St . Lawrence University St . Lawrence University is a four - year liberal arts college located in the village of Canton in Saint Lawrence County , New York , United States . It has roughly 2400 undergraduate and 100 graduate students , about equally split between male and female . History . Though St . Lawrence today is non - denominational , it was founded in 1856 by leaders of the Universalist Church , who were seeking to establish a seminary somewhere west of New England and were enthusiastically courted by the citizens of Canton . The church almost did not place the school in Canton , however , as they felt that students might be exposed to too much " excitement " within the village limits in 1856 . The denomination , which has since merged with the Unitarian faith , was part of the liberal wing of Protestantism , championing such ideas as critical thinking and gender equality — attributes that surfaced in the new Theological School of St . Lawrence University , which was progressive in its teaching philosophy and coeducational from the beginning . The university as it exists today was created as a " Preparatory Department " to provide a foundation for theological study . That department became today ' s liberal arts University , while the seminary closed in 1965 with the Unitarian / Universalist consolidation . Early in the 20th century , the university ' s graduate program in education came into being ; it has since served hundreds of North Country school teachers and administrators . Following a difficult period during the Great Depression and World War II that included the decision to shut down the Brooklyn Law School , the student population increased quickly , and with it , the physical plant . A four - building campus serving around 300 students in the early 1940s became a 30 - building campus serving 2000 students within 25 years , partly through acquisition of the adjacent state school of agriculture campus when that facility relocated across town . The mid - 1960s also saw the birth of one of St . Lawrence ' s nationally known programs : its international programs . In 1974 , two early campus buildings , Richardson Hall ( 1855 – 56 ) and Herring - Cole Hall ( 1869 – 1902 ) , were listed on the National Register of Historic Places . In 1984 , structures built before 1930 were listed on the National Register of Historic Places as St . Lawrence University - Old Campus Historic District . During World War II , St . Lawrence University was one of 131 colleges and universities nationally that took part in the V - 12 Navy College Training Program which offered students a path to a Navy commission . The university has embarked upon another facilities upgrade program that aims to take advantage of the electronic revolution in higher education , as well as a curriculum reform to tailor its educational programs to the demands of the next millennium . The campus student center was completed in the spring of 2004 and serves as the school ' s hub at the center of campus . The Johnson Hall of Science opened in the fall of 2007 , and expanded learning and lab space in several science disciplines , notably biology , chemistry , biochemistry , neuroscience , and psychology . Johnson Hall received LEED Gold certification for its sustainable design ; it ' s the only Gold science building in New York State . The Noble Center , formerly used as a student center , is now undergoing major renovations to double the space available for the arts . A new Center for Arts Technology opened in January 2007 . Rankings . The 2013 annual ranking of " U . S . News & World Report " categorizes it as ' more selective ' and ranks it 56th in the National Liberal Arts Colleges category . " Forbes " in 2012 rated St . Lawrence 79th in its ranking of American private colleges . " Kiplinger ' s Personal Finance " places St . Lawrence at 73rd in its 2012 ranking of best value liberal arts colleges in the United States . Admissions . For the class of 2016 ( enrolled fall 2012 ) , St . Lawrence received 4 , 067 applications and accepted 1 , 962 ( 48 . 2 % ) . The number enrolling was 644 ; the yield rate ( the percentage of accepted students who enroll ) was 32 . 8 % . In terms of class rank , 44 . 4 % of enrolled freshmen were in the top 10 % of their high school classes ; 75 . 8 % ranked in the top quarter . Although submission of the SAT is optional for all applicants , 58 % of enrolled freshmen did so . The middle 50 % range of their SAT scores for critical reading was 560 - 650 , for math 570 - 660 , and for writing 555 - 650 . The class of 2016 included 37 % from New York State , 55 % from 32 other states , and 8 % international students representing 15 nationalities . Of the 644 matriculants , 56 % were female , 44 % were male . Academics . Majors and programs . In total there are 40 majors available and 36 minors . St . Lawrence has 3 + 2 engineering programs run jointly with seven other colleges , and a 4 + 1 MBA at Clarkson University . Students are also free to take classes at nearby Clarkson University and SUNY Potsdam . International studies . St . Lawrence University has a strong commitment to the values of cross - cultural academic opportunities . Off - campus study , whether international or domestic , permits students to expand their academic experience in diverse settings . St . Lawrence offers approved international programs in Australia , Austria , Canada , China , Costa Rica , Czech Republic , Denmark , England , France , India , Japan , Kenya , New Zealand , Spain , Thailand , and Trinidad , . In addition , the International Student Exchange Program ( ISEP ) allows students to study at any of over 100 universities on six continents . In the U . S . , students can study at American University in Washington , D . C . , in New York City , in the Adirondack State Park , or at Fisk University , a distinguished , historically Black university in Nashville , Tennessee . Some of these programs extend over a full year , others a semester . Many summer programs are available as well . All programs foster cultural immersion , usually through homestays and language study , and where possible through internships or community service . First - Year Program . The First - Year Program ( FYP ) at St . Lawrence is one of the oldest living / learning programs for first year students in the country . Over the past 22 years , the program has evolved to help students make a successful transition from high school to college , both academically and socially and is a cornerstone of the St . Lawrence experience . Residential colleges are the heart of the FYP . In their first semester , students live in one of 18 residential colleges with all of the other students enrolled in their FYP course . This interdisciplinary , team - taught course focuses on a topic of broad interest , and is one of the four courses that first year students take in the fall . In the spring semester of their first year , our students continue to work on developing their communication skills by enrolling in a First - Year Seminar ( FYS ) . Although these seminars are not residentially - based , they are small , thus allowing students to build close relationships with another group of students and with another faculty member . Students who wish to enroll in the seminar taught by their Fall FYP seminar instructor / advisor are guaranteed a spot in this seminar . The spring courses cover a wide range of topics , whether through interdisciplinary or disciplinary study Libraries . The Owen D . Young Library ( ODY ) is a spacious research environment offering a multilevel facility of , characterized by an abundance of natural light and a variety of seating for individual and group study . A six - million - dollar renovation of the library was recently completed ; the renovations prepare ODY for the twenty - first century . It includes more than 500 , 000 volumes , over 370 , 000 government documents , 1986 periodicals , 550 , 000 microtext units , recipient of 10 , 000 to 20 , 000 reports and documents annually and access to over 70 databases through Internet . In addition to ODY , which houses the college ’ s major collections in the social sciences and humanities , the J . Harold and Ruth C . Launders Science Library opened in January 1994 . Home of the major science and technology collections at St . Lawrence , the Launders Science Library occupies the upper two floors of Madill Hall , and triples the space available for science resources and services . The library ’ s collection of primary scholarly resources may be viewed and used in the Frank and Anne Piskor Special Collections Reading Room , located directly across the atrium from the main entrance of ODY . Each semester the special collections staff offer instruction to classes from a variety of academic departments and programs , including fine arts , French , English , history , environmental studies , economics and the outdoor studies program . In addition , the special collections program includes a book arts collection and a laboratory press . Highlights of St . Lawrence ’ s special collections include the William Rose Benet Collection of American Poetry , the Milburn Collection of Hawthorniana , the Edwin Arlington Robinson Collection , the Frank P . Piskor Collection on Robert Frost . Other special collections include manuscripts devoted to Frederic Remington , the Adirondacks , the St . Lawrence Seaway and other aspects of northern New York history . Campus life . Arts and cultural offerings . The opportunities described below are augmented by frequent concerts , exhibits , performances and shows provided by outside performers . Music . The music department supports three vocal and two instrumental ensembles . Laurentian Singers , an undergraduate chorus that tours each spring , University Chorus and the Early Music Singers provide vocal opportunities for St . Lawrence students . Instrumentalists may choose between participation in the String Orchestra , Concert Band , Improv Lab , Early Music Ensemble and Special Productions . The Early Music Ensemble uses the Emily Romer Collection of medieval and Renaissance instruments to perform music of the 12th through 18th centuries . Each semester the department offers a Special Production , focusing on a particular repertory . Recent productions have included a Latin Dance Party , Music for Louis XIV and Traditional Irish Music . Private instruction is available in voice and on keyboard , guitar , brass , woodwinds and strings . Three informal student - directed collegiate a cappella groups , The Saints , The Sinners , and The Upbeats are active both on and off campus . Most students that participate in the Music Ensembles are not Music Majors , but rather have a strong interest in pursuing their musical capabilities . St . Lawrence University is also home to the Java Barn , an on - campus music venue run by a dedicated group of SLU students . The Java Barn hosts live bands every weekend ; shows are open to all SLU students and admission is free . Theatre . The Performance and Communication Arts ( PCA ) department stages annual faculty - directed productions in Gulick Theater , a proscenium theater seating 511 . In addition , the flexible 85 - to 100 - seat Edison Miles Theater ( better known as the Black Box ) is used for experimental and student productions . Guest artist workshops that address all aspects of theater are offered for interested students . Though some production work is associated with classes , for many productions it is not necessary to be a major , or even currently enrolled in ( PCA ) classes , to participate . Art . The University art collection contains nearly 7 , 000 objects that are frequently displayed in the Richard F . Brush Art Gallery or used for tours and classroom discussions . While the collection dates to the University ’ s founding , its most vital growth has taken place in recent years . Twentieth - century works on paper , such as photographs , prints , drawings and portfolios , are the strength of the collection . Paintings and sculptures by Frank Stella , George Segal , Louise Nevelson , Isamu Noguchi , Milton Avery and Frederic Remington are among the collection ’ s highlights . Activities . St . Lawrence hosts more than 100 student activities groups . St . Lawrence is home to the second oldest collegiate outing club in the nation ( next to only Dartmouth College ) . The club annually sends students to climb all 46 peaks over of the Adirondacks during " Peak Weekend " . Peak Weekend has recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at St . Lawrence . The Outing Club also has its own residence on campus and is part of the Theme Cottages . The club frequently sponsors trips for skiing , hiking , rafting and other activities . Established in 1993 as a student - run coffeehouse , the Java Barn is a well - known venue among touring bands on the East Coast . In 2006 the music venue moved to the former Winning Health Center . In the fall of 2010 , Java was moved once again , on campus . Java now occupies a former storage garage , with bright student - created murals spattering the walls . The Student Government is also very active on campus . The Thelomathesian Society was founded in 1863 by Vasco P . Abbott who became its first President . The Thelomathesian Society , or Thelmo as it is often called , serves as the governing body of the St . Lawrence University Student Body , and is a forum for students to voice their opinions on issues presented by the Administration , Faculty , and Student Body . Thelmo debates and votes on a wide variety of issues , ranging from University policies to St . Lawrence University Student Activities Funding ( SLUSAF ) requests for different campus groups and organizations Theme Cottages are a popular housing option at St . Lawrence . The Women ' s Resource Center was organized to raise awareness of gender issues on and off campus . WRC members , or " Dub Girls " , are trained as sexual assault victim advocates and create education programs to promote safe sexual practices . Ray Ross House celebrates racial diversity by exemplifying racially diverse living . The SaGA House theme cottage , established in 2008 , is an LGBT resource center . This cottage works to end discrimination of LGBT students , and to provide safe - space for LGBT and LGBT - questioning students . The Greenhouse is home to many environmentally conscious students . Students in the Greenhouse live in an environmentally responsible manner . The Habitat for Humanity theme cottage houses students that actively work with the local chapter and national office of Habitat for Humanity . There is also a technology - centric theme house , The Hub , which provides gaming and nerd - friendly events to the campus . The Greek System now consists of four sororities and two fraternity chapters . In 1997 the school had five sororities and seven fraternities . The current state of Greek participation levels are substantially lower than in past years , due in part to liability issues and national chapter concerns over various alcohol and code violations . However the remaining chapters still have and active role in campus life . Fraternities . Current : Past : Sororities . Current : Past : Residential life . St . Lawrence is a four - year residential university ; the residential experience is integral to the educational process . Students are required to live in University residence halls , theme cottages or Greek chapter houses during each semester at the University . Each residential area has a residential coordinator ( RC ) who provide supervision , leadership and support for the residents in their units and perform administrative duties pertaining to their buildings . Community assistants ( CA ) are undergraduate students who assist RCs . The First - Year Program ( FYP ) . A unique requirement of St . Lawrence ' s curriculum is the First Year Program . All first - year students live in residential colleges of the FYP . These are buildings or wings of buildings where approximately 30 students live together and enroll in a common course . A professional RC and upperclass CAs provide supervision . Upperclass Residential Program . All upperclass students live in one of four housing options : residence halls , cottages , Greek chapter houses , or the senior townhouses . The majority of upperclass students live in residence halls , where most floors are coeducational . Singles , doubles , triples and quads are available and there are suites in a two - building complex . Room assignments are made on a class year priority . Theme suites and cottages are available for groups with special common interests . Groups must apply in the spring semester for the following year . Alma mater . The St . Lawrence Alma Mater is " Alma Mater . " The words and music were written by J . Kimball Gannon , a member of the class of 1924 . Athletics . The St . Lawrence University Saints are a member of the Liberty League Athletic Conference , has ECACHL Division I Hockey Teams and fields 32 varsity teams ( 15 for men , 17 for women ) and includes over 40 % of the student body . The Skating Saints Men ' s team has twice played for Division I national championships ( 1961 , 1988 ) . The Men ' s soccer program went undefeated at 22 - 0 to capture the 1999 Division III soccer championship , and women ' s basketball narrowly was defeated in the 2002 NCAA Women ' s Division III Basketball Championship . The Men ' s Squash team was the 2007 and 2008 Summers Trophy winner at CSA Nationals . The Men ' s Swim team won the 1976 D - 3 National Championship . The St . Lawrence Equestrian Team was National Champion in 1973 , 1976 , 1977 and National Champion runner - up in 2001 and 2008 . In addition the SLU Equestrian Team was Regional Champion in 2001 , 2003 , 2005 , 2006 , 2008 , 2009 and 2011 . The St . Lawrence University Wrestling Team won the Division III NCAA Championship in 1988 . The wrestling team was discontinued in 1995 . In 2009 Women ' s Cross Country team placed second at nationals and in 2010 the Women ' s Track and Field team placed third at Indoor nationals , bringing home two individual national titles as well . The University sponsors teams for Men ' s Football and Baseball , Women ' s Field Hockey , Volleyball and Softball , and Men ' s and Women ' s Basketball , Men and Women ' s Lacrosse , Cross Country , Golf , Crew , Ice Hockey , Riding , Alpine and Nordic Skiing , Soccer , Squash , Swimming , Tennis and Track and Field . The University has a strong active rivalry ( especially in Hockey ) with nearby Clarkson University only away in Potsdam , NY . Our other most notable rivalry include Hobart and William Smith , also from the Liberty League . The Nordic and Alpine Ski teams are also one of tradition . They compete in EISA with Division - I and Division - III schools . Intramurals are also a popular option for students . With broomball being one of the more popular . It is similar to hockey and played in the rink , the players use " brooms " to score by putting a small round ball in the oppositions net . The University also has a rafting / canoeing shack located at the edge of campus . Ice hockey . Since the program ' s beginning in 1925 the Saints have had a storied and successful history . The Saints Hockey team compete at the NCAA Division - I Level in the ECAC league for both men and women . They play their home games and have additional training facilities in Appleton Arena which has a capacity of approximately 3 , 000 and was constructed in 1951 . Since joining the league in 1951 The Saints were league champions in 1962 , 1988 , 1989 , 1992 , 2000 and 2001 . They were also regular season champions in 2000 and 2007 . Since 1951 the Saints have made the NCAA Tournament sixteen times . In 1988 , the Saints played in the NCAA national championship game at the Olympic Arena in Lake Placid , NY , losing to Lake Superior State University 4 - 3 in overtime . The 1987 - 88 season was the most successful in team history , with an overall record of 29 - 9 - 0 . In 2000 , the Saints played in the longest NCAA tournament game on record ; a 3 - 2 , quadruple overtime victory over Boston University . The win advanced the Saints to the Frozen Four , where the team eventually lost to Boston College in the National Semifinals . The Men ' s program has produced twenty - eight All - American players , seven ECAC tournament MVPs , six ECAC players of the year , four ECAC rookies of the year , and seven Hobey Baker Memorial Award finalists . The women ' s team won three consecutive ECAC Division - III tournaments in 1990 , 1991 , and 1992 before moving to Division - I . Since then the women were runners up in 2001 and made it to the Frozen Four in 2004 , 2005 , 2006 and 2007 . Athletic facilities . Indoor facilities include two field houses with track and three tennis courts ; two regulation basketball courts ; competition swimming and diving pool ; ten squash courts ; fitness center and weight room ; climbing wall ; ice arena ; equestrian arena . Outdoor facilities include competition and practice fields for soccer , softball , baseball , football , lacrosse and field hockey along with a lighted artificial turf field ; six lighted tennis courts ; lighted all weather track and lighted football / track stadium ; 18 - hole championship golf course and a boathouse on the St . Lawrence River in Waddington . Recreation facilities include jogging / walking trail , cross country / mountain bike trails , intramural fields , outdoor basketball and volleyball courts . Since 1996 the almost all of the athletic facilities have been renovated , replaced or recently constructed . In 2008 the Princeton Review ranked St . Lawrence with the 20th best athletic facilities in the country and was the only Division III institution ranked . The campus . The 1 , 000 acre ( 4 km² ) campus is located on the south side of the Village of Canton . The main developed area consists on only 20 % of the total campus area , and is centered along Park Street . Most of this area is a " walking campus " that is off - limits to motorized vehicles . Parking lots are located on the edge of campus and cross campus traffic is limited to Park Street ( north - south ) and Romoda Drive and University Avenue ( east - west ) . Roads such as Park Street , Hillside Avenue , College Street , Lincoln Street , and Maple Street connect the school to downtown Canton and main roads such as US Route 11 , NY Route 68 , NY Route 310 , and County Route 27 . The University maintains 30 academic residential , sports and other buildings . The North Country Japanese Garden , funded by grants and donations , was designed by students who had visited Zen garden s in Japan . It is symbolic of elements found in Upstate New York as well as traditional Japanese symbolism . Notable Laurentians . The university has a number of notable graduates with over 30 , 000 living alumni including :