University of Arizona
Hallmarks and Quirks
Things I'm Good At:
- I offer many top-ranked programs, including MIS (Management Information Systems), anthropology, and pharmacy.
- I may be located in the desert, but I'm totally green. I received a Gold Standard for sustainability, thanks to my focus on saving energy, water reclamation, and general environmentally friendliness.
- My SALT (Strategies for Alternative Learning Techniques) Center has been helping students with learning and attention challenges succeed in higher education since 1980. Other universities all over the world are trying to copy the SALT Center because it's just so awesome.
- Band geeks are not geeky here in Tucson, thanks to my top five-ranked, 250-member marching band, the Pride of Arizona.
- For research and discovery, I'm number one in Arizona and among the top twenty nationwide. Ever heard of Biosphere 2? That's me. I'm also busy with missions to Mars and archeological digs in the Andes.
- It's important to give back, and I'm proud to be a top producer of Fulbright Scholars and Peace Corps volunteers.
My Top 5 Must-Haves:
- Flip-flops are a wardrobe must-have for the 300 sunny days you can expect each year.
- My ZonaZoo pass gives you access to all the U of A sporting events you can handle. You haven't experienced basketball until you've hollered "Bear Down!" in our 2,000-strong student section at the McKale Center.
- My students can't live without pizza and fries from Frog & Firkin, best when eaten on the patio out front while people-watching on University Boulevard.
- My newspaper, The Daily Wildcat, and its Twitter feed, @dailywildcat, will keep you updated on everything you need to know on and off campus.
- The CatCard is more than a student ID. It's your gym membership, library card, ZonaZoo pass, and credit card for on-campus meals and supplies. Seriously, don't leave home without it.
Why You Might Have Heard of Me:
- You've definitely seen my men's basketball team tearing up the courts. These guys dominate the PAC-12 and hold their own on the national stage, too.
- Biosphere 2 is one of the nation's top science destinations. Located about thirty minutes outside Tucson in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Biosphere 2 is a closed ecosystem where scientists perform cutting-edge research on the earth and its living systems. Of course, it's owned and operated by yours truly.
- Four words: Revenge. Of. The. Nerds. Why? 'Cause it was filmed on my campus. If you haven't seen Revenge of the Nerds, you're missing out on a classic '80s party film and a chance to check out the University of Arizona campus back in the day.
- Speaking of parties, no list of Arizona stats would be complete without noting my impeccable ratings as one of the top party schools in the US. That's not just the word on the street. It's been made official by Playboy, who voted me number four party school in the nation in 2014.
On a regular Saturday night, you can find me...
On a regular Saturday night, you can find me strolling University Boulevard for dinner at Gentle Ben's, No Anchovies, or another local favorite. Within walking distance of campus, you can shop, eat and (if you're twenty-one) drink in student-friendly Main Gate Square.
There's a great social scene on campus, too. Sports are pretty big, from NCAA basketball and football games to club and intramural sports. Plus, there are always cool shows coming through at Centennial Hall, and movie nights or stand-up comedy at The Cellar in the student union.
Another hot spot, which is a quick drive or bus ride away, is Fourth Ave downtown. Funky shops, restaurants, and a thriving art scene make this a favorite hangout for students and locals alike.
Favorite Hangouts:
- The mall. Some campuses have a "quad," others have a "lawn." I have a mall. This is the center of campus, and you'll find students walking to and from class, lounging in between classes, holding meetings, or just meeting friends.
- McKale Center, my indoor arena. You definitely want to come for a basketball game, but don't miss our volleyball, gymnastics, and other games/competitions either—all accessible with your ZonaZoo pass.
- The Rec Center. This is the place to get your sweat on. Plus, it has an Olympic-sized pool and runs a huge Outdoors program.
- Main Gate Square. Shop, eat, drink, walk home. What could be better? From a quick lunch at Chipotle to a long dinner on the patio at Frog & Firkin, you'll find U of A students all over this place.
- "A" Mountain on Sentinel Peak. Repainting the huge "A" on the side of "A" Mountain has been a tradition since 1915. When U of A students do leave campus, they often leave civilization altogether and explore the great outdoors in and around Tucson. From Sentinel Peak to Sabino Canyon and beyond, Tucson offers a ton of opportunities for hiking, biking, and climbing.
Quirks:
- I am serious about preparing students for the career world after college with the 100% Student Engagement Program.
- One of my greatest assets is the SALT Center. Here, students with learning and attention challenges have tons of support, from help with note-taking to one-on-one tutoring to working with a Strategic Learning Specialist.
- You probably know that sports are a pretty big deal around here. What you may not know is that you don't have to be able to compete on the Division I level to participate. I offer all kinds of club sports and intramurals, from volleyball to water polo to Quidditch (yes, Quidditch).
- I offer a unique General Education program. Rather than those boring, basic courses like Intro to World History and Environmental Sciences 101, I offer a wide variety of classes to give students a breadth of knowledge. You might take Architecture & Society, World Food Issues, or Animal Sexual Behavior. You'll definitely not be bored.
- I may be located within hours of the Mexican border, but I've got quite the Greek thing going on. Yes, there are the traditional "party" houses, but there are also houses that focus on community service, academics, and particular ethnic groups. With a whopping forty-seven fraternities and sororities, there really is something for everyone in the Greek system here.
Famous Alumni:
- I've produced so many world-class athletes, I've lost count. Some of the most memorable are Olympic swimmer Amanda Beard, NBA players Mike Bibby, Sean Elliot, and Jason Gardner, and Olympic softball star Jennie Finch.
- Many show-biz stars like Samantha Guthrie, Greg Kinnear, Geraldo Rivera, Kate Walsh, and Kristen Wiig.
- Famous writers? Got 'em in spades. Bob Greene, Barbara Kingsolver, Richard Russo, and David Foster Wallace are a few that come to mind.