Overview of College of Our Lady of the Elms
The College of Our Lady of the Elms, commonly known as Elms College, is a private Catholic liberal arts college located in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Established in 1899 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Elms College has a rich history and a mission rooted in Catholic values, social justice, and the pursuit of academic excellence. The college offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, providing students with a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and community engagement.
Founding and Mission: Elms College was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph, a religious order with a strong tradition in education and community service. The college’s establishment in 1899 was rooted in the order’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education, particularly for women. The mission of Elms College is deeply connected to the principles of Catholic social teaching, emphasizing compassion, justice, and the service of others.
Academic Programs: Elms College offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate programs in disciplines such as arts and sciences, business, education, nursing, and health sciences. The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual growth, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making. The college places a strong emphasis on providing students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for both professional success and engaged citizenship.
At the graduate level, Elms College offers programs in fields such as business administration, education, nursing, and healthcare management. These programs are designed to meet the needs of professionals seeking advanced education and skills in their respective fields.
Community Engagement and Service: Consistent with its Catholic and Sisters of St. Joseph heritage, Elms College places a significant emphasis on community engagement and service to others. The college encourages students to actively participate in service-learning opportunities, volunteer work, and community service projects. This commitment to social responsibility and making a positive impact in the community aligns with the core values of the college.
Campus and Facilities: Elms College’s picturesque campus is situated on a hill overlooking the Connecticut River, providing a serene and conducive environment for learning. The campus features modern facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, and recreational spaces. The Alumnae Library and the Veritas Auditorium are central hubs for academic resources and events.
Diversity and Inclusion: Elms College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college values the perspectives and contributions of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures. Initiatives, programs, and support services are in place to promote diversity and inclusion throughout the campus.
Catholic Identity and Values: As a Catholic institution, Elms College maintains a strong commitment to its Catholic identity. The college provides a faith-based environment that encourages students to explore and deepen their spiritual lives. Campus ministry, prayer services, and community events contribute to the holistic development of students, nurturing their spiritual and moral formation.
Global Perspectives: Recognizing the importance of global perspectives in education, Elms College encourages students to explore international opportunities, study abroad programs, and engage with global issues. These experiences contribute to students’ cultural awareness, broaden their horizons, and prepare them for a globally interconnected world.
Leadership and Women’s Education: Elms College has a historical commitment to women’s education and leadership. Originally founded as a women’s college, Elms has evolved to include coeducational undergraduate programs while maintaining a strong emphasis on empowering women through education. The college continues to promote leadership development and the advancement of women in various fields.
Career Services: The Center for Student Success and Career Planning at Elms College plays a crucial role in supporting students’ career development. The center provides resources such as career counseling, resume workshops, internship placement, and job fairs. The college is dedicated to helping students explore and pursue meaningful careers aligned with their academic and personal goals.
Sustainability Initiatives: Elms College is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The college has implemented initiatives to reduce its environmental impact, promote conservation, and engage the campus community in sustainable practices.
The College of Our Lady of the Elms (Elms College) stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph and their commitment to education, social justice, and community service. With its strong Catholic identity, emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and dedication to academic excellence, Elms College continues to provide students with a transformative education that prepares them for a life of purpose, leadership, and service to others.
291 Springfield Street Chicopee, MA 01013
Phone: (800) 255-3567
Email: admissions@elms.edu
Web site: http://www.elms.edu
Rankings: College of Our Lady of the Elms
Located in Chicopee, MA, College of Our Lady of the Elms is one of the best universities in the state of Massachusetts. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for College of Our Lady of the Elms in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is College of Our Lady of the Elms.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.4 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | 16 |
| Average freshman retention rate: | N/A |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 59.3% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | N/A |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | N/A |
| Faculty resources ranking: | 60 |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | N/A |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | N/A |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | N/A |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | N/A |
| Student selectivity ranking: | 57 |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | N/A |
| 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: | N/A |
| Financial resources rank: | 45 |
| Alumni giving rank: | 8 |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 24.1% |
Essential Facts: College of Our Lady of the Elms
- The Elms College Blazers got their nickname from an old tradition when sophomore students would receive ‘blazers’ to wear as a seniority right.
- Elms College is the seat of two non-profit organizations that promote the arts and cultures of two ethnic communities that have historically immigrated to Western Massachusetts.
- Elms College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. The social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
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: | 25% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 20% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors, honor code, hazing prohibited |
| Collegiate athletic association: | NCAA III |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | choral groups, literary magazine, student government, student newspaper, yearbook |