The University of California San Diego Website: Those who visit, those who stay.

Samuel Zajde

Dr. Weaver

English Composition II

27 March 2022

Summary

             The website of UC San Diego is a bold and illustrative attempt to attract students from a high variance of backgrounds that have a drive to change their communities and become “global leaders” (https://ucsd.edu/about/index.html). Through intense language and daring expectations, the school presents itself as a place for high achievers and steep competition. The rhetorical strategies used by the website designers include the assumptions they make about the visitors of the website and the ideal readers, or the ideal students, that the university is actively persuading to attend their school.

Analysis

            Currently, a first-time visitor of the UC San Diego website would be met with the smiling faces of women celebrating “Herstory” Month. There is little to no clutter on the initial home page with wide margins surrounding a brief paragraph relaying the school’s commemoration. There is no confusion as to where to look. Everything to be read is stacked in singular sections and utilizes the visitor’s entire monitor with one message and one-color scheme. After the Women’s History message, newly accepted students are welcomed and asked to “Visit your Applicant Portal to discover more about what makes UC San Diego unique” (UCSD Website- Home page). Very quickly the audience has already been shown a club they are not a part of. An applicant portal is only useful for those applying or have been accepted to the school. The school could have instead further advertised itself with the runner up spot of the home page, but it opted not to because of what they assume about their audience. Perhaps the first time a high schooler visits this site they won’t know when the school was formed or how good or bad their medical program is, but they will know that UCSD is highly competitive school. Assuming this, UCSD web developers further press the nerve of competition. Their ideal readers are the over-achievers, those that seek out to go to the best school they possibly can. Welcoming newly accepted and waving the applicant portal on the top of the front page heavily caters towards the competitive college-searchers that want to cut straight to business.

           Along with high achieving academic statistics, diversity and inclusion is a core value frequently discussed on the website. There is an entire page dedicated to diversity which encourages students to “engage in self-reflection and dialogue” and “become a social justice leader” (https://ucsd.edu/student-life/diversity/index.html) . The reasoning behind why UCSD chooses to prioritize diversity may be multifactored. On one hand, the school is exceptionally diverse with white students comprising only 19.3% of the entire school following Asian (33.1%) and Hispanic (21.9%) students, which could mean the school would be inclined to encourage acceptance and inclusivity to help its student body. Diversity has also historically been a prized achievement that colleges and universities have strived to obtain and showcase, an achievement so widely sought for it even caught the attention of the Supreme Court. Regardless of the reasoning behind it, the website makes it clear that UCSD is a place where diversity is welcomed and happily spoken about, which points to their ideal readers who are willing to work with people who come from different backgrounds. The extent of the school’s diversity incentivizes the website creators to actively seek out these students.

          In accordance with it’s diversity, 17.5% of UCSD’s student body are international students (https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-california-san-diego/student-life/diversity/). This presents itself in the language of certain parts of the website. For instance, a section of the “about” page affirmed that the school would “prepare the next generation of global leaders” ( https://ucsd.edu/about/index.html) and that “UC San Diego first-year and transfer students come from all over California and throughout the word” (https://ucsd.edu/admissions-aid/index.html) — the latter quote coming from their admissions page. This builds on the websites goal of reaching out to specific audiences.

          Beyond academics and the overall structure of the school, there is an underlying assumption within the website over a preference in climate. San Diego is of course located in Southern California, which is a place not so well known for its ski slopes. The website ensures to show very appetizing photos of a warm beach under a low sunset along with pictures of wide, private shores convincingly capable of taking away all of a person’s worries. The website developers clearly assume that this sort of climate is preferable to those applying to the school, especially considering that many applicants would be from California or at least be aware of what the weather would be like there before applying.

Response

          Would I go to this school? Yes, absolutely. If it weren’t for logistical complications, I would very much like to attend that school. For me, however, there would be a big struggle with the heated competition of the school. It is extremely difficult to get in, but assuming that I would for the sake of this question, I would likely feel a lot of unwanted pressure from my peers and professors, whether it be intentional or not. I am the type of person where competition can really hurt my focus. In fact, I would always struggle to finish assignments in high school that were graded on time. In math if I had to beat my pears by finishing an assignment before them, I would be unable to concentrate. The only way I can be successful is if I can completely focus on myself and my work and not have to worry about what other people are doing. Looking over my shoulder to see what my competitors are doing is something I avoid like the plague.

         With that being said, I think I am capable enough to attend this level of a school. I would especially be interested in their global policy and strategy school, as foreign affairs and geopolitics is something that I love to learn about. As seen on their website, this school has so much funding and is so well known across the country that it is a considerable force of opportunity for any student.

 

Works Cited:

“University of California – San Diego Diversity: Racial Demographics & Other Stats.” University of California – San Diego Diversity: Racial Demographics & Other Stats – College Factual, College Factual, https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-california-san-diego/student-life/diversity/.

 

https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/university-of-california-san-diego/student-life/diversity/

 

“UC San Diego Celebrates Women’s ‘Herstory’ Month.” University of California San Diego, https://ucsd.edu/index.html.

https://ucsd.edu/about/index.html

 

College Website Analysis : Minnesota State University ,Mankato

Mensur Muzyin

Major Project Assignment 3 (SAR)

Dr. Rebecca Weaver

ENGL 1102

Summary

            Minnesota State University, Mankato (MNSU) is a public university located in Mankato, Minnesota, about an hour and thirty minutes from the Twin Cities. Their college website is an appealing site that introduces the institution’s green campus with a live video and also includes almost all of the essential information that might help students choose a college. This university provides 130 undergraduate programs, 75 graduate degrees, and four PhD programs. It is also well-known for international student recruitment and the financial assistance it provides to help students achieve academic success. They are seeking for a student that has great ideas, can excel in a variety of fields both in and out of the classroom in real life, engages in community activities on the diverse campus, and contributes value to the institution as a whole. And this university would be preferred by the student since it is a huge campus located in a peaceful natural location outside of the city, is widely recognized for its cutting-edge research, has a diversified population, and provides a considerable amount of financial assistance, but it also has winter weather.

Analysis

            Minnesota State University, Mankato tried to convince readers or students to begin their studies at their school by using purpose from the APARTSARC strategies and imagining ideal readers from the large rhetorical devices on their website. Almost all critical information about the institution that is useful in college selection is simply and concisely given and can be found on their site’s home page, about page, admission & aid page, and finally university life page. One example of how they used purpose to encourage students to enroll at MNSU is when they claimed, “We believe that a diverse campus is critical in order for our students…. productive members of a global society.”(MNSU “Home”) Everyone knows that diversity is an important component in college selection, and they are informing students that their institution has an inclusive diversity that provides equality in education and equal chances to all people from diverse groups. They have also mentioned that they have various diversity events as well as centers such as multicultural, women, LGBTQ, and several others. They are committed to promoting diversity and moving forward with implementing this strategic priority at all levels of the university. This is a clear example of how they employed purpose understanding that diversity plays a vital role in college selection, therefore they notified readers and students that they can be preferred since they have a diverse campus and promotes diversity as much as possible.

            Minnesota State Mankato values international students’ cultural contributions to their school and community and is a well-known international student recruiter. According to their admission and aid website, “All new undergraduate students are immediately given the International Maverick Scholarship”(MNSU “Admission & Aid”). This scholarship covers nearly half of the student tuition cost and significantly reduces financial expenses for international students. Knowing that financial aid is vital to foreign students, they have used purpose in the quotation above to entice international students to attend their university and win the scholarship so that they may reduce their financial expenditures and overall cost. The quotation above is a perfect example of how they used purpose using the  international maverick scholarship to all accepted students to lure international students.

            On their website’s program page, they stated, “We offer more than 130 undergraduate majors and over 75 graduate majors to feed your big ideas,” which is a perfect example of how they have imagined ideal readers – they have imagined students who have big ideas but haven’t decided what major to study would be misled by this statement because they have provided them with more than enough options to choose from. (MNSU “Programs”).Furthermore, on their admissions and aid page, they stated, “All new undergraduate students are immediately given the International Maverick Scholarship,” implying that international students who are required to pay out state tuitions and have too many expenses would be an ideal reader and of this quotation and would be deceived into joining their institution because it will reduce the cost, they have to spend to get their intended degree.(MNSU “Admission & Aid” ). Despite the fact that there are several more areas on the university’s website where various tactics were utilized, owing to constraints, the examples and explanations provided above must provide you with a quick overview of the university’s website as a whole.

Response

I’m going to be a little biased here since, by luck, I got the opportunity to see the entire institution the week before spring break, and it was fantastic. Furthermore, based on what I have learned and seen on their website; I would certainly attend this university. My first reason is that it is so diverse, and variety provides students with other worldviews to explore and participate with. I’d also like to learn in a diverse environment where I can share information and expertise with folks from all around the world. It also encourages my own development, which I cherish the most, and excites me to get better at interacting with individuals from varied backgrounds. Aside from its diversity, the second factor that drew me to MNSU is the variety of majors available in various fields. One surprising detail I encountered when applying to Georgia State University was that they do not offer a bachelor’s degree in engineering, which is unexpected given that engineering is not on the list of 250 programs. Finally, the campus was beautiful; it has a lot of space and also some home green and has water fountains everywhere, recreational facilities, several multicultural centers, vast sectioned dorms but also a snowy weather, or I can completely say that Mankato is built around the campus; it is the most essential element. The campus is also surrounded by a number of comfy off-campus housing options that are managed in some form by the university. For sure, I would go there if it came to GA. I was delighted to conduct research on MNSU and, by chance, to visit the campus and write a brief overview.

Work Cited

Minnesota State University, Mankato , https://www.mnsu.edu/ , Accessed 2005.

Hawai’i Pacific College: Research Project

 

Jalam Ford

3/16/22

Dr. Weaver

 

Hawai’i Pacific College: Research Project

Summary

            Hawai’i Pacific University was founded in 1965 by Loo, Eureka Forbes, Elizabeth W. Kellerman, and Reverend Edmond Walker. They wanted to create a private liberal arts college in Honolulu, Hawaii. The professors At Hawai’i Pacific University that a student would learn from are at the top of their field but also industry knowledge to receive the best education possible. The professors are also well equipped to teach online and in face-to-face environments. HPU is a private University where you won’t receive the same education experience anywhere else with hands-on learning. The education is affordable for all Hawaii students and HPU has a diverse, committed faculty meaning the students will be learning with top priority and learning from the very best. This website uses the APATSARC strategy purpose in the attempt to inform students what all they will be experiencing if they choose to attend HPU. Lastly, Hawai’i Pacific University works to improve its education strategies to best fit its students’ needs.

Analysis

            Hawai’i Pacific University’s website expresses their confidence in how well any attendees will fit in and the learning opportunities that their students will be exposed to. The website has a large range of different fields of study with four tabs regarding the undergraduate, graduate, military, and online-only routes of study.

            HPU receives 7 million dollars in grants for STEM education, student aid, and campus upgrades. Hawai’i prides itself in providing only the best for its faculty and students. “Receiving these grants will provide significant support for our students, staff, and faculty at HPU,” said HPU Senior Vice President Jennifer Walsh, Ph.D. “Nearly every facet of our university will receive an upgrade or enhancement. From our Makapuʻu campus to Waterfront Plaza, to the anchor of our campus at Aloha Tower Marketplace. It is a wonderful time to be at HPU.” 

HPU is ranked the most diverse university in the United States. This section of the website uses the rhetorical style logos stating that “The university reached the top spot out of 100 ranked schools, making HPU “the most evenly divided demographic composition of an accredited school with over 1000 students”. HPU is home to over 4,500 students from all 50 United States, U.S. territories, and nearly 65 countries.

Hawai’i Pacific University hopes to launch a global tech program so that its’ students will have the opportunity to work with peers from around the world and learn employer-demanded skills to help improve their career outcomes through applied case studies and projects from companies. This is HPU’s way of assisting their students to have the best chance of getting a better, higher-paying job. The Podium Education currently works with 40 universities across the US bringing a new perspective of learning for all participants.

Next, the university understands that moving far away from home to attend a university that for most students is not at all close, they encourage the transition because there will be many activities and events when you arrive on campus. There are many first-year programs for the students who are trying to find where they fit in. The first years are assigned a Peer Mentor and what the university calls a Hanai volunteer, which is “staff and faculty volunteers who serve as an “auntie or uncle” and support a group of new students. The Hānai volunteers help bridge the divide students often feel when engaging with professionals by making faculty and staff more accessible in a casual setting. Like the PMs, the Hānai volunteer can also help new students navigate the university.” So, first-years are very cared for and engaged with so no new students feel left out. The campus encourages students to get involved right from the start and continuing to seek out opportunities to learn and engage will help make lasting friendships, perform well in their classes, and develop skill sets that will help them succeed in the further years to come.

Hawai’i Pacific University’s Career Development Center provides the necessary resources to be highly competitive in the transition from college to career. The university also offers a student-to-professional pathway. The HPU recognizes that the workplace is forever changing, and they want their students to be prepared for anything that they may experience after leaving the university.

Response

 

              During this research project, I realized that Hawai’i Pacific is a good option to consider after graduation from Georgia State University Perimeter College. HPU cares a lot about its students and faculty as they’re constantly upgrading their campus and giving them opportunities to come into college well equipped to be successful throughout their time on campus. There are many opportunities for the students to have extra help. Nowadays the world makes it seem that college is mandatory to succeed in the world but doesn’t give too much help to assist in a good job afterward. HPU helps with every student’s financial situation making it more affordable. 

                 There are many opportunities for the first years to get better acquainted with their new space and find new friends to maximize the best college experience. I personally don’t know if I would fully commit to a school so far from home, but it most definitely sounds like a safe option with thoroughly reading the website. Out-of-state colleges are already harder to pay for and since the funds are still paid for by my parents, I’m not entirely sure if she’d be comfortable paying for a college out of state. From the knowledge, I have now I’d recommend this college to a high schooler looking for college options.

Paragon International University

Paragon International University “postGRADUATE PROSPECTUS”

Summary

Paragon International University is a private nonprofit University founded, May 18, 2010, in Phenom Penn, Cambodia. It has been accredited by the Accreditation Committee of Cambodia and the Royal government of Cambodia, which has led it to be a very selective institution. The young university perfect for students in Cambodia that care about their education, their community, and want a successful career in engineering, business, or agriculture.

Analysis

            The Paragon International University uses Imagining Ideal Readers and the Rhetorical style Ethos strategies. The purpose of the Universities website was to interest students from Cambodia and around the world to go to their university. They have many success stories posted on their website from former and current students that go to the university to inspire possible students to come to their university. PIU has many programs and resources available to students. The University also states that one of their core values is community service. The Universities lectures are all typically professors that have a PHD or at least have a master’s degree and teaching experience from around the world. This shows that the University is looking for readers that will be not only interested in their higher education and career path but also care to be active in the Cambodian community.

            The Paragon International University reads they, “Provide capacity building for students in all education and training programs to equip them with entrepreneurship and innovation skills, inquiry-based learning, cross-cultural competence, employability skills and a sense of social responsibility” (PIU “About mission”). This quote supports Imagining Ideal Readers, the University is looking for students that are looking to take advantage of their career services and programs. The Institution also collaborates with universities around the world to get their students the best education their students can get. On the website it also reads “Engage partners outside of traditional university borders to promote economic development and to make a positive impact in Cambodia and the region through collaborative projects” (PIU “About goals”). In case a student was wondering on the credentials of the professors, PIU states on their “Why Paragon University?” page “Lecturers are qualified and experienced professors who received their degrees from reputable universities around the globe. They typically have a Ph.D. in their field or at least a master’s degree with teaching/professional experience. Paragon.U boasts its body of diverse faculty members and staff over 10 different nationalities from America, Europe, and Asia.” (PIU “Why Paragon University?”), so a student can be confident they are being taught by some of the best professors in the world. This is a Imagining Ideal Readers strategy. Another quote that supports a Imagining Ideal Readers strategy is being used is, “The Office of Student Services (OSS) caters to those who further the mission and curriculum of Paragon International University. This is accomplished with academic counseling, support, and discipline to promote an ethos of intellectual freedom based on mutual respect, integrity, and solid expectations of manifold achievement—academic, spiritual, as well as professional.” (PIU “Student Services”). The quote shows that the Institution has programs that will not only help the students academically but also guide students and give them a sense of community. This caters to students that would be interested in these programs.

 

            Paragon International University on their about page say, “Paragon International University strives to become a leading private higher education provider in Cambodia in terms of quality of teaching, research, and community services.” (PIU “About vision”). This is an Imagining Ideal Readers and Ethos strategy. PIU is interested in students that want to be involved in their quality of teaching and students that are interested in providing for the Cambodian community. Also the PIU website it says “Student Council is a group of elected and volunteer students working together with an adult advisor within the framework of a constitution or bylaws to provide a means for student expression and assistance in school affairs and activities, give opportunities for student experience in leadership and encourage student, faculty and community relations.” (PIU “Student Services”). This supports the Rhetoric Style Ethos and Imagining Ideal Readers. This is because the University shows the students that they care about the students voices and supports students who want to be leaders.

Paragon International University “CSR Charity Trip” 2019-2020

Response

            Would I personally go to this college? Most definitely. The royal accredited University collaborates with universities around the world. In the PIU program, after two years of college at the Khmer campus you can transfer to any of the partnered Universities. Whether it’s for higher education or internship programs. All the professors either have a PHD or master’s degree and teaching experience so I’d know I’d be receiving a good education.

Another reason I’d like to go to Paragon is because they are active in the community. Whether it’s taking care of it by giving food the less fortunate or being in touch with the Cambodian culture. Students can request to make their own clubs, participate in a variety of sports, or be tutored by their peers. They have many programs to make all students feel welcomed and create a community that the students can feel comfortable in.

Paragon International also has many resources to students such as housing, local transportation, meal plans, books and school supplies, a cell phone plan, and laundry cleaning. This is extremely useful in Cambodia since it’s a third world country and people may not have access to various necessities. The University provides academic support, a career center, information about alumni affairs, and student club and cultural activities.

Paragon International University “Traditional Khmer Dance Club”

Sources

https://paragoniu.edu.kh/

https://paragoniu.edu.kh/portfolio/csr-charity-trip-2019-2020/

https://paragoniu.edu.kh/current-students/student-clubs/

Albany State University

Fatoumata Diallo

March 1, 2022

English 1102

Major project 3

 

 

Summary-

  Albany State is a University in Albany, Georgia. The university offers two different campuses called Cairo and Cordele Campus.  Albany State offers 40 undergraduate degrees and 29 majors to students from all kinds of backgrounds. Their tuition is very affordable, with in sate being around 6k and out of state around 16k. Their acceptance rate is 73% (2020) with a 25.1 % graduation rate. The way that Albany State persuade students through their website is by using APARTSARC audience and Imaging ideal readers.

 

Analytic-

   The APARTSARC that Albany State University website uses is Audience and Imagining ideal readers. Albany State University does not target one specific audience but multiple students from all backgrounds. Albany has ideal readers that they try to reach. When a student first opens the website, it is very invite full. The website also shows many careers option paths.

   The audience that Albany is trying to reach is students with low-income families, students that work, and students of color, and students from any background.  This information can be found under the about home page. “As a historically black institution and led by a highly-diverse faculty and staff, Albany State University will embrace diversity in all its forms – including age, gender identity, race and ethnicity, country of origin, religion, ability level, sexual orientation, and veteran status – and seek to foster a similar acceptance and celebration of that diversity.”     (Albany State University, About-Embrace Diversity). Another type of audience that Albany website reaches out to are students from different finical levels. The school is for students that may have to work and that may not be so well in school. “Albany State University will promote student success for all by welcoming students from varying levels of academic preparation, keeping costs low, offering flexible class times and instructional modalities, and pairing high student expectations with exceptional mentoring, advising, and tutoring.” (Albany State University, about page- Expand access to higher education).

  After Albany website states it affordability and diversity to students from multiple backgrounds it moves on to student life. The student life page has many categories about a student’s life while attending the school. From student engagement, housing, Greek life and so much more.

The large rhetorical strategies that Albany website uses is Imagining Ideal Readers. The school website does not want one specific audience/ type of students. The school wants students from all backgrounds. No matter the student age, race, ethnicity, or money. The school website also shows students that different educational levels are welcomed. On the academic page under learning center, it shows that the school offers help academically. “The ASU Centers for Academic Excellence are designed to assist students in reaching their fullest potential by offering a comprehensive array of support services, programs and pedagogical approaches that address students’ learning needs.” (Albany State University, Academic- learning center page). The school wants to help all students so that every student can gradate.

 

     The Imagining Ideal Readers that the school wants are students perusing different career choses. The website lists all kids of degrees, majors, and manors that a student may want to follow. Having degree levels form one year study, associates, career associate, bachelors, and masters.

   Albany State University website used different styles to persuade students to attend the school. One of the APARTSARC that was used is audience. The school’s website was meant to draw students of all types. The Large rhetorical style that was used was Imagining Ideal Readers. After Albany State caught students eye the website showed students why Albany state University may be the school for them.

 

 

Response-

I would attend Albany state university. The tuition is very affordable. The school also is not that far, but it is far enough for me to have to live on campus. I believe that that is good because it does give me freedom wise allowing me to drive back home anytime. I like the school diversity. Its kinds of remind me of high school just with other races but majority black. I also play soccer and the women’s soccer team is a good division two team. They have a good Bachelor of Science major in biology pre-med track that good.

 

 

 

University of Minnesota

Abass Salat
Engl 1102 + Section 312 – Weaver
SAR Major Project
Date Due: Mar 9
asalat2@student.gsu.edu

Analysis of University of Minnesota’s Website

Summary

            The website of the University of Minnesota appeals to ambitious over achievers by using the case study strategy. They also use the purpose strategy by carefully using phrases that attract a student that is not content with being an average person in society but rather someone who wants to change the world. A student that fits this profile would also really enjoy their experience in the University of Minnesota. There are a multitude of opportunities and programs over achievers could benefit from at this university.

 

Analysis

            What really indicates that the website is trying to appeal to ambitious students is the first phrase that viewers see on the website, “Bold minds don’t wait” (twin-cities.umn.edu “Landing Page”). The website used the purpose strategy here to draw the eyes of ambitious students. Saying a phrase like this would make a student that wants to have a great impact on the world feel as if this university was for them. Another example of the website of the University of Minnesota using the purpose strategy is how it says on the student life page “Something big awaits you” (twin-cities.umn.edu “Student Life page”). Similar to the other phrase, this phrase excites the mind of an ambitious student. It reassures them that they will achieve their goals and makes it seem to them that the University of Minnesota is the vessel that will take them there.

            The website also uses the case study strategy to pull-in ambitious students. It shows the ambitious students what could happen if they decided to attend the university. An example of this would be how the website highlights that the University of Minnesota has had twenty-five Nobel Prize recipients (twin-cities.umn.edu “Research Page”). This signals to the ambitious student that this could be them. It tells the ambitious student that people who did great things have walked this path so they should too. Another example of the website using the case study strategy is how it also highlights that seventy percent of health professionals in Minnesota are trained at the University of Minnesota (twin-cities.umn.edu “Health Sciences”). The website said this because this statistic would make it seem to an ambitious student that going to this university is an obvious choice. The website would attract that student because it is telling them that if you want to work in a health profession this is where to be.

            The way the website tries to persuade prospective students to come to their school is by using the purpose strategy and the case study strategy to appeal to ambitious students. The website uses the purpose strategy by saying phrases that excite ambitious students. The website also uses the case study strategy by highlighting statistics that tell ambitious students that this could be you someday. With these tactics, the website for the University of Minnesota appeals to ambitious students. As a result, this attracts the ambitious students to the university and will think that attending this school is necessary to achieving their goals.

 

Response

            The University of Minnesota seems like a wonderful place. There are many opportunities and programs that I could benefit from. If distance, tuition cost, and other technicalities were not an issue, I would for sure choose to attend the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota just seems like it fits well with my preferences. This is mainly due to the community around health professions, the ambitious environment, and the emphasis on diversity at the institution.

            Considering that I want a career as a health professional, this is a major attraction for me. I really admire that seventy percent of health professionals trained at the University of Minnesota. Having a community around health professions would help me make productive connections and be around people with similar interests. This would boost my career as a health professional and would make making friends easier.

            Another reason why I am drawn towards attending the University of Minnesota is because of the ambitious environment. There seems to be an atmosphere that promotes successfulness in this institution. An atmosphere in which everyone wants to achieve something great could benefit me. The competitive environment could make me feel a sense of a necessity to compete and even make me more engaged in extracurricular activities. This could fuel my motivation and make me strive harder.

            Another reason why the University of Minnesota feels like a good fit for me is because it cares about diversity. It says on the University of Minnesota website that diversity is considered a core value at the University of Minnesota (twin-cities.umn.edu “Life at Minnesota”). This is something important to me because I would not want to go to anywhere in which I am not welcome at. Diversity is even part of my values inventory. The University of Minnesota emphasizing this makes it that much more of a good fit.

            Going to the University of Minnesota looks like a good choice. I like that there is a massive community of health professionals and I see it benefiting my personal career. The competitive environment could also act as a motivator. Also, the emphasis on diversity makes me feel like I would actually be welcome there if I ever decided to attend the University of Minnesota. With all of these factors at play, it makes much more sense to go this university than to not go. If there were no technical issues in the equation, I would make the choice to attend the University of Minnesota.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Work Cited

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, twin-cities.umn.edu/.

Shorter University

Muhammed Mohamed

English 1102- Weaver

SAR Paper

Date Due: I’m sorry it’s late

mmohamed23@student.gsu.edu

 

Summary

  

Shorter University is a Christian university that proudly claims they are “transforming lives through Christ” (Shorter University),  and that is their slogan. It’s also the first thing you see on their homepage. The university is looking for students who want a spiritual change in their lives or students who want to go to a Christian university but can’t afford it. The university claims that they change lives for the better spiritually and are very affordable. 

 

Analysis

 

On their website, Shorter University’s strategies are imagining Ideal Readers. The website pushes the fact that their college will help you reach your fullest potential due to their Christian environment and financial aid. The website is structured so that the ideal readers would benefit the most from it. They target an audience that they believe lacks a spiritual connection, has a strong faith in Christianity, and may not be able to afford college. The website also targets spiritually connected people to christ by promising a “Christ-centered community committed to helping you unlock your fullest potential” (Shorter University). The website also targets people who are easily enticed by rankings and numbers. They provide several rankings that they exceed in many categories compared to other colleges. 

 

Shorter University also promises a highly welcoming student body, faculty, and staff, according to their website. The student body “helps new students feel a part of the Shorter community from the moment they step on campus” (Shorter University). Shorter University is using an audience strategy. The website is written to an audience looking for a Christian college where they can feel at home and be assured that they can afford it. People with less income and strong faith in Christianity are the ideal student for Shorter university’s website. 

 

On the website, there is a section dedicated to their athletics. Shorter University’s ultimate goal and slogan, “transforming lives through Christ” (Shorter University), is also a big part of their athletic department. The website encourages students to be diverse in their interests in athletics. They highly encourage people to do and reassure them “Our student-athletes are held to the same high standards of conduct and academic excellence as non-athletes, further evidence of our commitment to their success” (Shorter University). This is another example of Shorter University using an audience strategy. They have this section on their website for an audience with a strong faith in Christ and who want to pursue a career or athletics. This is also an example of imagining Ideal Readers. In this section of the website, the most likely to be persuaded are the audience who have a strong faith in Christ and want to pursue a career or athletics.

 

Shorter university’s website is confident that you feel at home if you decide to live on campus. The website claims, “Residence Life at Shorter University is an integral part of your education and university experience… we believe that every corner of the campus can be educative. The lessons learned through relationships and interactions in the residence halls are of immeasurable value” (Shorter University). This is another example of Shorter University using an audience strategy and imagining Ideal Readers. They have this section on their website for an audience who wants the experience of living on campus. This will most likely persuade the people who believe that interactions with people and relationships are essential for a great college experience. This also targets people worried about not having a proper living area surrounded by people of the same faith while in college and people who believe that interactions with people and relationships can be beneficial academically.  

 

Response

 

I think it’s excellent how Shorter University can link and relate so many topics to faith because, ultimately, it is a Christian university. Their slogan was the first thing that caught my attention was the slogan “transforming lives through Christ” (Shorter University). When I saw that Shorter University feels strongly about deepening their student’s connection with their faith and Christianity because it can make them better students and people, it left me wondering how a student that doesn’t believe in Christianity and has a different faith would feel at this college. The first response to this question would be, “why would they go to a Christian college in the first place” but on their website, they promise “Shorter University admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs…” (Shorter University). Would a student of a different faith feel at home at this college like they promised any student would? I wouldn’t attend this school because I am not a Christian, but I wonder how the experience would be if I did. Religion is a big part of my academic self. I give very high value to my religion, which is why I wouldn’t attend this college because our faiths differ from each other. 

 

Source: University, Shorter University. “Shorter University.” Shorter University, www.shorter.edu. Accessed 3 Mar. 2022.

 

Princeton University

Summary

     Princeton University is one of the eight original Ivy League schools in the United States, which means it is one of the country’s most “sought-after” and prestigious institutions. To keep up this image, Princeton admires students who value their academic future and typically accept those with a grade point average of 3.9 or higher. Princeton makes it clear that ambitious students who are seeking top-of-the-line teaching should go here as they openly take pride in hiring the best of the best when it comes to professors.

Analysis

     When it comes to convincing students to attend their campus, Princeton University makes an effort to emphasize how dominant their teaching faculty is. In fact, if one were to visit the homepage of Princeton University’s website, they’d notice it says very little about the students’ achievements but, instead, highlights its reputable staff members. They accomplish this by utilizing an admirable yet comforting tone. For instance, as of March 2022, the top story on Princeton’s website is about a “full-time therapy dog” named Coach. According to the home page, Coach’s job is to make people feel better by allowing them to do things such as pet her, rub her belly or even shake her paw (Princeton University, 2022, Home Page). This warming synopsis serves a bigger purpose, however. By clicking on this story while you may learn a little more about Coach, it catches your attention enough to slyly allow Princeton University to then praise their University Health Services Department. They do so by claiming that they are “committed to continue caring for your healthcare needs” (Princeton University, 2022, University Health Services). This subconsciously makes an impression on the aspiring student that they ‘care’ and that the staff is highly invested in their student’s mental health.

        Although Princeton does not blatantly describe or say what type of students they are trying to attract, their commendable tone when it comes to promoting staff members is a deliberate attempt to attract their target audience. Another story that is being promoted heavily on Princeton’s home page is about two of their professors receiving the BBVA Frontiers of Knowledge Award. This award is handed out annually to professors who exemplify “fundamental contributions of scientific knowledge, technology, humanities, and artistic creation,” on a national level (OFA, 1). Princeton uses this achievement as a humblebrag that simultaneously praises the professors and shows off its high level of teaching compared to other universities. This leaves the aspiring student with the implication that they should go here if they’re seeking to learn from some of the “best professors in the nation,” as those are the only people who receive such awards (OFA, 1).

      However, if a student expects to get into Princeton University with any GPA, they’re mistaken. Princeton doesn’t openly report on one’s chances of getting into the university because it’d run away most students from even applying.  While the actual website does not say much about its academic requirements, one must keep in mind Princeton is an Ivy League school meaning it is incredibly competitive. In fact, Princeton is reported to have an acceptance rate of 5.6%, and any students who would like to go here are required to have a GPA as low as 3.89 (CollegeSimply). Therefore, while Princeton flaunts its professors and staff members religiously, it is such a notoriously prestigious school. Students usually do not look towards applying here unless they know they may have a chance. Their ideal student is painted out to be very studious and serious about their academic success, so they feel it is necessary to highlight their professors because this is what they’d want. This type of student would only enjoy the best for themselves by learning from the best.

Response

     If nothing was preventing me from doing so, I feel like I’d enjoy attending Princeton University. The amount of dedication they put into hiring the best of the best professors in all subjects really highlights how much they care about their students’ success. Furthermore, Princeton holds one of the highest graduation rates of Ivy League schools, with 97.3% of its students graduating as of 2021 (College Scorecard). I feel like most of the students here tend to graduate because they feel like they belong. Belonging, for me, is a big part of me being successful. Sometimes, when you’re around a group of people you can’t relate to, you may feel outcasted or uncomfortable, but that’d be difficult at Princeton. Considering Princeton takes tons of pride in its students when it comes to selecting them, I feel like there are such strict criteria which they’re looking for that it’d be hard not to fit in with others in some form or fashion. If I am surrounded by people who put in as much effort as me when it comes to school, I’d be comfortable doing what I’d have to get done outside of school before I partake in any other activities. Although I do not give in to peer pressure, even the tension of being pressured is enough for me to be uncomfortable with what I’m trying to achieve.

 

 

Works Cited

College Scorecard | Princeton University, College Scorecard, https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?186131-Princeton-University.

CollegeSimply. “Princeton University – Admission Requirements, SAT, ACT, GPA and Chance of Acceptance.” CollegeSimply, 2022, https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/new-jersey/princeton-university/admission/.

OFA. “BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Awards 2022 for Scientific Research and Cultural Creation (400,000 Euros Prize).” Opportunities For Africans, 6 Jan. 2022, https://www.opportunitiesforafricans.com/bbva-foundation-frontiers-of-knowledge-awards-2022/#:~:text=By,2%20of%20these%20call%20conditions.

Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, https://www.princeton.edu/.

 

 

Middle Georgia State University

SaNajah Blackman 

English 1102 

Dr.Weaver 

Major Project 3: SAR 

                                                    

                                              Middle Georgia State University

Summary: 

     Middle Georgia State University (MGA) is a public, nonprofit university located in Macon, Georgia. From what is shown on their website, MGA is a university that cares about the well-being and needs of their students. They are portrayed as a friendly, nondiscriminatory university that wants students that are community-driven, have leadership skills, and are very responsible. They also want students that align with their four core values: stewardship, engagement, adaptability, and learning. The analytical and rhetorical strategies, tone and imagining ideal readers can be used to further explain the ideal student that MGA wants. 

Analysis: 

The tone of MGA’s website is optimistic and encouraging. And their use of uplifting words and phrases gives the reader a sense of hope, inspiration, and safety. This is one of the many reasons why students are drawn to MGA. Many times, on their website they have shown that their faculty and staff are there to help students succeed, not only during their time at MGA, but also after they have graduated. Quoted from their Academic page, it states, “At Middle Georgia State University we’re committed to providing educational opportunities to fuel your dreams” (MGA, Academics). This is one of many quotes that have an optimistic and encouraging tone. This quote shows readers that MGA is right for them because they will provide their students with all opportunities needed to succeed. The optimistic tone gives students hope and a reason to believe that their success will be guaranteed if they choose MGA. And the encouraging tone gives students a feel of inspiration and safety because they are inspired to go to MGA to succeed and feel safe knowing that this university will do anything to help them reach success. 

From their Academics page, it states, “United, we push the boundaries of possibility” (MGA, Academics). The tone of this quote is extremely optimistic and encouraging. It is optimistic because it tells students that at MGA anything is possible. They want their students to know that with help from them and their community they will be able to achieve their goals. And this quote is encouraging because it encourages students to break past the wall of possibility and conquer things that are deemed impossible. MGA wants their students to be able to explore the world of impossibility and make it possible. 

The large rhetorical strategy that can be used to describe MGA’s ideal student is imagining ideal readers. Middle Georgia State University wants students that are community-driven, are leaders, are responsible, align with their 4 core values, are positive, and are goal oriented. This means that their ideal reader is someone who has these characteristics. To be community-driven at MGA means to help “enhance the region through professional leadership, innovative partnership and community engagement” (MGA, About MGA). What this means is they want people whose goal is not only to go to their school to further their education, but people who are willing to help engage in their community and make it better. Therefore, they also want people that are leaders, responsible, goal oriented, and positive. They want leaders because they want people that are not afraid to step up and take action, whether that is at school, in their community, or anywhere. Being responsible ties with being a leader. MGA wants their leaders to know when to be responsible for something or when to interfere and help out. This also means the leader needs to be goal oriented and positive. The leader needs to know what goals to accomplish first before trying to accomplish all goals, and they need to have a positive attitude towards others and their community. 

The last characteristic of MGA’s ideal student is someone that aligns with their four core values: stewardship, engagement, adaptability, and learning. To MGA stewardship means “Reminding us of our moral and public commitment to the people we serve on and off campus” (MGA, About MGA). To MGA this means always remembering the reasons why they help their communities and use their power and resources to make them better. They want students to always engage in the communities around them and help lead them to greatness. Next is engagement, MGA’s definition of engagement is “Recognizing that learning is a social activity and that we cannot fulfill our mission of public higher education without collaborating with those on our campuses and outside our doors in our communities” (MGA, About MGA). Engagement to MGA means not only working and learning indoors but participating in community activities. Engaging in their communities can teach students valuable lessons, like leadership and teamwork and help students build lasting relationships with others in their communities. The third value of MGA’s four core values is adaptability. At MGA, adaptability means, “a necessary hallmark of progress and success, requiring us to lead and manage- not be simply affected by it” (MGA, About MGA). What this means is being prepared to handle situations that affect your life negatively or positively and growing and learning from them. The last core value is learning. Learning to them is “expanding and changing fields of knowledge and grow professionally” (MGA, About MGA). This relates to MGA’s ideal reader because they want students that are willing to extend their knowledge and use it to develop their mindset and help them proceed forward. They want their students to be able to use their knowledge to assist their communities, help others, and succeed. 

Overall, MGA wants students that have the same mentality as they do. They want students to know how to take opportunities given to them and make it greater. They also want students that trust that MGA will help them grow into the best versions of themselves. Lastly, MGA wants students that will help build better communities and break out of the box of possibilities to find a world of impossibilities that can be conquered. 

Response: 

When I first took a glimpse at MGA’s website, I believed that I wasn’t a good fit for their school, but after researching them I believe that I might consider going there. It has most things that I am looking for in a university: it is an in-state college, the student population is in a good range for me, their tuition and fees are not too hefty, and the school overall seems welcoming. Since MGA’s focus is aviation, I didn’t see myself going to their school but as I looked over their website, I found that they have many courses and academic programs that are unrelated to aviation. Aviation is a good career to go into, but I don’t think it’s for me. Overall, Middle Georgia State University is a good school, they are friendly, support their students, are very welcoming, and have many qualities I want in a college. They’re definitely a college that I am willing to apply for. 

 

 

Work Cited: 

Middle Georgia State University, Middle Georgia State University, 2022, Accessed March 2022, https://www.mga.edu/.