Social Houses

In 1991, Middlebury College established mixed-gender Social Houses to replace the previous single-gender fraternity system. 

Social Houses are an active part of the campus community and provide students with valuable leadership opportunities. These groups fulfill their mission through a diverse array of social events, parties, community service and other events.

Middlebury currently has five residential Social Houses at locations across the campus:

  • Chromatic
  • Mill
  • PALANA
  • Tavern
  • Xenia

Members and residents share responsibility for developing community within their house and with their extended membership. As a group, the Social Houses are self-governed through the Inter-House Council (IHC). This body is comprised of the presidents and vice presidents of each of the houses. The IHC serves as a resource, advocate, and central voice for all of the houses. 

Social Houses are both student organizations and residential buildings. Funding for house programs comes from the SGA and all houses have constitutions and so have all the rights and privileges shared by all official student groups.