a fee (kind of like an overdraft fee on a card).
Bear in mind that with each college there are pros and cons. While Baruch is certainly not ahead with functioning escalators, it does have a great educational programs.