Elms College, STCC and HCC reach ‘Shared Student’ agreement allowing community college students to reside on Elms campus

CHICOPEE – Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College entered into a new agreement with Elms College that will allow students of those two community colleges to reside in residence halls at Elms.

The presidents of the three colleges, Harry E. Dumay of Elms, George Timmons of HCC, and John B. Cook of STCC, ratified the Shared Student Agreement in an Oct. 8 signing ceremony in the Rotunda of Berchmans Hall on the Elms campus.

Elms has existing articulation agreements with HCC and STCC, under which students who satisfactorily complete an associate's degree program at either community college are guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s program at Elms. This agreement, however, is the first time Elms has opened its residence halls to students enrolled in another school.

STCC and HCC are commuter colleges and do not provide on-campus housing. This agreement benefits STCC and HCC students who have housing needs. At the same time, it creates another pathway for students to consider completing a baccalaureate degree at Elms.

Elms President Dumay said, “Elms College, for nearly 100 years, has prided itself on promoting educational opportunities to those who would otherwise not have access, and being a collaborative partner with our neighboring colleges. This agreement accomplishes these goals and expands our strong partnerships with HCC and STCC.

“Our campus has always been a welcoming, inclusive community, where we work hard to ensure that everyone feels like they belong in the spirit of our founding mission. HCC and STCC students now get to discover that aspect of the Elms experience,” Dumay said.

This collaboration with Elms College expands access to on-campus living and strengthens the sense of community for our students. It encourages full-time study and supports students wishing to accelerate their educational goals. This will be a rich and rewarding experience for our students who choose this option. Dr. John B. Cook, STCC President

Timmons said, “At Holyoke Community College, we are committed to helping students overcome barriers to success, such as housing insecurity. This agreement with Elms opens up more opportunities for HCC students to have stable and affordable housing while pursuing their education. We are delighted to have partners like Elms College who share a similar mission of providing access and creating opportunities for all students.”

STCC President Cook said, “This collaboration with Elms College expands access to on-campus living and strengthens the sense of community for our students. It encourages full-time study and supports students wishing to accelerate their educational goals. This will be a rich and rewarding experience for our students who choose this option.”

HCC and STCC students, under the agreement, are allowed to live in Elms residence halls during the school year and will pay for room and board. The room cost varies depending on whether students opt for a single or double room. They are required to sign up for a campus meal plan and pay for an annual campus parking permit if they intend to bring a car on campus.

Participating HCC and STCC students will be eligible to use the campus library and fitness center, participate in some student activities, have access to campus amenities and services, including laundry facilities, WiFi, health services, and public safety, at no additional cost. They will receive an Elms College photo ID indicating they are a participating community college student.

The agreement also mentions the possibility of developing other amenities, such as a shuttle service between Elms and HCC and STCC, as the need arises.

The students may live on campus during the academic year, but need to find other accommodations when Elms residence halls are closed, such as during the Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks, and over the summer months. Accommodations will be based on availability as determined by Elms College.

The agreement is in place through June 30, 2026, but may be renewed each year if the three parties agree.

(Article by Elms College)

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

About Holyoke Community College

The Commonwealth’s oldest community college, Holyoke Community College opened its doors in 1946 as the first two-year college in Massachusetts. In the decades since, the college has paved the way for generations of learners from western Massachusetts and beyond, a beacon of hope and opportunity for people seeking better lives. Please visit us at hcc.edu.

About Elms College

Elms College is a coed Catholic college offering a liberal arts curriculum that prepares students holistically for a purposeful life in a diverse and interconnected world. Founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph, Elms College has a tradition of educating reflective, principled and creative learners, who are rooted in faith, educated in mind, compassionate in heart, responsive to civic and social obligations, and capable of adjusting to change without compromising principle. Visit elms.edu for more information.

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