Welcome to Atwater Commons, a scenic section of Middlebury College located on the northern corner of campus. Home to approximately 500 students, Atwater Commons is a an exciting community within the larger world of Middlebury College, an entity defined both by the buildings it comprises and, much more, by the people who inhabit them.
History of Atwater Commons
Atwater Commons takes its name from Jeremiah Atwater, Middlebury's first president, who led the College between the years 1800 and 1809. It consists of five residents halls (Allen, Coffrin, newly constructed Halls A & B, and Le Chateau), two academic interest houses (Weybridge House, the environmental House; 51 Franklin, the French house, and an off-campus residence (Nichol's House) where the Commons Faculty Heads reside. Our most recent addition, a brand new dining hall that overlooks Vermont's easternly Green Mountains.
The Atwater Team
Some of the first people you will meet on campus are members of the Atwater team, the core professionals who help put Atwater into motion. Atwater has co-faculty heads, Stephen & Emmie Donadio, a commons dean, Scott Barnicle, and commons coordinator, Debbie Cousino.
The faculty heads plan academic and social activities, host lectures and dinner, and provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to interact with one another outside the classroom setting. All of these activities serve their central mission of setting the intellectual tone for Atwater.
As commons dean, Scott Barnicle is a student affairs professional, whose duties include but are certainly not limited to academic advising, personal counseling, and serving as a central point of connection to an active residential life staff. Scott, has served Atwater as a dean since 1999.
The commons team is balanced by the essential work of two other positions—the commons coordinator and the commons residential advisor (CRA's). CRA's are typically recent Middlebury graduates who devote a year or two of their early career to administer the every day aspects of student life. Elizabeth (Lizzie) Torkelson joins us as CRA because she is committed to enhancing student residential life. Debbie Cousino, Commons Coordinator, has worked at Middlebury for more than twenty years. Debbie's experience and wealth of knowledge stemming from her years in the Dean of Student Affairs Office and time at the College are invaluable. She has been in Atwater since its decentralization in 1999. She will be one of your greatest resources during your time at Middlebury.
Making Atwater Yours
The purpose of the commons system is to create a greater sense of community among the student body, faculty and staff. Upon arrival, members of Atwater Commons soon discover that they are part of a community that cares about them, as they get their first glimpse of the Atwater Team.
The friendships students make here in Atwater will most likely remain throughout their four years at Middlebury and beyond. The commons supplies students with a team of faculty and staff to know and work with throughout their college career. In addition, programs such as the JC program, RA program, and the Commons Council provide students with a network of other students they can go to for help. In essence, the commons makes it possible for students to pursue their interests, both intellectual and social, in a supportive environment.
There are countless ways to be involved in commons life. From becoming an active member of the Commons Council; to assisting faculty heads bring a favorite musician or author to campus; to organizing a study break, complete with a capella music, s'mores and hot chocolate; to planning a coffee house; to planning a symposium on politics and race; organizing a trip to the NYC Opera; to organizing an apple picking trip; to planning hiking with your dean—what your Atwater experience can be is largely up to you. The limits are few and the possibilities are endless for the student that gets involved.