Where the Academic, Social and Cultural Intersect
In 2004, Union College introduced a unique new approach to campus life called the Minerva Program, designed to facilitate both academic and social interaction among students, faculty and staff in new ways. Since its inception, the program has received national recognition for its innovative approach to living and learning and has become one of students' favorite features of life on Union's campus.
The Minerva Program, named for the Roman goddess of wisdom, centers around seven Minerva Houses, each with its own character and personality. Each features class and seminar rooms, HDTVs and satellite radios, lounge areas and living spaces, and fully-functioning kitchens. The upper floors offer residence space for upperclassmen, and every house has a substantial activities budget entirely administered by its student members through a house governing council.
All incoming first-year students, as well as all faculty and many staff members, are randomly assigned to one of the seven houses. The entire community is welcome to attend any of the hundreds of events hosted by the Minervas throughout the year.
