Academics
Southeast Missouri State University offers “small class sizes,” “personal attention,” and “a wide range of majors.” “The education program is awesome,” and business and nursing programs also receive high praise. A new and “really, really nice” River Campus for theater, music, and art boasts “absolutely breathtaking” views of the mighty Mississippi. However, “the best thing about SEMO is the fact that it is so cheap.” A textbook rental program reduces costs even further and “scholarships are quite generous.” Professors are decidedly “hit and miss,” though. There are “amazing professors” who are “very enthusiastic” and “encourage you to come see them in their offices.” “What I really like about my professors is that they actually know who I am,” says an education major. “They go out of their way to commend students who work hard and produce quality work.” There are also some professors who “lack the ability to get information across.” “I have taken some courses and learned absolutely nothing,” laments a marketing major. Some students call the administration “pretty reliable” and approachable. “They try to make everybody feel welcome,” asserts a history major, “from the 18-year-old freshman to the 45-year-old nontraditional student.” Detractors say that the administration is overly concerned with “building the brand” and “needs to rethink some of their priorities,” Also, despite SEMO’s affordability, some students are “less than satisfied” with the handling of financial aid paperwork.
Student Body
Ethnically, it’s mainly white students here along with a rapidly growing international student population. Southeast is home to “a lot of St. Louis suburbanites” who “wanted to go to Mizzou but either didn’t have the grades or the money to get in.” Many students from Missouri’s Bootheel choose SEMO because it’s “affordable and close to home.” There are also commuters and nontraditional students from Cape Girardeau “who work outside of school.” They “just go to class and that’s it.” Students describe themselves as “friendly and energetic.” Many are “hardworking” and “diligent” while others are “average” academically and “just go through the motions” when it comes to coursework.
Campus Life
“There is an insane amount of clubs on campus,” says a sophomore, “and it’s not too difficult to get involved in whatever it is that interests you.” There’s “a big crowd” of people involved in music and theater. Also, the Student Activities Council “works really hard to bring entertainment to campus.” Athletic events are sparsely attended, though intramurals are popular and the recreation center is impressive. SEMO’s strong commuter aspect is the biggest social limitation. “We are still a suitcase campus,” counsels a senior. “A lot of local students from small towns don’t stay to get involved.” Students who stick around “party a lot and are extremely social.” They frequent the “many bars” and very tasty local eateries in the “great small town” of Cape Girardeau. “There are some good parties,” too, and “Greek life is a very big deal.” Complaints here include the parking situation and a few “really run-down” dorms. Also, be warned: this campus is “beyond hilly.” Climbs can be steep.
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