September brings a wonderful energy to campus — a true mix of fresh routines, falling leaves and growing independence. As your student settles into the rhythm of the new academic year, they are navigating new classes, balancing responsibilities and finding their footing on The Hill.
In this month's guide, we share practical ways to support that early-semester transition and stay meaningfully connected from afar. You'll also find a helpful look at campus resources designed to champion your student’s success every step of the way.
Thank you for being such a steady and vital part of your student's journey. We are so glad to have you in our community!
Warmly,
Bryce Benton
Associate Director, Family Engagement & Lifelong Learning
Big Red Weekend, Denison's Homecoming on The Hill, is Nov. 6-8
Big Red Weekend is Denison's homecoming gathering of alums, students, faculty, and friends!
Across three days, campus comes alive with athletic events, performances, conversations, reunions, and traditions that bring the community together. Encourage your student to take advantage of the special events planned during this fun-filled, celebratory weekend. Learn more about Big Red Weekend.
Fall Semester at a glance
Sept. 7: Labor Day, classes in session
Sept. 25-27: Family Weekend
Oct. 15-16: Fall break
Nov. 6-8: Big Red Weekend (Homecoming on The Hill)
Nov. 21: Residence halls close for Thanksgiving break
Nov. 29: Residence halls reopen following Thanksgiving break
Dec. 11: Fall semester classes end
Dec. 12-17: Study days and final exams
Dec. 18: Residence halls close for winter break
Highlights from The Hill
Denison ranks among nation’s best for career prep and student experience.
New rankings place Denison among the country’s top colleges across a broad range of measures, including career preparation, happiest students, top facilities, and classroom experience. In total, Denison earned top 10 results in 13 ranked categories in The Princeton Review’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings, which analyzed 2,400 four-year colleges and universities in the U.S.
The French family, longtime supporters of Denison, makes a major investment in What We Can Be.
The transformational gift from Bon French P’11 establishes the French Family Fund for Unrestricted Support, providing flexible resources that will help the university advance its highest priorities and respond to emerging opportunities.
Denison’s time-honored induction ceremony marks the official beginning of our newest students' academic journey on The Hill, bringing together faculty, staff, and families to celebrate this exciting milestone. New students were encouraged to embrace the rigor of a liberal arts education, lean into community, and make the most of every opportunity ahead.
Couldn’t make family orientation? You can review all of the family orientation session content in the family orientation resource drive.
President Adam Weinberg wrote a Welcome to the Class of 2030 that he encourages students and families to reread through the year. It's an honest picture of what a Denison education is meant to be, and it will help you encourage your student to fully embrace their college experience.
Center for Global Programs
Is your student thinking about studying off-campus for a semester or the summer during the 2027-28 academic year? If so, our Center for Global Programs is excited to work with and support your student as they embark on this experience.
Important Dates & Requirements
Most students apply for off-campus study (OCS) during the fall of their sophomore year and participate in a program during the summer before junior year, or during a semester of junior year.
The OCS application for Summer 2027, Fall 2027, and Spring 2028 opens on Sept. 7.
Note! This is the onlyapplication period for the terms listed above.
A student must open an application by Nov. 9 and submit a completed application by Nov. 19.
To study off-campus, a student must choose from one of the numerous vetted & approved programs available.
Support & Resources
First-years and sophomores are strongly encouraged to attend the OCS Fall Fair on Sept. 29.
Find extensive information related to the OCS experience on our OCS website.
If you are on campus for Family Weekend, consider stopping by the Off-Campus Study presentation, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 11:15 a.m. to noon in Burton Morgan 115!
Updates from the Knowlton Career Center
The start of the school year is a great time for students to confirm their chosen career community matches their vocational interests. The Knowlton Center's career communities provide weekly curated newsletters that support students in career development and education. These customized updates deliver targeted career advice, industry insights, and exclusive networking or internship opportunities directly to their inbox. It is the best way for your student to stay connected to the fields that interest them most. Students can update their preferences by accessing Knowlton Connect.
Big Red Career Expo Sept. 17, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students will have the chance to meet representatives from top employers and graduate school programs. Learn more about the Big Red Career Expo.
Fall Break Journey Program Oct. 14-16 Your student will create a personalized roadmap for career and personal success while sharpening practical skills — including assessments, networking strategies, resume foundations, and more — in this program guided by Knowlton Center career coaches over fall break. Students will receive emails with program details soon. This program is open to the classes of 2028 and 2029. Learn more about the Journey Program.
Fall programs at Denison Edge are open for registration! Explore AI, marketing, business, analytics, logistics, and more. Taught by industry experts, these programs complement classes, internships, and early career goals while building skills for today’s evolving workplace. Check out the full schedule.
Denison students can receive free grad school and licensing test prep! Thanks to the generosity of Life Trustee Steve Matteucci ’78, Kaplan’s expert-designed test prep and career courses, including the GRE®, GMAT®, LSAT®, and MCAT®, often worth thousands of dollars, are free for Denison students and recent graduates (five years out). Read more about this exciting resource and encourage your student to sign up.
Academic Resource Center
As your student dives into their fall courses, remind them of the many resources they have for success:
Tutoring Program: This program is designed for students who are seeking additional assistance to improve their academic performance in specific subjects. We encourage students to make regularly scheduled, ongoing tutoring sessions part of their college routine.
Peer Learning Strategist (PLS) Program: This program supports students in transitioning to academic success from high school to college learning. Peer mentors offer strategies that focus on practical thinking skills to help students maximize the benefits of the college’s more rigorous academic environment. Learn more about the PLS program.
National Hazing Prevention Week
Denison will recognize Hazing Prevention Week from Sept. 21-25. Throughout the week, students will have opportunities to learn more about hazing prevention, healthy group culture, upstander action, and the shared responsibility we all have in building safe, respectful communities.
Hazing prevention matters across student organizations, athletic teams, residence communities, campus groups and friend groups. Families can help by talking with students about belonging, accountability and what healthy membership should feel like.
