Academics
At many universities, the school motto is just a slogan on a seal. But at Florida A&M, students assure us that their motto "excellence with caring" is actualized on every level of university life. Instructors here "don't just teach, they mentor as well." As one student puts it, "My academic experience here has been challenging, but the support you receive is what has made it one to cherish." Another tells us FAMU provides "an unmatched, high-quality, affordable education for all walks of life, while staying true to its historically black roots." "It features several colleges, including the School of Business and Industry, that encourage growth, both personally and professionally, so that students are ready to meet life's challenges head on." Programs in pharmacy, nursing, architecture, and journalism also receive high praise, and in all majors, there is an "emphasis on professional development." While learning the fundamental and essential information contained within one's major, one is also being taught professionalism and how to handle oneself in the business world." Professors are "experts from the field," "have a sincere passion to teach," and "are always there when you need them, in and out of the classroom." While the "administration as a whole is sometimes slow about getting things done," especially financial aid paperwork, FAMU has excellent scholarship opportunities, and among the student body, faculty, and alumni alike, there are "networking opportunities like no other" school can offer.
Student Body
Student descriptions of a typical Rattler: "Someone [who] was [in] the top of their high school class" and "one of African-American descent with extensive ambition and a very outgoing personality." The "typical students at FAMU love to party, but they also know when it's time to crack down and hit the books." But across the board, students say, "The typical student is always looking for ways to stay involved and to give back to the school and to the community." "Fitting in at FAMU is as simple as being involved on campus," and "students are always actively engaged in the various clubs and organizations," of which "there are too many…to count, so there is a club for everybody to join." While FAMU is highly ranked among Historically Black Colleges and Universities, "there is a growing population of all different races and minorities, which is great." There are also a lot of legacy students here.
Campus Life
School spirit is everything at FAMU! Students take a lot of pride in both their personal endeavors and their collective identity as a "FAMU-ly." "Homecoming time is the best time!" one student says. "It feels like a family reunion. Alumni reach out to students and vice versa." Football games here are well-attended, and the school's band, the Marching 100, is one of the top in the nation, making for un-missable half-time shows. But athletics are hardly the only extracurricular activity getting attention at FAMU; Students say, "We take student elections very seriously, and many campaigns at Florida A&M University could go head to head with national campaigns." "People participate in extracurricular activities such as modeling troupes, dance troupes, organizations in your major, Greek organizations and community service organizations." The Set, the school's student union, is a major social hub, and is home to the weekly party Set Friday, "where the student body has a great time starting off the weekend with all the perks of…college social life... All of the organizations showcase something, [and] there are music, food, [and] vendors." School pride translates to academic achievements as well, and studying in groups in the library is a popular past time. Students assure us, "We play hard and do schoolwork harder!"
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