Mansfield University Home PageFor the 2008 – 2009 academic year there are 268 students majoring in criminal justice with new freshman majors numbering 65.
Each semester in Dr. Thornsley’s “Senior Seminar” class students have the opportunity to reflect on some of their experiences during their stay at Mansfield. Below are some of the reasons why our majors in criminal justice believe they made the right decision in coming to Mansfield and majoring in criminal justice.
Some of Their Positive Experiences at Mansfield University
I believe the most positive experience at Mansfield University that I have had is the fact that I have actually liked being here. I remember the first time I came up to Mansfield, I begged my parents to take me back home…I remember how my friends, mentors and some of the professors at Mansfield helped me go through this. I will never forget this because I never thought that people who I had just met at Mansfield University would care so much to help. R.V.
As a student, I never felt like “just a number” to the professors. Most, if not all, of my professors knew me on a first name basis by the end of the semester, even in classes outside of my department that I took to fulfill General Education requirements. If I had gone to a larger university, such as a [large Pennsylvania state] university, I would not have been able to have the one-on-one interaction with my instructors like I did at Mansfield. Instead, I would have been just another face lost in the crowd of a large lecture hall. This was especially important to me…I could go on and on about my positive experiences while attending Mansfield University, but that would take forever. Though many may criticize its small size and location, I could not have picked a better institution to attend that fits my needs…In addition to receiving a great degree, what more could I ask for? T.J.
Another positive experience I had at Mansfield is surprisingly, dorm living. I know that is an odd aspect of college life to consider a positive experience, but I really did have a great experience in the dorms. In the two years I had three different roommates (all for legitimate and not conflict-fueled reasons). Each roommate I had was great, I got along with all of them and each of the three offered me a different type of personality to live with and get along with. W.R.
I love to swim in Mansfield in the summer time. There are three swimming holes we go to - Rock Run, Pirate’s Rocks and Big Falls. Rock Run is by far my favorite place to swim – the water there seems [to] give you energy. The water there is nothing like I have ever seen, it is so clear and clean, almost no pollution or anything. In Virginia all the places where you can swim are contaminated and polluted. R.R.
Another thing that I enjoyed while at Mansfield is the professors. Unlike a large school, professors actually can put your face to your name. It’s nice to know I can have a conversation with a professor and he or she knows a little bit about me…Being at Mansfield has given me some great times and I have acquired some great attributes that I know will help me later in life. I wish that everyone could have as much fun as I had while attending college. I [would] encourage people to have as much fun as possible. There is no reason to go through life without a little adventure. F.M.
I have only attended one other college before and I did enjoy school and learning there, but not like I have at Mansfield. Almost all of the professors that I have come in contact with have been outstanding. All of them I have learned a great deal from. Likewise, they have made class interesting and fun to come to everyday. I like the fact that that they are willing to help and actually want to help college students succeed. I enjoy going classes here and learning new things. The professors seem to take a lot of pride in what they do. B.A.
Some of Their Positive Experiences within the Department of Criminal Justice
I am very satisfied with the types of courses I have been able to take through our Department…I have been able to take unique [and] fascinating, ones…I have been extremely happy with the Department of Criminal Justice because of the special mentors (professors) I have had. They have encouraged me to work up to my potential, and if it were not for their support, I really do not believe that I would be the student I am today. No matter where I go in life, I will appreciate my roots at Mansfield University’s CJA Department. T.J. [Note: T.J. will graduate Summa Cum Laude and has already been accepted to four graduate schools in criminology.]
Overall, my experience with the criminal justice department has been almost completely and one hundred percent positive. No professor has ever turned me away when I have had a question or concern, and I am confident all would do their best to assist me in any way they could. I love the fact that our department does everything it can to help every student who puts forth effort and concern. W.R.
The Department’s professors have always been there for their students. Whenever a student needed help with their class, needed a question answered, or just wanted to talk they were always there for that to happen. I always was able to have my questions answered, get their help or clarification for a class, or just talk to a professor about something and they were always readily available. Whenever a professor posted office hours, I cannot think of a time that a professor has been late to them. All of the Department’s professors have always been to their offices on time and made sure to do whatever they could to meet with students who needed to talk to them. H. J.
I have always been impressed with the speakers we have had at Mansfield University…in particular the [2005, 2006 & 2007] Roy Hazelwood seminars…We have also had other speakers that have come for the day to talk about the FBI, CIA and Secret Service, wrongfully convicted individuals, etc. G.A.
If I had to make my decision about coming to Mansfield University all over again I would change nothing. I would still return to Mansfield and enter the Criminal Justice Department. I feel like this university has prepared me for my future within the Criminal Justice field…Every time I had questions or concerns the professors were eager to help me. They were generally concerned for my well-being and making sure that I received the most from my education. F.M.
