Pros
Beautiful sense of seasons, great proximity to Chicago with its wealth of cultural activities, U Chicago, IIT, wonderful museums and architecture, and so forth, lovely Chapel services (but not on Sunday!)
Cons
I honestly can't see how this place was particularly "Christian". Am not sure all the faculty are committed Christians by any means, though they may say they are--it felt like there were a lot of tepid, "baby Christians" on the faculty--as well, of course, as some strong, mature ones. Many faculty and staff seemed to be complicit in credential posturing, forming "unholy" alliances to protect their jobs, particularly in the design school. Academic/macho politics as usual, perhaps ever worse here, sadly. Some terrific, committed students who made it all worthwhile, and really want to do things His way. Housing and salaries can be sub-standard with teaching and committee loads/contact hours exploitative/exhausting. In sum, branding without substance. Not a lot of room for excellence despite Biblical encouragement to work "as unto the Lord". Lots of flakiness and fear to walk out on faith, "without which it is impossible to please Him". Design school management has been the same for years--stifling growth and the creativity new blood brings, with a provincial, limited window on the world. Lots of lying and pretense/covering-up for a university that purports to be "Christian". But then, none of us are perfect--just saved....But God does expect more of us.
