The goals of the Commons System are to build a sense of community by creating more opportunities for meaningful relationships among students, faculty, and staff; to develop programs and events that enrich the Middlebury College experience; and to give students a greater voice in determining the nature of the intellectual, social, and residential life of the College.
Approximately 200 students are housed within each Commons. The five residential Commons are:
Atwater Commons (Allen, Coffrin);
Brainerd Commons (Stewart, Hepburn);
Cook Commons (Battell North, Battell Center, Pearsons);
Ross Commons (Milliken, Hadley, Kelly, Lang);
Wonnacott Commons (Battell Center, Battell South, Gifford).
[update pending August 2008 regarding housing for juniors and seniors]
Each Commons is led by one or two faculty heads, a dean, and a Commons Council, which consists of students representing the various residence halls in the Commons. The Commons Council handles the affairs of the Commons; determines how the budget will be spent; and plans social, educational, and cultural events for the Commons. Council members are also responsible for disseminating information to the residents of the Commons. Brainerd Commons has adopted a constitution and its by-laws are available in the Commons office.
All members of the College community are encouraged and welcomed to affiliate with a Commons.