Keuka College in Keuka Park

College is supposed to be one of the best times of our lives, we are constantly reminded to enjoy our time here, and are told there are resources if we are not happy. The current predicament however is that many of us do try to seek help for the issues we may face on campus but are met with little to no assistance. Yes, we have tutors, we have a health and counseling office, and all of the required necessities a college has to provide, but what students don’t have is a real voice. I have personally served on student senate and have seen exactly what “being a student leader” here at keuka really means. Being a student leader requires you to not talk bad about the college, to keep secrets, and to only serve as an image of student government. In reality the student senate only decides what student clubs, organizations, and events get funded and I wouldn’t even go so far as to say decide. During my year term as a senate member we only refused money maybe twice and said yes to the many other requests. We did not get to make any important decisions, we only served as place holders for the formality of senate meetings. So therefore, if the student government doesn’t actually get a say, and the rest of the students don’t have a voice, what can we actually do? I thought on this question for awhile before deciding to write this paper with many of my peers, and I came to the conclusion that all we can do is hold the college accountable. Now if this is currently being read by whoever it is that’s in charge of covering stuff up, goodluck silencing all of us, you can’t cover up this one. Keuka College seems to care far more about its image than its students. For instance, last year students got in trouble for talking bad about the college on twitter when freedom of speech allows us to talk about what we don’t like and what we want changed. Just as a few examples, the college has kept the buzz about a sexual assault committed by a campus safety officer, multiple other cases of sexual assault, numerous drug and alcohal scandals, the issue with insects, the food poisoning cases from the Geiser, a student suicide, and much more under wraps out of fear of ruining their image. On top of all of these issues, and the main reason we decided to write this, many students are here on a 4-year academic scholarship that many don’t realize (until it’s too late) requires students to stay here for all four years or they have to pay back every cent. This means that many of us can't decide if we want to transfer, and we are therefore stuck here unable to live off campus and forced to get worthless parking passes and meal plans that make us sick. The saddest part is that they cover all of this up strategically by hiring mentors for incoming students that are required not to discuss any of these issues and advertising the college as a safe and great place to attend. This means freshman are kept in the dark till they pay their deposits and arrive to find out just how unsafe the campus is, how bad the food is, and the numerous other issues. This has created a cycle of trapping students here paying a ridiculous amount of money for a less than quality experience.

Did not enjoy my time there. Lacked diversity and culture. Way too expensive for what you actually get out of it. Buildings outdated with no AC and mostly everything was broken. Went for my first year, then transferred to another school. The school is lucky if it can last 5 more years without shutting down.

Stayed in some of the dorms with 100+ youth for a church trip. The dorms were okay, with no air conditioning, but were decent. Overall the campus is beautiful in summer, VERY wuiet and peaceful and entirely overlooking the large lake. The weather is fantastic in summer and the campus hosts many groups that stay in the area.The cafeteria was very good, with very helpful, patient and professional staff who were very good with our group. Overall a 100% pleasant experience to visit.

Experiential learning at it's finest. Supportive staff, beautiful campus, accelerated programs for non-traditional students...what's there not to love?

my experience at keuka college was pretty interesting. it was overall a good experience though. although, i do wish i could start college already. i know for a fact that college is not going to be so easy to get through considering the amount of money i have to pay for it. i think i'm going to be stuck but hopefully everything pulls through. i am working during the summer so i can hopefully same some money for college. college is important to me and i think this college is great for me. i already have my roommate in mind and hopefully we actually become roommates because shes really cool. so maybe this college experience won't be so mad after all.