Each of the 12 residential colleges has a Master in residence, who is usually a senior faculty member. The Master lives in the college with his/her family, and has meals with students in the dining hall. Working closely with the Dean and Resident Fellows, the Master is responsible for the physical safety and well-being of the college's students. As the chief administration officer of the residential college, the Master addresses student requests and suggestions, acts as an arbitrator，and is available to counsel and mentor students. In addition, the Master also oversees much of the college's social life, such as holding Master's teas, study breaks, Fellows，Dinners, and other activities. In this way, college members are brought together as a community; through participation in college activities, and through conversations in the dining hall and at other social occasions, members live like a big family, students create the intellectual and cultural atmosphere that is the foundation of college life.

The Master invites guests of national and international renown to speak to college students at Master's teas which would be held throughout the year. It is usually an informal interview which provides a more intimate opportunity for students to talk with guests on a wide variety of topics, just like friends.