USD Magazine, Winter 1998

1. The Faculty. Undergraduates and gradu– ate students alike agreed that USD's professors are enthusiastic, approachable and dedicated. "The faculty are well-versed in theory yet grounded in real-world expe– rience. They are what makes USD stand out from other schools." 2 . The Campus. The ocean view, the grounds and the architecture are very hot among students. "There is no other place I know with such well-manicured gardens and landscaping." 3 . The People. One thing USD students have in common is the good feelings they share about each other, with many compar– ing the campus atmosphere to a family. "The people here are very positive and friendly. The emphasis is on getting along and working together, which is something that can't easily be duplicated elsewhere." 4 . Aromas. Students call the university's coffeehouse one of the best places on cam– pus for studying, socializing and getting that important caffeine rush. "It's a needed pick-me-up in many ways." 5. Living/ Hanging Out al the Beach. One of the top responses among undergraduates, who declined further comment on the sub– ject. If you have to ask why, you probably wouldn't get it anyway. &. The Cars. Volkswagen Jettas in particu– lar, although sport utility vehicles and BMWs made many lists. One student won– dered, however, "What time do these people get here to get a parking spot on Marian Way?" 7. Hanging out al Colachis Plaza/Shumway Fountain. The heart of Alcala Park and, according to many students, the best spot to be with friends . 8. Small Class Sizes. A source of pride for the university and a boon for students, who report feeling more comfortable and better able to learn in such an environ– ment. "The professors really have the opportunity to get to know the students. It makes for better questions and discussions." 9 . The Weather. Not much needs to be said. As one student put it, "Let's face it, the weather is unbeatable." 10. E-mail Despite complaints about occa– sional service lapses, e-mail is the preferred form of communication these days. "You don't have to spend money on phone calls, and your hands don't get tired from writing letters," said one student, while another added, "Don't call me; just e-mail me."

A WALK IN THE PARK T he public always has been welcome on USD's campus, and now there's an easier way to introduce - or reintro– duce - yourself to Alcala Park. Free, guided walking tours of campus are now available to any interested individ– uals or groups at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month (reservations required). The Alcala Park Walking Tour showcases USD's history and architecture. Tour highlights include Shiley Theatre, site of the final 1996 presidential debate; Copley Library, featuring the Mother Rosalie Hill Reading Room; the Pardee Legal Research Center; the award-winning Shumway Fountain and Colachis Plaza; The lmmaculata Church; and the Pacific Ocean/Mission Bay vista from the campus's west point. While patterned after tours currently offered by the admissions office to prospec– tive students and their families, the Alcala Park Walking Tour emphasizes traditions and design themes dating back to the 1949 founding of USD's two predecessor institu– tions. Special tours can be arranged for community groups, church and civic groups and other interested organizations. For reservations and group tour infor– mation, call Anna Cain in the public rela– tions office, (619) 260-4659.

WHAT'S HOT AT USD A ssociate professor of marketing Seth Ellis has made a habit of asking stu– dents each semester about what's hot and what's not at USD. The assignment started as an informal way to acquaint students with handing in homework via e-mail, but the No. 10 item on this list indicates that lesson probably is no longer necessary. Still, Ellis says the responses reveal much about student attitudes, desires and, of course, complaints. As a marketing expert, Ellis has a keen interest in the opinions of others. Before coming to USD in 1989, Ellis was a market analyst and product manager in the electronic test and measurement industry, where he developed business strategies and generated worldwide sales forecasts. A longtime marketing consultant to start-up companies as well as Fortune 500 firms, Ellis teaches marketing research, consumer behavior, marketing strategy, new product development and product management. He holds a B.S. in physics and an M.B.A. from Idaho State University, and a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of Arizona. For this edition of the USD Top 10, Ellis asked undergraduates in his Funda– mentals of Marketing class and graduate students in the New Product Marketing and Development course to add comments to their rankings of what's hot at USD. Selected observations from the students follow each item.

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