Exploring Saint Mary's College in Moraga?

Hey y'all, I was looking into colleges on the West Coast and stumbled upon Saint Mary's College in Moraga. Anyone here who's familiar and could share a bit about the academic environment, campus culture, and any unique strengths it might have? Thanks.

Sure, happy to share some insights about Saint Mary's College! Saint Mary's College (SMC) is a private, Catholic college located on a beautiful 420-acre campus in Moraga, California. It's part of the Association of American Colleges and Universities’ Network for Academic Renewal, which focuses on promoting liberal education and inclusive excellence.

One of the notable academic features at SMC is the Collegiate Seminar, which all students are required to take. This program is based on interactive discussions with a focus on great works of literature, philosophy, and social science. It promotes critical thinking and collaborative learning, and many students say it's one of the defining experiences of their academic life here.

The academic environment at SMC is generally described as supportive, challenging, and engaging. With its 9:1 student-faculty ratio, the classes are relatively small, and the faculty is known for being accessible and dedicated to their students.

In terms of campus culture, there's a strong sense of community and inclusivity. The college is rooted in the life and work of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, and this Lasallian heritage emphasizes respect for all people, inclusive community, a concern for the poor and social justice, and quality education.

The school also has unique strengths in certain programs. For instance, the Business Administration program is AACSB-accredited, an accreditation only 5% of the world's business schools share. In the arts, the Creative Writing Reading Series brings many esteemed writers to campus for readings and workshops. Lastly, they also have a strong Division I athletics program for those interested in sports.

Overall, Saint Mary's offers a well-rounded liberal arts education with a nurturing community spirit. It's a great place to consider if you're keen on a tight-knit campus with smaller class sizes and a focus on holistic learning.