Elms College 2015 Viewbook

You Belong Here

DISCOVER ELMS COLLEGE Chicopee, Massachusetts elms.edu

Because of Elms Everything changes—starting with you. We will challenge you, cheer you on, and connect you with opportunities that open doors. You’ll get a real-world education customized for your interests and goals.

Elms offers career-oriented majors, small classes, dedicated faculty, and first-rate facilities. In addition to strong academics, students have access to study abroad, internships, service opportunities, and a range of extracurricular activities. They distinguish themselves as scholars, leaders, and athletes.

Ours is a close-knit community, guided by the College’s values of faith and excellence. Elms students develop character as well as intellect. We’ll prepare you not only for professional success, but also to help create solutions that make a difference in the lives of others.

Standing Apart Elms College is a Catholic liberal arts college dedicated to educating the whole person. Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, Massachusetts, we offer undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs in an environment that is value-centered and progressive. Our curriculum promotes effective communication, critical thinking, an ability to utilize technology, an understanding of faith, and a willingness to respond to global concerns of justice and peace.

Lekenya Cesar ’15 Hometown – Stoughton, MA Nursing Resident Advisor

Everything changes — starting with you.

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Zach Dreher ’14 Hometown – Naugatuck, CT Mathematics teacher Holyoke Catholic High School Double major: Secondary Education and Mathematical Science Men’s Baseball. All-NECC Honorable Mention.

“Because of Elms I landed my first teaching job just months after graduation. The professors go the extra mile to make sure you are prepared to run your own classroom when you graduate.”

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BECAUSE OF ELMS You will get hired

On Your Way

Elms College Programs of Study

Wherever you’re headed, Elms College has a program of study to get you there.

Associate of Arts Degree Paralegal Studies (two-year option) Speech and Language Pathology Assistant (two-year option)

Our liberal arts core provides a foundation for innovative and interdisciplinary explorations. From first-year seminars to independent fieldwork, you’ll have distinct opportunities to excel while preparing for your career.

In all fields, you’ll find small class sizes and high expectations. Students can choose from more than 40 undergraduate programs.

Bachelor of Arts Degree Accelerated B.A./M.B.A. (Accounting, Healthcare Leadership or Management) Accounting Biology Chemistry Communication Sciences and Disorders Computer Information and Technology Criminal Justice Digital Communication Education Early Childhood Education Elementary Education Secondary Education Teacher of English Language Learners Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities English Fine Arts Graphic Design Healthcare Management History International Studies/Business Legal Studies (Pre-law) Liberal Arts Management

Marketing Mathematics Natural Sciences Paralegal Studies (four-year option) Psychology Religious Studies Sociology Spanish Sports Management Bachelor of Science Degree Nursing (plus an R.N. to B.S. completion option) Accelerated second degree in Nursing Social Work Minors, Concentrations, and Certificate Programs Asian Studies Bioethics Business and Law Coaching Digital Forensics and Cyber Security Irish Studies Legal Nurse Consulting Music Paralegal Studies Pre-health, Pre-medical Professional Philosophy Theater Writing Find your passion: elms.edu/academics 3

Elms is a small college with big resources.

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Redefining Excellence Elms is a small college with big resources. We continually integrate the latest technology into teaching and research.

Located on 25 acres, our scenic campus features state-of-the art classrooms and laboratories, as well as enhanced facilities for student life. These include: The Center for Natural and Health Science Opened in 2014, this five story, 22,000 square foot facility was designed to encourage new collaborations among academic disciplines. It is home to eight laboratories, plus research, clinical, and classroom space for programs in biology, chemistry, and nursing.

Leary and Condon Field Our multipurpose artificial surface field, hosts all practices and games for men and women’s soccer, field hockey and women’s lacrosse. Our turf field hosts early spring practices for baseball and softball. Physical education classes, intramural programs, and the general student population also use them.

Keating Quadrangle The Quad was renovated in 2014. The scenic green space, serves as a central gathering place for the Elms community.

Recent renovations include new tiling, a new deck, a fire pit, and enhanced landscaping. Outdoor seating for The Elms CafĂŠ also can be found there. In addition to being a welcoming spot for students to socialize, the Quad hosts events ranging from outdoor film screenings to campus receptions.

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Simply the Best At Elms College, your teachers will be accomplished scholars, scientists, artists, and innovators. Along with being established in their fields, they have their finger on the pulse of rapidlychanging industries and professions.

Their top priority, however, is teaching. Our faculty is committed to your success and will work closely with you every step of the way. You’ll also have the support of an academic advisor and access to the College’s Academic Resource Center.

Our faculty is committed to your success.

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JUST THE FACTS Elms College is a vibrant liberal arts college with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and personal attention. We offer a values-based education that emphasizes global engagement and service to others. Our undergraduate and graduate programs attract a diverse and dynamic community of learners who go on to successful careers and meaningful lives.

The only Catholic college in Western Massachusetts.

42%

of current Elms College students are first-generation

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League Championships

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local, national, and global service trips

Top 25

Best Regional Colleges in the Northeast U.S. News & World Report

88%

Our alumni live in 49 states and 20 countries around the globe

85%

85%

Elms has graduated over 1,700 nurses

Over 82% Retention Rate #9 Freshman Retention Rate Regional Colleges (North) U.S. News & World Report

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Elms ranked #10 in Best Value in the Northeast U.S. News & World Report

★ Angola

Brazil

China

Congo

Dominican Republic

Ghana

Iraq

Ireland

Japan

Russia

Saint Lucia

Turkey

★ Nepal

Pakistan

Peru

Poland

Portugal

Puerto Rico

13:1 Elms Student/Faculty ratio

Countries and territories of current students outside of the U.S.

Over 11,000 alumni strong

85%

More than 85% of students receive financial aid.

$24,970

The average Financial Aid Award for first-time full-time students.

Elms is a co-educational Catholic Liberal Arts College

10 Top 10 Majors:

Elms College offers English as a Second Language

Nursing Business and Accounting Social Work Education Communication Sciences and Disorders Psychology Biology Sociology Criminal Justice and Legal Studies Computer Information Technology

Get more facts elms.edu/facts

Start Now With an Elms education, the possibilities are endless. Take a look at our website to learn more about Elms College. Please get in touch and visit our beautiful campus. We want to learn more about who you are—and where you’re headed.

elms.edu/admission

Community involvement: St. Thomas More Society, Western Massachusetts Senior Partners for Justice, Junior Achievement, the American Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association, the Hampden County Bar Association, the Billy Riordan Malawi Project, and the West Springfield Rotary Club.

Caroline Murray, J.D. Associate Professor Paralegal and Legal Studies Owner of The Law Office Of Caroline M. Murray

“Because of Elms, my students discover their passion through meaningful internships, build connections through networking opportunities, find employment before they’ve even graduated, or enroll in law school.”

2014 recipient of St. Thomas More Medal, Diocese of Springfield Professors that prepare you: elms.edu/faculty

BECAUSE ELMS You will beOF prepared 7

A Global View We’re a community that takes action to make the world a better place. From your first semester to your last, you can put your faith into action through service-learning programs. In addition to local partnerships, the College organizes weeklong service trips in destinations in the U.S. and abroad.

These trips implement Catholic social teachings, expand cultural awareness, and invite you to help shape a more just world. Recent destinations have included: Jamaica San Jose, California Concordia, Kansas New Orleans, Louisiana Brooklyn, New York Honduras

Learning beyond the classroom: elms.edu/international

Kaylie Dygon ‘13 Hometown – Chicopee, MA Nursing Major Student ambassador. Service trips to West Virginia, Honduras, and Jamaica.

“Because of Elms and the support of the campus ministry staff, I had the courage to apply to Passionist Volunteers International, where I lived in Jamaica for a year, working in schools and clinics.”

I went from Chicopee to Jamaica BECAUSE OF ELMS

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Game On! Our athletics programs are competitive but academics take top priority

at Elms College. As a result, student-athletes play for love of the sport, and enjoy balance on the playing field and in the classroom. It’s a winning combination.

NCAA Division III Intercollegiate Sports Men’s Women’s Baseball Basketball Basketball Cross Country Cross Country Field Hockey Golf Lacrosse Soccer Soccer Swimming Softball Volleyball Swimming Volleyball

The perfect balance of academics and athletics: elms.edu/athletics

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A Commitment to Access Elms wants to make this private college experience affordable for you. In fact, coming here often costs less than attending a public institution. That’s because of generous financial aid packages including grants, scholarships, and loans. Last year, the average award was $24,970.

More than 85 percent of our students receive some form of financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to determine your eligibility.

Dollars and cents: elms.edu/financialaid

Paying for college can seem overwhelming and confusing sometimes. What you don’t often hear is how a private college education can be more affordable than a public university. Through a variety of financial aid options, we will help place a college degree within your reach.

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Devonte Marshall ’18 Hometown – Springfield, MA Double major: Marketing and Psychology Men’s Basketball, Dorothy Day Program

“Because of the scholarship I was awarded at Elms, I was able to afford the small, personal class sizes I was looking for from a private college.”

BECAUSE I could afford toOFgoELMS to college

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Welcome Home Whether you live in one of our comfortable residence halls or commute, you’ll be part of a friendly, energetic community. Our beautiful campus is home to students from throughout the U.S., as well as numerous other countries.

Each semester, Elms’ calendar is filled with cultural and social events. You can get involved with one of our many student-run organizations or start a new club. Meet friends for a coffee in the Student Center, use an elliptical at the fitness center, play air hockey in the game room—there’s always something to do.

At Elms College, you’ll meet new people who expand your ideas and find lasting friendships.

It’s an education—and experience—for life.

You Belong Here

DISCOVER ELMS COLLEGE 12

In the Middle of Everything Elms College is located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, just two miles north of Springfield. Known as the Pioneer Valley, this area has a rich cultural history and is home to numerous colleges and universities. We’re in easy reach of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Six Flags New England, and the Springfield Museums. Boston is 90 minutes by car and New York City is 2.5 hours away.

Discover Your Passion Find your career path,

and be part of our dynamic community.

A Rich Tradition We are proud of our heritage as a leading Catholic liberal arts college and remain rooted in the traditions of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Our passion is teaching, our mission is developing students rooted in faith, educated in mind, compassionate in heart, and responsive to civic and social obligations.