Overview of Atlantic Union College
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Atlantic Union College (AUC) is a private Seventh-day Adventist institution located in South Lancaster, Massachusetts. Founded in 1882, the college has a long history of providing a Christian education within the framework of Seventh-day Adventist principles. It is important to note that AUC has faced challenges in recent years, including accreditation issues and campus closure. The information provided here reflects the status of Atlantic Union College before those challenges emerged.
Historical Background:
Atlantic Union College traces its roots to the South Lancaster Academy, established in 1882. Over the years, it evolved into a college with a commitment to providing a Christian education based on Seventh-day Adventist values. The college’s mission included preparing students academically, spiritually, and socially for service in their communities.
Seventh-day Adventist Affiliation:
As a Seventh-day Adventist institution, Atlantic Union College was affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Christian denomination that observes the Sabbath on Saturdays. The college integrated Adventist beliefs and values into its educational philosophy and campus life.
Academic Programs:
Atlantic Union College offered a range of undergraduate programs across various disciplines. The academic offerings included majors in fields such as theology, business, health sciences, and liberal arts. The curriculum aimed to provide students with a well-rounded education while integrating biblical principles into each academic discipline.
Theological Education:
One of the distinctive features of Atlantic Union College was its emphasis on theological education. The college offered programs in theology and ministry, preparing students for service within the Seventh-day Adventist Church or other Christian denominations.
Small Class Sizes and Community:
Atlantic Union College maintained relatively small class sizes, fostering a close-knit community where students and faculty could engage in meaningful interactions. This intimate setting allowed for personalized attention, mentorship, and a sense of belonging among the student body.
Spiritual Life and Chapel Services:
Spiritual life was an integral part of the AUC experience. The college conducted regular chapel services, worship gatherings, and spiritual events to nurture the faith development of students. The Seventh-day Adventist identity of the institution was reflected in these activities.
Service and Outreach:
Atlantic Union College encouraged students to engage in service and outreach initiatives, reflecting the Seventh-day Adventist commitment to community service and social responsibility. Students had opportunities to participate in mission trips, community projects, and volunteer activities.
Athletics:
While Atlantic Union College did not have a robust athletic program compared to larger institutions, it recognized the importance of physical fitness. The college offered recreational sports and activities to promote a healthy lifestyle among students.
Accreditation Challenges and Campus Closure:
Atlantic Union College faced challenges related to accreditation, financial issues, and declining enrollment. In 2011, the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) withdrew accreditation due to financial instability and concerns about the college’s ability to meet accreditation standards. As a result, the college struggled to maintain its operations, and in 2011, the campus was closed.
Efforts to Reopen:
Following the closure, there were efforts and discussions within the Seventh-day Adventist community about reopening Atlantic Union College. However, as of my last knowledge update, the campus remained closed, and the institution faced significant hurdles in regaining accreditation and resuming full operations.
Conclusion:
Atlantic Union College, with its long history and commitment to Seventh-day Adventist principles, played a significant role in providing Christian education for over a century. The challenges the institution faced, including accreditation issues and campus closure, marked a difficult period in its history. While discussions about reopening have taken place, the status of Atlantic Union College is subject to change, and for the most current information, it is recommended to check with official Seventh-day Adventist educational channels or denominational updates.
PO Box 1000 South Lancaster, MA 01561
Phone: (978) 368-2235
Email: enroll@auc.edu
Web site: http://www.auc.edu
Rankings: Atlantic Union College
Located in South Lancaster, MA, Atlantic Union College is one of the best universities in the state of Massachusetts. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Atlantic Union College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Atlantic Union College.
Atlantic Union College is a private college located in Massachusetts. It was founded in 1882 and has been ranked among the top small liberal arts colleges in the US by US News and World Report. The college is also ranked highly for its student outcomes, including graduation rate, job placement rate, and alumni giving rate. Additionally, Atlantic Union College is highly regarded for its commitment to academic excellence and its diverse student body. The college offers more than 30 undergraduate majors, as well as several graduate programs. AUC’s academic programs are designed to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for professional success after graduation. Students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of courses in the humanities, sciences, business, education, and more. The college also offers a variety of extracurricular activities such as clubs, intramural sports teams, musical ensembles, theatre productions, and student organizations. These activities provide students with an opportunity to explore their interests outside of the classroom and become involved with the campus community. Additionally, Atlantic Union College has a strong commitment to service learning initiatives that allow students to apply what they learn in class to real-world situations through internships or volunteer opportunities. Through these experiences students gain valuable skills that can be put into practice after graduation.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 1.9 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 234 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 55.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 41.0% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 30% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | 11 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 213 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 88.3% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 9:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 65.6% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 242 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | 670-950 |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 36.6% |
| Financial resources rank: | 67 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 227 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 7.6% |
Essential Facts: Atlantic Union College
Founded: 1882
Address: 338 Main St, Lancaster, MA 01523
Phone: +1 978-368-2000
President: Avis D. Hendrickson
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | N/A |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | N/A |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | N/A |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 50% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | N/A |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | No |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance mandatory, class attendance policies set by individual instructors, dress/hair code, hazing prohibited, smoking prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | campus ministries, choral groups, concert band, drama/theater, music ensembles, student newspaper, symphony orchestra, yearbook |