September is a season of fresh starts and growing independence. As your student dives into a new academic year, this month brings both excitement and transition. Classes are picking up pace, routines are forming, and many students are learning to balance academic, social, and personal responsibilities.
In this issue, we’ll explore ways you can support your student through the early-semester adjustment period, encourage healthy habits, and stay meaningfully connected from afar. We’ll also highlight campus resources that can make a real difference in your student’s success and well-being.
Your continued support plays a vital role in your student’s college experience. We’re here to help you stay informed and involved — thank you for being a steady part of their journey.
Warm wishes,
Sallie Sistare Associate Vice President, Alumni & Family Engagement sistares@denison.edu
Conversation starters
As your student adjusts to the fall semester, now is a great time for a check-in conversation. Consider asking:
How do you want to get involved this semester? Join a student organization? Attend events or performances? Get a campus job?
How are you building relationships and connecting with other students this semester?
If you plan to attend Family Weekend: How would you like to spend Family Weekend? What would you like to participate in?
A quick check-in can go a long way in helping your student feel supported and ready to take on this semester.
Fall semester events
It’s not too late to join us for Family Weekend!
Sept. 26 through Sept. 28
Family Weekend is a time for families and current students to spend time together and experience a taste of life at Denison.
Fall Break Journey Program Oct. 15 through Oct. 17
Your student will create a personalized roadmap for career and personal success while sharpening practical skills — including assessments, networking strategies, resume foundations, and more — in this program guided by Knowlton Center career coaches over fall break. Students will receive emails with program details soon.
Fall programs at Denison Edge are open for registration!
Explore AI, finance, marketing, business, analytics, logistics, and more! Taught by industry experts, these programs complement classes, internships, and early career goals while building skills for today’s evolving workplace. Check out the full schedule.
Denison students can now receive free grad school and licensing test prep
Thanks to the generosity of Life Trustee Steve Matteucci ’78, Kaplan’s expert-designed test prep and career courses, including the GRE®, GMAT®, LSAT®, and MCAT®, often worth thousands, are now free for Denison students and recent graduates (five years out). Read more about this exciting resource and encourage your student to sign up.
Highlights from The Hill
From boardroom to classroom: New program accelerates career exploration with executive insights
Expanding on our nationally recognized career services, Denison is launching a new program that brings senior executives to campus for student engagement, connection, and mentorship. Denison’s new executive-in-residence program partners with leaders from various industries who collaborate with students and share experiences and insights gained through their leadership and decision-making. Read more about the program.
Denison sets new fundraising record in 2025
Thanks to the generous support of more than 8,100 donors, Denison has set a new fundraising record for the third consecutive year. Gifts of all sizes totaling $61.8 million helped demonstrate the collective power of the university community. Over $800,000 came from gifts under $1,000, and 67% of the Class of 2025 contributed to a senior gift, raising more than $5,000 for the Annual Fund. Learn more about the transformative projects and initiatives that were made possible this year thanks to Denisonians’ philanthropy.
Fall semester updates
A note from the Hoaglin Wellness Center
To support high-quality medical, counseling, and psychiatry services, the Hoaglin Wellness Center bills students' insurance providers. We recommend checking with your insurance carrier to confirm that local providers, such as The Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center (Denison’s partner for on-campus health services) and Licking Memorial Health System, are in-network. If these providers are out-of-network, costs may be higher.
Academic Resource Center
As your student dives into their fall courses, remind them of the many resources they have for success:
Tutoring Program: For students who are seeking additional assistance to improve their academic performance in specific subjects. We encourage students to make regularly scheduled, ongoing tutoring sessions part of their college routine.
Peer Learning Strategist (PLS) Program: Supports students in transitioning to academic success from high school to college learning. Peer mentors offer strategies that focus on practical thinking skills to help students maximize the benefits of the college’s more rigorous academic environment. Learn more about the PLS program.
Fall semester at a glance
Sept. 10-12: Remix: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Disruption 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 Denisonians in their region. Mark your calendars if you live near one of the locations below, and visit our upcoming events page for the latest information.
Sept. 9: Denison in St. Louis — Presidential Reception Sept. 11: Denisonians in Indianapolis: An Evening at Pins Mechanical Co. Sept. 16: Welcome to the City: Washington, D.C. Sept. 17: Denisonians in Charlotte: A Night at Sycamore Brewing Sept. 17: Welcome to the City: Boston Sept. 20: Welcome to the City: Cincinnati Sept. 25: Welcome to the City: Chicago Sept. 25: Welcome to the City: Cleveland Oct. 19: Welcome to the City: Los Angeles Oct. 22: Welcome to the City: Denver Oct. 24: Welcome to the City: New York
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