A residential college is a cohesive, energetic community that seeks to broaden the learning experience at Northwestern beyond the traditional classroom, laboratory or studio settings. Central to achieving this goal is the community that develops between students and faculty members associated with the colleges and among students themselves. Each college is headed by a faculty member who serves as college master. In addition, college activities are supported by faculty associates who regularly take meals with college students and by a graduate student who serves as assistant master. Residential colleges sponsor a broad range of informal cultural and intellectual activities.
Most colleges offer credit-bearing tutorials for residents.