University News

Princeton Review Recognizes University for Exceptional Faculty, Diverse Campus

The University of New Haven was again featured in The Princeton ReviewӰԭs go-to guidebook of the top colleges and universities in the country. Students quoted in the book praised the University for the many opportunities they had to connect with their fellow Chargers and to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields.

September 13, 2023

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Students with Charlie the Charger
Students praised the University for the many opportunities they had to connect with their fellow Chargers.

During his time as a Charger, Muntasir Hossain Ӱԭ23 analyzed and developed a machine learning algorithm to detect coronary heart disease. He also collaborated with several faculty members on exciting research, such as training faculty on integrating the Makerspace into their course content and developing a platform to analyze the opinions of social media users.

These hands-on research opportunities enabled Hossain to publish his work in papers and present at conferences. He also shared what he learned and offered his support to his classmates as a tutor and a Learning Assistant in the Center for Learning Resources. He says heӰԭs grateful for the many rewarding experiences he had Ӱԭ both as a mentor and a mentee.

ӰԭThe University of New Haven played a significant role in preparing me for success,Ӱԭ said Hossain, who earned a bachelorӰԭs degree in computer science before joining McDonaldӰԭs as a software engineer in its corporate office in Chicago. ӰԭI have had amazing professors who were always willing to support and mentor me.Ӱԭ

'Our high opinion of the schools'

Hossain is among the many students and alumni who cite their professors as having played a significant role in their time as Chargers. That was one of the themes highlighted as the University was featured in of its popular guidebook for prospective college students and their families. Chargers said they were especially grateful for faculty who Ӱԭhave resumes that are incredibly proficientӰԭ and who bring their vast experience to the classroom through Ӱԭreal world stories as well as hands-on events and exercises.Ӱԭ

Muntasir Hossain '23.
Muntasir Hossain Ӱԭ23.

A trusted and well-known educational services company, The Princeton Review included the University in its newest book The Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition. The company does not rank colleges and universities Ӱԭ instead, it profiles them. It recommends the best schools in the country for undergraduates, largely based on ӰԭpeerӰԭ reviews Ӱԭ the feedback of students.

ӰԭOur students often talk about how much they love their professors and how much they appreciate all they do for them in and out of the classroom,Ӱԭ said Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., interim president of the University of New Haven. ӰԭOur professors are dedicated to their work, and they are so passionate about the success of our students. Being recognized by the Princeton Review among the best colleges and universities in the country would not be possible without their dedication.Ӱԭ

The annual guidebook and college rankings lists are based on The Princeton ReviewӰԭs surveys of 165,000 college students Ӱԭ more than 400 per school, on average Ӱԭ who rated their schools on dozens of topics. Students provided feedback on topics such as school services, campus amenities, and aspects of college life. This is the eighth consecutive year the University has been featured in the guidebook as one of the top colleges and universities in the country.

ӰԭWe created our rankings to provide a resource for college applicants that helps them answer what may well be the toughest question in their college search Ӱԭ ӰԭWhatӰԭs the best school for me?ӰԭӰԭ said , editor-in-chief of The Princeton Review and lead author of The Best 389 Colleges. ӰԭOur selection of colleges for this book reflects our high opinion of the schools: we recommend each one as academically outstanding. Our ranking lists reflect the opinions of the schoolӰԭs students Ӱԭ their customers Ӱԭ and their reports to us about their campus experiences.Ӱԭ

'A passion to help people and society'
Sani'yah Brinney '23.
Sani'yah Brinney '23.

Students also praised the UniversityӰԭs campus environment, noting that Chargers are Ӱԭvery welcomingӰԭ and Ӱԭcaring and considerate.Ӱԭ They also said there are Ӱԭpeople of different race, religion, and all other kinds of backgroundsӰԭ at the University, and that Ӱԭit is easy to find people you fit in with because the campus is so diverse.Ӱԭ

Chargers also noted the variety of opportunities to get involved in the University community, which was important to SaniӰԭyah Brinney Ӱԭ23. A recent graduate of the political science program, she was an active member of the Charger community, serving as founder and vice president of the Women of Color Collective and as vice president of the . She also served as president of the .

ӰԭI always had a passion to help people and society as a whole, which is what every position I held on campus allowed me to do,Ӱԭ said Brinney, who is now pursuing her masterӰԭs degree at Georgetown University. ӰԭUltimately, bringing people together for a positive purpose is why I continued to seek out leadership positions throughout my undergraduate career.Ӱԭ

'Taught me to be an independent learner'
Princeton Review 2024 badge

The new guidebook also quoted students who lauded the many experiential learning opportunities offered, noting that Ӱԭthe learning style here feels very hands-on.Ӱԭ One student also said, ӰԭIӰԭve taken a number of labs and field trips in my classes that have really prepared me to use equipment and methods IӰԭll need in my field.Ӱԭ

For Hossain, the computer science grad, these opportunities have helped him to excel in the classroom, as an intern, and as he begins his career. Last summer, he served as a software engineering intern for McDonaldӰԭs at their corporate headquarters, leading to a full-time job opportunity.

ӰԭMany of my courses were project-based, which allowed me to apply my knowledge and develop tangible products,Ӱԭ he said. ӰԭThese projects taught me to be an independent learner and to come up with creative solutions to problems.Ӱԭ