Connecticut College (Conn College or Conn) is a private liberal arts college located in New London, in the U.S. state of Connecticut. The college was founded in 1911, as Connecticut College for Women, in response to Wesleyan University closing its doors to women (the college shortened its name to Connecticut College in 1969 when it began admitting men). The campus is located on the Thames River, overlooking the Long Island Sound on the highest point in New London. It is a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), and is considered to be among the group of colleges called the "Little Ivies." Forbes ranked Connecticut College 70th in its 2012 overall list, and 40th among liberal arts colleges and U.S. News and World Report ranked the school 41st among the top libe