Five Great Stats and Fun Facts about The University of Miami

I recently had the enviable job of touring The University of Miami, located just 20 minutes from Key Biscayne and Miami’s beaches. I discovered that while UM undoubtedly offers its students both great weather and a vibrant social scene, it is also able to boast about its strong academics and variety of school traditions.

Richter Library on UM campus

Here are 5 Great Stats about the University of Miami:                               

1. Academically sound: UM is ranked number 48 by US News and World Report and tied for the highest ranking university in Florida (with the University of Florida). Although this is UM’s 6^th year in a row in the top 50 ranking for USNWR, admissions officers emphasize that UM is a challenging but not cutthroat center of learning. (http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/search?name=University+of+Miami&state=)

2. Dual degree honors programs: Highly motivated students who are looking for the fast-track to advanced degrees need not look further. UM offers the following Dual-Degree Honors Programs:

·         Medicine (B.S. and M.D. degrees in 7-8 years)

·         Law (B.A. or B.S. and J.D. in 6 years)

·         Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (B.S. & PhD degrees in 6 years)

·         Marine Geology (5 year B.S. /M.S.)

·         Exercise Physiology (5 year B.S./M.S.Ed.)

·         Latin American Studies (5 year B.A./M.A.)

If none of those paths are for you, don’t worry; the university has over 180 majors and programs to choose from.

3. Campuses: UM is made up of 5 separate campuses with the main campus being located on a 239 acre tract in suburban Coral Gables.  Future marine biologists take classes at the The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, strategically situated on a scenic 18-acre waterfront campus in Biscayne Bay. The school of medicine is located on a medical center which includes 3 University-owned hospitals that make up UHealth - University of Miami Health System: University of Miami Hospital, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center/UMHC (University of Miami Hospital & Clinics) and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. (http://www.miami.edu/index.php/about_us/fast_facts/)

4. Average starting salary: Graduates entering the job market have an average starting salary of $48,000.

5. Student-faculty ratio: UM boasts a student-faculty ratio of 12:1. 50% of classes have 16 students or less, and few have teaching assistants.

And now for the 5 Fun Facts:

UM dorm room

1. The Hurricanes: Although the origin of the team name is controversial, one popular version contends that “Miami News columnist Jack Bell asked end Porter Norris of the 1926 team what the team should be called. Told that the local dignitaries and University officials wanted to name the team for a local flora or fauna, Norris said the players wouldn’t stand for it and suggested ‘Hurricanes’ since the opening game had been postponed by such a storm.” (http://www.miami.edu/index.php/about_us/achievements_and_traditions/traditions/) And, as they say, the rest was history.

2. Sebastian the Ibis: The school’s mascot, Sebastian the Ibis, is named after a local marsh bird. Folklore maintains that the Ibis, a symbol of knowledge found in the Everglades and Egypt, is the last sign of wildlife to take shelter before a hurricane and the first to reappear after the storm. (http://www.miami.edu/index.php/about_us/achievements_and_traditions/traditions/)

The "U"

3. The “U”: “In 1973, UM’s Athletic Federation, the fund raising arm of the athletic department at the time, commissioned a local public relations expert to develop a distinctive logo. The University had gone several years with a variety of helmet and uniform changes and the Federation noted that a number of major colleges have the initials UM. Miami designer Bill Bodenheimer suggested the "U" idea, which lent itself to slogans like ‘U gotta believe’ and ‘U is great’. (http://www.miami.edu/index.php/about_us/achievements_and_traditions/traditions/)

4. Dive-in movies: UM students enjoy monthly “dive-in” movies, where students watch their favorite flicks projected on the big screen while floating in or relaxing next to the university swimming pool.

5. Farmers market: Students are invited to buy locally grown and organic produce at the ‘Canes Farmers Market held every Wednesday right on campus. In addition to the fruits, more than 25 vendors also sell vegan delights, honey, marinades and ceviche.

Well, there you have it: five great stats and fun facts about another fantastic college – The University of Miami!