My daughters chose very different colleges. UD restored my faith in higher ed.

Between 1987 and 1994, my brother and I were UD students. We remember friends, favorite places and where we lived with great fondness. We received a quality education and went on to successful careers.

Regardless of our love for UD, we would not likely list it in the top tier in the country.

Maybe we should.

I have two daughters in college. One is at a highly respected New England institution, the other at UD. Recently, UD has taught me an “elite institution” is not what I thought it was.

My husband and I were thrilled about the possibilities awaiting our older daughter at a university steeped in tradition and reputation. As semesters have gone by, she has certainly grown — in problem solving.

The warning signs started with our campus tour, which did not visit any residence or dining halls. When we arrived at our daughter’s dorm assignment her first year, we understood why. Its location, in a neighborhood of abandoned and run-down houses, was concerning. During the year, some students placed storage containers in hallways to capture leaking water. Others had confrontations with threatening people on the way home from campus; some were mugged. Our daughter contracted food poisoning due to malfunctioning refrigeration in the snack bar.

Her academic program has one advisor for more than 200 graduate and undergraduate students. One class, with 14 students, had only 13 computers with the proper software; one student went without a terminal each class. Faculty have changed class times after registration, forcing students to redesign their schedules. Amenities guaranteed upon acceptance –equipment, access to expert staff, extra working space — never materialized.

At UD, things were different.

At UD, things were different. Our younger daughter experienced unexpected setbacks her first semester. We weren’t sure she would return. Everyone we encountered at UD was compassionate, knowledgeable and supportive. UD obviously cared about our daughter’s future. Phone calls were answered, emails and texts returned, and appointments kept. Staff worked with faculty to allow our daughter to complete her finals so she would receive credit for the semester. The marching band director held her reservation for a performance in London.

When she returned to campus, there were no road blocks. UD kept her in the courses she had registered for and helped with necessary changes. Advisors even facilitated opportunities to re-engage her in her studies. Housing provided an appropriate room. Her meal plan and ID were reactivated. I wondered how painful this process would have been at my older daughter’s school, where no one answers messages and office names are so confusing no one can figure out where to go for assistance.

We knew, without question, that UD has comfortable, safe and well-maintained facilities; healthy food choices; and well-staffed academic departments.

Good old UD, it seems, knows how to run a campus and educate its students.

Good old UD, it seems, knows how to run a campus and educate its students.

If our experience is common, UD deserves the kudos many other schools, resting on their reputations and laurels for years, continually receive. UD shows the exceptional operation and heartfelt care for students every parent wants their child to receive at college. Big names and rankings mean little when students are navigating serious life concerns between classes and internships.

Thank you, UD, for restoring my faith in academic institutions. I should have known you would.

photos provided