AMHERST — Hampshire College has developed three potential plans for reinventing its education model as the college seeks to restore a stable student enrollment.
The three models currently outlined are focused on project-based learning; addressing “big challenges” facing the future; and a student co-designed curriculum. All three models “represent Hampshire’s final break with language of traditional majors and academic disciplines,” according to an outline posted on the college’s website.
The proposals are largely the result of community-wide meetings Hampshire’s president and Academic Innovation Planning Group have held throughout the fall as the college charts its path forward following a tumultuous year.
Facing financial troubles, school leaders announced in January that they were seeking a merger, and soon after the board of trustees voted not to accept a full fall 2019 class. Layoffs followed, and after significant backlash the previous president and nine trustees resigned in April as the board decided to maintain Hampshire’s independence through fundraising.