Å·ÃÀÐÔ°®

Get to know Christina Montville, Skidmore’s assistant vice president for the residential experience, as she shares tips and tricks for a successful first year on campus Å·ÃÀÐÔ°®” and explains how she and her team help every new student feel right at home on campus from day one. 

Q: What excites you most about welcoming a new class of students to campus each year? 

Move-in day is truly my favorite day of the academic year, and this year will mark my 28th. There’s a special energy that new students and their families bring to campus — a mix of excitement, anticipation, and possibility. 

Each class is unique, and it’s inspiring to see how they shape and contribute to the campus community in their own way. Welcoming a new class is not just about unpacking boxes Å·ÃÀÐÔ°®” it’s about celebrating a major milestone in a young person’s life. It always sets a hopeful, positive tone for the year ahead, and I’m continually amazed by the talent and potential each group brings with them. 

Q: How does the Residential Life team support first-year students? 

Residential Life staff members are among the first people students meet when they arrive on campus. Our team is here to help you feel connected — to your community, your peers, and campus life. And we are on hand to assist with anything from facility-related concerns to navigating roommate relationships. 

Every residence hall floor includes upper-class students serving as resident assistants (RAs), who are trained to provide support and mentorship and guide students throughout the year. RAs are knowledgeable about campus resources and can refer you to the support you need. They also help build a sense of belonging through programs and events designed to foster community. 

Q: What else should every new student know about living on campus? 

Living on campus is a foundational part of the Skidmore experience. Much of a student’s personal growth happens beyond the classroom, and the residence halls are central spaces for learning, development, and connection. It’s where many students find their community and build relationships that can last a lifetime.

At Skidmore, first-year students live alongside upper-class students, creating organic opportunities for peer-to-peer support. As students move through their college journey, many juniors and seniors transition into on-campus apartments, where they enjoy more independence while still benefiting from the support and resources of campus life. 

Q: What are your top tips for creating a great roommate or floormate relationship? 

• Complete the roommate agreement — and revisit it as needed. It sets the foundation for shared expectations and mutual respect. 

• Communicate clearly and openly. Honest, face-to-face conversations are key when navigating differences or resolving conflict. 

• Discuss expectations early, but stay flexible. Compromise is often necessary to find common ground and build a positive living environment. 

• Focus on respectful coexistence. You don’t need to be best friends with your roommate, but you do need to create a space where everyone can thrive. 

• Ask for support when needed. If issues persist, reach out to Residential Life staff — it’s never too early to ask for guidance. 

Q: What’s something fun or unexpected students should know about you? 

I’m a rescue parent to senior Boston terriers, although my current sidekick is a spirited puppy named Mazie. I’m also a big sports fan (especially football!) and even went to the last Super Bowl.  

Travel is a passion of mine. I’ve been to every continent, with Antarctica as my most recent adventure. And like many of you, I got my start at a small liberal arts college — just like Skidmore. 

Q: What does Creative Thought Matters mean to you? 

To me, Creative Thought Matters means that there are no limits to what you can explore or achieve at Skidmore. Ingenuity and outside-the-box thinking are encouraged and celebrated. 

This is a community full of unique, talented, and intelligent individuals who are eager to blaze their own trail and leave a legacy. There’s real power in harnessing that collective creativity — it’s what makes Skidmore such an exciting place to be.