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Accommodations
Housing: Participants in the Summer Seminar will live in The Charles Drew House, which is conveniently located across Rt. 9 from the college’s Dining Hall and near the main campus where the institute will take place. There are great advantages to living in close proximity to other participants in the program.
Drew House is clean, efficient, and convenient. It has internet access. While most Amherst summers are mild, there is the occasional heat wave. There will be air conditioning in the large common room on the first floor and in the bedrooms.
Drew House Information
The Charles Drew House dorm was originally the home of Amherst president Julius H. Seelye, class of 1849 and was remodeled in 1922 as a fraternity house. The house was dedicated in 1986 in memory of Charles R. Drew (class of 1926), a surgeon and director of the first American Red Cross Blood Bank.
In 2007/2008 a comprehensive renovation of Charles Drew took place incorporating energy-saving technologies and other new sustainability enhancement features while preserving the historic character of the original building. The renovation reconfigured the existing lobby area to accommodate a modern full kitchen and laundry facilities. The exterior walls were insulated with the latest generation of insulation technology and modern energy-efficient windows were installed. The result is a more comfortable living environment and lowered energy utilization. The mechanical and electrical systems were completely replaced with energy efficient systems. A new fire sprinkler system and connection to a new emergency generator were incorporated in construction.
The existing architectural character of the building has been maintained. The existing wood floors were salvaged, refinished and reinstalled in all areas possible; new recyclable carpet tile was used in those student rooms where reuse of the existing hardwood floor was not possible. New accessibility ramps were installed to allow persons with disabilities access to all public spaces. The east and west porches were completely reconstructed to incorporate wheelchair ramps.
This dorm provides single occupancy rooms, single sex bathroom facilities, a common living area, shared kitchen facilities, main floor laundry and high-speed internet connectivity.
Due to the proximity of this dorm's location to the dining hall, participants will have the option to purchase a full meal plan or purchase meals on their own. For those who do not wish to eat in the dining hall, there will be access to limited kitchen facilities in the building.
As visiting scholars, participants will have access to library services, computer labs and study spaces on the Amherst College campus.
Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the arrangements that are available for their residency on campus. Unfortuanately, the college is unable to accommodate families in the residence hall. Therefore, we understand that some participants may need to make alternative arrangements for some part of their stay in Amherst, MA. For more information on local housing options, please contact Megan Estes at (413) 542-2380 or mlestes@amherst.edu