Shimer College - Student Life

Student Life

The New York Times has called Shimer "one of the smallest liberal arts colleges in the United States", and described Shimer students as "... both valedictorians and high school dropouts. What the students share, besides a love of books, is a disdain for the conventional style of education. Many say they did not have a good high school experience." Students tend to be individualistic, creative thinkers, and are encouraged to be questioning and inquisitive. Shimer enrolled 141 students in 2012, from 26 states and 2 other countries; the majority came from Illinois. Of these students, 72 percent were white and 30 percent were over age 25. Of full-time students who attended for the first time in 2010, 82.5 percent return for their second year in 2011. Of students who entered in 2005, 62.5 percent completed a bachelor's degree within six years.

Fraternities, sororities and other organizations that promote exclusivity are not allowed and Shimer has no organized clubs or athletic programs of its own. The college has a tradition of community meals, which all are invited to attend, that dates back to the early days on the Waukegan campus, when the whole community would meet for potluck meals and discuss matters of general interest in gatherings that eventually gave birth to the Assembly. The Orange Horse, Shimer's bi-annual talent show, is a tradition dating back to the 1960s and invites students, faculty, and alumni to read poetry, sing, play music, or tell jokes, individually or in groups.

The Shimer theater program has been under the direction of Humanities Professor Eileen Buchanan since 1967. Buchanan, also a professional actor and director, directs productions that complement the curriculum and offer anyone who wants to participate in theater the chance to do so. Productions in the Chicago location have included Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya and Eve Ensler's Vagina Monologues.

In addition to the resources of the MTCC and the athletic facilities, Shimer students are able to take part in the more than 150 student organizations sponsored by IIT, including Liit Magazine, the student-run literary magazine of IIT, and IIT's on-campus radio station, WIIT, where they can host their own shows.

Shimer students do not necessarily graduate with specific career skills. Most students go on to graduate studies: 50 percent of Shimer graduates earn master's degrees and 21 percent go on to earn doctorates. Another 10 percent attend law school and 5 percent go to business school.