I serve as the Associate Director of Family Engagement and Lifelong Learning, and I am thrilled to be leading Denison’s efforts to engage our families. I’ve spent the past 10 years at Denison in the Office of Admission, and recently transitioned to Alumni & Family Engagement. I’m excited to support you and your student through their Denison journey!
It’s hard to believe we’re almost halfway through the semester. Spring will be here before we know it, and there are lots of exciting events and opportunities for students to build connections — and hopefully spend more time outdoors! Now is a great time to check in with your student to see how they’re progressing toward their goals for the year — there’s still time to make the most of the last few months of the semester.
I look forward to working with you to ensure your student is making the most of their Denison experience, inside and outside the classroom. I am here to be a resource for you and your family, and look forward to getting to know you this year and beyond. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Go Big Red!
Bryce Benton
Associate Director, Family Engagement & Lifelong Learning
What’s been your favorite class so far this semester, and why?
Do you have a plan for moving out and storing your belongings for the summer?
Do you have roommate plans for next year? It's a great time to check in because the fall housing application is due March 20 and housing selection will run from late March through mid-April, depending on class year.
Highlights from The Hill
Career expo highlights grad school partnerships
The Spring Semester Big Red Career Expo drew hundreds of students who met with employers and learned about beneficial academic relationships such as the one between Denison and Duke University’s Fuqua School.
Denison appoints Alisa Rosenthal as its next Provost and Chief Academic Officer
Denison is pleased to announce the appointment of Alisa J. Rosenthal as Provost and Chief Academic Officer, effective July 1. Dr. Rosenthal currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, where she has been a member of the senior leadership team since 2019.
The Arts at Denison
The Department of Theatre at Denison presents ‘Macbeth’
March 5 - 8
Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy draws from real historical events, politics, and religious upheaval of 17th-century England, set against the backdrop of ancient Scotland. Journey through the Scottish highlands and experience the ambition, subterfuge, magic, and cycles of violence and vengeance that comprise the world of “Macbeth.” The event is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Reserve your seats today.
Denison’s TUTTI Festival: A Weeklong Celebration of the Arts March 20 - 28
Denison University’s Department of Music collaborates with musicians, composers, fine artists, dance artists, thespians, and creative people across genres to present the TUTTI New Arts Festival every two years. This week-long festival celebrates new music and art, bringing artists from across the country and across disciplines to Denison for a week of events, collaborations, and concerts. View the schedule for this incredible lineup.
Big Red Athletics on the road
March will have many of our athletic teams in full swing! Check here to see if Denison athletics will be in your neck of the woods and show your Big Red pride! You can always watch our teams in action on the Denison Sports Network.
Big Red Lacrosse at the Mustang Classic | Saturday, March 14
Cheer on Denison Lacrosse as they compete in the 2026 Callum Robinson Mustang Classic at Stevenson University! The Big Red will take on Tufts University and Dickinson College. Fans and supporters are invited to celebrate at the post-game tailgate on Saturday afternoon! Register now.
Big Red Swimming and Diving NCAA Championship Reception | Friday, March 20
Following incredible performances at the NCAC championship at Denison, both teams will be eyeing NCAA titles. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Denisonians in a lively atmosphere! You don’t have to be a swim and dive expert to enjoy the evening, so register today.
March Madness (academically speaking)
Whether your student will remain on campus or can get away for a week, it's important to take some time over Spring Break to review how things are going at the midpoint of the semester. Like a sports team that uses halftime to review its game plan and get a pep talk from the coach in the locker room, Spring Break is a good time for your student to take inventory of their progress during the first part of the semester, get some rest, and plan for how they will navigate the second half of the term.
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) staff are available to help your student develop a plan for second-half academic success! During a meeting with an ARC staff member, students can discuss their midterm GPA/academic performance, build confidence in communicating with faculty, identify metacognitive study strategies, refine time management techniques, and explore additional campus resources for academic support.
Ohio Primary Election Information
Voter Registration Deadline: April 6 Early Voting Begins: April 7 Deadline to request an Absentee Ballot: April 28 Election Day: May 5
People need to have a valid Ohio Driver's License or a passport to vote in-person for the Primary Election.
If your student lives outside the state of Ohio, they can register to vote and request an absentee ballot here. Please use their home address for the address where they are registered to vote, and use their Slayter Box address to mail their ballot to. Have students request that their ballots be sent to Denison as soon as possible, so they will arrive in enough time for them to fill them out and send them back to their local Board of Elections.
If students have questions about voting or the election process, please have them reach out to duvotes@denison.edu. DU Votes is our student-led nonpartisan civic engagement initiative, and they can help students with voter registration, finding out what will be on their ballot, voter education, and assist with any other questions they might have. Students can also reach out to Associate Director of Community and Civic Engagement in CLIC, Emily Vermillion, vermillione@denison.edu, who advises DU Votes, if they have other questions.
The Office of Admission: Family Volunteer Opportunities
The Office of Admission is seeking the help of passionate current and former Denison families to participate in short-term yet impactful ways to share your Denison experience. Keep reading for more details, and thank you for your support!
Represent Denison at a college fair near you!
Denison Admission volunteers help represent the college across the country at college fairs and make the case for Denison. No experience is necessary, because we have all the training you need! Once you have completed a training session, you will learn about volunteer opportunities near you and decide if they fit into your schedule.
Our next virtual training session is scheduled for April.
Offer a friendly connection to potential Denisonians by contacting families of admitted students. Your connection allows prospective families a glimpse into life as a Denison parent. Simply complete this form to express interest in the program by March 20 and you will receive your assigned families and detailed instructions before the end of March.
Help kick off — and amplify — Denison's Day of Giving!
This spring, Denison celebrates our annual Day of Giving, making a real difference for students! You can give now and have your gift counted for the April 22 event, and you can sign up to be a Day of Giving advocate. It's an easy, fun, and flexible way to spread the word about supporting Denison.
Denison coordinates group airport shuttle service for our academic breaks. Shuttles cost $20 each way. Students are sent an email with information on signing up directly on WhatToDU approximately one month before the first shuttle. Sign-up links open two days before the initial communication is sent. Please note that students must log in with their Denison credentials to sign up for a shuttle. Questions can be directed to clic@denison.edu.
Friday, March 13: Denison to CMH (6 a.m., 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., 6 p.m.)
Saturday, March 14: Denison to CMH (6 a.m., 9 a.m.)
Sunday, March 22: CMH to Denison (8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2: p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m., 11 p.m.)
Senior Graduation Fair
The Denison University Bookstore is thrilled to host the 2026 annual Grad Fair at the bookstore in Slayter Hall Student Union, on Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
This event is designed to celebrate your student’s journey and help them prepare for Commencement. Students can enjoy refreshments as they browse each department offering support. Jostens will have an assortment of class rings for purchase, and students will be fitted for a free cap and gown.
Also, students can enjoy an additional 25% off all Insignia, gifts, and clearance!
Commencement Updates
Commencement is right around the corner and seniors have been reserving their tickets. Each senior may reserve up to six (6) seats for their friends and family to join them for the Commencement ceremony, with the option to request up to four (4) additional seats, pending availability. Seat reservations are required for all guests planning to attend, and while every effort will be made to accommodate additional seat requests, they are not guaranteed. Be sure to communicate with your senior about how many guests will be coming to campus for Commencement before the March 13th deadline to request tickets. For a full schedule of Commencement events, click here.
Stay connected
Keep up with everything at Denison via the links below and by following us on our social platforms.
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