What if I told you that the Arts and Sciences Hall is not just a building? It is a launchpad for dreamers and innovators. It’s a cornerstone of New York University. This is a tale of tradition, academic rigor and a vibrant community.
The New York University College of Arts & Science is the oldest. It is the largest college within NYU. It was established in 1832. It is the primary liberal arts college of New York University.
As we stand here before the Arts and Sciences Hall, consider its location. It sits near Gould Plaza. The Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences is close by. So is the Stern School of Business. It adjoins Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village. Its setting enhances its academic charm.
Let’s delve into some numbers that reveal its magnitude. As of 2017, the College of Arts & Science enrolls 7660 undergraduate students. It enrolls the largest number of undergraduates for a private liberal arts college in the United States. NYU’s profile contributes to this size. NYU enrolls the largest number of students in the country. It is a private, nonprofit, residential and nonsectarian institution.
In 1914, Washington Square College was established in downtown Manhattan. It served commuter students. This marked an expansion of educational opportunities. The college offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science.
Academically, the Arts and Sciences Hall prides itself on its comprehensive curriculum. The college provides an undergraduate liberal arts education. This is achieved through its Core Curriculum. Undergraduate students can select from 66 majors. They can also engage in accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s programs. Pre-professional programs are available through 30 departments. Many departments offer courses at NYU’s 13 study-away sites. Students can select from over 60 minors. These are offered within the College. There are 40 cross-school minors at other colleges within NYU. Admission to the College of Arts & Science is competitive. The acceptance rate was 4% for the class of 2027.
Student life at the Arts and Sciences Hall is rich. The school hosts multiple student organizations. These include Greek life, political groups and religious clubs. There are also ethnic and music performance groups. These groups often collaborate with the Tisch School of Arts.
Traditions at the university add to the student experience. These include Apple Fest and the Violet Ball. There is also the Strawberry Festival. The semi-annual midnight breakfast is another tradition. Student Affairs administrators serve free breakfast. This happens before finals.
The College of Arts and Science runs student journalism clubs. Publications include Washington Square News and NYU Local. There is also Washington Square Local. Literary journals include Washington Square Review and The Minetta Review. The university is associated with The Plague. This is a campus comedy magazine. It started in 1978. It pokes fun at popular culture. It also addresses campus life and the idiosyncrasies of NYU. The university runs a radio station WNYU-FM 89.1. It broadcasts to the New York metropolitan area.
Secret societies have a storied presence. Starting in 1832, the Philomathean Society and the Eucleian Society were formed. They became rivals. When the Philomathean Society faded, its remnants formed the Andiron Club in 1904. The Red Dragon Society is the most selective club on campus. It was founded in 1898 and continues today. Notable alumni were members of these societies. Edgar Allan Poe was an occasional guest at the Eucleian Society.
The Arts and Sciences Hall has shaped many notable alumni. They have excelled in academics, arts and business. They include Edward J. Bloustein and Lionel Casson. There is also Milton Babbitt and Bob Balaban. Clive Davis and Maria Bartiromo attended here. Bill de Blasio and Jacob Javits also went here. Balamurali Ambati and Evelyn Berezin are alumni as well.
Standing here, one cannot help but feel the weight of history. The Arts and Sciences Hall is a center of learning. It is a place of growth. It helps shape future leaders. Its legacy continues to inspire generations.