About HWS
OUR PAST IS THE KEY
TO OUR FUTURE.
Virtual Tour
Take a guided, virtual tour of Hobart and William Smith.
HWS Public Art Map
Follow along the Art Walk path and learn the stories behind each piece.
MISSION STATEMENT
"Hobart and William Smith prepares students to lead lives of consequence."
By helping them connect their talents and interests to meaningful, high-impact pursuits.
By spurring cultural exploration and global citizenship.
By offering opportunities to amplify knowledge through hands-on experience.
By nurturing discovery and unlocking potential.
By modeling values and points of view that equip them to author the world as it could be.
Hobart and William Smith is a liberal arts and sciences institution known for consistent success in preparing students for meaningful lives and fulfilling careers through an outcomes-based focus on their futures.
Our campus is situated on the traditional territory of the Onondowaga or “the people of the Great Hill.” In English, they are known as the Seneca people, “the Keepers of the Western Door.” They are one of the six nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the world’s oldest continual participatory democracy.
Image courtesy of the Geneva Historical Society
To best prepare students for impact and success in an ever-shifting world, the HWS nurtures intellectual, professional and ethical development.
Students complement broad, interdisciplinary study with hands-on learning experiences made possible by HWS’ constellation of on-campus centers for experience, action and thought.
They find friendship, discovery and belonging as valued members of a collaborative residential community that values the dignity and potential of each individual.
They realize the impact of their ideas through partnerships, outreach and daily exchange as vital citizens of the greater Geneva community.
At every step, they enjoy the benefits of life on the shores of a stunning lake that is a classroom, a destination and a constant reminder of their endless potential.
OUR COORDINATE History
Originally founded as two institutions — Hobart for men and William Smith for women — today’s institution – Hobart and William Smith – is united with one campus, one faculty and one administration.
QUICK FACTS
1,798 undergraduate students
166 full-time faculty
The Princeton Review’s Best 389 Colleges ranks Hobart and William Smith among the top 20 colleges and universities in the country for career services, internships, alumni network and student happiness. Learn More.
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Average Class Size: 16 students
Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership, Master of Science in Management
Study Abroad: More than 60% of HWS students study abroad in nearly 50 locations around the world
Alums: More than 22,500 worldwide
Percentage of students who have a job or are in graduate school within 4 months of graduation: 95%
Students who discuss classwork with a professor outside of class: 96%
Classes taught by teaching assistants: 0%
Students hail from: 38 states and 47 countries
Number of languages spoken on campus: More than 50
Students who compete in varsity athletics: More than 40%
Total hours of community service by HWS students each year: 80,000+
Students who participate in community service, service learning and/or community-based research: 100%
Washington Monthly ranks HWS #1 among liberal arts institutions for service, 19th overall
200 Years of Excellence
Founded as Hobart College in 1822 and William Smith College in 1908, today’s Hobart and William Smith Colleges share a proud and storied legacy that spans more than 200 years of leadership and impact.
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OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Mark D. Gearan serves as the 30th President of Hobart and William Smith.
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OFFICES/ADMINISTRATION
A full listing of offices at Hobart and William Smith.
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Belonging, Diversity and Equity
We place the highest priority on ensuring opportunity, access and support for students of every cultural and socioeconomic background.
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13 HWS CENTERS
Our longstanding excellence and leadership in experiential education is well known; today it takes the form of the HWS centers for research, action and thought.
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Geneva & the Finger Lakes
Our neighboring city and region create abundant opportunities for research partnerships, hands-on learning, community engagement and fun!
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Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell
She graduated from Hobart’s precursor institution in 1849, making her the first woman to receive her degree as a Doctor of Medicine.
Accreditation
Hobart and William Smith Colleges is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.). Inquiries regarding the accreditation status by the Commission should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact: New England Commission of Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514; (781) 425 7785; E-Mail: info@neche.org