Upon enrolling at Colgate University, first-year students receive their housing placements, each of which comes with an associated housing commons. Throughout their time at Colgate, their commons become an important community, cultivated through activities and shared experiences alongside other students in their commons. This community-building work can be partially attributed to the Commons Area Directors, who help coordinate and facilitate student life within a commons. Dart Colegrove Commons Area Director of Residential Life Freddy Del Rosario has worked hard to help develop a strong student community since starting his role in Summer 2022.
Del Rosario explained what being an area director for Dart Colegrove Commons entails.
“My primary responsibilities are to meet with students for any housing issues,” Del Rosario said. “We are the first people they usually get to talk to, after the [Community Leader (CL)]. We also coordinate a lot of the programs that CLs make, any fire safety issues and any big announcements. Essentially, anything having to do with how you live at Colgate is probably going to come from us. In general, when you look at the job description, our job is to create a safe environment, so anything that falls under that is under our jurisdiction. It’s vague — but vague for a reason”
Del Rosario has helped to coordinate many of the different events that Dart Colegrove Commons has hosted. These events are unique to the Commons and help to foster a community within Dart-Colegrove by bringing students together. When asked about his favorite events that he has participated in, Del Rosario was quick to answer.
“Two years ago, we used the firepit by the cemetery, and that was really nice — I didn’t know that it was there,” Del Rosario shared. “We had a really good turnout. Another event was decorating pumpkins. It was special because we had a lot of other staff come and bond with the students, so that was nice.”
Residents of Dart Colegrove Commons also have lots to look forward to in the future. Del Rosario gave a sneak peek of events for students to look forward to next semester, highlighted by two special activities:
“Something that I’m really excited about is ’Gate Skate in April of every year and Fox Fest in late March,” Del Rosario said. “Fox Fest is a celebration of our commons. We have different stations where people come and get to do different activities. There’s food and lots of arts and crafts. Arts and crafts is our thing and what makes our commons special.”
Del Rosario enjoys the job for all that it has to offer, not just the coordination of the events themselves. His favorite part is the interactions that he has with other like-minded individuals who are striving to cultivate the college experience for students. He highlights CLs and the close relationship that he, as area director, holds with them.
“Working with my CLs is my favorite part,” Del Rosario shared. “Especially creating programs and working with them through issues. I meet with them a lot so I get to see how they grow throughout the year, especially my new CLs. It’s definitely my favorite part of the job.”
Del Rosario has worked tirelessly to improve the college experience in a residential setting for all students, especially those of Dart Colegrove Commons. His passion for his work is mirrored by his passion for Dart Colegrove. Commons pride runs deep, and Del Rosario works hard to cultivate it from his residents.
