Photo: Hobart and William Smith Colleges. Retrieved from: www.wikipedia.org
Hobart and William Smith Colleges offers students a unique education by providing a community-like atmosphere that encourages them the room they need to grow. A leader in the liberal arts educational facilities, Hobart and William Smith Colleges is also well-known for the political sciences programs offered as well with many students pursuing double majors in Economics and Business Management. Located in beautiful upstate New York, the Colleges offer the serene atmosphere of the Finger Lakes that inspires students to evoke their creative thinking and independency. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are independent liberal arts colleges that are dedicated to helping students reach their professional goals with the most well-rounded education possible.
Both Hobart and William Smith Colleges offer students a wide range of programs and opportunities such as the popular study abroad programs that currently enable students the ability to travel to over 15 countries throughout their college experience. The professional services and development courses offered on campus give students the career advantage of preparedness over the fierce competition. Many Hobart and William Smith Colleges alumni are noted in high leadership and service positions within their community and state legislatures.
School History
The history of the first college began in 1818 when John Henry Hobart established his intentions for a college in Geneva. Being the Episcopal bishop of New York, his motives were well embraced and supported within the community. Opened as an educational facility for women, Hobart College was acknowledged for its dedication to training local woman etiquette, reading and writing, introducing many of them to the liberal arts culture. In 1908, William Smith College was established to strengthen the educational community and offer a wider range of professional programs. Since 1822, both Hobart and William Smith Colleges have been actively involved in the education and training of young minds.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and maintains an active, continuous standing.
By 1849, an icon student, Elizabeth Blackwell graduated from the Geneva Medical College – the first woman in America to do so. Elizabeth is later honored by a scholarship dedication fund that awards generations of future students financial relief to advance their education. Throughout time, Hobart and William Smith Colleges have survived several wars and economic devastations that resulted in curriculum updates and additions such as the Naval V-12 program established in 1943. The most iconic recognition of the Colleges during the earlier years was the undefeated championship achieved in 1961 with the Hobart and William Smith Colleges debate team on the famous television show Generic Electric’s College Bowl.
Campus Life
Campus life at Hobart and William Smith Colleges is based on a strong set of interdisciplinary standards that encourage students both academically and socially. Students are given freedom and assistance to remain self-governed by organizations such as the Student Government, Student Mentors and Student Life Staff. Community standards are based on service, civility and respect for each other. All students are encouraged to participate in the various activities, organizations and events held on campus throughout the year. Students enjoy upholding a variety of traditions such as Homecoming, Career Weekend and the annual Pajama Party. With plenty of resources available right on campus grounds, the majority of students utilize the trips into the nearby cities strictly for sightseeing and shopping adventures.
Hobart and William Smith Colleges students can access the Recreation and Wellness Center seven days per week at their leisure. The Center for Counseling and Student Wellness, as well as the Health Center is also available to students, accommodating both early morning and late evening hours. Campus safety is of the utmost importance at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, which is why several security measures are implemented to ensure ongoing safety of all students and faculty. Students are encouraged to review the information in the Student Handbook, available in the Student Services Office.
Members of the Student Residence Staff are available in each other residential halls to ensure student safety and assistance throughout the year. Each member of the Student Residence Staff has been trained and certified to tend and advocate the needs of students effectively, commonly acting as the liaison between students and administrators.
Financial Aid
Over 85% of Hobart and William Smith Colleges students receive financial aid funding to help alleviate the out-of-pocket cost of school. The Office of Financial Aid is available to helps students differentiate the best funding options that meet their specific needs, helping them to optimize their schedules each semester. Many students utilize multiple forms of financial aid to assist with a wider range of expenses such as the cost of books, supplies and personal expenses while attending school. Hobart and William Smith Colleges accepts all forms of government and third party funding such as FAFSA and local charity awards.
Students are encouraged to obtain a copy of the Financial Aid package from the Office of Financial Aid before the start of each semester to ensure optimized funding and update policy information is understood. Hobart and William Smith Colleges is dedicated to helping first-year and transfer students adjust to campus life as easy as possible. Counselors are available in between semesters to assist students and their families meet financial aid funding deadlines, ensuring timely enrollment.
