Nathaniel Mekuria

March 19, 2023

Professor Weaver

Major Project 3

Summary:

St. Thomas University is a private, Catholic university that was founded in 1885. The university’s website shows different undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines, including business, education, engineering, law, social work, and more (https://www.stthomas.edu/). Overall, the St. Thomas University website appears to be targeting students who are academically motivated and socially engaged. The university offering all these educational programs and also different diversity programs, suggests their intended audience is students who value their education and celebrate diversity.  Saying this, their ideal readers would be ones looking for inclusion and education. The university uses the APSTARC strategy of purpose and the Rhetorical strategy of ideal readers to appeal to students.

Analysis:

Although being a catholic university, upon analyzing the St. Thomas University website, it appears that the university is looking to attract a diverse group of students who are academically motivated, socially engaged, and committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

The website prominently features information about the university’s academic programs, including detailed descriptions of each program. The university states its purpose throughout the website, it uses this APSTARC strategy to effectively communicate its goals to its prospective students.  The first thing you look at upon entering the website is a huge quote saying, “Higher education with a higher calling” (STU Home). As u scroll down the front page of the website, it shows the different programs it has and how it has been successful in making sure its students end up with a job after their time at St. Thomas. The website also displays pictures of different career fairs they have, their internship listings, and showing their workshops. They try to show their students that they are preparing for their future careers and will gain practical experience. Highlighting their academic programs and showing their previous student’s success, the purpose of all this is to appeal to its intended audience of students who are interested in exploring different academic disciplines and want to learn about the specific courses and use resources available to them.

Another strategy the college seems to be using is a rhetorical strategy of assuming its ideal readers or viewers of the website are looking for an engaging and comfortable campus life. The website features information about the university’s student organizations, athletics, campus events, and other aspects of campus life. The cover page of the website reveals their new basketball and hockey arena called “Lee and Penny Anderson Arena” which took a groundbreaking 75 million dollars to construct. (STU Home). By hovering over to the campus life section of the website, it advertises the 130+ different clubs, traditions, and organizations it has, the university also emphasizes its dining service, which offers “fresh and nitrous food”, their sustainability, transportation which includes a campus shuttle, and how the safety of its students is a top priority (STU Campus life). This strategy appeals to ideal readers who are looking for a vibrant and engaging campus community, and who want to get involved in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom.

The university also wants its ideal readers to know is actively working to promote diversity on campus and that they have specific resources available to make sure it happens. The first page of the website holds a picture of students from different races holding each other and below it features a quote “Our commitment to Diversity and…Inclusion” to show that the hostility of these diverse students is one of their priorities (STU Home). By hovering over to the campus life section, the university assures its readers that they promote diversity by featuring information about the university’s LGBTQIA+ community, mentioning a Multicultural Affairs office, which provides resources and support for students of “diverse backgrounds”, and its diversity and inclusion council (STU Mission). The website also wants students who are interested in athletics, it lists extensive information about the athletic program it offers and the resources it has for its athletes.

Saint Thomas University’s website uses a variety of images of its campus to showcase its beautiful building, facilities, and green scenery. The university inserts pictures of the campus and its buildings, starting from the front cover and way into missions, admissions, and the info center (STU). The pointy roofs and the high-top ceilings give the university a middle-aged, gothic aesthetic. Considering this is home for most students for the next coming years, the physical feel of the campus does matter. The university uses its unique architecture and culture to attract students by creating a positive first impression and feeling excited about attending the university.

St Thomas Campus

Response:

            If the university was affordable and was in Georgia, it would be in my top three, from what I can see on the college’s website, it appears to be an excellent institution that values diversity, commits to academic excellence, and creates opportunities for its students. The three values I hold most from the exercise we did in class were: Ambition, ethical behavior, and peace. The university pushes students to aim high and helps them pursue their goals in very many ways. Throughout the website, I noticed that the university highly encourages students to act with ethical behavior. One way the university demonstrates this is through its mission statement, which states that it is committed to “fostering a learning environment that develops students’ intellectual and ethical virtues” (STU Mission). Overall, from my personal research on the university website, Saint Thomas looks like a very well-rounded University. It is well above my standard and does not have anything to push me away from it, besides being out of state and expensive.

Work Cited:

 University of St. Thomas – Minnesota, https://www.stthomas.edu/.

A View of UC Berkeley

Summary 

The University of California, Berkeley is a public university established in 1868. Berkeley seeks students with a high level of determination, strong leadership qualities, passion, persistence, and a desire to give back. Students who are interested in a rich and personal academic experience and want to graduate within four years should consider this university. To convey this message, the college uses rhetorical strategies such as Imagining Ideal Readers and Purpose.

Analysis 

On its website, Berkeley explains some of its purposes for attracting ideal readers. As soon visiting their website, you will see the term “Artificial Intelligence” on the home page; which gives you a sense of intelligence for choosing this university. Under their About tab, they claim that “Berkeley is a place where the brightest minds from across the globe come together to explore, ask questions, and improve the world.” (UC Berkeley, 1) Berkeley’s goal with this statement is to convince the audience that they have students from across the globe, not just from the United States and CA and that they welcome more international students. This sentence gives international students hope for applying. Their goal is to position their students in positive competition with the smartest students around the globe so they can progress and learn new things. They call themselves “Brightest Minds”. By using this statement, Berkeley seeks to attract international and clever readers who can make a positive impact on the world with their knowledge.

“Berkeley is home to some of the world’s greatest minds leading more than 130 academic departments and 80 interdisciplinary research units and addressing the world’s most pertinent challenges.” (UC Berkeley, 3) The statement can be found on Berkeley’s Academics page. The site offers its readers a choice of academic departments and programs. Using these majors, students can make a positive impact on one of the world’s greatest challenges. Under the Campus Life tab, it mentioned that “Our students come from different places and backgrounds, but together they create a diverse and kinetic community that seeks to create a better world.” (UC Berkeley, 5) Although the students aren’t from the same country, culture, or ethnicity, they can still form a diverse community and experience lots of joy together while creating positive change. To support their statement they named some events, daily activities, and performances under the title “Events and Attractions” in the same tab. For example, students can visit BAMPFA if they are interested in museums, art, or dance. Students can visit Berkeley’s botanical garden, take a tour of CA Memorial Stadium, and attend concerts and sporting events. Under the Campus Life section, it is stated that “life at Berkeley doesn’t stand still. With over 35,000 students from around the world and a vibrant urban setting, it’s no wonder the campus community talks about a “fear of missing out.” Jump in and find out how dynamic and interconnected life at Berkeley can be.” (UC Berkeley, 5) This sentence promises two things: a spacious and diverse campus, and a dynamic and interconnected life. They want to attract readers who are looking for wider campuses, more fun, and more experiences.

Cal Band Performing on Sproul Hall Steps.

When it comes to Imagining Ideal Readers, UC Berkeley is certainly seeking students from different cultures; as Berkeley believes that they all have different backgrounds, experiences, and talents, and can work together to create a positive change. On the website, readers can find pictures of students from a variety of races and backgrounds, which will attract students who share similar characteristics.  Since getting an acceptance into this university isn’t easy, it is obvious they’re looking for brilliant students. Under the Student Profile tab, readers can see how many students are rejected and accepted each year. According to statistics, only 16,412 out of 112,854 applicants succeeded in gaining admission in 2021.  

Readers who are ideal at UC Berkeley go beyond studying to use their opportunities to make a positive difference in the world. “And Berkeley is at its best when you bring your whole self: the community you come from, the questions you dare to ask, the challenges you’ve conquered to get here, and the dreams about how you’ll make a difference.” (UC Berkeley, 5) Berkeley also envisions its ideal reader as someone with a strong sense of leadership. Berkeley has a LEAD center, which stands for Leadership, Engagement, Advising, and Development. This center aims to guide students and develop their leadership skills.

Response 

The university and its website were successful at conveying its goals to its audience. As a reader, I understood and enjoyed everything I read. Information on the university’s website enhances my understanding of it. Even imagining myself studying at Berkeley was fun for me. Studying at Berkeley is such a privilege and honor for students. By answering some questions about myself during free writing sessions, I discovered that I am a visual learner and that just studying isn’t enough for me to succeed. The resources and opportunities available at UC Berkeley will enable me to do real-life research and experience things from a close perspective. I can participate in a wide variety of majors, activities, organizations, and clubs, so they can explore campus life, gain experience, and have more resources to research. The campus offers several events and activities that I find interesting. Berkeley students will have the opportunity to build strong friendships with students around the world. Berkeley offers all the opportunities I need to excel in my field as a student. I can receive scholarships to continue my education at Berkeley and graduate with top job positions to work in after graduation. I just love everything about Berkeley, and I see a bright future for Berkeley students.

Berkeley’s Female Grads, 2021

Citation:

“Home.” University of California, Berkeley, 20 Mar. 2023, https://www.berkeley.edu/. 

Summary: 

Southeastern University seeks students who are committed to their faith and values and desire to integrate their spiritual beliefs into their academic pursuits. The university emphasizes its commitment to providing a supportive environment for academic, spiritual, and personal growth. To support this argument, the website uses the rhetorical style of ethos to highlight the university’s credibility as a faith-based academic institution, the skills of its faculty and staff, and featuring testimonials from students and alumni. It also uses case studies, showcasing the university’s facilities and surrounding community through high-quality visuals and multimedia.

Analysis: 

Prospective students frequently rely on a university’s website to gather information and gain insight into the institution’s values, programs, and overall culture, but Southeastern University, a Christ-centered institution of higher learning, employs ethos to establish credibility and persuade prospective students that it is the right college for them. Through the use of rhetorical techniques and case studies, Southeastern University’s website successfully showcases their commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community involvement. 

Prospective students frequently rely on a university’s website to gather information and gain insight into the institution’s values, programs, and overall culture, but Southeastern University, a Christ-centered institution of higher learning, employs ethos to establish credibility and persuade prospective students that it is the right college for them. Through the use of rhetorical techniques and case studies, Southeastern University’s website successfully showcases their commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, and community involvement. 

One of the key strategies the website uses to gain credibility is ethos, which displays the university’s core values; spiritual growth, community involvement, and academics. For example, the “About” page on the website states that, “Southeastern University is a Christ-centered institution of higher learning” and that “our students are challenged to become servant leaders in their communities” (About SEU). These statements indicate the use of ethos by maintaining an environment that promotes spiritual growth and integrates Christian values and their commitment to make student leaders. By using their values, they create a trusted and credible source, which can be a persuasive strategy to attract students who share Southeastern University’s values. This approach can create a sense of connection and alignment with the institution which would motivate students to apply and enroll. 

Another way Southeastern University uses ethos on its website is by displaying the skills of their faculty and staff. The university uses the accomplishments of their faculty to establish a reputation as a leading institution in higher education. For example, the website states, “”Our faculty members are world-class scholars and practitioners with real-world experience in their respective fields” (Faculty and Staff). This example indicates the university’s commitment to recruiting highly qualified professionals and experts in various fields. The expertise of its faculty and staff, establishes its authority and credibility in providing quality education to its students.

The quality of their education can be shown through the use of case studies in the form of student and alumni testimonials. They present prior experiences, for example, a current student testimonial states, “The professors here genuinely care about you as a person and want you to succeed in all areas of life. I have grown so much spiritually and personally during my time here” (About SEU). This testimonial appeals to prospective students who value individual attention and a supportive community, showcasing the university’s commitment to student success. 

Southeastern University also features alumni case studies, providing evidence of the long-term benefits of attending Southeastern University. For example, one alumna states, “My time at Southeastern prepared me not just for a career, but for a life of service and leadership. I am grateful for the strong foundation of faith and character that the university provided” (About SEU). This alumna appeals to individuals who look for a college that will lead them to a fulfilling life, and also prepares them for responsibilities and gives them the opportunity to be a leader. 

Overall, the Southeastern University website employs the rhetorical strategy of ethos, to persuade students that it is the best choice for those seeking a Christian-based education. The use of rhetorical style in addition to case studies provides evidence of the university’s commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community involvement. These strategies effectively appeal to prospective students who prioritize these values in their education, providing a persuasive argument for attending Southeastern University.

Response: 

Although I am not judgmental towards others beliefs, I believe it’s quite contradictory for me, a Muslim to attend this University. I would not feel comfortable attending Southeastern University because of their strong belief towards Christianity. While I respect it, I would prefer to attend an institution that is welcoming towards different faiths and includes more racially diverse individuals; as Christianity is predominantly white/black or Hispanic. 

Southeastern University’s focus on faith and service does not align with my personal values and academic interests. Even though community service and leadership is an important quality, I would much rather attend a college that offers more critical thinking and academic rigor. Although I’m unsure of my major I would like to direct my studies towards stem based programs and classes due to my interest in those fields.  Looking at this college it seems that they only have a 40% graduation rate which makes me think otherwise about the students there and the opportunities for jobs and experience can be lackluster.

I would not want to attend Southeastern University due to the lack of program options in certain fields, such as my interest in stem as stated priorly. While the university offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, some students like myself may find that their desired majors are not available at the university. This may be a significant factor in a student’s decision to attend a particular college or university.

Another reason why I might not want to attend Southeastern University is because of the relatively small size. As I mentioned before, I would prefer a school that is more diverse, not just in terms of religion but more racially diverse. With its enrollment of 8,000 students, Southeastern University may not offer the same level of diversity, especially with its religious limitations; majority of them being white/black or Hispanic. In addition, with the institution’s location being a small town in Florida, it does not appeal to me, considering I like the energy of a larger city. Additionally, the location of the university may not provide a vibrant college experience. Which discourages my search for a lively campus with plenty of social and cultural activities.

Lastly, a main aspect of this college is its strive for athletics. As a person who is not particularly interested in physical sports this is a huge draw. Without a passion for their sports, I find that it may be difficult to fully engage with the campus and culture. This again gives a feeling of exclusion. Not only that, but because of their heavy focus on sports, the university’s resources and attention may be more shifted towards sports; rather than non-athletic programs. Which is a concern for me because I am not included in the athletic assembly. 

Overall, while Southeastern University may be a good fit for students who share Christian values and commitment to service, it may not be the best choice for me. Due to its limiting factors such as diversity, religion and academic focus, it does not align with my area of interest. While the university’s focus on faith might work with other students, it does not fit with me. Furthermore, its location does not provide the desired atmosphere. Not only that but the heavy focus on athletics is another negative for what I would look for in a college. I believe that it is essential to consider these factors before choosing a college to ensure a fulfilling and rewarding experience.