Conn’s dorms are sectioned into three areas: North, Central, and South. North Campus includes the dorms Marshall, Hamilton, Wright, Park, Morrison, and Lambdin—known collectively as the “Plex.” These are the newest dorms: many were built within the last ten years (both Marshall and Hamilton were given a facelift this past summer) and offer air-conditioning and more private bathrooms. The six dorms in the Plex connect from the inside, with three on each side of Harris, the main dining hall. Proximity to Harris is a particular asset in winter, when students wear their pajamas and slippers to meals. Another plus: the Plex is the only dorm open during winter and spring breaks. Athletes required to stay on campus for training can stay in their own rooms if they live in North Campus—unlike students in other areas, who must stay in friends’ rooms. However, the Plex is far from academic buildings, which is a big negative in cold weather.
The dorms in Central and South Campuses are older than those in the Plex. Both complexes are close to the academic buildings—at most, students in Central and South Campuses will have a five-minute walk to class. Central includes the dorms Blackstone, Branford, Burdick, Plant, Smith, Windham, Katherine Blunt, and Larrabee. In addition to academic buildings (like Blaustein and Fanning Hall), it’s close to Shain Library, Cro (the student center), and Harris (the main dining hall, in the middle of North Campus).
South Campus, which includes the dorms Jane Addams, Freeman, Harkness, and Knowlton, is a bit far from Harris and Cro—but it’s on the Green. During the fall and spring, students flock to the Green and do their homework in the sun, or lie out with friends and enjoy the weather. The Green hosts Conn’s soccer games, too, so South residents can walk straight out of their dorms and watch the current match. South’s dorm rooms are also known for their character.
Freshmen are selected to live in a particular dorm. Students can apply to live in a few specialty houses—including Knowlton (the language house), Blackstone (the substance free house), and Burdick (the quiet house)—but other than that, freshmen dorm assignments are random. All floors and bathrooms are coed, though females can apply to live on an all-girls floor.
- Benjamin Eagle ’09 and Rachel Johnstone ’10 contributed reporting
In 2006, Connecticut College welcomed Leo I. Higdon, Jr. as its tenth president. Higdon, a former investment banker, switched to a career in higher education in 1993. Since then, he has served as dean of the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia, president of Babson College, and president of the College of Charleston.
Higdon, a runner and sports fan, heavily promotes Connecticut College’s athletic programs. In the past two years, he has helped restore the economic integrity while increasing public awareness of the College. Students report that Higdon is a visible figure on campus.
- Benjamin Eagle ’09 and Rachel Johnstone ’10 contributed reporting
Lee Eisenberg (1999) is a writer for The Office.
Joshua Green (1994) is the senior editor of the Atlantic Monthly and a contributing editor for the Washington Monthly.
Amy Gross (1963) is Editor-in-Chief of O, the Oprah Magazine.
David Gross (1990) is the Commissioner of Major League Lacrosse.
Estelle Parsons (1949) won an Academy Award in 1967 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Bonnie and Clyde.
Nikki Palmieri (2004) was Miss Connecticut in 2004 and competed in the Miss America pageant in 2005.
