The Wonderful World of College Brochures

• Published in: Academe Vol. 89; no. 4; pp. 34 - 36
• Main Author: Many, Paul
• Format: Magazine Article Trade Publication Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington American Association of University Professors 01.07.2003
• Subjects: Admission Criteria; Brochures; Campuses; Carrey, Jim; College Choice; College Faculty; College Students; Colleges; Colleges & universities; Computers; Higher Education; Languages; Lewis, Jerry; Music Education; School campuses; Istanbul Turkey; Turkey; United Kingdom > UK; New Mexico; United States > US; Arctic region; England; New York City New York
• ISSN: 0190-2946; 2162-5247
• DOI: 10.2307/40252492

In this article, the author presents the top ten things he has learned about U.S. colleges from colorful college brochures: (1) They are all located in New England in the fall; (2) At least one neo-Georgian building, glimpsed through heavy vegetation, dominates the campus; (3) Small groups of students composed of at least one Asian, one African American, one Caucasian, and one of indeterminate ethnicity roam the campus frolicking on the grass, playing Frisbee, or eating lunch together; (4) Their campuses are all conveniently situated at the center of something and are within a short distance of at least one other major or quaint thing; (5) Their faculty members use extravagant hand gestures; (6) Judging by the facial expressions of the students in classes, lectures are either riveting or hilarious; (7) Other small groups of students around campus may typically be seen staring at some item that a faculty member is holding up in front of them; (8) None charge tuition, or if they do, it is surprisingly affordable, and there is a great deal of financial aid to be had for those who qualify; (9) These schools have close to a thousand major areas, many of which are interdisciplinary; and (10) They are in the top ranks of something.