Summary 

San Diego State University is in the heart of San Diego. On its website, there are so many programs to choose from, many other colleges under their name that can suit different majors, and SDSU is even in other locations. SDSU was founded in 1897 and it would first be a training institution for elementary school teachers. SDSU went through a lot of changes, adjustments, and improvements to become what it is now. President John F. Kennedy even had the opportunity and experience to receive the university’s first honorary doctorate in 1963.  

From clicking on the different headings on the website, it’s noticeable that they want to attract students that engage in the school community, students that are passionate and thrive for success, and treats everyone as an equal. The first links that are available are the different program degrees that students can choose from. This shows how SDSU wants to attract eager students as well.  

Analysis 

SDSU’s website has beautiful pictures that portray what life is like at SDSU. It has many links available to the reader, has so much information to go through and it does a good job of introducing SDSU and how it works. San Diego State University’s website exploits two rhetorical strategies, Purpose and Imagining Ideal Readers. 

The rhetorical strategy, Purpose, can be distinctly seen when the author wants readers to know that SDSU will continue to improve and expand as time goes on. This shows how SDSU always has something in mind about how they will benefit the university, faculty, and students. “We will continue to do so as we build SDSU’s new chapter of inclusive opportunity for more students, reimagining a university designed to thrive for many years to come, and impacting San Diego, our border region, and the world as never before.” (SDSU, About)  

SDSU does a good job on explaining the different diverse programs that this university offers and how the different programs are connected to SDSU’s mission. The author states these programs, wanting students to apply the different courses in the outside world. Their goal in saying this is wanting to make sure that students attain information, and it stays with them to guide them into their real-life experiences. An example of the rhetorical strategy, purpose is stated here, “San Diego State University pursues its mission through its many diverse departments and interdisciplinary programs in the creative and performing arts, the humanities, the sciences, and the social and behavioral sciences.” (SDSU, About) 

In SDSU’s website, there’s a lot of talk about diversity and that’s what makes this university stand out. What the author wants to do here is they want students to feel like they can be a part of a family. In order for students to feel accepted, guided, and welcomed, there needs to be dependable, flexible leaders that take consideration of students’ needs and aspire for a fulfilling journey. (SDSU, SDSU Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan) SDSU wants every student to know that everything at this university (courses, teachers, landmarks, etc.) are taken seriously and are thought through.  

Their other rhetorical strategy is Imagining Ideal Readers, which means taking in thought of who the author wants to convince or attract to, in this case, this university. SDSU is all about acceptance and being fair. Throughout their website, this message can be seen everywhere, and it seems as though it’s practiced a lot in this university. On the website, it says “Our campus diversity being our pride. SDSU is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. About 54 percent of students are of color, the university recognized for our military and veteran program and ranked as a top college for LGBTQ students. For generations, SDSU has overcome hurdles and defied expectations, forging ahead to deliver academic excellence, student success and groundbreaking research.” (SDSU, About) 

SDSU tries to reach their ideal student by explaining how much support and help that this university offers and will offer to every student to accomplish their goals. It seems like the author makes sure that every student is able to learn and execute when it comes to their education. An example of the rhetorical strategy, Imagining Ideal Readers, can be seen when said “SDSU commits to a future where all students are able to achieve their greatest potential. Our collective efforts will elevate SDSU as a national exemplar, providing education and training for the innovators and leaders our region and global society demand. SDSU will provide access to success through transformational experiences in and outside of the classroom for undergraduate, graduate, and lifelong learners. With an enduring commitment to innovation, resilience and to our students, we will cultivate a university culture and infrastructure that facilitates an affordable, student-centered, wellness-focused, life-long educational journey, supported by every member of the SDSU community.” (SDSU, Strategic Plan)  

Response 

Would I go to this university if money wasn’t an issue and if I lived closer? If I choose nursing, yes, I would; they have study abroad opportunities for nurses and I feel like that would be a great experience. SDSU has many opportunities for work experience such as internships as well. Those internships would teach me different skills and help me gain more knowledge.

There is so much diversity and I would love to be close to the different beaches. It would also be a good place for me to connect deeper with my culture and language. I love the whole message about acceptance when it comes to students and how devoted SDSU is about their mission and goals. That makes me feel like no student will be left behind and every voice is heard at this university. SDSU also demonstrates that they will always be up for improvement and changes to the curriculum of this university; ensuring that students are welcomed and seen. 

Citations 

“Home | San Diego State University.” Www.sdsu.edu, SDSU, 2021, www.sdsu.edu/.