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Hancock Commons

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Welcome to Hancock Commons, where students are inspired by the courage and love of learning of our namesake, Gordon Blaine Hancock 1919 ,’20, H’69.

Explore our Community

Students from all commons are welcome to join Hancock Commons events and follow on social media:

ºÚÁÏÍø Hancock Commons

Shield with equals sign and zig zags
Click the Hancock Commons crest to learn more about its history

Mascot: Black Bear

Residential Space

Bryan Complex

The Bryan Complex comprises Cobb, Crawshaw, Parke, and Russell houses. Crawshaw House is home to the Harlem Renaissance Center. The complex features single- and double-occupancy rooms within suites. Each floor in the building has a lounge. There is a larger, shared kitchen with scheduled open hours in the Edge — a multi-purpose space at the center of the complex where events, seminars, and small gatherings for the Commons take place.

113 Broad Street

The 113 Broad Street Complex features single- and double-occupancy rooms within suites. Bedrooms in a suite share a bathroom. The complex comprises Brigham, Read, Shepardson, and Whitnall houses, and each floor has a small common lounge.

Living and Learning

Hancock Commons hosts a variety of programs designed to help members build community, enrich education, and have fun.

Residents in Hancock Commons gather for an opening ceremony at the beginning of the academic year.

The Hancock Commons Speakeasy series aims to facilitate discussion between faculty and students and change the classroom dynamic over food and drinks. The event offers a way for students and faculty to have relaxed conversations on a variety of different topics, and is also a useful way of promoting positive social drinking on campus. All students are invited to come and participate in the Speakeasies, but students of age are able to take part in the social drinking aspect.

Hancock students, faculty, and staff joined forces to represent the commons at an inter-commons broomball tournament as part of the Commons Cup.

Hancock and Ciccone Commons collaborated to offer students a full Thanksgiving dinner buffet.

Hancock Commons welcomed residents’ family members during Family Weekend with a brunch featuring live music.

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.

Learn more about the Commons Cup

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

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Lyosha Gorshkov
Director of LGBTQ+ Initiatives
108B East Hall

Co-Director

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Beth Parks
Professor of Physics and Astronomy
315 Ho Science Center
  • M 5:30pm - 6:30pm (Bryan 211)
  • W 5:30pm - 6:30pm (Bryan 211)
  • F 10:00am - 12:00pm (Bryan 211)

Area Director, Residential Life

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Chimebere Nwaoduh
Assistant Director of Residential Life

Administrative Dean

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Sarah (Sarah H.) Jones
Associate Dean for Administrative Advising
116 McGregory Hall
jshumaker
Jason Shumaker
Assistant Dean of Administrative Advising

Residential Fellow

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Aizaz Faisal
Residential Fellow
Burke Hall

Commons Program Director

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Abby Palko
Director of the Residential Commons Program

ºÚÁÏÍø the Namesake

Portrait of Gordon Blaine Hancock

Hancock was a graduate of the Class of 1919, ºÚÁÏÍø seminary 1920, and received a ºÚÁÏÍø honorary degree in 1969. He also received an AM in Sociology from Harvard.

Read more
about Hancock