(College of Our Lady of the Elms), women's college located on more than 30 acres (12 hectares) in suburban Chicopee, Mass., near Springfield. Its formal name is College of Our Lady of the Elms, but the institution normally uses the name Elms College. A Roman Catholic institution founded in 1928, it is conducted by the Sisters of St. Joseph. Enrollment totals roughly 1,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students. A few men participate in graduate programs. Most students come from the New England and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. The campus contains some housing for interested students. The college operates on the semester system and awards degrees at the associate through master's levels. About two thirds of the full-time faculty hold doctorates. At the graduate level, the college offers programs in education. Disciplines offered to undergraduates include liberal arts and sciences, education, communication disorders, art, business, health science management, international studies, paralegal studies, religious studies, medical technology, nursing, and social work. Elms has an arrangement with other colleges whereby students can take advantage of classes, facilities, and social events at other campuses. The college has a special academic assistance program for students who need it. About a quarter of Elms undergraduates pursue advanced studies within a year of graduation. Extracurricular activities at Elms include musical and theatrical groups, a student-run newspaper, and intramural sports. Varsity sports teams compete in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. |