Union College Distinctive Programs

Campus-Wide Computation Initiative

This project, part of a National Science Foundation grant, is designed help students in a variety of disciplines integrate computation into their fields of study, giving them a strong knowledge base and experience they can apply in today’s computing world.

Michael Rapaport ’59 Ethics Across the Curriculum

To prepare students to face a world of tough decisions and empower them to exercise moral leadership, faculty members from different departments offer courses that provide extensive training in everyday ethics.

Minerva Fellows

Eight graduating seniors are chosen each year to spend nine months working with entrepreneurial organizations in developing countries across the globe. They are encouraged to apply innovative, critical and passionate thinking to social welfare and anti-poverty initiatives. Fellows return to campus to share their experiences with students.

Peer Assistants for Learning (PALs)

Trained upper-class students help first years and sophomores transition to college academically and socially.

Seward Fellows

Students with at least a 3.5 GPA are invited to apply to this program, in which they may take extra classes and must complete an organizing theme minor and an independent project related to the minor.

Steinmetz Symposium

Each spring, the College celebrates scholarly activity and research across all departments. The symposium, held every year since 1991, is designed to showcase advancements made by student researchers through oral, dance, music, art and poster sessions. A primary focus is the presentation of senior capstone projects and thesis work. The symposium coincides with Parents Weekend.

Union Scholars

This rigorous academic program is offered to a select group of outstanding incoming students upon admission; Scholars are given the opportunity to pursue an accelerated curriculum.

Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC)

Union expects and encourages students to pay close attention to writing in courses throughout their studies in all disciplines. All students are required to take five designated courses from at least two divisions and one Senior Writing Experience.