Studying: Psychology, English

Email: emg752@gmail.com 

​

Questions about Academics and COVID-19

 

What were your classes like in your first year or in your major/concentration, especially transitioning from Shen? 

I found them challenging, but not overwhelmingly so. At Union, we take three classes in per term with three terms per year, so it wasn’t too difficult to balance the workload. A major difference between high school and college classes is the importance of note taking. Taking notes in high school classes was not essential to one’s success as a student, but in college, it definitely is.

​

What academic experiences have stood out to you at your college in either positive or negative ways?

I really like the trimester system at Union. With fewer classes to balance, I can focus more detailed attention on each class. I have also found that at a small school like Union, you truly get to know your professors. I think this is invaluable. Having a positive relationship with a professor can change your entire experience of a course.

​

How was your online learning experience at your college? What resources did your college provide you during this time?

My online experience was a stressful one, but it had a clear silver lining. All of my professors were much more available to meet outside of class, though there were some professors who were much more understanding than others. For instance, while one of my professors wouldn’t really budge on deadlines, another gave generous extensions to whoever needed one and assigned papers with no minimum length requirement. Thus, overall, course difficulty depended on the professor, which is true of college even when it’s not online. I think Union did the best it could with the situation at hand, given that we had to close and transition to online classes on such short notice.

​

What did your college do well or poorly to support students and communities when COVID-19 first hit?

I think Union was as transparent as it could be with its communications to students and faculty considering the fact that they were dealing with a crazy experience just like the rest of us. As for financial support, room and board costs were removed, but as far as I know, they also reduced financial aid so that everyone ended up paying about the same amount that they usually did. An online class is definitely not worth the same amount as an in-person class, so I was disappointed by this.

​

Questions about Student Life

 

If students are interested in your major/concentration, what extracurricular activities do you recommend they do at your college?

If students are interested in Psychology, I recommend they get involved with the Kenney Community Center. I’ve volunteered and worked with them throughout my first two years at Union, and next year I’ll be working there through work-study. It’s a great opportunity to help out in your community and to get a feel for the kind of face-to-face service that careers in Psychology tend to focus on.

​

What are common things to do on weekends? Do students commute back home for the weekend or are there events on campus?

There are usually events on campus every weekend! The students in the club that organizes these events work really hard to create fun activities that anyone can get involved in. There are also weekend movies if I’m not mistaken.

​

Extra Questions

​

What makes your college special to you?

The people I’ve met at Union, whether professors, students, or other employees, have been wonderful. I’ve made some very close friends and I’ve worked with incredible professors. I’m also grateful that at Union, it’s easy to make counseling appointments whenever you need them. I’ve never had to wait weeks to meet with someone, and Union doesn’t have any sort of “first five sessions guaranteed and then you’re on your own” policy like I’ve heard of at other, larger schools.

​

Before COVID-19, what was the housing like at your college? What would you recommend to Shen seniors to find their roommates?

I went with a random roommate my first year and ended up having a not so great experience. If that happens to you, definitely consider switching early on so you don’t have to spend a year with a person who doesn’t treat you well. However, don’t be afraid to go random if you can’t find a person to room with! I also got a random roommate my second year, and she turned out to be a great friend.

​

​

​