What's New at Hamilton?

As new and returning members of our community made their way back to the Hill this fall, they were greeted by new spaces, programs, and people. Here’s a look at what’s new and what’s ahead.

New, Renovated & Future Spaces

3989 Campus Rd Residence Hall — Renovated Student Housing: Over the summer, the College converted an existing residential building, formerly known as the ABC House, into a 17-bed residence hall. The furniture for the new space was selected by students who offered their input on options last year during a Furniture Expo on campus.

New Testing Center: Students with documented testing accommodations now have a new distraction-reduced environment for exams. The Accommodated Testing Center is located in Bristol Center on the basement level, next to the Mail Center, and is overseen by Testing and Accommodations Services Coordinator Michael Stratton. Learn about the Center.

Newly renovated kitchen in Bundy Residence Hall — Updates in Bundy: Bundy East has a modernized basement lounge and kitchen thanks to recent renovations, as well as a new study space and restroom. Bundy West will soon be home to the first “Wellness Studio” in a residence hall on campus, which will be a small workout space that will be ready for residents by October.

Martin's Way — Pedestrian Bridge & Pathway Replacement: Work began over the summer to upgrade one of the most heavily used pathways on campus to enhance safety, accessibility, and pedestrian flow. Construction is expected to be completed by early November. Learn about the project. | Live Webcam

Innovation Center: Work continues on the cutting-edge facility designed to transform the academic experience on the Hill and spearhead the College’s comprehensive digital fluency initiative, Digital Hamilton. The $50-million, 41,000-square-foot Innovation Center will be located between Burke Library and Taylor Science Center, and is expected to open for classes in early 2027. Live Webcam

Clinton Early Learning Center Returns to the Hill

The Clinton Early Learning Center (CELC) relocated back to campus late last spring after a decade at Clinton Elementary School. CELC, which first opened on campus in 1973, officially reopened on May 1 in the former Bundy Dining Hall.

Coming Soon! New Lounge in Beinecke

The Mail Center’s move to Bristol Center last fall has opened up an opportunity for a new student lounge and study space. Work is expected to be completed later this semester.

A Few New Faces

New Faculty 2025-26 Group Photo — New Faculty: Hamilton’s 43 new faculty members include eight tenure-track faculty in biology, geosciences, government, literature and creative writing, philosophy, and women’s and gender studies, as well as 30 visiting professors and lecturers, and five teaching fellows. Meet our new professors.

Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees: Miriam Merrill returned to the Hill in July to begin her new role in the President's Office. Merrill, who previously served at Hamilton from 2017 to 2020 as associate director of athletics and senior woman administrator, was most recently the director of athletics and chair of physical education at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges.

Inaugural Dean of Spiritual and Religious Life: The Rev. Dr. Colleen Hallagan Preuninger ’06, who was appointed Hamilton’s inaugural dean of Spiritual and Religious Life in August, brings 15 years of experience in campus ministry and spiritual leadership, most recently at Stanford University.

New Programs, Initiatives & Opportunities

New Academic Program

The American Indian and Indigenous Studies (AIIS) minor spans academic departments, disciplines, and fields of inquiry to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing and knowledge across the curriculum. The program will provide learning opportunities through an innovative, community-based, and reciprocal partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation. Learning opportunities within AIIS will contribute to honoring the 1793 Promise – the foundation and establishment of the Hamilton-Oneida Academy through a gift from the Oneida Indian Nation.

The Career Center’s Employer-in-Residence Program

This initiative is designed to bring alumni to campus for several days of meaningful, hands-on engagement with students. Through a series of touchpoints — including casual career conversations over dinner,1-1 resume reviews, interview prep, and skill-building sessions — students gained direct access to an industry expert and actionable feedback. A key component of the program is a workshop or prototyping session that allows students to walk away with something tangible, like a refined personal pitch, improved application materials, or a clearer understanding of career pathways.

“Fail Better” Initiative

ALEX’s “Fail Better” program is providing resources and support for faculty, staff, and students to push themselves and each other out of their comfort zones and help them learn to recover from setbacks. Guest speakers and panel discussions will take place throughout the year in hopes of helping students develop resiliency and be better prepared to address challenges head on.

Milkshakes at McEwen

Last year during the College’s “What If” Initiative, several students campaigned for milkshakes on campus. And this year, they are a reality! Students can find them in McEwen Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.

Your Voice, Hamilton’s Future

Throughout this year, all members of the Hamilton community are invited to join an Aspirational Design process to envision the future of the College and the liberal arts. Be part of the ideas guiding Hamilton into its next chapter.

Explore ideas