Residence Halls

Home Away From Home

 

Sterling has always prided itself on community values, and this sense of shared responsibility will be brought to the forefront as we navigate our safe reopening.

There are six residences on campus. Four of our houses are set up in classic dormitory style, with shared bathrooms on each floor. Two houses are the former Inn on the Common, and each room has its own private bathroom. 

All houses respect self-identified gender and house all gender identities.

Community Advisors and House Advisors

Community Advisors (CAs) and House Advisors (HAs) are student employees through the Sterling College Work Program.  CAs and HAs are trusted liaisons between the College and the students, and as such hold a great responsibility as role models and leaders who exemplify ethical, caring, and compassionate Sterling culture.

Students selected to fill this critical role are knowledgeable and experienced guides who teach (and learn) through commitment to the growth of individuals and the Sterling community.  They are trusted advocates who work with and for the students, and on behalf of the community’s best interest and goals.  They are first responders in many situations on campus, and are trained in basic counseling and crisis management skills, CPR & first aid, and conflict resolution.

The position of the Community Advisor is unique and demanding. It requires the ability to balance many complex roles and responsibilities.  Community Advisors are expected to be available to students with questions, concerns, and emergencies at all hours, and they work closely with the Dean of Students to ensure safety, equity, and accountability on campus.  CAs foster a culture in which all students have the opportunity to thrive in their academic, work, and personal lives.

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NORTH HOUSE

NorthHouseNorth House is the former President’s residence, and practices communal, intentional living.  This house sits right on Craftsbury Common and above Sterling’s Edible Forest Garden and Glass House.

KESTREL HOUSE

MadisonKestrel House faces Kane and Dunbar Hall and houses up to 25 students. Coin-operated washers and dryers and a root cellar are located in the basement of Kestrel.

MERLIN HOUSE

MerlinMerlin House houses up to 25 students.  Lounges are located on both floors and a coin-operated washer/dryer is located on the first floor. Major renovation was completed in the fall of 2000. Merlin is also home to the Wellness Center.

HOUSTON HOUSE

HoustonHouston House is next to the Brown Library. Formerly one part of the Inn on the Common, the building includes a student lounge, dining room, and extensively landscaped grounds.

SOUTH HOUSE

South HouseSouth House, right across the street, is Sterling’s newest residence. It used to be the other half of the Inn on the Common, and before that, was a dorm for the Sterling School. It currently houses about eight students.

ALDER

Jefferson_hamilton

Alder House is located on the “lower campus.” Surrounded by fields and adjacent to Cedar Swamp, this residence is a short walk from the main hub of campus. This residence has rooms for up to 16 students, plus a faculty apartment. Alder underwent extensive environmental renovations in Summer 2011.

BIRCH

JeffersonBirch House is located on the “lower campus.” Surrounded by fields and adjacent to Cedar Swamp, this residence is a short walk from the main hub of campus. This residence has rooms for up to 16 students, plus a faculty apartment. Birch House underwent extensive environmental renovations in Summer 2011.

Housing students under the age of 18

Sterling College residence halls provide an environment for resident students to live, work, and study. Each residence is supported by a team of Community Advisors, who are students trained in basic counseling and crisis management skills, CPR & first aid, and conflict resolution. Additionally, an administrator is on call for emergencies 24/7.

While living in the residence halls, individual students have a limited level of supervision, regardless of age. Students are expected to use good judgment at all times by following all Community Guidelines and local, state, and federal laws. Students may come and go from their residence hall, visit students in other residence halls, and make decisions about which and when guests visit them in their rooms. All residence halls (including bathrooms and shower facilities) are co-ed, and may house students of all ages. Sterling College does not have a curfew; however, individual houses may agree on a shared understanding of quiet hours.

We strongly encourage parents or legal guardians to have candid discussions with their students about understanding and following the policies and procedures of the College, local, state, and federal laws, and the need to make good decisions about being successful at college. Sterling College does not assume in loco parentis responsibility for students.   Information about Vermont age of consent laws can be found here.  Information about Vermont underage drinking laws can be found here.  Learn about our community standards in the Student Handbook.

These discussions are even more important when minors are involved. Any minor needing emergency medical treatment will be transported to the nearest facility, and will not be released without their parent or legal guardian present. Any minor choosing to engage in any type of criminal activity, including underage alcohol violations, may be placed in police custody and their parent or legal guardian will need to be present for their release. The College does not assume custody for the release of a minor. Demonstrated awareness of such considerations by the minor student, parents and legal guardians may be relevant to the College’s decision with regard to appropriate housing options for the student.

 

Dig In!

Home Sweet Houston House

Houston House feels less like a residence hall and more like a home to me. I’ll never forget the first day in my first semester, and the first house meeting…

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Show Us Your Roots!

Sterling College’s marketing team is kicking off another fabulous photography contest! This fall’s theme is “roots,” as in trees, tubers, onions, undyed hair, your origins…really anything you can tie to…

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Fear and the Lake Monster

“Heather, do you see this huge frog?” Beana asked from the stern of the canoe. Knee deep in lake muck, I struggled to dismantle a waterlogged loon nesting raft and…

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