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Bryant University
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Bryant University is a four-year, private university located in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Until August 2004, it was known as Bryant College. The school's current campus is referred to as the Tupper Campus. Bryant University, which comprises the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the AACSB International.
nt University was founded in 1863 as a branch of Bryant and Stratton.
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Encyclopedia
Bryant University is a four-year, private university located in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Until August 2004, it was known as Bryant College. The school's current campus is referred to as the Tupper Campus. Bryant University, which comprises the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the AACSB International.
History
Bryant University was founded in 1863 as a branch of Bryant and Stratton. In 1916, the college was sold and merged with Rhode Island Commercial School. Bryant became non-profit in 1949 and offered its first master's program in 1969. Bryant was originally located in downtown Providence, Rhode Island, but moved to its current campus in Smithfield, Rhode Island when the founder of Tupperware, Earl Silas Tupper, a Bryant University alumnus, donated the current of land to be the new campus.
Bryant continued to be a generally successful institution throughout the 1970s and '80s, but began to face serious problems in the 1990s. Applications and interest in the college were way down and enrollment had dropped below 2,000 students. Five of the school's sixteen dormitories sat completely empty. Although the campus was clean and well-maintained, Bryant's facilities were old, haggard and in dire need of upgrading. Bryant continued to lose money throughout the early '90s, where the school had a $1.7 million deficit.; as of 2007 the school now has a $178.1 million endowment showing a change of +$100 million in less than 10 years. Ronald K. Machtley, a former Navy captain and U.S. Representative was hired as the new president in 1996. When Machtley arrived he immediately began working with faculty, students and the Board of Trustees to ensure the future of Bryant. He announced an ambitious capital campaign and building project to build new facilities and upgrade old ones. In the past six years, Bryant has built a new library, athletic center, communications and IT complex, residence hall, upgraded all athletic fields, and completely renovated the main classroom building and the student union. The school also changed its name to Bryant University in 2004 and school has become more selective than ever before in its history. The most recent historical event that took place at Bryant was on Thursday, February 28, 2008, when former U.S. President Bill Clinton campaigned at Bryant University in support of Hillary Clinton's bid for Democratic presidential nominee. This was the first time in the schools history that either a former U.S. President or Presidential Candidate came to Bryant University to give a speech. Also, in 2008 the 41st, and former, President of the United States George H. W. Bush gave the 2008 Commencement Address on May 17, 2008. Bush received an honorary degree from the University. Thus, within months of each other, Bryant had two of the only three former U.S Presidents still living, to come speak on campus.
The old Emin Homestead occupied much of the land that makes up the present day Smithfield campus. The land was purchased and farmed for 3 generations between the late 1800s and the mid 1900s. Today, many descendants of the original Emin settlers still live near the Bryant campus. The school also claims a handful of family members as alumni and offers a scholarship for accounting students as a tribute to the Emin family. Historical pictures of the Emin Homestead can still be found in the Alumni house.
Bryant Archway Legend
Students at Bryant have a unique way of symbolizing the completion of their education: walking through the archway. The story of the archway dates back to 1875. Isaac Gifford Ladd, an associate of Charles Schwabb and a famous U.S. steel tycoon, constructed a one million dollar building which contained the iron arch on Young Orchard Avenue on the east side of Providence. This building was meant to be a sign of his endearment to his newlywed wife.
However, his wife expressed hatred for the structure which was named after her. He took this as a personal rejection, and Ladd later took his own life. The building remained unoccupied until Thomas Marsden transformed it into Hope Hospital, which was part of Bryant College. To provide more space for classes, an addition was constructed and Hope Hospital was renamed South Hall. In October 1967, Earl S. Tupper, Alumnus and inventor of Tupperware, donated his hillside estate to Bryant College for the creation of the new campus. To thank Tupper for his generous gift, Bryant named the campus after him and awarded him a second degree, an honorary Ph.D. in Humane Letters. Four year later, in the fall of 1971, the campus moved to Smithfield.Prior to leaving the Hope Street campus, the wrought-iron arch at the entrance to South Hall was transported to the new campus.
Today, the archway remains the only physical link to the Providence campus. After the archway was transferred from the old campus, students immediately began to avoid passing through this out-of-place structure. As a rumor had it, walking through the archway before graduation mysteriously jeopardized chances of graduating. Since this is quite a large price to pay for not following tradition, most students opted not to take the chance, which has resulted in worn paths around the arch. This tradition has shaped the behavior of thousands of Bryant University students on Tupper campus for the past 30 years, and has become a focal point in the legend and mystic of Bryant.
Archway Seal
The Bryant Seal represents the educational mission of the university and its worldwide implications. The central symbol is an ellipsoid globe with quills on each side to signify the traditional emblem of communication in business. In the center, behind the globe, is a torch symbolizing liberty, the spirit of free inquiry, academic freedom, and learning. The Archway, forming the background for the globe, torch, and quills, is a University landmark affectionately and superstitiously by Bryant alumni. The Lation motto expresses the purpose of the University: "Cognitio. Virtus. Successus." – Which means Knowledge. Character. Success. The original latin motto has remained unchanged and has been translated into the university's current day motto which is The Character of Success.
Admissions and student demographics
Admissions
- Acceptance Rate = 36%
- Average SAT = 1790
- Average ACT = 28
- Average High School GPA = 3.42 (4.0 scale)
Student demographics
As of the 2007-2008 school year:
- Men: 2,669
- Women: 1,607
- Male/female ratio: 1.7:1
- Black: 4%
- Hispanic: 4%
- Asian: 3%
- Native American: Less than 1%
- White: 83%
- International: 5%
- In-State Students: 9%
- Out-of-State Students: 91%
- Age twenty-one or younger: 86%
- Students residing on campus: 85%
- Retention rate: 88%
- Freshmen who graduate within four years: 64%
Reputation and rankings
| Bryant University Facts |
|---|
| Class of 2011 Applicants | 9,756 | | Class of 2011 Students | 1,053 | | Class of 2011 Accepted | 36% | | Average GPA | 3.42/4.00 | | Middle 50% SAT | 1590-1830 | | Middle 50% ACT | 26-31 | | Graduate Students | 773 | | Undergraduate Students | 4,210 | | Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | | Majors Available | 33 | | Minors Available | 48 | | Faculty with Terminal Degrees | 98% | | Retention Rate | 88% | | Classes taught by Faculty | 100% |
Bryant's average student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1 with most classes having no more than 30 students. Bryant has also earned an ever improving reputation in recent years, and has been lauded for its academic programs and career placement.
- 16th best Master's University in the North as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
- 9th "Best Career Placement/Career Services" as ranked by The Princeton Review.
- #1 "Most Connected Campus" in the United States as ranked by The Princeton Review.
- #1 "Safest Campus in the United States" as ranked by Seventeen.
- #1 best National Co-op Placements as ranked by Fidelity Investments.
- #1 "Most Attractive Campus on the East Coast" as ranked by Seventeen.
- #1 Best CEO Chapter in the Nation as rated by the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization
- 54th best undergraduate business program in the country as ranked by BusinessWeek.
- 23rd best Graduate Business School as ranked by The Princeton Review’s Best 290 Business Schools.
- "Best Buy" as ranked in Barron's Best Buys in College Education.
- Listed as one of The Princeton Review's Top 361 Colleges.
- Listed as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report.
- Member of the President's Service Honor Roll with Distinction, a national recognition.
- 98.7% of the class of 2007 was either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.
Tuition
For the 2008-2009 academic year, Bryant's tuition is $29,021 and room and board is $11,251 with total costs being approximately $40,272 for the 2008-2009 academic year.
Campus life
85 percent of students reside on campus, with living options ranging from traditional dormitories to suites to townhouse apartments. The university has five fraternities and two sororities, and approximately eleven percent of students belong to these organizations. A total of 76 percent of students are involved in extracurriculars, and most work in internships or co-ops before graduating.
Academics
Bryant University is divided into two colleges: the College of Business, and the College of Arts and Sciences with most students enrolled in a business discipline. In addition to the undergraduate program, Bryant also awards MBA degrees and Masters degrees in Taxation and Professional Accountancy. The current dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is David Lux and the current dean of the College of Business is Jack Trifts. Bryant University offers a wide range of programs to study, offered in both the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences as well as in the College of Business.
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
- The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers programs that are designed to expand critical thinking skills and global perspective. In addition to an in-depth understanding of theory and liberal studies, students gain practical experience and marketable skills. The idea of having a Liberal Arts background infused with a strong business background has proved to be beneficial to many Bryant alumni. The current dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is David Lux.
College of Business
- The College of Business offers an array of business programs that combines the depth and breadth found at large, premier business schools and the individual attention found on small college campuses. Being AACSB accredited has been a vital part to the expansion and success of the Business program. Students build a foundation in business and liberal arts to educate the whole student. Graduates have also been known to receive jobs from many renowned institutions such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Fidelity, Amica and many others. The current dean of the College of Business is Jack Trifts.
College of Graduate Studies
- The Graduate School at Bryant University is a leader in business education, offering rigorous academic programs, world-class facilities and technology, and outstanding faculty. The facilities have been cited as the best in the northeast, and with 98% of faculty having the highest degree offered in their field the educational experience is directed towards those with the most knowledge in their field. You'll learn with professionals from diverse companies, industries, and academic institutions. Bryant graduate students have been known to leave with a large network of peers and colleagues.
Schools and programs
Presidents
Ronald K. Machtley is the seventh president of Bryant University. The president is the chief executive officer of the college and is responsible for the success of the college's mission in providing superior academic programs and research.
President and Tenure
| • Theodore Stowell | 1863 – 1916 | | • | 1916 – 1961 | | • | 1961 – 1970 | | • | 1970 – 1976 | | • | 1976 – 1989 | | • | 1989 – 1996 | | • | 1996 – Present |
Athletics
Bryant has 22 intercollegiate varsity athletics and participates in NCAA Division I as a member of the Northeast Conference. Athletic squads are called the Bulldogs. In addition, students can compete in various club sports and on intramural teams throughout the academic year.
The school's basketball team reached the NCAA Division II Championship Game against Virginia Union in 2005, and has not only made the NCAA Division II tournament, but made it to at least the Sweet Sixteen the past four years. The baseball team reached the Division II College World Series in 2004, and has hosted the Division II College World Series regionals.
The Football team for the first time in school history reached the NCAA Tournament, Losing in the Regionals 31-29 to West Chester University. The 2006-2007 was the best season to date in the short programs history. The following season (2007-2008) the team had an even more successful year. They won the NE-10 outright, after starting off the season with a seven game winning streak.
Athletics have been very successful over the past four years. Bryant Athletics has also won the Northeast-10 Conference Bryant Athletics have won the President's Cup in 2004, 2005, and 2007. Bryant lost the President's Cup by only one point in 2006 to Stonehill College.
Bryant University's 22 varsity athletics are broken down into 11 athletic sports for men, and 11 for women. The men's teams include baseball, basketball, cross country, American football, golf, lacrosse, indoor and outdoor track and field, tennis, soccer, and swimming and diving. The women's teams consist of basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, indoor and outdoor track and field, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball.
Bryant also offers sports at the club level. They offer 20 club level sports teams, and just like varsity athletics they broken down even 10 for men, and 10 for women. The men's club sports are: bowling, hockey, karate, racquetball, crew, rugby, skiing and snowboarding, ultimate frisbee, wrestling, and volleyball. The women's club sports include bowling, cheerleading, gymnastics, hockey, karate, ice skating, racquetball, rugby, skiing and snowboarding, and dance.
Move to Division I
In 2007 The Bryant University administration began the process of exploring the possibility of moving its athletic teams to Division I. In the Summer of 2007 the university made a public announcement that they filled the proper paper work to begin the transition to Division I. At that point the university was looking at four possible locations to call home once the transition was complete. The athletic conference were the Patriot League, America East Conference, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and the Northeast Conference. On Thursday, October 18 2007, Bryant announced they would join the Northeast Conference, and will become a full member in 2012.
Student life
Student activities and organizations
| Major Organizations | Academic Clubs | Community Service | Media Organizations | Performing Arts Clubs | Special Interest Clubs |
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| Actuarial AssociationBryant Psychology AssociationEnglish & Culturial Studies AssociationInstitute for Management AccountingSociety for Advancement of Management | Big Brothers of BryantBig Sisters of BryantBryant Builds | | Bryant Jazz Ensemble | Alliance for Woman's AwarenessAmnesty InternationalBacchus/Peer EducationBryant Active MindsBryant AmbassadorsBryant ECUBryant Christian FellowshipBryant Outdoor Adventure ClubBryant University RepublicansHellenic AssociationHillelThe PodiumBryant Mock Trial Association |
Notable Bryant people
Alumni
Bryant University has over 39,000 active and donating alumni.
Faculty
Bryant has over 200 full time faculty with 98 percent holding the highest degree available in their field. While Bryant University is not a research institute, it does give significant contributions to its respective fields. Bryant has recently began a process in which it will foster collaboration between professors to work together in their research to expand the universities perspectives.
Campus
George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology
Often considered the cornerstone of the $150 million dollar campus expansion plan is the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology. The college library, which was located in the Unistructure, is now the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology and occupies a major portion of the space.
The Facility features:
- Grand Hall-the entry to the center has a media wall with nine video monitors that show one image or multiple images. The area can be used for receptions and up to 400 people can attend lectures in this space.
- Trading Floor- provides students with hands-on learning opportunities to apply financial theory and risk management principles in a simulated trading environment. The Trading Floor features state-of-the-art technology to support real-time financial market data feeds and complex analytical and risk-analysis software.
- Multipurpose classroom-this room are equipped with state-of-the-art technology.
- Cybercafe-students are able to enjoy refreshments and access to wireless computers in a social setting.
- Reference classroom-40 to 50 people are able to work at computers. Study rooms-12 rooms with computer access are available for small group meetings of four to 12 people.
- Seminar room-will accommodate up to 20 people.
The George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology has been designed by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects, a firm in New York City that has been nationally recognized for its design of the Science, Industry, & Business Library (SIBL) for the New York Public Library.
The location of the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology, the road, parking relocations, and the extended landscaped areas adjacent to the pond created a new academic quadrangle that has transformed the Bryant campus. The center will screen views to the parking lots, as well as provide a new focal point for campus life.
The Grand Hall serves as a ceremonial entrance, as well as dramatic space for exhibitions and receptions. The rotunda form provides balconied meeting and study spaces. The Grand Hall and its multi-use facilities will be available for 24-hour flexible usage without impacting the library security controls and acoustical requirements.
Unistructure
The Unistructure is the center of Bryant's academic activity. It currently contains nearly all classrooms, most faculty and administrative offices, and many academic resources are available here. These include multi-platform computerized classrooms complete with Internet stations and the Language/Learning Lab.
Undergraduate and Graduate Admission offices are located in the Unistructure, as are Registration, Financial Aid, and Career Services. Here students also have access to an ATM and Salmanson Dining Hall, the main dining hall on campus. The Office of Career Services at Bryant University is committed to educating and empowering undergraduates, graduates and alumni in the career development and planning process.
The Koffler Rotunda is a dramatic, glass-domed, open area in the center of the Unistructure. This is a popular gathering place for the campus community, whether they are in between classes or meetings, catching up with a professor or classmate, or checking on upcoming activities. The Rotunda is always a center of student activity. There is even a snack bar, the Bagel Wagon, which is a great place to pick up a sandwich or a cup of coffee.
This is also a frequent location for the many student groups that raise money for social causes. And throughout the year student groups hang banners from the Rotunda balconies announcing their activities to the Bryant community.
Bryant Center
The function of the Bryant Center, as part of the educational program of the college, is to provide an atmosphere that fosters personal as well as professional growth by offering services that the college community needs. It is the unifying force of the college that integrates business education with leadership opportunities, and promotes the social and cultural development of students and other members of the college community.
The Bryant Center has three floors. The first floor contains places to eat as well as dining halls. The first floor restaurants are The Sky Ranch, South Side Deli, Subway, The Scoop (a campus convenience store and ice cream shop), South Dining Hall and the Heritage Room (which is a formal dining hall).
The second floor consists of The Bryant University Bookstore, where you can purchase textbooks, cards, supplies, clothing, and sundries. The Bookstore accepts cash, check, charge cards, and points. Also on the second floor are meeting rooms, a gaming area, and most of the student mailboxes. Also on the second floor is, the info Desk a campus information center and convenience shop. Nick's Place which a lounge that is named after Nicholas Colasanto (class of '49): "Coach" from the television show "Cheers." Has a screen television for watching movies, television shows and sporting events. Lastly, Shear Art which has hair stylists and sells cosmetic products.
The third floor contains the Student Activities Office, Student Organization Offices, Music Practice Room, Social and Study Lounges, Meeting Rooms, Interfaith Chapel, and the Bryant Transit Authority which provides daily service to local shopping areas, movie theaters, Providence, R.I., and major transportation centers.
Koffler Verizon Communications Complex
The Koffler Technology Center is Bryant's computer center. More than 200 terminals, microcomputers, and workstations are located here. Facilities offer individual workstations for hands-on learning and shared workstations for group projects.
Studies can be complemented by work done Koffler Building in the PC Lab, MAC Lab, Word Processing Lab, Advanced Applications Lab, or the Actuarial Lab. And on-campus communications options include e-mail, Gopher, the Internet, the World Wide Web, and on-line discussion groups. Technology extends well beyond one building.
Bryant integrates academic exploration by providing state-of-the-art equipment and fostering a technological mindset.
The Koffler center is also home to the universities TV and Radio stations. WJMF takes up most of the main floor, sharing space with the TV/Editing studio. The Koffler Center is often looked at as the IT and Media center of the University.
John H. Chafee Center for International Business
The building was named after the late Rhode Island Senator John H. Chafee, a longtime advocate of international trade and the benefits of introducing new markets to our nation's businesses. The Center serves the regional business community, as well as offering hands on opportunities for students to learn about global business.
The Chafee Center houses the World Trade Center and Export Assistance Center for the state of Rhode Island. Comprehensive services on all aspects of international trade including trade data, training, consulting, trade show and trade mission support are also available. The Center’s state-of-the-art technology provides businesses with a competitive advantage in the global marketplace and prepares students for careers in international business.
Hassenfeld Common
This quadrangle, tucked between Bryant's academic and recreational facilities, has transformed the College campus. Crisscrossed by curving walkways that will repeat the natural lines of a reflecting pool, the quadrangle offers the entire Bryant College community a "common green," a place to meet before and after classes, to read, study or simply enjoy the outdoors.
Designed to facilitate an easy flow of pedestrian traffic around the newly configured campus, the Hassenfeld Common is the space from which other key components of the overall campus expansion plan - The George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology and The Wellness Center - are anchored.
Oak Circle
The townhouse style apartments are designed to give upperclassmen the freedom to live independently. Each townhouse has a fully furnished kitchen with a refrigerator, stove and dishwasher and includes two bathrooms, one on each floor.
Oak Circle was the first edition of townhouses at Bryant University, which have been there since the 1970s. The townhouses were originally named Old and New, but with the addition of a third set of townhouses the university decided to name each set of townhouses. The first set of townhouses are named Oak Circle. The name has meaning because the townhouses are centered around a circular drive and the area is predominately filled with Oak trees. The townhouses in Oak Circle are organized by letters and numbers. They are lettered from A thru G, with each letter having numbers 1-8. So the townhouses go A1-A8, B1-B8 etc., down to G. They are set up to house 5 seniors. The rooms are set up with a single in the downstairs and a private bathroom. The upstairs consists of 2 singles and then a large double. The three rooms upstairs share the second bathroom.
Plum Court
Plum Court was the second edition of townhouses at Bryant University. The townhouses were built in 2004 and are still used for seniors. The townhouses were originally named Old and New, but with the addition of a third set of townhouses the university decided to name each set of townhouses. The second set of townhouses are named Plum Court. These townhouses received the name from the courtyard center. The courtyard is the center and social gathering points for the students living in these townhouses. The townhouses in Plum Court are organized by letters and numbers. They are lettered from H thru M, with each letter having numbers 1-8. So the townhouses go H1-H8, I1-I8 etc... down to M. They are set up to house 6 seniors. The rooms are set up with a double downstairs with their own bathroom, and then two singles upstairs with the third room being a double. The four students upstairs also share the second bathroom.
The Pines
The Pines was the most recent addition of townhouses at Bryant University. The townhouses were built in 2007 and are still used for seniors. The townhouses were originally named Old and New, but with the addition of a third set of townhouses the university decided to name each set of townhouses. The newest set which created this change is called The Pines. These townhouses received the name from the surrounding trees on the campus. The townhouses in The Pines are organized by letters and numbers. They are lettered with the letter N, with each letter having numbers 1-8. So the townhouses go N1-N8. They are set up to house 7 seniors. The rooms are set up with a double downstairs with their own bathroom, and then one singles upstairs and then with the other two being a doubles. The five students upstairs also share the second bathroom.
Suite Village
The Suite Village is a collection of fourteen residence halls with thirteen of them housing 90 students. The last and the newest, hall seventeen, houses approximately 200 students. Every suite has three double bedrooms, a living area and private bathroom with multiple stalls and showers. Each of the four floors has four suites, with each suite separated by gender.
The Suite Village is the center of the campus and is where most of the students live. Most students who live in the Suite Village are sophomores and juniors, but there are exceptions to this. Such as not enough townhouse housing. The village as of 2005 has continually been updated to meet the new fire codes of Rhode Island. All the suites now have brand new furniture along with being completely remodeled inside. The process started in 2005 and was completed at the beginning of the 2007-2008 academic year.
First Year Complex
In order to ease the transition into college life, first year students are housed together. These two halls – entirely reserved for first year students – are four story, co-educational halls with north and south wings. Housing roughly 300 students, the living areas are divided by common bathrooms. Study and social lounges are available on each floor in each wing. On the main floor is a lobby/lounge area fully equipped with recreational games, vending machines, a T.V. and a kitchen. Laundry and the Resident Director’s Office are also on the first floor.
Another hall, Hall 16, is mixed of both first year students as well as the general student population. The only difference between the regular first year complex and these is that they are offered in suite style housing instead of traditional dorms. Hall 16 is a four story, co-educational hall for 276 students. The suite style living has four double bedrooms, living areas and a common bathroom. Suite style living is organized by gender. A main lounge/lobby is complete with recreational games, vending machines and television. The main floor also has laundry service and the Resident Director’s office. The Office of Health Services is also housed in Hall 16. Two floors are reserved for first year students.
Bryant University Interfaith Center
The University's current Chapel is located on the second floor of the Bryant Center. The new Interfaith Center is currently in construction. The Interfaith Center will be located between the Bryant Center and the George E. Bello Center for Information and Technology. It will be a non-denominational chapel, located on a prominent site, which will provide a place of worship, reflection and gathering for the institution and its visitors.
The building will consist of two chapels inside. The larger Main Chapel will seat approximately 250 people, with the smaller Meditation Chapel seating 40. While most of the building’s exterior will be clad in limestone, the chapels’ exterior walls will be clad in brick, helping to articulate the spaces.
With the construction of the Interfaith Center, it will reduce some of the parking that is currently assigned to visitors. It will also require some changes to traffic patterns with the addition of a roundabout at the end of the main road entering campus.
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