There is a shift that happens on The Hill during these final weeks on campus. The fast pace of the semester gives way to a blend of focused intensity and nostalgia. You can see it in the students gathered on the quad, soaking up the afternoon sun between study sessions, and hear it in the lively discussions in Slayter. It is a season of 'lasts' — the last club meetings, the last meals with friends, and the last sunset over The Hill before they walk across the stage in the Mitchell Center.
While our students are working hard to cross the finish line, we know that for families, this is also a season of logistics. This month’s guide is designed to bridge that gap, providing you with the essential move-out details while offering ways to help your student celebrate their growth over the past four years and some important Commencement details.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Go Big Red!
Bryce Benton
Associate Director, Family Engagement & Lifelong Learning
What is one Denison tradition you’re excited to participate in before the semester ends?
Once you’re done with finals, how are you going to celebrate reaching the finish line?
How will you stay connected to Denison after you graduate?
Highlights from The Hill
Vice President Mike Pence visits Denison
Former Vice President Pence says America longs for a return to civility, long exemplified by his political mentor and Denison alum, the late Senator Richard Lugar ’54. Read more about Former Vice President Pence’s visit.
Big Red Athletics
Two Big Red coaches recently celebrated career milestones! Amanda Daniels, head women’s lacrosse coach, celebrated 200 wins, and Mike Deegan, head baseball coach, celebrated 400 wins.
Stay tuned to our athletics website for conference championships and NCAA play in May! 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.
The Arts at Denison
50th Annual Denison Film Festival
Saturday, May 9 | 7:30 p.m.
Encourage your student to take a study break with the Department of Cinema’s 50th Annual Denison Film Festival in the Slayter Auditorium! The event features a screening of 10 short films made by junior and senior cinema majors.
Commencement Schedule:
Senior Send-Off
Tuesday, May 12 - Friday, May 15
Baccalaureate
Friday, May 15
4 and 6:30 p.m. | Swasey Chapel
Denison’s Baccalaureate services provide graduating seniors with an opportunity to reflect on their gratitude for the educational experience they’ve received and for everyone who supported them along the way. Baccalaureate also serves as a blessing of the senior class members as they leave The Hill and go forth into postgraduate life. The two services are identical and welcome all faiths and backgrounds. They are offered as a convenience, considering families’ differing schedules during Commencement. This year’s featured speaker is Elizabeth J.A. Siwo-Okundi ’01.
Senior Soirée
Friday, May 15
7 to 10 p.m. | Reese~Shackelford Common
Join us for your student’s final night on The Hill! Meet seniors, faculty, staff, and other families for this marquee event, with live music, dancing, and more! All graduating seniors receive a complimentary ticket to a food truck, while families and guests are self-pay. Desserts are provided, and a cash bar will be available.
Faculty Coffee
Saturday, May 16
9 to 9:45 a.m. | Livingston Gym
This event provides seniors with an opportunity to introduce their faculty and staff mentors to their families over coffee and conversation.
Commencement
Saturday, May 16
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Mitchell Center Fieldhouse
While tickets are required for entry, seating in the Mitchell Center Field House is available on a first-come, first-seated basis. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., processional begins at 10:20 a.m., and graduation begins promptly at 10:30 a.m. Please be seated by 10:15 a.m. Please remember signs, balloons, noisemakers, and large bags are prohibited.
Commencement FAQs
When do families arrive?
Most families arrive Thursday evening or Friday morning so they can take full advantage of Friday and Saturday’s Commencement events.
How do families obtain Commencement tickets that have already been reserved?
Your student will pick up Commencement tickets during Senior Send-Off on May 11 and 12. Details of this pick-up have already been communicated to your student, and it is important that you obtain the tickets from your student prior to the Commencement Ceremony.
Where should we park for the Commencement ceremony, and is there a fee?
Guests are welcome to park in any campus parking space at no charge. A limited number of disability spaces will be held in the Swasey Lot on Friday for Baccalaureate and at the Mitchell Center for Commencement. There are also spaces in the Burton Morgan garage.
Shuttles will be available from the Burton Morgan parking garage (pickup on Level 3 near the loading dock) to bring guests to the Mitchell Center. Return shuttles will be provided. There will also be golf cart shuttles running the same loop.
Where can students pick up their diplomas?
Diplomas will be available to pick up from Slivy’s between 1 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. If you don't have the chance, don't worry! Diplomas that are not picked up will be mailed within two weeks of graduation, which is also when official transcripts with 'degree awarded' notation will be available to order via Parchment.
To help prepare your student for move-out, our Housing department is available to answer questions and assist students with move-out logistics (housing@denison.edu). As a reminder, all graduates must move out of their residence hall room by 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 16. Please encourage your student to pack up early so they can best enjoy the Senior Send-Off festivities.
Donation Pods
During move-out, if students have items they want to donate, Denison offers donation pods on campus. All donations will be given to Goodwill in Newark, Ohio. Pods will begin accepting donations on May 2 and will accept donations daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Items to donate include clothing and shoes, furniture, electronics, linens, decorations, etc. Open/used toiletries, cleaning supplies, laundry soap, open or perishable food items, items beyond repair or use, and foam mattresses/bed pads cannot be donated in pods. Please take those items to the dumpster or donate to a friend.
Donation bins for non-perishable food items will be located in common room kitchen areas or towards main entrances of the halls on-campus.
Knowlton Updates
It’snot too late to access career coaching — the Knowlton Center is here to help with salary negotiation, creating a job search plan, and more.
This is an exciting but sometimes overwhelming time. The Knowlton Center provides one-on-one career coaching for seniors navigating job offers, salary negotiations, and the search process. Whether your student needs help evaluating an offer, creating a job search strategy, or feeling more confident in interviews, our team is here to support them. It's never too late to connect.
Denison Edge programs are available at no cost to current students and alumni for up to 10 years after graduation. This summer, students and recent graduates can take advantage of a wide range of fully online programs designed to fit their schedule, wherever they are. Some standout new programs include:
As your student prepares for life after Denison, they have free access to a powerful resource: Kaplan test prep and professional training. Through Denison's partnership with Kaplan, current students and recent alums (within five years of graduation) can access high-quality prep courses for graduate school exams (GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT), professional certifications, and in-demand career skills training. Whether your student is applying to grad school, pursuing a professional license, or building their resume, Kaplan's expert-designed tools are available at no cost. Encourage your student to take advantage of this valuable benefit as they plan their next steps. Students can access Kaplan through Knowlton Connect.
Stay connected
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