DAY Eight --Saint Leo University and University of Tampa

Saint Leo's University is the epitome of a campus with Florida architecture with its lakeside setting and widely-spaced red tiled roofs on its buildings. This would be a good choice for a student who needs few distractions. Basically there is very little around St. Leo's except a beautiful view. It is the largest Catholic college in Florida and it is also the oldest college in Florida.

They are generous with their financial aid. For non-Florida residents, you receive $2,000 each year.

This is a good option for an average student who needs academic support and few distractions.

It is test optional with about 1800 undergrads on campus and a hope to grow to 3,000. They are also trying to grow from 35% out-of-state to 50%. Their biggest majors are business, education, criminal justice, biology, and a variety if pre-professional programs.

With enrollment you are given a new laptop. LEAP is their program for at-risk students. They have two professional staff members to assist LD students.

New construction includes a business building. The interiors of the building are refreshing, clean, and up-to-date.

University of Tampa

Tampa is set in a small urban setting. Since my visit several years ago, no remarkable changes were apparent to me. My campus tour offered the opportunity to explore parts of the campus that I had not seen on my prior visit.

All 50 states represented on this campus. Strong majors are marine science, education, nursing, film and media arts, dance and musical theater. Dance will soon become a major with the addition of additional staff.

Things that identify UT are experimental learning, travel abroad and research.

I had several good experiences on this campus. I got to explore the fine arts facilities and meet s dance professor. After dinner a small group of us stayed on campus to attend a dance program. It offered a variety of dance numbers, each of them excellent. The house was packed. Footloose was the final number. I'll always remember this inspiring event.

The bad experience was the professor who sat at my table at dinner. Everything revolved around him. Their was no conversation with the other five seated at the table. Pity the student who gets him. Compassion and understanding was never mentioned.