Kresge College
Academic Emphases
Kresge’s academic life is centered on the integration of living and learning in a community that values self-determination, consensus-building, intellectual freedom, sustainability, and justice. These principles take shape in a curriculum that emphasizes participatory learning, hands-on experience, and conscientious academic inquiry that transcends the walls of traditional classrooms. Ranging from media studies to food justice, writers' workshops to natural history, and journalism to service learning, Kresge’s courses offer varied ways for Kresge students to fulfill GE requirements while broadening their educational experience in the company of dedicated and imaginative faculty.
Additional information about Kresge College academics, including Core Course requirements and other academic programs, is available here.
Residential Life
In 2023, Kresge began housing firs-year students in newly built residence halls. Once finished, the newly renovated Kresge Proper apartments will be reserved for upper-division students. J and K Buildings’ three-person apartments are reserved for continuing upper-division students. These two-bedroom apartments have a kitchen and combination dining and living area.
Kresge is home to the Writers House, a living/learning community for students interested in creative writing and journalism (regardless of major), and the Ecovillage, a community for students who want to actively create a new world based on cooperation and sustainable living.
The Residential Life and College Programs staff at Kresge work to bring students of similar interests together academically and socially by designing fun and unique programs based on student interest. Programs that focus on celebrating the diversity of the residential community, and on enhancing academic success through music events, art and food-centered events are common.
Community Life
A wide variety of events and activities shape community life at Kresge. Lectures, workshops, crafting, dances, and concerts are a regular part of student life at the college. The nature and tenor of these events are a reflection of the diverse interests of students and staff, who are committed to fostering voice, space, and opportunity for all community members.
Students actively shape the college community through participation in Kresge Parliament, an openly structured student organization responsible for voting the allocation of all college membership fees in support of activities and events. Parliament and Town Meetings also serve as a forum for the discussion of college and campus-wide issues with college staff and faculty.
The Kresge Garden is home to a community of students who share a common interest in gardening. It is a space where students empower themselves to learn how to grow their own food from seed, dig beds, create a functional compost system, and work together cooperatively.
Transfer Students
In recognition of the wealth of diversity that transfer students bring to the community—in terms of culture and experience—Kresge works closely with the STARRS program (Services for Transfer, Re-entry and Resilient Scholars). This is a staffed facility where students can gather to relax, socialize, hold meetings, and obtain campus information and resource support in a central location regardless of college affiliation. The resource center (located in Quarry Plaza) offers workshops, social evenings, and special events tailored to meet the needs of transfer students.
STARRS also offers special advising workshops and two- and three-credit courses designed to help transfers in the process of entering the university and moving forward in their careers.
Facilities
Kresge College is undergoing a four year redevelopment project. As a part of Phase I, three new residence halls for first-year students and a large academic building with a 600-seat lecture hall have been constructed. Currently, now in Phase II, the Kresge Proper apartments, which will house upper-division students and a new Kresge Town Hall, has begun. More details and updates about the Kresge Project can be found on the Kresge web page.
For more information, call (831) 459-2071 or visit the Kresge College website.
Kresge College Fellows and Faculty
Kresge College faculty fellows are listed on the college's faculty directory.
Kresge College staff are listed on the college's staff page.