Elms Housing Pact
Eight HCC students already benefiting from new agreement
Holyoke Community College and Springfield Community College entered into an agreement with Elms College that will allow students of those two institutions to reside in residence halls at Elms.
The presidents of the three colleges, Harry E. Dumay of Elms, George Timmons of HCC, and John B. Cook of STCC, ratified the shared student agreement Oct. 8 during a signing ceremony at Elms campus in Chicopee.
Elms has existing articulation agreements with HCC and STCC, under which students who satisfactorily complete an associate degree program at either community college are guaranteed admission into a bachelor’s program at Elms.
This agreement, however, is the first time Elms has opened its residence halls to students enrolled in another school.
As commuter schools, neither HCC nor STCC provide on-campus housing. This agreement benefits STCC and HCC students who have housing needs. At the same time, it creates another pathway for students to consider completing a baccalaureate degree at Elms.
“Elms College, for nearly 100 years, has prided itself on promoting educational opportunities to those who would otherwise not have access, and being a collaborative partner with our neighboring colleges,” said Dumay. “This agreement accomplishes these goals and expands our strong partnerships with HCC and STCC. Our campus has always been a welcoming, inclusive community, where we work hard to ensure that everyone feels like they belong in the spirit of our founding mission. HCC and STCC students now get to discover that aspect of the Elms experience.”
HCC and STCC students, under the agreement, are allowed to live in Elms residence halls during the school year and will pay for room and board. The room cost varies depending on whether students opt for a single or double room. They are required to sign up for a campus meal plan and pay for an annual campus parking permit if they intend to bring a car on campus.
Since the start of the fall 2025 semester, eight HCC students have been living in Elms College dormitories as part of the agreement.
“At Holyoke Community College, we are committed to helping students overcome barriers to success, such as housing insecurity,” said Timmons. “This agreement with Elms opens up more opportunities for HCC students to have stable and affordable housing while pursuing their education. We are delighted to have partners like Elms College who hare a similar mission of providing access and creating opportunities for all students.”
Participating HCC and STCC students will be eligible to use the campus library and fitness center, participate in some student activities, have access to campus amenities and services, including laundry facilities, WiFi, health services, and public safety, at no additional cost. They will receive an Elms College photo ID indicating they are a participating community college student.
The agreement also mentions the possibility of developing other amenities, such as a shuttle service between Elms and HCC and STCC, as the need arises.
“This collaboration with Elms College expands access to on-campus living and strengthens the sense of community for our students,” said Cook. “It encourages full-time study and supports students wishing to accelerate their educational goals. This will be a rich and rewarding experience for our students who choose this option.”
The students may live on campus during the academic year but will need to find other accommodations when Elms residence halls are closed, such as during the Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks, and over the summer months. Accommodations will be based on availability as determined by Elms College.
The agreement is in effect through June 30, 2026, but may be renewed each year if the three parties agree.
PHOTOS: (Thumbnail) HCC President George Timmons, left, Elms College President Harry Dumay, and STCC President John Cook sign a housing agreement at Elms College on Oct. 8 (Above) HCC President George Timmons, Elms College President Harry Dumay, and STCC President John Cook prepare to sign a housing agreement.
