The View From Here

The landscape of higher education is undergoing significant transformation, presenting challenges that many institutions, including Hartwick College, are facing head-on. The call for a shift in our educational approach has never been more urgent. In this evolving environment, we must reflect on what today’s prospective students and their families truly desire from their college experience.

Many students seek a holistic education that nurtures their academic growth alongside their mental, emotional, physical, career and financial well-being. They want a college experience that prepares them for the complexities of modern life. At Hartwick, we have heard this call and are taking decisive action through our new Life Balance positioning.

This initiative is rooted in research, including feedback from our community and prospective students. We recognize that achieving balance is key to thriving in a college environment and are committed to addressing this critical need. Our approach integrates rigorous academics, a vibrant campus culture and robust career preparation with essential personal growth and wellness support.

Central to our response is the issue of cost, which has long been a barrier for many families. Traditional methods of presenting tuition and financial aid can create confusion and anxiety, obscuring the true cost of education. Hartwick is committed to transparency, providing clear tuition rates: $22,000 for tuition and standard fees, $16,000 for room and board, and merit aid, including HartLand Promise and nursing scholarships, of up to $10,000. This clarity empowers families to make informed decisions, alleviating concerns about inflated costs and complex financial packages.

However, our focus extends beyond cost transparency. We are dedicated to fostering life balance skills that will serve our students well beyond graduation—skills many alumni recall from their own experiences at Hartwick. These competencies, developed through our integrated approach, prepare students to navigate life’s challenges, fostering resilience and adaptability in their professional and personal lives.

As we embrace our identity as “The Life Balance College,” we reaffirm our dedication to prioritizing the health and well-being of our students. This holistic approach not only addresses national concerns surrounding student debt and mental health but also positions Hartwick as a forward-thinking institution that meets the evolving needs of today’s students.

Our framework encompasses four foundational pillars: academic well-being, physical and emotional wellness, career outcomes, and financial health. By integrating these elements, we equip our students with the tools necessary to navigate their college experience successfully and thrive in their future endeavors.

In this issue of The Wick, you will find inspiring stories from students, faculty and alums who exemplify the principles of our Life Balance initiative. Their experiences reflect how Hartwick empowers individuals to build the skills needed to overcome challenges and seize opportunities, paving the way for lasting success.

As we continue to forge ahead, we view these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate our innovative spirit and agility. Hartwick College remains steadfast in its commitment to providing a high-quality education that aligns with the aspirations and values of our community.

Friends and supporters of the College play a crucial role in helping us achieve these goals through our Together, We Soar campaign. Your contributions directly support the funding priorities that underpin the Life Balance pillars, enabling us to enhance academic programs, improve wellness resources and strengthen career services for our students. This is a powerful moment for us all to invest in the College we love. I invite you to join us on this transformative journey.

Together, we will cultivate a community that prioritizes life balance and equips our students to achieve both academic success and holistic well-being. Thank you for your continued support of Hartwick College as we claim our rightful place of leadership among America’s liberal arts colleges.

With gratitude,

President