It's the end of the semester as we know it, and I feel fine...
Fall 2025 has been full of highlights including outstanding signature weekends (Family Weekend and Big Red Weekend), athletic success, and amazing performances in the arts; November has also been full of exams, papers, and a lot of academic work! Thank you for cheering on your student in all of their endeavors inside and outside the classroom.
This month's newsletter is dedicated to helping you navigate the final stretch of the semester and prepare for your student's return home. Whether your student is studying in the library or already counting the days until they can enjoy a home-cooked meal, we hope this update finds you well and ready for the warmth and joy this season brings.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and successful start to December.
As your student is completing finals and papers these next three weeks, ask them what they are working on. Oftentimes these culminating assignments are what they've been working toward all semester.
What remaining work do you have for the semester?
Are there any projects, papers or assignments you're particularly excited about or proud of?
What's been the most significant thing you've learned this semester?
Amid all the finals, papers, and deadlines, check in to be sure they are prioritizing sleep and making time for themselves. The Eisner Center calendar includes information about several upcoming recitals, concerts, and performances, including a production of ‘Lucky Stiff.’
Highlights from The Hill
Denison launches the most ambitious campaign in its history
The campaign's theme, What We Can Be, represents a bold and ambitious vision for Denison's future: to be the world's most innovative and life-shaping liberal arts college, where academic rigor meets real-world readiness, and every student discovers both who they are and what they can become. The result will be a college that maintains relevancy while delivering significant lifetime value. Read more about this historic campaign.
Hoaglin Wellness
Tell your student to be on the lookout for finals stress relief programming and resources on What to DU, including Destress Fest on Dec. 11.
Winter Break Opportunities
Denison's winter break is a month long. Discuss with your student how they might like to spend that extended time. While students appreciate the time to rest, travel, and enjoy time with family and friends, many also value the opportunity to channel their energies into something enriching, especially as they explore possible paths for their post-Denison future. Explore some possibilities to help your student leverage winter break with suggestions from The Knowlton Center for Career Exploration (provided below). As a reminder, your student can always learn more via Knowlton's internal site accessible to students, Knowlton Connect.
Denison Edge spring programs are open for registration
Sophomores can sign up for Journey, the Knowlton Center's signature exploration experience.
Registration deadline: Dec. 8
Return to campus: Jan. 14
Program dates: Jan. 15 to 17
Connect with alums
Winter break can be a great time for students to connect virtually or in person with Denison alums. Encourage your student to leverage the power of Ask a Denisonian to set up an opportunity to connect with an alum over coffee wherever they will be over the break.
Ask a Denisonian helps students tap into the power of Denison's network of more than 30,000 alums. Here, students (and alums) can ask questions, which are then answered by alums with experience related to the ask. This often leads to in-person, Zoom, or phone conversations and expands students' Denison network.
Winter Break housing details
Residence halls close between 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 and reopen at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Only students who are employed on campus over the break or in-season athletes are able to apply to stay on campus during Winter Break. The application process is similar to Thanksgiving Break. Applications opened Nov. 17 and are due Dec. 5. If your student has any additional questions, please have them reach out to housing@denison.edu.
Winter Break shuttle schedule:
Dec. 15: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Dec. 16: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., and 6 p.m.
Dec. 17: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
Dec. 18: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m., 9 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6 p.m.
Dec. 19: Denison to CMH (John Glenn International Airport) 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Jan. 18: 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.
Get ready to celebrate Denison's birthday on Dec. 13! 1831 Day is a special time when families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends come together to make an impact. By making a gift on 1831 Day, you join a powerful tradition of generosity that helps Denison continue to grow, innovate, and inspire. Every contribution — big or small — strengthens our community and keeps the Denison spirit shining bright for years to come. Start Denison's birthday month off right with an early gift.
Families, join us for Denison Everywhere!
Mark your calendars to join Denison families and alums for our annual celebration of Denison. Join us Jan. 28 in a city near you. It's a great opportunity for families to connect with other families and meet alums. View a list of cities and register for a local gathering today!
Gifts for your student
The Bookstore is offering 20% off through Dec. 20. Check out the selection of Denison apparel, gifts, and more!
.avif)
