History
Stonehill was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross whose members established the University of Notre Dame (1842). In the Catholic tradition, the Holy Cross Community seeks to broaden and enrich the horizons of students. This spirit is reflected in the mission statement of Stonehill College:
“Stonehill College, a Catholic institution of higher learning founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, is a community of scholarship and faith, anchored by a belief in the inherent dignity of each person.
Through its curriculum of liberal arts and sciences and pre-professional programs, Stonehill College provides an education of the highest caliber that fosters critical thinking, free inquiry and the interchange of ideas.
Stonehill College educates the whole person so that each Stonehill graduate thinks, acts, and leads with courage toward the creation of a more just and compassionate world.”
Education in the Holy Cross tradition is education both of the mind and the heart. The founder, Father Basil Anthony Moreau, C.S.C., wrote in 1849 that “we shall always place development of the whole person side by side with the acquisition of knowledge; the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.”
As a College in the Holy Cross tradition, Stonehill seeks to help students to develop their abilities and to cultivate concern for the dignity of every person and care for the victims of every prejudice. In fulfillment of its motto, Lux et Spes or Light and Hope, the College fosters the competence to see and the courage to act. Stonehill fosters a quality of life on campus that forges strong bonds of community and a tradition of service off campus.
Location
Situated in Easton,
Massachusetts, a
suburban community of approximately 22,980 people, Stonehill is located just 22 miles
south of Boston on a 375 acre campus, the original estate of
Frederick Lothrop Ames. The
campus map highlights
28 buildings
that compliment the original Georgian-style Ames mansion.
The Stonehill shuttle service provides transportation to the Boston T and surrounding shopping.
Degrees and Academic Programs
As a College of Arts and Sciences and
pre-professional studies, Stonehill awards the B.A., B.S., and B.S.B.A. degrees.
Stonehill offers 33 major programs, the opportunity to double major or participate in one of the College’s 39 minor programs. On average, more than 320 academic courses are offered each semester.
The academic program at Stonehill consists of a minimum of forty courses embracing the following three areas:
- The Cornerstone Program (core curriculum)
- Concentrations (Major and, typically, Minor)
- Electives
Students develop knowledge and skills through general education, master at least one major area of study, and have the flexibility to explore other coursework, study abroad, internships, independent research, and other experiences unique to their own educational plans.
Co-Curricular Programs
The College has an enviable location: 22 miles south of downtown Boston, 40 miles north of Providence, and approximately 50 miles from Newport, Rhode Island. Stonehill sponsors a free shuttle service to the Quincy Adams T station as well as to area shopping and a local cinema megaplex. The Student Activities Office also manages a van that can be reserved for group activity.
Stonehill sponsors more than 65 student clubs and organizations including a very active SGA under the umbrella of Student Activities. The Athletic Department fields 20 competitive NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports. In fact, Stonehill students have consistently posted the highest grade-point-average in the Northeast Conference! The Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex is home to the College staff that sponsors 8 intercollegiate club teams including rugby and golf as well as an extensive intramural sports program offering racquetball, flag football and walleyball, just to name a few.
Over 70% of our students enroll at Stonehill having already experienced community service while in high school. To advance both the mission of the College and to heighten our graduates commitment to community outreach, Stonehill sponsors the Into The Streets Program, the H.O.P.E. Program and the Center for Nonprofit Management. The Campus Ministry Office welcomes students of all faiths and extends to everyone the opportunity to get involved as liturgical ministers, Chapel Choir members, and to participate in student-run retreats.
Admission
For Fall 2007, 5,704 high school students applied for 610 first-year openings with a general acceptance rate of 52%. According to various college guides, Stonehill has a competitive student admissions profile.
The College offers the Early Decision Plan (application deadline of November 1st), the Early Action Plan (application deadline of November 1st) and the Regular Decision Plan (application deadline of January 15th). The review process for each candidate is comprehensive. Generally speaking, the admissions indicators are:
- Competitive course profile
- Strong academic performance in a rigorous secondary school program
- Weighted positioning in class (for example, class rank, scattergram, or histogram)
- Weighted GPA
- Recommendations (guidance counselor, teachers)
- Essay
- Results from the SAT or ACT (The submission of test scores is now optional.)
- Co-curricular resume
- Work experience