Rate My Professors: Barry 2026 Edition
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
By Valentine Purcell
Many university students use online resources like Rate My Professors to guide their decisions when selecting courses each semester.
They use peer reviews to gain a greater understanding of teaching methods, workload expectations and general classroom experiences.
The Buccaneer conducted a survey this spring to ascertain how students use these ratings to select their courses.
More than half of Barry students consider recommendations from their peers before setting up their schedule for the semester, according to survey results. And, based on the ratings, they also have their most favored and least favored professors at the university.
When it comes to website usage, 62.4% of students used Rate My Professors before enrolling in a class, whereas 37.6% did not.
Additionally, 77.5% of students believe that anonymous online reviews on Rate My Professors accurately reflect the classroom experience, whereas only 22.5% of students disagreed with that statement.
Students rated personality and approachability as the highest characteristics when asked about what most influences their impression of a professor (36%), implying that interpersonal connections are important in determining the classroom experience.
Teaching clarity followed at 31%, with workload/ difficulty closing at 24%. The remaining options were grading fairness, which came in at 7% and attendance policies at 2%.
The results imply that although academic rigor is crucial, students ultimately prefer to be taught by interesting, encouraging humans.
“Learning at Barry is pretty neat. The professors are chill and helpful when I need assistance,” said Henry Rapisarda, a freshman majoring in criminology. “I prefer a hands-on approach to learning. My favorite professor is Luigi Esposito in criminology; he knows his stuff and his lectures are easy to understand.”
This statement is reflected on the Rate My Professors platform where Esposito has a whopping 4.7-star review with multiple students commenting on his interesting lectures and friendliness.
Multiple students in the survey and on the Rate My Professors platform also gave Professor Mahen Saverimuttu high marks.
One evaluation from April 18, 2024, said, “He’s a tough professor but a great professor! I still refer to lessons he taught me often. C/O 2015.”
This rating emphasizes the long-lasting influence of Saverimuttu's teaching, implying that meaningful training can continue well beyond the classroom and into students' personal and professional lives, even though the reviewer graduated almost ten years ago.
Dr. Dale Hartz was similarly praised in the Buccaneer survey and on the Rate My Professors website, which stated: “Very good professor in and out of the classroom, genuinely cares for his students and their betterment… Definitely a great professor; I recommend anyone to take his class or even join BMC with him.”
Positive comments such as these reflect the value of mentoring and involvement, noting the role instructors play not only as professors but also as supporters of student growth.
While some professors are viewed in a positive light, others were described in more mixed terms.
Two of Barry’s Professors, both named Pedro Gonzalez, were unfavored by some students, according to the Buccaneer survey. Pedro A. Gonzalez teaches communication law, while Pedro Gonzalez lies in the philosophy department.
Gonzalez of philosophy is known for upholding stringent rules in the classroom, holding a rating of 2.1 on Rate My Professors. As stated in a review on the site, “He enforces a strict no-phone policy and deducts points for visible phone use during class. Technology use is restricted. His lectures are lecture-based and structured. Grading standards are rigorous.”
Although students may find this approach demanding, some may value the structured environment and the importance of discipline, which can grow focus and accountability in an age widely ruled by mobile device attention.
Another professor that students felt conflicted about is Jana Rutherford from the marketing department.
According to Rate My Professors, Rutherford also has a rating of 2.1.
One comment on the site reads: “She needs to tone it down a notch. She gives great lectures but she's very strict. You can't enter her class if you're more than 5 mins late. Be prepared for lots of homework with no mercy or leeway. There were a few times when she opened random assignments a few hours before class, and don't even bother saying you didn't know about it...ZERO.”
It seems teaching techniques like these resonate differently depending on personal expectations and learning preferences.
Overall, the reviews and survey indicate a larger trend in higher education as students are using shared experiences to shape academic culture. These perspectives offer understanding into what students truly value: engagement, clarity and a long-lasting impact at Barry University.
Great story