Fairmont State University

There are a handful of good professors that need to be rescued from this dreadful institution.

Most of the instructors are passable but the administration makes everything imaginable outrageously difficult.
Classes you sign up for will be randomly cancelled a day before classes begin for no good reason and with no notification. I have had this happen to me at least 3 times now and they don't seem to be keen on fixing the issue

There is no parking so be prepared to circle the garage and be late for class often if you plan on living off campus, which after seeing the housing options on campus, is really the only sane option

Professors/coaches (they're often one in the same) like to spam your email about random crap you don't care about all year yet when the time comes that you need a response to get into a class, they simply ignore you. I went as far as visiting offices and leaving handwritten notes with my name, number, and email and still they couldn't be bothered to do their job.

The honors program is there simply to trick you into taking more classes than you actually need with no appreciable benefits. This school likes the money they make off you and they like to try to pull it over your eyes.

Scheduling is a nightmare as no matter your status, you must meet with an advisor before you are allowed to schedule, and by then chances are the classes you need will be full.

When classes are cancelled, the school can't be bothered to tap into it's clearly large emailing list and let you know. Instead you are expected to check the homepage every morning before class to see if anything has been posted.

Fairmont State is an unprofessional institution that should be avoided at all costs.
I have made a few mistakes in my life but deciding to attend this school has got to be the worst decision I have ever made.

Unless you absolutely need the Fairmont State exclusive aviation program (Which is thankfully separated from the rest of the administration) do yourself a favor and head 20 minutes north to West Virginia University. I took one class there and the experience was 20 times better than in Fairmont.

STAY AWAY FROM FAIRMONT STATE

The campus is probably the best place in Fairmont.

As a Theatre alumni who can recommend the fine arts professors and education during my time at the university, I can no longer endorse this institution. I can unfortunately no longer refer prospective students to this institution because of their lack of transparency in the sudden cutting of the music and theatre degree programs. The discontinuation of social media input (tagging, check ins, etc) to air my grievances is also a red flag that they are currently not interested in engaging with the community on this matter. While the training I received at Fairmont State has proven invaluable, their priorities have changed for the worse. Please consider universities interested in the breadth and depth of a liberal ARTS education.

I would not recommend Fairmont State to any upcoming student due to the fact that the Music and Theatre Programs have been recently cut. These programs have immense historical value and community outreach, that produce alumni who go on to do great and amazing things. Off the top of my head, these students have become teachers, directors, professional actors, professional musicians, managers, opera workers, camp counselors, graduate candidates, etc. and yet FSU has stated these are not employable degrees. This is appalling and I am ashamed to be an alumni from such an establishment.

I can’t say enough good about Summer in admissions! I lost my job during the pandemic and after much thought decided to go back to school. FSU faculty is working remotely and response time was days to a week. It’s impossible to reach anyone at unemployment office so I felt overwhelmed and lost as I navigated through enrollment. Summer went above and beyond every single time I called. If she didn’t have an answer, she had contact info. Honestly, if it wasn’t for the help of Summer I would have just given up. Just today I’ve spoken with her three times and she truly is “happy” to help. FSU doesn’t make it easy otherwise.

As one who knows this institution well, I strongly urge students to look ELSEWHERE. It's not recommended.

As an afterthought, and after visiting West Virginia University recently a few times (I am a retired professor), I would guide students and parents to a DIFFERENT state. Choose an "ivy league" school, one with good graduation rates and reputation. West Virginia is not a good venue for education at this time.

If you need a small college that focuses on your individual needs, Fairmont State would be a wonderful fit for you. If you need smaller class sizes and professors who know you by name, Fairmont State would be a wonderful fit for you. Reach out to us today if you are interested in attending Fairmont State.

The school was easy to get to off the interstate. The property was clean and well maintained. Campus security were polite and helpful.