Residential colleges of Yale University

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== Residential Colleges of Yale University ==

The residential colleges of Yale University are a distinctive feature of undergraduate life at Yale University. Modeled after the residential college systems of Oxford University and Cambridge University, Yale's system was established in the early 1930s through a gift from Edward S. Harkness. The residential colleges provide a smaller, more intimate community within the larger university, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students.

History

The concept of residential colleges at Yale was introduced by Edward S. Harkness, a philanthropist and Yale alumnus, who was inspired by the collegiate systems of Oxford and Cambridge. In 1930, Harkness donated the funds necessary to establish the first seven residential colleges. The initial colleges were Berkeley, Branford, Calhoun (now Grace Hopper College), Davenport, Jonathan Edwards, Pierson, and Saybrook.

Structure

Each residential college at Yale is a self-contained community with its own dining hall, library, common room, and other facilities. The colleges are led by a Head of College and a Dean, who are responsible for the academic and social well-being of the students. The colleges also have a variety of student-run organizations and activities, including intramural sports, theater groups, and cultural events.

List of Residential Colleges

Yale University currently has fourteen residential colleges:

• Berkeley College
• Branford College
• Grace Hopper College
• Davenport College
• Jonathan Edwards College
• Pierson College
• Saybrook College
• Trumbull College
• Timothy Dwight College
• Silliman College
• Ezra Stiles College
• Morse College
• Benjamin Franklin College
• Pauli Murray College

Student Life

The residential colleges play a central role in the social and academic life of Yale undergraduates. Each college hosts a variety of events, including formal dinners, lectures, and social gatherings. The colleges also compete in intramural sports, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and college pride.

Notable Alumni

Many notable individuals have been affiliated with Yale's residential colleges, including:

• George H.W. Bush (Timothy Dwight College)
• Hillary Clinton (Ezra Stiles College)
• Ben Carson (Timothy Dwight College)
• Jodie Foster (Branford College)

Related Pages

• Yale University
• Ivy League
• Edward S. Harkness
• Oxford University
• Cambridge University