Our Program

Residential Program

Hawken’s Residential Life Program aims to find the perfect balance between a traditional boarding experience and a smaller home-stay opportunity. Students live together in the Residence Hall, a century-old mansion that has been converted into charming spaces for students to call home. The Residence Hall has two kitchens, two living rooms, an exercise room, and numerous study spaces for students to enjoy. The director of Residential Life lives in an attached apartment and is supported by a team of faculty members. 
The Residence Hall is conveniently located on Hawken’s University Circle Campus, not only allowing students to be a short walk from Cleveland’s incredible arts and culture institutions, but also centering students' living and learning in one of the world’s most prestigious medical districts.

Weekend & Evening Activities

The MSS Residential Life Team partners with students to plan weekend and evening activities that help build community and provide opportunities to explore everything that Cleveland has to offer. Last year’s activities included:

Sports and Activities:
  • Cleveland Guardians MLB baseball game
  • Cleveland Cavaliers NBA basketball game
  • Cedar Point Amusement Park
  • Drive-in movie
  • Lake County Captains baseball game
  • Archery
  • Roller Skating
  • Ice Skating
  • Bowling
Festivals & Seasonal Cultural Experiences
  • Niagara Falls day trip
  • Cleveland Air Show
  • Cleveland Cultural Gardens - One World Festival
  • Maple Sugaring weekend at Lake Farm Park
  • Cleveland Public Square Christmas Lights
  • Wade Park Avenue Heritage Festival
  • Bubblefest at University Circle
  • Mapleside Farm - Hay Maze & Pumpkin picking
  • Garlic Festival
  • Geauga County Fair
Arts & Culture Experiences
  • Playhouse Square
    • Dance Showcase
    • The Cherry Blossom
    • A Christmas Carol
  • Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra Choir
  • MLK day performance at Severance Hall
  • Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom Music Hall
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
    • Museum visit
    • Chalk Festival

Unparalleled Access

The Residence Hall is not only steps away from our classrooms and Cleveland’s world-class medical district but also a short walk from Cleveland’s incredible museum district, an arts and culture hub.

FAQ

List of 6 frequently asked questions.

  • Are dorms co-ed?

    Yes, the dorm is gender inclusive. The building is gender separated but within the same building.

  • Will I have to share a room?

    Yes, all dorm rooms are shared. We believe that the relationship with a roommate is an important part of the boarding experience, and our residential team works carefully to match roommates.

  • Who is on the Residential Leadership Team?

    The residential team is led by Julie Agar, Director of Residential Life. Additionally, three faculty members serve on the team to ensure safety and security and to provide support for evenings, weekends, and activities.

  • What is there to do on the weekends?

    The Hawken Residential Life Program centers boarding students in the rich social and cultural experiences of University Circle and the greater Cleveland area. The residential team partners with students to design weekly excursions that provide students with opportunities to participate in school events, cultural traditions, and Cleveland’s many arts and sports events. Generally, there are at least two excursions offered each weekend in addition to necessary shopping trips, visits to the local museums and coffee shops, and on-campus events.

  • What do evenings look like?

    After finishing afternoon activities and returning to the Residence Hall, dinner is served at 6:30. After dinner, students have a study hall to complete homework or independent projects before an evening social time, which might include watching a movie, playing board games, or a trip for ice cream before bedtime and lights-out.

  • What is the security for the dorm?

    The campus security coordinator works closely with the coordinator of residential life to ensure students' safety and security. Safety measures range from regular check-ins when students are on and off campus to digital room locks and a state-of-the-art security system for the residential building. In addition to on-campus resources such as our school counselor and nurse’s office, we consult closely with local first responders and medical practitioners.


Meet our Director of Residential Life

I’ve had a range of roles at Hawken over the last 16 years which include: dean, history and humanities teacher, advisor, soccer coach, community engagement coordinator, and faculty advisor to numerous clubs. My four children, who went to Hawken and are now in college and are working, are incredibly important to me. As the Director of Residential Life, I enjoy creating a supportive and engaging community for students, implementing innovative programs to enhance their experience, and fostering a positive living environment that promotes personal growth and academic success.
 
AB in History from Harvard College, M.ED. in Teaching and Learning from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Julie Agar
Director of Residential Life
University Circle Campus
11025 Magnolia Dr
Cleveland, OH 44106