Wells College

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Wells College thrives on the foundation of providing students with a well rounded education that helps them to develop effective skills and qualities that will set them aside from the competition. The College takes pride in helping each student to develop into a successful professional and an active global citizen – paying it forward with each decision and action. The campus grounds offer students a peaceful landscape filled with beautiful scenes of Cayuga Lake – the perfect atmosphere to focus and enjoy the liberal arts culture.

Students that attend Wells College will experience life in a whole new manner upon entering the campus. As most students dorm on campus, there are always activities events and live entertainment available for students to mingle and take a load off from studying. The faculty supports students in their journey to become mature professionals, well prepared for the work force. By providing this type of atmosphere, Wells College has become a very close-knit community, teaching students that community involvement and participation in one’s surrounding is a vital part of making ethical decisions. Despite their own definition of success, the staff and faculty at Wells College is dedicated to helping them achieve their individual goals.

School History

Wells College has a long history of inventive ideas, strong leadership and extensive knowledge, as it was founded in 1868 by Henry Wells. Wells was also the founder of the Wells Fargo and American Express Company that is still a mogul in the industry today. However, Wells was not the only historical figure to impact the school’s rich history. In 1939, an Austrian man, Victor Hammer who had originally fled from the Nazi army to Wells to teach painting had also incorporated his various other talents into his program. Within the first year or so, he also began teaching printing courses as well. Before teaching at Wells, Hammer was astound printer, creating the most notable works such as the Stamperia del Santuccio press and Milton’s Samson Agonistes.

Wells College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

In 1993, Wells College alumni, Jane Webster Pearce, an established bookbinder, donated her bindery to the school upon retiring. Her donation included fine leather and papers, flat files, historic books and well as a nipping press – some of which are still displayed on campus today. In 2002 the bindery was renamed in honor of its founder as the Jane Webster Pearce ’32 Bindery.

Campus Life

At Wells College, campus life is considered to be a home away from home. Students can adjust to the college experience and their independent lives quite well, while being surrounded with like-minded individuals, experiencing the same transition. First year students can take advantage of the most popular activities such as teatime in MacMillan or the infamous Mock Trial team. You’ll find plenty of support and activity in the stunt fitness center located on campus that provides the students with state of the art equipment to maintain their exercise patterns. Altogether, there are over 50 organizations and student run groups that are available, with new ideas constantly developing.

Since the majority of students live on campus, there are more than enough housing options for students to choose from. Whether you prefer to stay in one of the residence dorms or apartment complexes located throughout the campus, students can take advantage of housing with fellow students of like interests and course study. This allows first year students to get the moral support they need to adjust to college life effectively. Students are also able to live in the fraternity and sorority houses located on campus as well.

The Wells College campus provides students with all of the essential amenities such as a laundry facility, dinning services and a health center. Student Services offices are located throughout the campus to ensure that students are able to obtain the attention and help they need on a consistent basis. All students are encouraged to participate in the variety of different varsity and intramural sports teams that compete for Wells College. Many of the sports teams compete in NCAA Division II Championship tournaments that help students to develop strong leadership and accountability skills that can be utilized in their daily professional lives.

Financial Aid

Wells College remains actively aware and dedicated to helping students handle the costs of college. This includes not only tuition, but helping students pay for personal expenses, cost of books and entertainment during the semester. For this reason, many students take advantage of the attention given by the Financial aid counselors, assisting students in exploring all financial aid options. Wells College offers a variety of merit based scholarships upon admission that may be awarded due to high school career achievements or high standings on the placement tests.

Wells College accepts all government funded scholarships, loans and grant programs given to students. However, the College also awards its own funding to students based on need, athletic scholarships and academic accomplishments. Students are encouraged to pursue all forms of aid in which they qualify to alleviate the stress of juggling financial and academic aspects throughout the year. Financial assistance is also available to students through the work study program as well. This program enables students to obtain employment on and off campus to help them pay for tuition.