The primary purpose of the student affairs program is to complement and enhance the college's central educational mission. A concurrent goal is to develop an effective support community within each residence hall that reflects and addresses the broad range of student experiences, life within a highly rigorous academic environment, and concerns for the future.

The student affairs philosophy is based on self-governance--students assume responsibility for themselves and their actions. Professional staff fulfill an important role in helping students make transitions and empowering them to make decisions.

The structure for self-governance includes the student affairs staff, student government, the committee on student life, the housing committee, the judicial system, and the hall councils. Residence life coordinators are student affairs staff members who live in the residence halls and work closely with students, student advisers, and hall councils as educators, mediators, advisers, and advocates. Each RLC advises about 150 students and is available in emergency situations. The hall council, which includes student staff members, student government representatives, and hall residents, promotes community through organized programs and social activities.