There’s no denying that the University of California is impressive with its sprawling campuses across The Golden State, but there’s something extra special about UC Santa Barbara. It’s ranked as one of the country’s Public Ivy universities, which recognizes leading research institutions. The school has certainly come a long way since 1891 when it offered training solely in home economics and the industrial arts. With 87 undergraduate degrees, it shouldn’t be hard for the current or prospective student to find any area of study that they absolutely can’t get enough of. You’re probably here, because you’re curious about what kind of academic talent this lauded place of learning draws. We looked at ratemyprofessors.com to determine the professors you should pass on, and the ones you shouldn’t pass up.
Below Average
- Thomas Hooker: Sometimes the wrong chemicals come together, and the beaker explodes into a foaming mess. That’s kind of what this professor’s dull lectures are like according to past students. Attendance and engagement is generally lacking, because most people exploit Hooker’s use of a generous curve there’s nothing more exciting than an empty room and a monotonous voice, right? Those who attended office hours in need of additional help said that was also a waste of time, as he tends to talk on and on while getting further away from the question initially asked. It sounds like an all too familiar story for chemistry majors in need of a good grade.
- Howard Winant: Social behavior should be an area of expertise for this sociology professor, but he doesn’t quite understand that students don’t react positively to lectures that are more focused on his personal opinions than the actual course material. Getting a passing grade is easy: attend, read and study. Unfortunately, this strategy won’t help you retain any of that precious knowledge (isn’t that what college is about after all). Many non-writing majors were disappointed to find that he typically asks for at least a few prompt-heavy papers, despite there being no writing requirement listed.
- Dwight Hines: If there’s one thing that students hate, it’s a professor or mentor who goes out of their way to appear on a higher pedestal than that of their pupils. Hines, among the less experienced in the anthropology department, is oft criticized for using fancy words that only complicate the ideas being presented how’s that for pretentious? Beyond that, students cite his rude attitude as a major turnoff and a key reason why they don’t feel like they can turn to him for help.
Exceptional
- Daryl Cooper: There’s a lot of good things to be said about this mathematics professors, and former students are quick to attach words like genius, genuine and endlessly compassionate to his name all wonderful things to find in a professor who’s concerned with success on a personal level. If you put in a noticeable and sufficient amount of effort, he’s more than willing to return the favor by helping you achieve the grade that you want. Of course, numbers upon numbers can sometimes lead to nap worthy lectures, but Cooper keeps things interesting with cheesy jokes that are so bad they’re good. Many professors are bashed for not following along with the textbook, but you won’t find any such disorganized trajectory here.
- Alan Fridlung: Regarded as a favorite mainstay in the psychology department, Fridlung has all the personality you’d expect from someone who’s obsessed with exploring the human condition. Students seem to appreciate his minimalist approach to grades, with finals being based solely on two exams with a minor curve. His “Fair Game Sheet”, a list of minor factoids that could end up on a test, alleviates the anxiety that some strict note takers might feel during their academic career. Even when the material gets dense, his infectious sense of humor keeps classrooms afloat with lightness and laughs small or big.
- Dolly Mullin: Communications departments are often where you’ll find the most outgoing, extroverted students on campus. 8 a.m. classes are often where you’ll find the most tired look you’ve ever seen slapped across the face of regret-filled lecture attendees. Nonetheless, scholars applaud this favorite instructor’s ability to be enthusiast and engaging even when it’s the crack of dawn! Her tests and papers are admittedly not a cakewalk, but they promote knowledge retention and are offset by her effortless wit that keeps lecture halls lively. Personal issues? This is one professor who’s sympathetic to what’s going on in your life, and she’ll do her best to accommodate situations that might arise.
Ryan James is a ’13 alumnus of Ohio University’s College of Arts & Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in writing and media. He currently works as a copywriter for a Fortune 500 e-commerce corporation based in Columbus, OH.