Sarah Mitchell
The College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, is a public research university founded in 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II. It is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and has a rich history, having played a crucial role in the fields of law, politics, and education during the American Revolutionary era. The college offers a wide range of academic programs and is known for its research and teaching excellence. While it is not exclusively a Catholic college, it does have a Catholic Campus Ministry that caters to Catholic students and promotes Catholic teachings on campus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of institution | Public research university |
| Founding date | 8 February 1693 |
| Location | Williamsburg, Virginia, United States |
| Campus size | 1,200 acres |
| Ranking | 54th in the US |
| Number of schools | 6 |
| Notable alumni | Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, George Washington |
| Student organizations | Catholic Campus Ministry, Hillel, Black Student Organization, Asian American Student Initiative, Latin American Student Union, Lambda Alliance and Rainbow Coalition, Middle Eastern Students Association |
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What You'll Learn
Catholic Campus Ministry
The College of William & Mary is a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia, founded in 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II. It is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The college hosts several prominent student-run culture- and identity-based organizations, including the Catholic Campus Ministry.
The Catholic Campus Ministry at William & Mary is a student-run organization that strives to make God known on campus, guided and inspired by the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. The organization is one of many faith-based groups on campus, including Hillel, the official Jewish student group, and the Middle Eastern Students Association.
The Catholic Campus Ministry is just one of many student organizations at William & Mary that cater to a diverse range of interests and identities. Other groups include the Black Student Organization, the Asian American Student Initiative, the Latin American Student Union, and the Lambda Alliance, demonstrating the college's commitment to fostering an inclusive and engaging environment for all students.
William & Mary's long and illustrious history, dating back over 300 years, has produced alumni such as three US presidents, numerous Founding Fathers, US Supreme Court justices, and early national leaders. The college has earned the nickname "the alma mater of the Nation" due to its enduring legacy and connection to the formation of the United States.
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Royal charter
The College of William & Mary, located in Williamsburg, Virginia, was founded in 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II. It is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the ninth-oldest in the English-speaking world.
The Royal Charter is the founding document of the college, outlining its original mission and purpose, as well as listing the original Board of Visitors. The college was established with the goal of providing a place of universal study, including divinity, philosophy, languages, and other arts and sciences. The Royal Charter also transferred ruling authority over the college to the President and masters, marking a significant moment in its history.
The physical copy of the original Royal Charter was lost around the time of the American Revolution, likely while the college served as a military hospital. However, two contemporary copies of the Charter exist today in the Special Collections Research Center. One of these copies was likely given to Sir Edmund Andros, the royal governor of the colony of Virginia, and the other was discovered at Harvard University in the early 20th century.
The Royal Charter granted to the College of William & Mary is unique in the United States, as it is the only institution established through a royal decree. This adds to the historical significance of the college, which has produced notable alumni such as Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, John Tyler, and George Washington, who received his surveyor's license from the college.
The college has a rich history and has played a crucial role in the formation of the United States, earning it the nickname ""the alma mater of the Nation". The Royal Charter, issued in 1693, laid the foundation for the college's enduring legacy and contributions to higher education in America.
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Student-led organisations
The College of William & Mary, a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia, was founded in 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II. It is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The college hosts several prominent student-led organisations focused on culture and identity, including:
Black Student Organisation
The Black Student Organisation is a student-led group that represents and advocates for Black students at the College of William & Mary.
Catholic Campus Ministry
This organisation is dedicated to Catholic students, providing a space for religious discussion and community building within the Catholic faith.
Hillel
Hillel is the official Jewish student group at the college, offering Jewish students a space for cultural and religious expression and community building.
Asian American Student Initiative
The Asian American Student Initiative is a student-led organisation that focuses on the interests and needs of Asian American students at the college, providing a platform for cultural expression, community building, and advocacy.
Latin American Student Union
The Latin American Student Union is a student-led group that represents and advocates for Latin American students at the college, fostering cultural expression and community building.
Lambda Alliance and Rainbow Coalition
These organisations are dedicated to LGBTQ+ students, providing a safe and inclusive space, as well as advocating for their rights and interests within the college community.
Middle Eastern Students Association
The Middle Eastern Students Association is a student-led group that represents and celebrates the culture and interests of Middle Eastern students at the College of William & Mary, fostering cultural understanding and community within the college.
Graduate Education Association (GEA)
The Graduate Education Association represents and advocates for all graduate students at the School of Education. It serves as a governing body and resource for its members, promoting transparency and support.
Chi Sigma Iota
Chi Sigma Iota is an international honour society for professional counselling. It was established in 1985 to promote and recognise outstanding academic and clinical excellence in the field of counselling.
Higher Education Student Association (HESA)
The Higher Education Student Association (HESA) encourages and promotes student development as professionals and scholars within the Higher Education program at William & Mary.
SPSA
SPSA is a student-run organisation within the School Psychology program. It organises and hosts events to promote a cohesive and collaborative environment for students and alumni.
These student-led organisations at the College of William & Mary provide a diverse range of cultural, religious, and academic communities, contributing to the college's rich and inclusive environment.
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History of William & Mary
The College of William & Mary (W&M) is a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. The college is named after the monarch couple and was established as the "College of William and Mary in Virginia". It is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, predated only by Harvard College.
The original plans for a college in Virginia date back to 1618, decades before Harvard was established. However, these initial plans were abandoned due to the Powhatan Uprising. Construction of the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the oldest American college building still in use, began in 1695, even before the town of Williamsburg existed. Over the next two centuries, the Wren Building suffered three separate fires, each time being rebuilt within its original walls.
The College of William & Mary was the first college to have a full faculty, a fraternity, an honour system, and a law school. It became a key intellectual centre of colonial America in the 18th century. The college has educated several notable alumni, including three American presidents and three justices of the Supreme Court. It also awarded its first honorary degree to Ben Franklin.
In 1776, the college severed formal ties with England following the colonies' declaration of independence. However, it has maintained a relationship with the British monarchy and has hosted several royal visits over the years. In 1918, William & Mary became the first Virginia university to admit both women and men to its undergraduate programmes. The college has a rich history and continues to be a prominent educational institution in the United States.
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Academic programs
The College of William & Mary (W&M) is a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia. Founded in 1693, it is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. The university is classified as an "R1: Doctoral University" with "very high research activity".
W&M offers 115–116 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs across five or six schools:
- Arts & Sciences
- Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
- Education
- Law
- Raymond A. Mason School of Business
- Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS)
Undergraduate degree options include computer science and government, while graduate degrees are offered in business, education, law, and more. The university also offers a joint undergraduate degree with the University of St Andrews: a Bachelor of Arts, International Honours.
W&M is ranked #1 for study abroad participation among public universities, and approximately half of undergrads receive credit for global experiences. The university also facilitates internships, with over 27,000 internships posted each year at top companies such as Amazon and Capital One.
All undergraduate students take COLL Curriculum courses, which connect and integrate learning across the academic disciplines. Thematic and experiential learning are emphasized, with opportunities to study abroad, gain hands-on research experience, and develop critical thinking and communication skills.
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Frequently asked questions
No, William & Mary is a public research university. However, it does have a Catholic Campus Ministry, which is a student-run organisation guided by the teachings of Christ and His Holy Catholic Church.
William & Mary was founded on 8 February 1693 under a royal charter issued by King William III and Queen Mary II, after whom the college is named.
William & Mary is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, United States. Its main campus spans 1,200 acres and includes restored colonial structures, research centres, and modern academic facilities.
William & Mary is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and the ninth-oldest in the English-speaking world. It has a rich history and has produced many notable alumni, including three US presidents, numerous Founding Fathers, and early national leaders. The college is also known for its academic excellence and has been ranked #54 in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges in the National Universities category.
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