Westminster University (WC)

Set amidst the spectacular peaks of the Wasatch Mountains, Westminster University is a quaint liberal arts college in a small neighborhood of Salt Lake City. Undergrads praise "a very rigorous academic load" and "a community that doesn't center around academic competition, but academic empowerment." This collaborative culture includes faculty that is "attentive and understanding." One undergrad says, "Professors are very accessible,... [and] if office hours don't work for you, they will make other times to meet." Students generally agree that professors are "experts in their fields [and] extremely knowledgeable." There are complaints, however, about adjunct professors who "seem to be less committed." The small campus and class sizes allow students "to communicate one-on-one with professors [and give students] the opportunity to get to know...classmates better." Despite the size of Westminster, "resources are abundant at the college," and students have access to hands-on research opportunities, internships, study abroad programs, and conferences. Frequently mentioned majors include "a great nursing program," biology, and theater.

"The culture is welcoming and socially relaxed" at Westminster University. "There is a general mix of artistic and intellectual students who are driven by learning." Additionally, there is also an awareness of social issues, and "it's easy to strike up a conversation about gender bias or cultural inequality because our students are well educated and always up for challenging their thought process to make positive change happen," one undergrad reports. That said, some take issue with the common "liberal ideology." Moreover, while students may have a "diversity of interests," some find that "there is not much diversity in terms of race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability." The student body is predominantly "white and at least upper middle class." But while it might seem like a fairly uniform campus, "everyone you meet is open to every walk of life [and] accepting of differences."

Outdoor activities are a big draw to students at Westminster. And with six ski resorts within a half-hour drive, "a lot of people look forward to snowboarding and skiing." In fact, one student says that "Westminster has a core of people who like to ski and that is often all they do"-Griffins love their slopes! Others clarify that "there is more [to] Westminster than just skiing and snowboarding." Sure, "winter sports are popular here, but most of us are more concerned with our academics than the ski hill." A happy medium would be the on-campus clubs available to students, which "always try to provide activities or events." Something students are unanimous on is the food options, from on-campus student centers that "are great stops for a quick meal or coffee to recharge" to the restaurants in Salt Lake City, which has the added benefit of being "a very cool city."