As we enter this season of gratitude, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on what makes our campus community so special. Every day on The Hill, we are privileged to witness our students grow academically, personally, and professionally — supported by dedicated faculty and staff and a deeply relational campus culture.
We are equally grateful for you. Through every care package, reassuring phone call, and word of encouragement, your support plays an essential role in helping your student thrive. Whether they are at the beginning of their journey at Denison, or preparing for Commencement in May, thank you for your ongoing partnership and all you do to support our students.
Warmly,
Bryce Benton
Associate Director, Family Engagement & Lifelong Learning
Alumni & Family Engagement
bentonb@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?
Tell me about a place in Granville or the surrounding area you have visited recently.
How will you begin to prepare for the end of the semester as it relates to papers, exams, and projects?
Highlights from The Hill
Denison’s momentum recognized in latest national rankings
As Ohio's #1 liberal arts college for the third consecutive year, Denison continues to rank among the nation’s leading liberal arts institutions, as reflected in new college rankings from U.S. News & World Report.
ReMix: Adapt, a gathering on Denison University's campus, is taking place Thursday, Nov. 5, through Friday morning, Nov. 6, and is open to students and alums.
ReMix is centered on a question that touches every stage of life: How do we adapt as our lives, relationships, communities, and priorities change? This year’s program will bring Denisonians and community members together for thoughtful conversations about navigating change, finding new possibilities, and staying connected.
Big Red Weekend, Denison’s Homecoming on the Hill, is taking place Nov. 6-8. This incredible celebration of all things Denison features action-packed athletic competitions,thought-provoking discussions, inspiring performances, and camaraderie only found on The Hill. This homecoming weekend experience is the perfect way for Denisonians to connect over shared interests and experiences. Check out the schedule and encourage your student to participate.
The Arts at Denison
November brings a vibrant arts lineup, including our production of Into the Woods, a Vail Series concert featuring The Westerlies with our DU Wind Ensemble, our Jazz Ensemble and Combo concert, and a special Symphony Orchestra concert honoring all who served. The Denison Museum Cycles exhibition continues, along with guest artist talks, and our inaugural Beck Literary Festival with celebrated authors Emily St. John Mandel and Kevin Wilson in conversation with acclaimed poet Maggie Smith. Visit Arts at Denison for our full schedule and sign up to receive our monthly behind-the-scenes Arts newsletter.
Center for Global Programs/Off-Campus Study
The time to apply for off-campus study for the 2027-2028 academic year is winding down, with Nov. 9 as the final day to open an application. The final day to submit applications is Nov. 19. This is the only application period for programs taking place in Summer 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028. If your student is concerned about getting started, please encourage them to email globalprograms@denison.edu and set up a time to chat with an OCS advisor.
We have 123 students studying off campus this fall in 22 countries around the world. You can check out students’ experiences on Instagram.
Knowlton Center
The Journey Program
Thefinal Journey Program of the academic year takes place Jan. 13–15, 2027! This two-night experience at Salt Fork Lodge helps sophomores and juniors explore career interests, develop a personalized career roadmap, and strengthen their resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles.
Application Deadline: Dec. 2
Dates: Jan. 13–15, 2027 Early Move-In: Jan. 12, 2027 Location: Salt Fork Lodge (near Cambridge, Ohio) Transportation: Provided to and from campus Capacity: 48 students
Encourage your student to register early and take the next step in their career exploration!
Senior Career Ready Boot Camp
Help your senior prepare for life after Denison! The Senior Career Ready Boot Camp offers three days of personalized coaching, hands-on workshops, and dedicated application time to help students strengthen their application materials and pursue post-graduation opportunities.
Application Deadline: Dec. 2
Dates: Jan. 13–15, 2027 Return to Campus: Jan. 12, 2027 Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Location: Knowlton Center, Burton D. Morgan 205
Encourage your senior to apply early and build momentum toward their post-graduation goals.
Spring 2027 Course Registration
Spring course registration is taking place through Nov. 20. It is important for your student to schedule a meeting with their academic advisor before Friday, Nov. 13. If they are enrolled in a First Year Advising Circle, their professor for that course is their academic advisor and they will talk with them about the process. If your student has any trouble connecting with their advisor, or if they don't know who they are, they should email advising@denison.edu for assistance. If your student is not enrolled in an advising circle, they can find step by step instructions by searching “Course Registration” on MyDenison.
Thanksgiving Break Details
Residence halls close for Thanksgiving Break at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.
Why do we require students to vacate their rooms by 9 a.m.? There are a number of steps that need to be taken during a hall closing period in order to ensure your student is returning to a safe living space following the break. Our team of student community advisors are unable to depart campus for their own breaks until they have completed checking all residence hall spaces for safety, occupancy, and cleanliness. If students do not need to depart for the airport until later in the day and would prefer not to wait there, they are welcome to spend their time in Slayter Student Union, the Library, or Huffman Dining Hall until they depart.
Are dining halls open on Saturday, Nov. 21?
The Table at Huffman will be open for breakfast and Lunch on Saturday, Nov. 21. The meal plan will remain active that day so students can use their meal swipe for both meals.
Residence halls close at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 18 and reopen at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027. 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. Winter break housing applications open Nov. 16 and are due Dec. 4. If your student has additional questions, please have them contact housing@denison.edu.
Monday, Jan. 18, 2027: Spring Semester 2027 begins with Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities and events. Classes are not in session.
Concierge Services
Denison partners with multiple local concierge providers, offering the Denison community personalized transportation services around Granville, Columbus, and the surrounding areas, including airport transportation. See two options below with Denison family and friends rates provided.
Financial Aid and Student Accounts Portal: Self-help resources for students and families, including instructions for granting proxy access, tracking meal plan usage, adding funds to a Denison Dollars account, and more are now available together in one convenient online portal. Please check the portal regularly, as new content is being added daily. Going forward, this will be the primary location for self-help resources.
Winter Break and Year-End Payments: Denison will be closed for Winter Break from Dec. 24, through Jan. 4, 2027. If you have a payment due for the current calendar year, please submit it by Dec. 18.
1098-T Statements: Electronic 1098-T statements will be available on Jan. 31, 2027. Please ensure your student has granted proxy access to the appropriate parent or guardian.
Spring 2027 Billing: The spring 2027 bill will be released electronically on Dec. 3, and payment is due Jan. 5, 2027.
Fraternity and Sorority Life
Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) is an important part of the Denison experience, providing students with opportunities to build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, engage in service, and grow personally and professionally. With 21 nationally affiliated organizations, Denison’s FSL community represents approximately 35 percent of the student body and offers a variety of identities, traditions, and experiences for students to explore.
At Denison, we view fraternity and sorority membership as more than a social experience. Students are encouraged to use their membership as a learning laboratory — developing skills, collaborating with others, career networking, and developing social responsibility that they can carry with them beyond The Hill.
First-year students are eligible to participate in recruitment beginning in their second semester, giving them time to adjust to Denison, explore other opportunities on campus, and build relationships before making a decision to join a fraternity or sorority. Upperclassmen may also participate in recruitment during both fall and spring semesters. Ultimately, it is our goal to help every student find a community where they can belong, grow, and become the best version of themselves.
For families, one of the most important things to know is that students do not need to go through recruitment to find their community. If your student is thinking about joining a fraternity or sorority this spring, you can visit our Fraternity and Sorority Life webpage for more information, registration timeline and links, and an overview of the financial commitments. If you have more specific questions, please feel free to reach out to Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life, Ashley Metzger, at metzgerad@denison.edu.
Commencement Information
Class of 2027 families, save these dates!
May 14, 2027: Baccalaureate celebration, 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Swasey Chapel
May 15, 2027: Residence Halls close for graduates, 6 p.m.
Additional details about Commencement are on our website — new information will be added as soon as it becomes available. Questions can be sent to commencement@denison.edu.
Commencement 2027 ticket information
Denison will continue to ticket Commencement 2027 to manage seating capacity and create the best possible experience for participants and attendees.
Each graduate can reserve up to six tickets for family and friends to attend the May 15 ceremony in the Mitchell Athletic Center fieldhouse. Graduates may also request up to four additional tickets, which will be considered after the initial reservation deadline has passed.
When ticketing opens next semester, each senior will receive a unique, non-transferable link tied to their Denison ID. Through this link, they’ll be able to reserve their initial allotment of up to six tickets and request any additional tickets within the same transaction.
We’ll share more details about the ticket reservation timeline at the start of the spring semester.
Celebrate 195 Years of Denison on 1831 Day! 🎂
On Dec. 13, our entire community will come together to celebrate 195 years since Denison’s founding. 1831 Day is the perfect opportunity to support what your family values most about Denison — whether that’s academic programs, varsity athletics, fine arts, student organizations, or financial aid.
Want to help make the day an even bigger success? Become an 1831 Day Advocate!
Family advocates play a vital role in spreading the word, sharing their Big Red pride, and inspiring others in their networks to participate. Being an advocate is simple and rewarding. We’ll provide you with resources to share your love for Denison and invite others to join you.
