Academics
Traditional academics are strong at Willamette, but perhaps what stands out most is that 鈥渓earning opportunities outside of the classroom are endless.鈥 Located right across the street from the Oregon state capitol, there are countless 鈥渓eadership opportunities and student research opportunities.鈥 Professors here are 鈥渧ery willing to help students find internships, jobs and research opportunities.鈥 In the classroom, those same professors are 鈥渋ncredible resources鈥 who 鈥渁re all very dedicated to their classes rather than research or outside obligations,鈥 and who provide classes that 鈥渁re interesting and varied.鈥 You will be challenged, but only with the goal of helping you succeed. As one student notes, 鈥淚 have felt intellectually pushed outside my comfort zone while still being incredibly supported in all of my academic classes.鈥 Another noticed that 鈥渕y professors are not looking to fail me or weed me out of classes; they just believe in me, and want me to excel.鈥 These educators 鈥渕ake their material relevant鈥 and tend to be 鈥減assionate about their subject.鈥 Classes are 鈥渙ften discussion-based, not lecture-based, so students are not just regurgitating information they hear from a professor, but working with the material and exploring their own thoughts and ideas.鈥 Overall, the environment here 鈥渆ncourages growth and development, both inside and outside the classroom,鈥 which one student says is 鈥渦nique to a small Liberal Arts school.鈥
Student Body
Given the nature of life on campus, it should come as no surprise that 鈥渁 typical Willamette student is excited to learn, to explore, and be an active participant within the community.鈥 Students here are 鈥渋nterested in helping others through academic tutoring and community service,鈥 a group who tend to be 鈥渁ccepting, politically involved, and civic minded.鈥 Individuals vary鈥斺渟tudents embrace the idea of being unique and proud of it鈥濃攂ut almost all are 鈥渁cademically driven, balanced with social endeavors, and eager to mix in with other students.鈥 Most are 鈥渇rom the West Coast,鈥 鈥渇riendly and open,鈥 and, of course, very busy. 鈥淎lmost all students are involved in multiple things.鈥 This common need to be doing things ensures students 鈥渟hare a friendliness that's evident the moment you step onto campus.鈥 As one student notes, to get the most out of Willamette, 鈥測ou have to be willing to challenge yourselves and others, and be accepting of the community you are a part of.鈥
Campus Life
鈥淟ots of intellectual discussions,鈥 a thriving Greek life, pursuing 鈥渟ocial justice鈥 and 鈥渟ocial causes,鈥 and just plain being busy are the core of life at Willamette. On this campus, 鈥渢here is a lot of emphasis on how to make an impact on the community and the school as a whole.鈥 Indeed, 鈥渟tudents are involved in a variety of organizations on campus and off that concern these types of issues,鈥 which is not difficult given the school鈥檚 close proximity to Oregon鈥檚 seat of government. Students here 鈥渙ften think about politics, civic duties, and volunteering,鈥 filling their time with 鈥減hilanthropic events, house parties, or outdoor trips.鈥 This isn鈥檛 limited to a minority of students, either. 鈥淰ery few students only attend class; most have three or more activities they are involved in.鈥 Less intellectual pursuits are within range, though may be something of a drive. Portland and all its quirky culture is a close forty minutes away, while the Oregon coast and Mount Hood are about two hours away. But students don鈥檛 need to venture far. 鈥淭here is so much to see and do in the Willamette Valley that students have opportunities to do pretty much anything.鈥
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