Union College

Founded in 1795 as the nation’s first non-denominational college, Union College continues to live out the theme of “respect and understanding, whatever our differences”.  The name of the college was chosen to reflect the strength that comes from difference.  The college President identified three characteristics that make Union unique. 

• Students want to be part of something big.  As students at a college with a rich history and tradition, they are very aware of having a bigger purpose in the world and use their time at Union to begin to discover what it might be. 
• “Whatever our differences” has been a theme since the founding in 1795 and continues to underline discussion, curriculum, extracurricular activities and campus life.  The need to learn about, understand and respect a diverse, multicultural world informs much of what is done. 
• Students do not limit themselves by their major.  They take courses broadly across the curriculum and the structure of the curriculum supports this.  Unusual major/minor combinations are not unusual!

Union operates on a trimester calendar where students take three courses at a time for 10 weeks and consequently, courses move at a fast pace.  Students have a 6-week break beginning at Thanksgiving - very unique among collegiate academic calendars.  Almost half the students major in engineering, math or science at Union but 60% overall, and 90% of the engineers manage to study abroad. In an effort to bridge the academic and social lives on campus, every student, faculty and staff member is assigned to one of seven Minerva Houses – a place where academics, cultural and social activities intersect. 

The Union campus is within easy walking distance of downtown Schenectady, New York, original home of General Electric and now headquarters to GE’s renewable energy division.  Amtrak train service is available to Boston, New York City and Albany.  The focal point of the campus is the Nott Memorial, a Victorian gem, situated in the center of sprawling green surrounded by grey stone buildings.  There is a feeling of spaciousness and openness on the mostly flat campus.  Over 90% of the students live on campus, some in remodeled Victorian houses on Seward Street (yes, William Seward, of Seward’s Folly and the acquisition of Alaska fame, was an alum).  The students we heard from were serious about their studies, a bit on the preppy side and characterized Union as a place where students are happy, can get involved but have to take the initiative, develop invaluable relationships with faculty and have lots of academic and social choices.  Ice hockey is a big deal – everyone goes to the games.  All other sports are Division III.

Union is test optional and does not require the SAT or ACT for admission.