In 1991, the Residential Life Committee recommended that the College develop a new residential system called the Commons System, which grouped residence halls into five units or Commons. 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. This recommendation was accepted and implemented during the 1992-93 academic year. In 1998, the Board of Trustees voted to enhance the residential Commons to fully incorporate three cornerstones: decentralized dining, faculty proximity, and continuing membership for students in Commons. The College is in the process of moving to a fully enhanced Commons System.
Approximately 400 students are housed within each Commons. The five residential Commons are: Atwater Commons (Allen, Le Château, Coffrin, Hall A and Hall B); Brainerd Commons (Stewart, Hepburn, Palmer, Brooker); Cook Commons (Battell North, Battell Center, Carr, Forest, Pearsons); Ross Commons (Milliken, Hadley, Kelly, LaForce, Lang); and Wonnacott Commons (Battell Center, Battell South, Gifford, Painter, Starr, Voter).
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.