Cooperative Programs of Study

Assumption offers a variety of Interdisciplinary Programs of Study.

It has joined with other institutions and agencies to provide innovative and exciting academic opportunities to its students.

Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. http://www.cowc.org/ In 1967, Assumption College joined with other institutions of higher learning in the Worcester area to organize the Worcester Consortium for Higher Education, more recently renamed the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. Students of Assumption College may participate in the educational, cultural, and social programs provided by the Consortium. Specialized courses are available for credit away from the home institution under a system of crossregistration. Participants in the Consortium are: Anna Maria College, Assumption College, Atlantic Union College, Becker College, Clark University, College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Nichols College, Quinsigamond Community College, Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester State College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

In addition to these colleges and universities, a group of associated organizations participate with the Consortium in providing further enrichment to college curricula. They include the American Antiquarian Society, Dynamy, the EcoTarium, the International Center of Worcester, the John Woodman Higgins Armory Museum, Mechanics Hall Association, Old Sturbridge Village, WICN Radio, Worcester Art Museum, Worcester Center for Crafts, Worcester County Horticultural Society, Worcester County Music Association, and Worcester Historical Museum.

The cross-registration arrangements of the Consortium colleges permit full-time day students to take courses at other Consortium institutions. Registrants are limited to one cross-registered day course per semester. If a similar course is offered at the home institution, permission may be denied. Exceptions may be made by the Dean of Studies. A student registering for a Consortium course is responsible for satisfying course requirements, even though calendars and regulations may differ among Consortium institutions. Through the Consortium, students are exposed to a greater variety and flexibility in course offerings. It should be recognized that in some cases, students are registered on a space-available basis. Course information can be obtained through the Office of the Registrar. All cross-registration procedures for Assumption College students should start at the Office of the Registrar at Assumption College. Free Shuttle Bus service connecting some of the institutions facilitates cross-registration.

Consortium Gerontology Studies Program http://www.holycross.edu/departments/CISS/gero/ The Consortium Gerontology Studies Program (CGSP) functions as part of the Colleges of Worcester Consortium, Inc. It strives to develop an interest among undergraduate students in the field of aging and to provide these students with a basic understanding of the spectrum of needs, concerns, and issues facing the elderly population—today and in the years to come.

The main elements of the program are courses, internships, academic advising, career planning and a certificate of completion. Gerontology courses are integrated as part of a regular B.A./B.S. curriculum and make use of the consortium’s cross-registration program. Students earn their certificate while earning their undergraduate degree by taking seven gerontology courses and internships (which include two at Assumption) at Consortium colleges and universities. Upon completion of all requirements, a gerontology certificate is awarded by the Consortium Gerontology Studies Program in conjunction with Assumption College.

Students interested in more information. or who are wishing to enroll, should contact Dr. Susan Melia, Sociology Department, or Susan Sabelli, Institute for Social and Rehabilitation Services at Assumption.

American Antiquarian Society Seminar http://www.americanantiquarian.org/seminars.htm Each Fall, the American Antiquarian Society and five Worcester colleges sponsor a research seminar at the Antiquarian Society library. The seminar is conducted by a scholar familiar with the Society’s holdings in early American history, and the seminar topic is related to his or her field of research. Selection is highly competitive. The 12 participating students are chosen by a screening committee made up of representatives of the five participating colleges: Assumption College, Clark University, the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Worcester State College.

The seminar topic and research methods combine several disciplines, and students from a wide variety of majors have participated successfully in this unique undergraduate opportunity. For further information, contact the chairperson of the History Department, Dr. Kenneth Moynihan (kmoyniha@assumption.edu).

Marine Studies Consortium The Marine Studies Consortium is an association of 18 Massachusetts higher education and research institutions dedicated to increasing understanding and stewardship of coastal and marine ecosystems. The Consortium pursues this mission through an academic program and policydevelopment efforts centered on reducing pollution of marine waters.

The Consortium’s academic program offers unique learning opportunities. Its Biology of Fishes course, offered at the New England Aquarium, is the only undergraduate classroom in the world where students can use the resources of a major aquarium. Other courses, such as Cetacean Biology and Conservation, Water Resources Management, and Maritime History of New England, are offered nowhere else in our region at the undergraduate level. Consortium courses are taught by working professionals from research and policy centers, providing students with a real-world perspective on marine science and policy problems.

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