Keeping you informed, connected, and equipped to help your student navigate life on The Hill.
Partnering to support your student’s success
Aug. 2025
Dear Denison Families,
As summer draws to a close, we’re thrilled to welcome your student back to campus for another exciting year of growth, learning, and connection. Whether your student is diving deeper into their major, exploring new interests, or preparing for life after graduation, this year promises new opportunities and challenges.
We understand the importance of your support to your student’s success, and we’re committed to keeping you informed and involved. In this newsletter, you’ll find updates from campus, key dates to remember, and helpful tips for staying connected while giving your student the space to thrive.
Thank you for being part of our community. Here’s to a great year ahead!
Warm wishes,
Julie Tucker ’09 Director of Student, Young Alumni & Family Engagement
Sara Stasko Associate Director of Family Engagement
P.S. We hope you will join us at one of our upcoming Welcome to the City events — a great opportunity to connect with Denisonians, including alums who have recently relocated to the area. Visit our upcoming events webpage to see all of our locations.
Conversation starters
Here’s a list of thoughtful and practical questions to ask your student before they return to campus. These can help guide a meaningful conversation and ensure they’re prepared to take advantage of their fall semester:
What are the academic goals you’re setting for yourself this semester?
Are there clubs, sports, or groups you're interested in joining (or continuing with)?
What are your plans for managing stress this semester?
What’s something I can do to support you this semester?
A quick check-in can go a long way in helping your student feel supported and ready to head back to campus.
Upcoming campus events
Late Night Breakfast Aug. 26, 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Huffman Dining Hall
Fall Involvement Fair and Community Cookout
Aug. 27, 6-9 p.m. on Academic Quad
Fireworks Aug. 27, 9-9:15 p.m. on Reese~Shackelford Common
Seniors: Last First Day Aug. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Moon Hall
Saturday Service Kick-Off, Playhouse Project Build Aug. 30, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Academic Quad
Partner with Habitat for Humanity to build a playhouse for children in Licking County and learn more about Denison service opportunities.
Make plans for Family Weekend!
Family Weekend is happening Friday, Sept. 26, through Sunday, Sept. 28.
Family Weekend is a time for families and current students to get to know faculty, staff, students, and other families while enjoying stunning performances, thrilling athletic competitions, and much more.
Focusing on students every day, by President Adam Weinberg
We help students develop a set of values and habits, including an insatiable curiosity, empathy, and respect for others. Read the story.
New data science center is a game-changer
Donors have committed $30 million to the first-of-its-kind center that will integrate the liberal arts and data science. Read more about the Doane project.
Unprecedented: Inside Denison’s extraordinary year in sports
Two national titles and six top-8 finishes, a journey years in the making. Read the summary of an exceptional 2024-2025 academic year in athletics.
A Big Red welcome
Denison is spreading its connection-building magic to cities across the nation. Regional networks are established in 10 cities across the country, with additional locations planned. Local Denison residents — alums, students, parents, newcomers, long-timers, and everyone in between — are invited. Learn more about Denison’s regional networks.
Upcoming calendar dates
Aug. 12: Football team early move-in
Aug. 15: Fall athlete early move-in (team-specific) Aug. 18: Move-in day for students coming from abroad Aug. 20: First-year student move-in Aug. 26: Upperclassmen move-in Aug. 28: Fall semester classes begin Sept. 1: Labor Day, classes in session Sept. 26-28: Family Weekend Oct. 3-5: Big Red Weekend (Homecoming) Oct. 16-17: Fall break Nov. 22: Residence halls close for Thanksgiving break Nov. 30: Residence halls reopen following Thanksgiving break Dec. 12: Fall semester classes end Dec. 13-18: Study days and final exams Dec. 19: Residence halls close for winter break
Big Red Express: Airport Shuttle Service
Denison University coordinates group shuttle service for our academic breaks. Shuttles cost $20 each way. Students are sent an email with information on signing up directly from WhatToDU approximately one month before the first shuttle.
Fall break shuttle schedule:
Oct. 15: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Oct. 16: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Oct. 19: CMH (John Glenn International Airport) to Denison 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., and 11 p.m.
These events are an opportunity for families, friends, and alums to connect with President Adam Weinberg and Denisonians in their region. Mark your calendars if you live near one of our receptions, and visit our upcoming events page for the latest information.
We’re seeking enthusiastic and engaged families to assist prospective students and their parents in learning more about the distinctive Denison experience.
Interested? Email Brandi Davis, senior associate director of volunteer engagement at davisb@denison.edu.
Stay connected
Keep up with everything at Denison via the links below and by following us on our social platforms.
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