I hope you have found time during this winter break period to relax and enjoy time with your student. We are excited to welcome them back to campus and kick off the spring semester in just a couple of weeks! We look forward to sharing what’s ahead and continuing to support your student as they settle into the rhythm of the new semester.
Denison will celebrate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the first day of spring semester, Monday, Jan. 19. As with past observances of MLK Day, there will be no classes scheduled, and all other campus operations will continue as normal. Residence halls will open as usual for move-in on Sunday, Jan. 18. A complete list of events on Monday, Jan. 19 can be found here.
Families are encouraged to attend Denison Everywhere on Wednesday, Jan. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. local time. Over 100 cities across the globe will hold gatherings to celebrate Denison! A complete list of locations can be found here. It’s a great way to meet Denison families and alums in your area — we hope you can join us!
Additionally, we invite you to attend our What We Can Be campaign events as Denison has launched its most ambitious philanthropic campaign in history. If we’re planning an event near you, you won’t want to miss it!
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Have you joined one of Knowlton Center's Career Communities? How will you engage with their resources and events this semester?
What's one goal you're setting for yourself — big or small?
What's one thing you're doing just for yourself this semester?
How can we best cheer you on?
Highlights from The Hill
Denison announces 2026 MLK keynote and theme
Historian Hasan Kwame Jeffries, who regularly lends historical insight to conversations on race and democracy to outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post, will deliver the keynote address at Denison’s MLK event on Jan. 19. Biology professor and MLK committee co-chair Ayana Hinton said Jeffries will “help educate our community about the work and sacrifice of many unknown individuals who have made significant contributions to move MLK’s legacy forward.” Learn more about the program of events.
Winter Break Airport Shuttles
Sunday, 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.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, the Knowlton Center will host the Big Red Career Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Mitchell Center, bringing more than 50 employers and graduate programs to campus across healthcare, wellness, social impact, education, government, the arts, and clinical research.
Students can explore internships, full-time roles, and graduate pathways, and younger students can learn from peers at the Internship Showcase. Please encourage your student to register on Handshake and take advantage of this valuable opportunity.
Denison Edge
Spring programs at Denison Edge are now open for registration. This semester’s lineup includes AI, finance, marketing, business, analytics, logistics, and additional opportunities that strengthen skills valuable for internships and early career goals. Each program is taught by experienced industry practitioners who bring practical insights and current perspectives to their sessions. Students can register through Knowlton Connect, Handshake, or directly through the site.
Engaging in Academic Conversations with Your Student — Notes from the Academic Resource Center
The Winter break between semesters offers a natural opportunity to engage your student about their academic performance and also begin goal-setting for the spring semester. Students report feeling extra stress when the focus of these conversations rests primarily on the letter grades or grade point average (GPA). Broaden the conversation to better understand the experience beyond the grade itself:
What types of things factored into how you were evaluated (tests, papers, presentations, projects etc.)?
What challenged you the most and why?
What grade are you most proud of and why?
What did you learn this semester that connected with your previous knowledge and what topic/subject still intrigues you?
What were factors you did not anticipate in adjusting to college or this semester’s schedule?
Tell me about the connections you made with your faculty members or peers in your classes.
While grades are important, students may feel more supported by family when the conversation about academics also focuses on their learning and experiences throughout the semester.
New year, new goals
The New Year also provides a “resolution” framework for helping explore new goals for the coming semester. It is important to develop personal habits and implement concrete plans in order to reach these goals. Family members can help students think through their ideas by asking what a student can “start, stop, and continue doing” to achieve their academic goals.
Attacking challenges before they attack you
It is equally important for students to anticipate challenges ahead for the coming semester. The Academic Resource Center (ARC) offers a limited number of ongoing Academic Coaching sessions to assist students with setting academic goals for the Spring Semester. Those who have participated in the program reported elevated levels of academic confidence, improved organizational skills, and are more likely to utilize support resources. For more information, have your student contact Torrance Powell at powellt@denison.edu to arrange an appointment.
Fraternity & Sorority Life
Is your student considering Greek Life?
Currently, 21 values-based fraternities and sororities are recognized at Denison. Each of these organizations is formed around goals, aspirations, and the core values of academic excellence, career readiness, diversity and inclusion, leadership development, service, civic engagement, and social responsibility. Fraternities and sororities have specific member requirements, including membership fees, outlined throughout the recruitment processes.
For interested first-year students, the membership process for Greek-lettered organizations begins in early spring. In support of our student’s academic success, Denison delays the membership process to allow for positive adjustment to the academic rigor and general life of the college. Students are eligible to join recognized Greek-lettered organizations after they have completed 12 credit hours, earned a minimum 2.5 GPA, and completed the Collin's Law Anti-Hazing training required under Ohio law. In partnership with the Provost’s office, students with an academic conduct record are not allowed to join fraternities and sororities at Denison.
