public institution located on 80 acres (32 hectares) in North Adams, Mass., in the Berkshire Hills. Founded in 1894 as North Adams Normal School, it has grown over the years to offer an array of disciplines at the bachelor's level as well as the master's degree in education. The enrollment for undergraduate, graduate, continuing studies, and special programs totals about 2,000. The college primarily serves state residents. Many students choose to live in campus housing. The academic calendar is divided into semesters. More than two thirds of the full-time faculty hold doctorates. Fields offered to undergraduates include education, liberal arts and sciences, fine arts, business, computer science, medical technology, and communications. Special options include studying at another state college, taking classes at nearby institutions, holding internships, and traveling abroad. Approximately 10 percent of the undergraduates pursue advanced studies directly after graduation. The college conducts some 50 extracurricular activities, including fraternities and sororities, musical and theatrical groups, an outing club, a multicultural society, a campus radio station, and a student-run newspaper. Varsity sports teams compete in Division III of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. |