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 the summer quiet sets in.
While our students are working hard to cross the finish line of the academic year, 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 year.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions. Go Big Red!
Bryce Benton
Associate Director, Family Engagement & Lifelong Learning
If you could pick one new skill to learn this summer — just for fun, not for a grade — what would it be?
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?
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.
Housing
Move-Out
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). Here are some helpful reminders:
Halls close for non-graduating students: Wednesday, May 13, at 9 a.m.
Halls close for graduating students: Saturday, May 16, at 6 p.m.
To officially check out, students "tap out" by swiping their Denison ID at any tap-out station.
Tap-out locations include:
Curtis Community Center (right next to the key drop-off box)
First Year Experience Office, Huffman Hall
Stone Hall Housing Staff Office, Room 103
Taylor House, Room 100
Campus Safety (right next to the key drop-off box ), P1 - Parking Garage.
(If applicable) - Students should return their physical room key in a checkout envelope to a key drop-off location. Key drop off locations are at the Curtis Community Center or Campus Safety (located on P1 - Parking Garage)
Donation pods
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 them to a friend.
Donation bins for non-perishable food items will be located in common room kitchen areas or toward the main entrances of the halls on-campus.
Summer storage
As the semester ends, we recognize the challenges of planning your student’s move-out. This year, Denison is excited to introduce Storage Scholars, a convenient option offering services for a stress-free move-out.
Storage Scholars ensures a seamless process by:
Providing essential packing materials before exams.
Allowing students to schedule a pick-up time that is convenient for them, all with live tracking.
Storage Scholars delivers student’s belongings to their new room, whenever they return, at a time of their choice. Storage Scholars is here to facilitate your student’s transition. Don’t miss out on the opportunity for an effortless end-of-semester move.
Denison coordinates group shuttle services to John Glenn International Airport for our students leaving campus for the summer. Shuttles cost $20. Students are sent an email with information on signing up directly on WhatToDU approximately one month before the first shuttle. 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.
Commencement Day, Saturday, May 16: 4 p.m., 6 p.m.
Starting this August, Denison will discontinue the University break airport shuttle service to support more flexible and personalized travel options for all students. This change will allow parents and families to book directly, offer personalized travel times (no more waiting at CMH!), and provide service availability during summer and independent breaks through other resources. More information will be made available to students and families prior to returning to campus in August.
Mini-fridge rentals
Is your student thinking about getting a mini-fridge for next academic year? Rent one through MicroFridge by Danby! Students can have their own mini-fridge without the hassle of moving it in and out of their room. Mini-fridge rentals will be in their residence hall room prior to their arrival in August and will be removed after they move out in May.
Knowlton Updates
If your student hasn't secured summer plans, there's still time! The Knowlton Center can help connect them with internships, jobs, research positions, and volunteer opportunities that are still accepting applications.
Denison Internship Program highlights
Internships at Denison aren't just summer jobs, they're intentional learning experiences. Through the Denison Internship Program, students receive support before, during, and after their internship, complete a structured Canvas course, and earn a transcript notation that validates their experience. Whether your student participates in a Knowlton-curated opportunity (like Signature Internships or Impact On-Campus Internships) or secures their own position, the program ensures they prepare strategically, reflect meaningfully, and clearly communicate what they've learned. It's how Denison helps students turn summer work into career readiness.
Denison Edge Programs
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.
As your student wraps up their academic year, it’s a great time to begin thinking about what comes next. Journey is Denison’s signature career exploration retreat at Salt Fork Lodge, where students take time to reflect, explore their interests, and begin shaping their career direction. During the experience, students work on practical skills such as building a résumé, refining a LinkedIn profile, and gaining clarity on their goals. Your student will receive registration details and can choose to attend during Summer, Fall Break, or Winter Break.
Stay connected
Keep up with everything at Denison via the links below and by following us on our social platforms.
