Hampshire’s motto is “an education as unique as you are.” I think that is completely accurate. Hampshire is filled with creative individualists, each on their own path. That is what makes Hampshire so special. The college is one of the few who truly offer individualistic programs and the opportunity to create and craft one’s own major.
I’ve been to Hampshire College several times, and I like it more each time I visit. Hampshire is one of the Five College Consortium consisting of Amherst College, Mt Holyoke College, Smith College, UMass Amherst, and Hampshire. The college was created back in the 60′s by the other four as the utopian college environment. Hampshire does not have a typical four year liberal arts program, instead it has three divisions. The first division consists of 2 semesters and is the building block of one’s education. Division two encompasses semesters 3-6. This is where the student studies within their concentration and works closely with a faculty committee to craft their program. Division three, semesters 7 and 8, are Advanced Studies within one’s field. Teach a class, take on a major research project, attend graduate level classes, complete a body of literature, performance or art. Did I mention that Hampshire, like Bennington College and the Johnston Center at U of Redlands, has narrative grading? Well, they do.
Hampshire is located in Amherst, Mass; the Pioneer Valley. The housing at the college is totally eclectic. Want to live in suburbia? The city? Want to live in Dakin, shaped like an inverted Question Mark? Check it out!
Hampshire College is an innovative educational experience, calling for students with a passion for learning and experimenting, and requires self-discipline. Students here work closely with faculty. Famous alums include Ken Burns, Emmy winning documentarian and Ben and Jerry of Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. So if you are an individualist who wants a different kind of education, check out Hampshire College! And tell them Tam sent you!
