A four-story collegiate Gothic building that opened its doors in the 1920s, Balch Hall possesses features that verge on the luxurious. This ivy-covered building, complete with mullioned windows, a flagstone-bedded interior courtyard and gardens, and spacious lounges provides a relaxing atmosphere for anyone. It also retains other artifacts of a more gracious time, when women had hats to store in wrought-iron racks mounted on the insides of closet doors, and when each room had its own sink, and they still do. Balch is also a throwback to bygone times in remaining Cornell's only first year women's residence hall.

Balch is a place where you can grow! There are a variety of social and leadership opportunities present in Balch. It begins on the very floor you live on, where you help create the social and communal atmosphere during your year at Balch. You can also become active in the Balch Hall Council. This student driven committee arranges programs for the hall's residents. Activities range from social excursions to plays, operas, or apple picking to an educational focus on women's issues, such as women in the workplace, surviving academe at Cornell, sexuality and relationship development, and body image. Finally, you can be a student leader and get paid in our very own Womyn's Center. The Womyn's Center is a resource room housing a library, video, and DVD collection for your use.

Become part of a community that is almost 100 years old! Join the history of women at Cornell who have created their strong educational foundation beginning their careers in Balch.

We, the woman of Balch Hall, strive to build a safe space--a diverse, aware, and respectful, hate-free community to:

• Foster education and experiences leading to our enrichment, enlightenment, and empowerment.
• Enhance each woman's self-esteem by being proactive in promoting independent thought and individuality.