Welcome to Brown Commons, where students draw on a tradition of learning and service as exemplified by our namesakes, former religion and philosophy professor and campus chaplain Coleman Brown, and his wife, community advocate Irene Brown.
Explore our Community
Students from all commons are welcome to join Brown Commons events and follow on social media:
Residential Spaces
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In this multistory residential facility, students reside in traditional double rooms on the three upper floors. Study lounges are available throughout the building. The first floor and ground level are dedicated to seminar rooms, classrooms, offices for the Residential Commons, and social lounges. There is also a small kitchen with scheduled open hours.
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East Hall features primarily traditional residence hall double rooms with a small number of singles and triples. Laundry facilities are located on the first and third floors, and there is a lounge on the first floor. The Center for Women’s Studies is located on the ground floor, accessible via a separate entrance.
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Andrews Hall features mostly suite-style living for its residents, featuring two bedrooms with a shared common space between them. Suites in this building consist of a small common room connected to bedrooms. The suite common rooms typically serve as the primary space where students study and socialize.
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Gate House is a two-floor residence hall featuring traditional residence hall doubles. Each room is individually climate controlled with heat and air conditioning within a pre-set temperature range set for the building. There are laundry facilities on the first floor and a lounge on the second floor.
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100 Hamilton is a small two-floor residence hall featuring singles, doubles, and triples which houses the Sophomore Residential Seminar Program. There is a recreational space on the ground level, as well as kitchen and laundry facilities. There is also seminar room on the first floor.
Living and Learning
Brown Commons hosts a variety of programs designed to help members build community, enrich education, and have fun.
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Danielle Ponder and the Tomorrow People perform as part of the Brown Commons Coffeehouse series. The Coffeehouse attracts artists in all genres for intimate performances on campus.
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Faculty and staff associated with the commons host after-hours talks, colloquia and seminars throughout the semester, allowing for academic discussion outside the classroom.
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Students can enjoy traditional fall outings like apple picking or corn mazes.
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"Pancakes and Pooches" is quickly becoming one of the Commons' most-beloved traditions.
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Informal gatherings for community cooking and arts and crafts are common and encouraged.
Commons Cup
Each year, the four commons compete for the glory of winning the Commons Cup. Each commons accumulates points by having commons members participate in events within five categories: Intellectual Curiosity, Arts & Culture, Environment & Sustainability, Recreation & Wellness, and Community Engagement.
First Year Seminars (FSEM)
As part of the project of integrating students' living and learning experiences, each year, the Commons plays host to a number of FSEM classes in its residential buildings.
Creating Connections
The following faculty and staff direct the commons and support its living and learning goals. Feel free to contact them with any questions.
Co-Director
Co-Director
Area Director, Residential Life
Administrative Dean
Residential Fellow
Commons Program Director
About the Namesakes
![Coleman Barr Brown](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2019-08/brown.jpg?itok=scsqvaU9)
![Irene Brown in academic regalia](/sites/default/files/styles/optimized/public/2020-04/irene-brown-1200x675.jpg?itok=zCz7aBza)
Brown Commons is named after Coleman Brown, who joined the Colgate faculty in 1970 as a philosophy and religion instructor, and his wife, Irene Brown, a tireless community advocate awarded an honorary doctorate in 2011.