Dawson
Sadly, yes. While there are many excellent students at IUP, and although new IUP president Tony Atwater is trying very hard to shed this image, the results are patently obvious in the hung over beer-breath students I encounter in my morning classes. The main street of Indiana, Philadelphia Street, is known as "Bardelphia" street by some of us locals. (Culpeppers, Boomerangs, Wolfendales, Al Patti's, Cozumel, and Sgros are all bars present between fifth street and tenth street on this main thoroughfare.)
Jeffrey
I don't feel that the idea of IUP being any less of a school than Pitt is an accurate stereotype. There are a lot of not so intelligent people here, but that comes with any school setting.
Jeremy
In truth, IUP does have a very strong party atmosphere. Most students feel free to make their own choices, so there is not so much a sense of peer pressure to party as there is an pervading desire to continually engage in these behaviors.
IUP is a very diverse campus. Although a majority of students call Pennsylvania home, they are diverse enough in their demographic to include students of all demographics. IUP also hosts a great number of international students.
IUP has many strong individual students who strive to maintain a high academic standard, but the majority of students have a very relaxed approach to college, focusing more on fun and pleasure rather than seeking knowledge and maturing in their chosen professions.
At times, it is hard to see how the administration at IUP can care about the students when very few efforts are made to connect with the general student body. Most often the feeling is one of a disconnected group of people making decisions that may or may not be in agreement with what the student body is seeking. IUP has done a poor job of cultivating a relationship with the students in hearing their needs and striving to provide the college experience that is desired.
IUP does have a poor relationship with the community. True, many townspeople are engaged with activities that occur on the campus such as performances and visiting speakers, but the focus is always on the school rather than actively engagement of the community. IUP has made very few efforts to involve itself and its students with the surrounding businesses, charities, social and volunteer societies, etc. Many students are only familiar with the bars that line several blocks of Philadelphia Street. Many do not know anything about the local schools, town history, the public library, stores and business that are located outside of the campus, and local recreational opportunities like parks and pools.
Meghan
To some degree, these stereotypes are accurate, but you'd find them anywhere if you wanted to.
Angie
These assumptions couldn't be more inaccurate- don't get me wrong, there is definiately a great social scene and plenty of do to entertain your free time... however, MANY students at IUP are committed to their education and the university has educated some of the finest scholars around. Their students have a fantastic reputation in the workforce. Additionally, with such a large student body, it is very common to meet IUP alumni in almost any field of work you choose.
toni
As far as the area being small, yes, it is true. You can keep busy, but it is not going to find you. You definetly need to be proactive to keep busy.
Alaina
Well, it is a pretty nice party school but you can either choose to go down that rode or choose to go to classes.
Jenn
I think IUP is the same as any school, there is the group of students who think college is one big party and then there are the students that are at IUP to get an education. So no not completely accurate.