Hampshire College is a private liberal arts college located in Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 1970, it is a member of the Five College Consortium, along with Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Hampshire College is known for its alternative and interdisciplinary approach to education, emphasizing individualized learning and student-driven projects.
Here are some key points about Hampshire College:
1. Academic Program: Hampshire College's unique academic structure encourages students to design their own curriculum, focusing on their interests and passions. The college does not have traditional majors, and students work closely with faculty advisors to create their own concentrations, integrating various disciplines.
2. Divisions: The college's academic program is divided into three divisions, each representing a different stage of a student's educational progress:
- Division I: Exploration and Working Across Disciplines
- Division II: Concentration and Applying Knowledge
- Division III: Advanced Independent Work
3. Five College Consortium: As part of the Five College Consortium, Hampshire students can take classes, access resources, and participate in events at the other four member institutions, providing a broader range of academic and extracurricular opportunities.
4. Enrollment: Hampshire College has a relatively small student population, with approximately 1,200 undergraduate students.
5. Campus: The college's 800-acre rural campus is located in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, offering a picturesque setting for students. The campus is home to the R.W. Kern Center, a Living Building certified by the Living Building Challenge, which showcases sustainable design and operations.
6. Evaluation System: Hampshire College does not use traditional letter grades. Instead, students receive narrative evaluations from their professors, providing detailed feedback on their progress and accomplishments.
7. Capstone Project: Students at Hampshire College are required to complete a Division III project, which serves as a capstone experience. This project typically involves in-depth research or creative work, demonstrating the student's mastery of their chosen concentration.
8. Student Life: Hampshire College offers a vibrant campus life, with various student clubs and organizations catering to diverse interests, such as cultural groups, performing arts ensembles, service organizations, and academic groups.
9. Notable Alumni: Hampshire College has produced many successful alumni across various fields, including documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, actor Liev Schreiber, screenwriter and producer Mara Brock Akil, and author Jon Krakauer.
10. Financial Aid: Hampshire College is committed to making its education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds, offering need-based financial aid packages that include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities. The college also provides several merit-based scholarships.
Please note that Hampshire College faced financial challenges in recent years, which led to discussions about potential mergers and temporary suspension of admissions. The college has since stabilized and continues to operate, focusing on its unique educational model and commitment to student success.
