Review #400.
After…read morebeing in the work force for over a decade, I was displaced in a manner of speaking. I graduated from high school in the mid 1990's, and had gone to community college where I was living. In my search for a 4-year university to transfer to, UNO was suggested to me. I applied, and was admitted Fall term 2011 as a junior in the College of Business Administration.
This school is built on what is a former military installation, as you may be able to tell by some of the older cookie cutter houses surrounding it that all look like military housing. The base was closed sometime in the mid-1950's, and the state took over the property, creating the University of New Orleans. In recent years, the basketball team has had some recognition for their stellar plays.
My anxiety was high as I moved across the country to come here. I do feel as if I got a well rounded education, and was exposed to differing points of view here. Though it took me another 2 and a half years to graduate, I can say that I did it.
The gym is nice, has an indoor swimming pool, an elevated track above the basketball courts. The University Center houses the student government, the dining hall and several kiosks of fast food.
All of the buildings were clean and neat that I have been in. The school of Business is awesome. The career development center is very helpful and will help you in getting your resume in shape. I would be careful of the tutor center for the school of business, as I did not find them helpful. The main piece of advice they give is to read the textbook. They are unable to help with the details of accounting.
The Cove was still closed when I first arrived to UNO, but they finished renovating it my second term I was there, and that was nice. It is also nice that they have the Privateer Enrollment Center in the library, taking up half of the first floor. It is nice to have one stop shopping for financial aid, Veterans Services, the bursar's office and be able to get your parking pass and student ID all in one place. It was all in separate areas and buildings when I first got to UNO, and quite the pain to get to everything, as the steps seemed out of order to get everything done. The streamlined affects are wonderful. When it comes to the parking pass, I think it is a bit on the high side for prices, and parking is at a premium.
The library is pretty cool. When it was built, there was a rule put into place that nothing could be built between it and the lake so you could have unobstructed views from the 2nd floor up. That is a great idea. The only reason you can not see it from the first floor is due to the levee being in the way.
In the spring, they have a crawfish boil that is free for all students, and a small charge for the alumni. They have plenty of things to do. An outdoor movie night near the cove. Plays, musical performances, and so much more. I am glad that I came, I am glad I graduated. And I am glad to have done my first two years at a community college to transfer so I did not have to retake the ACT!
Also, when you (as a student) have enough credits to be considered a junior, each term, there is an option for a fine dining experience. The intent is to get you more comfortable with the experience of dining in a professional setting. Half your table will be students, the other half will be faculty and staff and will give insights on how to properly handle yourself in public with future bosses, coworkers and other business people. Too cool! And a great experience! This may not be the most popular school, but the basketball team has made some traction with improvements lately. You are in a good part of New Orleans, and you are close enough to all of the action in one of the coolest cities in the world.
All in all, I appreciate my experience and education here. I do feel prepared for the much anticipated career change, and am grateful for the opportunity. This university is more of a commuter school, but as an adult student, I, in no way, shape or form, felt left out or old. I highly recommend this school for a well rounded education that is well earned. Some of the Business Administration courses and more of the Accounting courses really tested my stamina and drive for a degree. Truly. Please do not mind the younger students that guide the orientations or the tours of the university, they do not fully represent the entirety of the school, but talk to some of the students if you can.
