If you haven't yet noticed, something is missing from Dartmouth Hall -- the Russian department.
The department moved off-campus to a small, white New England style farmhouse at 44 North College Street across from Burke Laboratory before the term began.
The College suggested the move and provided the funding, Russian Department Chair Richard Sheldon said.
"It has been known for some time now that Dartmouth Hall is overcrowded," Sheldon said. He said the department was "the ideal department to move" because it is small enough to fit into the house.
The farmhouse was built around 1850 and was later purchased by the Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital and used as office space.
"It has served a number of purposes over the decades," Sheldon said. He said French and Italian Professor John Rassias lived in the home when he first came to Dartmouth.
The house, which students call the "dom" (Russian for "house"), serves a number of purposes. The traditional living room, kitchen and bedrooms have been converted into eight offices, a classroom and a lounge. The lounge -- complete with new couches, a mini-kitchen and large bookcases -- is used for discussion groups, Russian Club meetings and studying.
Almost all Russian classes are now taught in the house instead of in Dartmouth Hall.
The vacant offices in Dartmouth Hall have been split among the Spanish, French and German departments.
Both students and faculty said they are pleased with the facility.
Lisa Conathan '96 said she enjoys the homey atmosphere because it lets students feel comfortable "hanging out there."
Professors, who toured the house before making the decision to move, also said they are pleased with the house because it provides more space and a more relaxed environment in which to teach.
Although the department is now located further from the center of campus, faculty and students say the location does not bother them.
Construction on the house, is not yet complete. Sheldon said workers are trying to finish up the "odds and ends" as quickly as possible.
