by: Adam Matos '11
Massachusetts’s own, Westfield State College is currently discussing whether or not they should transition their school from a college into a university. Although colleges and universities share many similarities in better a student’s education and opening more opportunities towards their future, they both have significant differences between one another. The differences between the two differ depending on States, but here in Massachusetts one difference between the two is a university, usually made up of more colleges, provides both undergraduates and graduate studies. A college is defined by www.Dictionary.com as “an institution of higher learning that provides a general or liberal arts education rather than technical or professional training.” A university however is “an institution for higher learning with teaching and research facilities constituting a graduate school and professional schools that award master’s degrees and doctorates and an undergraduate division that awards bachelor’s degrees.”
If Westfield State does decide to change into a University, it will expand the school’s reputation and allow students more opportunity into their future and education. This is an exciting change for this school and will hopefully add to its popularity and benefit the teachers and the students. The staff of Westfield State believes that this change will be a breath of fresh air and a new start for everybody involved. This will open the door to more learning opportunities, and better chances of pursuing a successful career resulting a happier life.
Westfield State College are also planning on making it into a university for the reason being that it would benefit them financially allowing more students to go there for more choice and possibilities towards their future education in their future. Other changes being provided are the enhancement of tutoring and advising, expand and advancement of the educational opportunities, enhance reputation, increase in fund raising, and to overall just have a good year. Hopes are high starting with the great Westfield State College becoming Westfield State University.