University of Miami, Oxford Ohio College Tour

As I sit on the bus heading out of Oxford I reflect on my experience for the past day and a half at the University of Miami, Oxford Ohio. Lush trees, large red brick buildings and students buzzing around. If you ask most of my students they have never heard of Miami. But as we leave I can’t help but feel it would serve so many of my students in such a powerful way.

Highlights…

The campus is a bit remote from cities and towns, but that’s what I feel adds to the school community and campus pride. 98% of students live on or within a 2 mile radius mile of campus. So for a non-resident student feeling out of place or not involved seems pretty rare.
Access. Miami has mostly undergraduate students and faculty that focus on giving students resources and experiences in labs, research, projects and involvement.
Wide range of study options. Most, if not all students we spoke with had a major, co-major or one to two minors. Students in business also had an emphasis in art. Foreign language, international studies, sports management, theater, architecture, pre-med co-major, you name it they were doing it.
Active campus. Clubs, Greek life, an ice rink housing their top notch hockey team with a strong fan following, equestrian team, community service and social activities committees.
Farmer School of Business gives students a competitive, collaborative working environment. Programs such as the international business certificate program in China, investment banking case competitions where students can study away in San Francisco, marketing for Disney and tax policy in NY and DC connect students beyond Ohio.
Flexibility. Students can either audition for specific department such as music performance, theater and architecture or they can major in something completely different and still incorporate a minor in the arts.
Study abroad and still graduate in 4 years with 4-year tuition guarantee.

Tons of information is available online and what can happen is that a lot of schools seem similar when researching a lot so how do you look at them differently? I can try to sum up the fit here:

Miami, Oxford yes is isolated, but has a vibrant student body that feeds off each other and study beyond campus perimeters.
Students are friendly, approachable and students from all backgrounds are present.
A student who wants school pride and athletics.
A student who is looking for
resources and research opportunities at the undergraduate level (not competing with grad students)
Mid-size university with big programs and interdisciplinary feel.
Students who want that quintessential college town feel (uptown with shops and restaurants, charm).

Check out some of my photos and if interested head to their website.