Hancock Residential Commons | Colgate University

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:

Hancock Commons on Instagram

About Hancock Commons

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

Mascot: Black Bear

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.

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.