North Park University

My son put down an enrollment deposit to hold his seat but even though they said it was refundable we have not received a refund nor have we been able to even speak to someone over the phone. I've contacted them and my son has contacted them but they have not called us back. Conveniently they have not responded before the "cut off" date for the enrollment fee refund. This left me with a very bad impression — what kind of private Christian University would dodge a student trying to unenroll? I'm glad he changed his mind. It was obvious to me, during our tour, that this school is struggling with enrollment but I did not think we would not be able to get our deposit back. Very disappointed.

Small class size. Local commute. Easy to navigate campus. Good academic reputation. Grants and scholarships made it affordable. Had an excellent education in certain areas, in others, less so. Enjoyed classes and friends. Many good memories. The reverential "Learn of me" statue of Jesus. Knew it had a church affiliation. Was not prepared for its oppressive policies. Toxic provincialism as forced chapel. Conversations, not just with missionary kids, underscored an insular viewpoint grounded in (social) justice and faith. Urban Chicago as target for change. An emphasis on non-profit programs and business, its two remaining National Honor societies, made sense. Parochial attitudes bordered on intolerance of difference. Yielded separation between on and off campus, church versus Other. Protective conformity not individuality. Showed itself in unexpected ways. It was there with some instructors. Global evangelism permeated, contaminated school philosophies; linchpin for its all consuming drive to raise ever more funds. You will get out of North Park what you put into it, but you have to put in a great deal. Nothing easy here. Global perspectives. Not critical thinking. Multicultural diversity. Products not people. Prepare for a Christian life of significance and service, here. If you are so inclined.

While I attended North Park I experienced severe DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. When I told the RA in my dorm hall he filed numerous complaints that led to me being further punished for disclosing the violence. I do not recommend this school because they do not respect the rights of their students. They are also very religious and oppressive. If you are not extremely religious, this school can overwhelm you. Also, if you suffer from depression, or are experiencing trauma, please do not report it to the North Park university counseling center. They will not aid you in your struggle but will set unrealistic, humiliating and invasive expectations until you break down under the stress or they force you out. It wasn't until I threatened to sue them for discriminating against disabled students that they gave me room to breath. They still never left me alone until I transferred. I am grateful to be attending a better and more equipped university.

North Park University is a pleasant place. It is a small, community-based school where relationships are important. It is incredibly easy to make relationships with students and faculty alike. Faculty is accommodating and cares greatly for the academic experience of their students. The University is expanding and renovating the campus to accommodate more students as well. The University is Christian but it requires no statement of faith. It is non-intrusive for those who are not religious, and allows those who have a strong faith to celebrate and fortify said faith. I recommend this campus for anyone who wants a kind, community- based atmosphere in the large and limitless city of Chicago. It is the best of both worlds: the intimate nature of a small university with the options of a vast city.