Frequently Asked Questions

Residential Colleges -- Bucknell

1) What are Residential Colleges?

The Residential Colleges are a collection of seven themed-based living communities designed to connect students and facluty who share a common interest. The colleges each plan activities and events that are related to the college's theme and plan trips to places like New York City, Washington DC, Philadelphia, as well as to place in the local area.

The primary idea is that students live in a community of people who they take a course with. This way, you will have an opportunity to develop strong friendships, share experiences from the classroom and get to know more people on campus. The job of the res. college staff is to help you meet other people and enjoy your first-year experience.

2) How do I enroll?

To enroll in a residential college, list the foundation seminar (or seminars) associated with that residential college as one of your top three foundation seminars. While Bucknell hopes to assign each student to their first choice, Foundation Seminars are small (maximum of 15 students) and are sometimes difficult to schedule. Occasionally it is necessary to assign students to their second or third choice.

All Residential College students enroll in a Foundation Seminar during their first semester at Bucknell. The Foundation Seminar is designed to be an inroductory course for college learning. In May, the Registrar's office sends out information on scheduling courses to all incoming first-year students. Each student is asked to complete the online course registration form by June 2nd and on that form list 10 Foundation Seminar choices (in order of preference). The residential colleges have space for 285 first-year students.

3) Why would an incoming student want to join a Residential College?

To gain a unique academic experience
To develop friendships
To develp connections with faculty
To visit interesting places

4) Where will I live?

Residential College students live with other students from their college in either Smith Hall (located on Seventh Street) or in McDonnell Hall (located next to Swartz Hall). Students who enroll in the Global, Environmental, Social Justice and Society & Technology Colleges will live in Smith Hall. Students who enroll in the Languages and Cultures, Humanties and Arts Colleges will live in the McDonnell Hall.

The rooms are nice and the facilities are excellent. Some foundation seminars even meet in the residence halls.

5) What kind of a time commitment is this?

All students who are in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take a Foundation Seminar during their first semester at Bucknell. The Residential College course is very similar to other foundation seminar courses except that you live with other students in your class. The colleges actually help students organize their time and increase study skills by providing residents with an opportunity to share learning experiences. If you are working on a class project, you can walk next door and talk to someone else in your class about your project.

You also have an opportunity to participate in cultural, educational, and recreational events related to the theme of the college. Keep in mind that the events planned by the colleges are designed to get students involved and are as fun as they are informative. Any involvement beyond the classroom requirements is optional. You can can choose to be involved at whatever level is comfortable for you.

6) Won't students become isolated by joining the Residential Colleges?

No. The colleges promote relationships with classmates, upper-class students, faculty and staff. Residential college members are encouraged to pursue outside interests. Many college members are active in athletics, social organizations, academic clubs, volunteer organizations, campus jobs, choir, and others. Many residential college students will join Greek organizations during their sophomore year, but they have an opportunity to participate in residential college alumni communities regardless of their Greek affiliation. We also have students who are committed to the Bucknell Student Government, including two past BSG Presidents in the last three years. The residential colleges help students meet people from all around campus. Students will typically get to know more students, in a shorter period of time, than those will who live in a typical residence hall.