Dear Denison Families,

Happy November!

It’s a great time of year to express gratitude and reflect on all that we have to be grateful for. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to serve our students, families, and alums on a beautiful and vibrant college campus that is relationship-focused. It is a privilege to have a front row seat to so many outstanding events and opportunities where students are developing their academic, personal, and professional skills.

And, Denison is grateful for you! Your partnership and the many ways you support your students with care packages, late-night conversations and texts, and encouragement go a long way in helping them realize their potential and accomplish their goals. Whether your student is just getting started on The Hill or they are looking ahead to Commencement in May, the support you provide helps them thrive and make the most of their Denison experience. Thank you for all you do!

With gratitude,

Ryan Brechbill P’28
Director, Engagement Programs
brechbillr@denison.edu

Conversation starters

As your student continues their fall semester, consider asking:

• In thinking about your experience at Denison, what are you most grateful for?
• How are you expressing gratitude to faculty, staff, alumni, and fellow students?
• How will you begin to prepare for the end of the semester as it relates to papers, exams, and projects?

Highlights from The Hill

Announcing Knobel Hall and the King Center for Data and Innovation

The sweeping renovation and expansion of Doane Hall, one of the most prominent and historic buildings on campus, positions Denison to be the first liberal arts college with a hub devoted to integrating data across the curriculum, and will further cement the college’s reputation as an innovator in the liberal arts. Learn more about the lead gifts and the Denisonians who are making this transformational project possible.

AI + Denison

At Denison, we’re leaning into curiosity, creativity, and community to lead the way in how higher education engages with AI. AI + Denison highlights how our students, faculty, and staff are shaping a future where technology amplifies, not replaces, the human experience. Leading the charge for Denison is Lori Robbins, Head of AI Strategy, robbinsl@denison.edu.

Wellness strategies and upcoming events

Hoaglin Wellness Center offers many opportunities for students to take a break, move their bodies, breathe, and reset. There are up to five fitness classes per day, including Pilates, yoga, Zumba, and spin. In addition, there is a student-led wellness program almost daily, including Thursday Trails and Thoughts, Friday’s Art and Chill, Legos and Let-Go, Movies and Markers, and many more.

Encourage your student to check out What To DU for all of the details of upcoming events.

Alternative Spring Break

Alternative Spring Break Community Service experiences are a great way for students to get off The Hill, travel to serve communities, find belonging and connection with peers, build relationships with faculty and staff, and learn about ethical and effective community service. There are three Alternative Spring Break Experiences happening in March of 2026.

• Habitat for Humanity, Berkeley County, S.C.: While there, students will build safe, affordable housing and learn about Habitat for Humanity’s work.
• Community Collaborations International: Students will help rebuild neighborhoods in Georgia or North Carolina that were destroyed by recent hurricanes.
• Big Laurel Learning Center in West Virginia: Students will learn about leadership in Appalachian communities, work with community leaders, and work on service projects.

There is a $100 registration fee per student, and the remaining student expenses (housing, food, and travel) are covered.

Applications are due Nov. 17, and registration and fees are due Dec. 9.

Please reach out to Emily Vermillion, CLIC associate director, for a digital participant guide and to get your questions answered at vermillione@denison.edu.

Key dates to keep in mind

Financial Aid & Student Accounts

The bill for the spring semester will be released Dec. 3 and is due Jan. 5. Please know that payment plan deadlines have shifted to earlier dates, and a payment plan for international students is now available.

The 2026–27 FAFSA opened on Oct. 1. Families are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible, noting that the priority filing deadline is April 1. The FAFSA is required for students using Federal Student Loans or a Parent PLUS Loan, and any student with grant aid in their financial aid package.

For more information, please email finaid@denison.edu.

Thanksgiving Break housing details

All on-campus housing closes for Thanksgiving Break at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, and reopens at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30. Only students who are employed on campus over break, are international students, or are in-season athletes may apply to stay on campus during the break. Students eligible to stay on campus needed to apply online by Friday, Oct. 31.

Winter Break housing details

Residence halls close between at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 19 and reopen at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. Like Thanksgiving break, 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, and applications will open on Nov. 17 and are due Dec. 5. It’s good to begin planning for these break periods now. If your students have any additional questions, please have them reach out to housing@denison.edu.

Finals prep and resources from the Academic Resource Center

Stay connected

Keep up with everything at Denison via the links below and by following us on our social platforms.