Providence College is a church-affiliated, liberal arts college. Founded in 1917, it adopted coeducation in 1971. Intellectual zeal, high standards, shared values, a sense of community and a willingness to help others are the qualities that shape the character of the college. Providence is the only college in the United States under the stewardship of the Dominican Friars, a Roman Catholic order whose intellectual heritage dates back to the 13th century. Some of the college''s special attractions are the Liberal Arts Honors Program and an acclaimed two-year Development of Western Civilization Program, opportunities to pursue research and independent study with faculty scholars, strong prelaw and premedical advisory programs and the Feinstein Institute for Public Service, offering the first known major and minor in public and community service studies. Students receive the quality and rigor of an education that prepares them to succeed in any profession and to make a meaningful contribution to the world in which they live and work. Its 105-acre campus is located in downtown Providence.