HWS News
18 August 2025 Surrounded by Support: HWS Earns National Recognition
Hobart and William Smith is #20 in the Nation for Best Student Support and Counseling Services.
Students’ positive experiences are reflected in The Princeton Review’s Best 391 Colleges: 2026 Edition, which draws on more than 179,000 student surveys from nearly 400 institutions nationwide. HWS earned rankings in nine categories, including #20 for Best Student Support and Counseling Services.
Faculty “go out of their way to push students and individualize the experience,” one student shared, while another described professors as “mentors whose expertise and teaching methods have truly ignited my passion.” That culture is supported by intentional programming outside class, organized with the help of Orientation Leaders, Community Advisors and Study Mentors trained to help peers and connect them to campus and community resources.
Since 2023, HWS has partnered with the Jed Foundation to evaluate campus services and integrate evidence-based, long-term strategies that build a campus culture of care including round-the-clock counseling services, offered 365 days a year, seven days a week.
Support at HWS
Online counseling through MantraHealth allows students to connect with clinicians with similar experiences. Newly hired clinicians, with a variety of experiences, provide weekend and evening hours. Other measures include an expanded Personal Empowerment Reader’s College course teaching emotional intelligence and cognitive behavioral therapy-like skills and new ID cards with 988 and other available mental health resources printed on the back.
In addition to free one-on-one therapy sessions, HWS offers peer-led group therapy options. With three to 10 students each, groups cover topics such as anxiety management, First Year support, Senior Year support and self-care.
The Athletic Liaison Program, a partnership between the Counseling Center and HWS athletic teams, connects counselors with specific teams to provide education about available services and reduce barriers to seeking support. Abroad, faculty are trained to connect students with resources, ensuring care extends well beyond Geneva.
Clubs like Beautiful Minds, a mental health awareness group, provide feedback and events such as the annual Suicide Prevention Walk and a Mugs and Self-Care event during finals.
Wellness Wednesdays promote healthy choices in residence halls and dining spaces, while the Office of Spiritual Engagement fosters community through numerous shared and popular activities like Pasta Night at the Chaplain’s home.
