Home on The Hill
2024-25 Academic Calendar
Welcome to Denison
The life-shaping liberal arts experience you’ll have as part of the Denison community will begin in just a few short months. Before you arrive at your new “Home on The Hill” this August, you will need to complete some tasks to ensure a smooth transition to college life. This book will walk you through all the phases of your Enrollment Checklist.
YOUR ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST
The Enrollment Checklist in your Admitted Student Portal at connect.denison.edu is your one-stop shop for all required forms and tasks that are needed to complete your transition to Denison.
Our Enrollment Checklist is laid out in 5 phases. Once you finish one phase, you can start on the next. We know that you are still busy taking classes, traveling, or working a job, but it is important that you give careful thought to the questions in these phases to help launch a successful Denison career. These tasks must be completed by the student rather than a parent or other supporter.
Please pay special attention to the due dates outlined for each phase in your Admitted Student Portal. These dates will be unique to you based on your enrollment date. Failure to complete a phase by the required due date could result in delay of information, less optimal placement or consideration, or even rescission of admission. Should you have a valid reason to request an extension on a deadline, please contact admission@denison.edu.
The following pages outline the requirements of the Enrollment Checklist and where to find additional information.
information, including your current address, phone number, personal email address, preferred pronouns, T-shirt size, and dietary restrictions. Our goal is that once this form is completed, you will not need to enter this information on any additional forms. If you have changes to report between completing this questionnaire and moving to campus in August, contact the Office of Admission at admission@denison.edu.
Family and guardian information is used by a variety of campus offices, including Student Life, Alumni & Family Engagement, and Institutional Advancement. Complete this form to make sure your loved ones stay up to date on all things Denison.
DEAN OF TRANSFER STUDENTS
Your successful transition to Denison requires collaboration with our Dean of Transfer Students, Mark Moller.
Contact Mark with your questions and he will help you find the answer!
MARK MOLLER
Dean of Transfer Students
(740) 587-5042
moller@denison.edu
Joining the Denison Community
As a new member of our community, you will participate in a multi-step orientation process throughout the next few months that is designed to prepare you for your new life on The Hill.
B Launch into living and learning at Denison through a series of online modules.
B Work with Mark Moller, Dean of Transfer Students, to discuss your academic plans and confirm registration for your fall courses.
B Join us on The Hill in August for transfer student orientation with all of your new peers.
Our goal is to help transfer students feel at home and productive in the Denison environment by creating a space to embrace the academic, social, and residential opportunities and challenges embedded in a four-year liberal arts college experience.
Preparing for The Hill
MAY
ONLINE MODULES
In May, you will gain access to a series of online modules that will prepare you to launch into your career at Denison. The modules will set you up for success by covering everything you need to know about academics, residential life, support services, finances, campus policies, and our community’s values.
FALL COURSE REGISTRATION
You may already be thinking about what courses you will take in the fall, or maybe you are focused on finishing your current plans. Whether you are thinking about it a lot, a little, or not at all, Denison will be working to put together your fall course schedule in early summer. Through your Enrollment Checklist, you are providing information about:
B Your primary areas of academic interest.
B W101 (Writing 101) courses.
B Foreign language placement and interests.
B Mathematics placement.
B Selections from a range of Denison courses that are available to transfer students in the fall.
Course schedules typically feature a mixture of:
B Courses in areas in which you think you might major.
B General introductory courses.
B Courses that are more exploratory in nature.
This combination provides you the opportunity to take courses in subject areas where you already have an interest, while also studying something completely new to you. You may find these areas often overlap as you think about the classes you’d like to take. Our General Education program allows courses taken in all three of these categories to fulfill graduation requirements.
JUNE
Throughout the month of June, you will be invited to participate in an optional series of Advising Webinars designed to help you and your family members better understand the liberal arts and the breadth and depth of Denison’s academic curriculum.
Learning at Denison
Denison’s mission is to educate our students to become autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents, and active citizens of a democratic society. That happens through an academic program that is designed to unlock your potential.
As a student, you will be inspired by a dynamic faculty committed to undergraduate education. Hallmarks of Denison academic life are:
B A liberal arts foundation conveyed through a comprehensive General Education program.
B An academic specialization, in the form of a major, developed by faculty who are experts in their fields.
B Intensive interaction with classmates and teachers, including opportunities for interactive learning, skills development, and independent research.
Our goal is to challenge students while they are on The Hill, preparing Denison graduates with a critical mindset, applied skills, and a curiosity for the changing world that will allow them to thrive in their professional, intellectual, and personal lives.
Everything you need to know about the structure of Denison’s curriculum and the components of a Denison degree can be found in Denison’s Course Catalog. The catalog provides a terrific window into what might be possible as you embark on your Denison education.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
Advising is a form of teaching that is purposeful, ongoing, and regular. Advising is integral to teaching at Denison. The advising relationship between you and your Academic Advisor is an important place for conversations that connect the dots between the learning that happens both inside and outside the classroom.
ACADEMIC ADVISORS
All faculty at Denison serve as Academic Advisors, and as such are an important resource for everything from scheduling classes, navigating a major, or preparing for a career after graduation. Academic Advisors assist students as they assemble their coursework and co-curricular activities into a coherent liberal arts education tailored to their own needs and interests.
Read Denison’s Statement on Advising
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
During your time at Denison, you will face some of the toughest intellectual challenges of your life. We want you to succeed academically, and while you can find some form of support just about anywhere on campus, several resources exist specifically for helping you rise to the challenge.
ACADEMIC RESOURCE CENTER (ARC)
The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides services ranging from individualized support to oneon-one tutoring and organizational workshops.
You can meet with the ARC staff to discuss:
B Transitioning to Denison
B Tips for Academic Success
B Time Management/Organization
B Critical Thinking and Reading
B Communicating with Faculty
B Note-taking Skills
B Test Anxiety
B Managing Stress
B Study Strategies
B Accessibility Needs
ARC PEER TUTORING
ARC oversees the ARC Tutoring Program, which is designed for you to commit to regular sessions with a tutor. Tutoring does not replace working with faculty, and it is strongly recommended that you meet with your professors while also working with a tutor. Tutors are available in most academic subjects on a first-come, first-served basis. Tutors are experienced students, recommended by faculty, then hired and trained by the ARC staff. Many tutors have advanced certification through the College and Reading Learning Association. Individual academic departments also facilitate tutoring sessions between advanced and beginning students.
ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY SERVICES
ARC coordinates a wide range of reasonable accommodations and auxiliary services for students with disabilities. Information about a disability shared with the Wellness Center must be shared separately with ARC out of respect for confidentiality of your information. When submitting documentation, please note that:
B Documentation must be current (ideally within the past three years) and must be signed by the appropriate licensed professional (e.g. physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, learning specialist, etc).
B Documentation must include the date the test(s) was administered and the specific battery of tests, including the results used in making the diagnosis(es). Specific accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. The ARC staff will make the determination by utilizing required documentation, information from the online accessibility intake form, individual student consultation, and if needed, consultation with a licensed professional.
Upload a copy of your most recent medical report or evaluation documenting the nature and severity of the disability using Accommodate
Contact ARC with questions about accommodations: arc@denison.edu (740) 587-6666
THE WRITING CENTER
Through one-on-one conversations, writers collaborate with peer consultants on all types of writing at any stage of the process. The center provides all members of the Denison community with an accessible place to grow and develop as confident writers.
writingctr@denison.edu
PEER LEARNING STRATEGISTS
Peer Learning Strategists equip students in introductory science courses with metacognitive skills that help them study more efficiently and learn more effectively for success in the sciences, in all Denison courses, and beyond the classroom. A PLS works with a Student Learner (SL) one hour weekly for at least three weeks (with a highly recommended fourth session), and SLs are accepted throughout the semester. The PLS program aims to build community and trust and helps students develop, manage, and implement new learning strategies.
raise@denison.edu
ACADEMIC FORMS IN YOUR ENROLLMENT CHECKLIST
ADVISING & ACADEMIC INTERESTS FORM
This form allows you to provide some initial academic interests and preferences that will assist with first semester course registration. This information will also be used to pair you with the faculty member who will be your Academic Advisor. Faculty members will also use this form as a foundation to have a conversation with you about your academic planning during the summer.
MATH PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT
All students entering Denison complete the Math Placement Assessment prior to being registered for courses. This is true even if you do not intend to take a math course while at Denison. This allows your Academic Advisor to know what course you should take if you were to take a math course at Denison. This placement score follows the student throughout their time on The Hill.
LANGUAGE PLACEMENT ASSESSMENT
Denison has a series of core General Education Requirements (GEs) that all students need to complete in order to graduate. Depending on how you plan to complete the Modern Languages GE requirement, the Enrollment Checklist will indicate whether you need to complete a Language Placement Assessment. This will allow Academic Advisors to know which language course you should take if you were to pursue a language at Denison. This placement score follows you throughout your time at Denison.
If you have questions about the completion of these forms, please contact the Office of Advising: advising@denison.edu (740) 587-6266
Community Living
The Office of Residential Communities & Housing is committed to creating inclusive and supportive communities throughout your Denison experience. From the moment you enroll until your graduation, you are part of Denison’s vibrant residential living community. We will help match you with a roommate, determine your housing assignment, and work closely with you as you move onto The Hill to live among your peers. You will be supported in your new home away from home as you build friendships, navigate discomfort, and develop an understanding of the world from various points of view.
At Denison, we offer cohort-style living for students. That means transfer students live with their academic class (sophomore or junior) and likely with other transfer students. This living experience allows you to adjust to campus, meet your classmates, and develop lifelong friendships. We are sure you wil enjoy the experience no matter the residence hall.
COMMUNITY ADVISORS
At Denison, we call student leaders living in the halls Community Advisors. You will meet your Community Advisor (CA) when you move in, and they will be a part of your orientation experience in August. CAs build community by investing in relationships and leading programs. Your CA will help you troubleshoot concerns and learn about Denison. There are also professional staff members called Community Coordinators (CCs) who work with each building and residential quad to support students and bring resources into the residence halls.
EVENTS AND COMMUNITY
CAs organize and promote programs and events that bring people together. When you attend these events, you will meet people with shared interests, learn new things, and connect with other members of your community. Contact the Residential Communities & Housing with questions about: Leadership development, civic engagement, problem-solving, roommate relationships, Community Advisors, and Community Coordinators residentialcommunities@denison.edu (740) 587-6757
HOUSING PREFERENCE FORM
The first step in making Denison home is to complete your Housing Preference Form. It is located in your MyHousing Portal, which you navigate to via MyDenison (MyDenison> My Apps > MyHousing) under Applications/Forms. Note that this form is part of Phase 3 of your Enrollment Checklist, and you will not be able to access it until you complete all requirements in Phases 1 and 2.
For information about disability-related accommodation requests, please visit the Academic Resource Center website.
ROOMMATE MATCHING
Learning to live with someone else can be challenging. You will discover new ways of looking at things and show others what it is like to see the world through your eyes — so we encourage you to allow Denison to match you and your roomate(s). But if you want to, you can submit roommate requests in your MyHousing portal on MyDenison (after both roommates complete the Housing Preference Form). These requests must be mutual and received by June 15.
Once housing assignments are made, you will not be able to request a change until the end of the second week of classes. It takes time to get to know your new roommate(s), so please take the first two weeks to learn about each other, write a roommate agreement together, and get settled.
Scan for all things related to housing assignments, roommates, packing, and more!
Or, students can view this information in MyDenison by visiting: MyDenison > Campus Resources > Residential Communities & Housing.
Contact Student Housing with questions about: Housing assignments, living spaces, student IDs, and keys.
housing@denison.edu | (740) 587-6271
Some residence halls are not air-conditioned, and air conditioners are not permitted unless the student is approved for this accommodation.
PACKING LIST
SOME ITEMS TO CONSIDER BRINGING TO CAMPUS
R Bedding: twin extra-long sheets, blankets, comforters, mattress pad and cover, pillow
R Command strips for hanging decorations/ posters, etc. (use per instructions!)
R Cleaning supplies: small vacuum, disinfectant wipes, paper towels
R Clothing: seasonal items including winter coat and gloves, umbrella and raincoat; dress clothing for special events, comfortable shoes, and boots. Prepare to dress in layers!
R Desk lamp/study light
R Electric fan (box fan/window fan)
R Entertainment needs: books, TV, speaker, games, sports equipment, etc.
R First aid kit, bandages
R Backup device charger
R Flashlight
R Kitchen supplies: can opener, dishes, mugs, drinking glasses, eating utensils, etc.
R Laundry supplies: detergent, dryer sheets, drying rack, hangers
R Refrigerator: fewer than 4.0 cubic feet and cannot be a micro-fridge (refrigerator with microwave)
R School and office supplies: backpack, pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, scissors, stamps, stacking crates, storage boxes, small tool kit
R Surge protector(s) — extension cords are not permitted
R Toiletries: towels, washcloths, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, razors, deodorant. Don’t forget shower shoes and a small caddy to carry items to the bathroom!
R Wastepaper basket/trash can and trash bags
R Two forms of identification if you intend to apply for a campus job
THIS OR THAT
I am…
A creature of habit; I’m set in my ways
__ Pretty flexible
Totally flexible; I go along to get along
In my free time I will…
__ Go out and be social Chill in my room, probably with friends
__ Sleep or hang out solo
I want my roommate to be someone I…
__ Plan to have a separate life from
__ Consider an acquaintance
__ Hope to be a close friend with
My room is usually…
__ Clean and immaculate
__ Organized clutter
__ Messy
I clean my room…
__ Weekly or more often
__ Bi-weekly or monthly
__ When I’m asked to do so
Start thinking about your ideal living situation! Here are some questions you will find in the Housing Preference Form. Grab a pen and start thinking about your answers!
I prefer study noise level to be…
__ Absolute silence
__ Some ambient noise is okay
__ Loud with TV or music turned up
I’ll have people over…
__ Rarely
__ Sometimes
__ Frequently
My feeling about sharing my stuff with my room is…
__ What’s mine is mine
We can share, with established boundaries
__ What’s mine is yours
I usually wake up…
I beat the sun out of bed (5-7 a.m.)
__ Mid-morning riser (8-10 a.m.)
I try to make it out of bed by lunch (11 a.m.-1 p.m.)
And I like to…
__ Leap out of bed
__ Snooze once and get up
__ Hit snooze as much as possible
I sleep…
__ Light as a feather
__ I only wake up to loud noises
__ As hard as a rock
I’ll go to bed…
__ 10 p.m. or earlier
__ 1 a.m. or later
__ Sometime between 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
When I sleep I like…
__ Complete silence
__ Some ambient noise like a fan
__ Music or TV playing
I…
Prefer a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free lifestyle
Am a smoker (vape, tobacco, etc.)
Would be a good roommate for members of the LGBTQ community
Required Medical Information For New Students
As a fully residential college, Denison has certain medical requirements for all members of the student community in order to ensure your health and safety. These forms are completed through your Enrollment Checklist in Phase 2. Choose Medical Clearance from the menu on the left to access these forms.
IMMUNIZATIONS
The health and safety of the university community is our top priority, and Denison makes every effort to ensure that the university is as proactive as possible at protecting the health and well-being of our community. While the vaccination requirement alone cannot always stop outbreaks, the medical evidence shows that higher vaccination levels among a population lead to greater protection and less severe symptoms should an outbreak occur.
With this in mind, all students must complete Denison University vaccination requirements before the start of the student’s first semester. The university selected the required vaccines based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, which the State of Ohio also follows for grades K-12. Additionally, Denison added the meningococcal conjugate (ACWY) vaccination for students who are new to residence halls because college students are at higher risk for the disease, particularly those living in dense living quarters such as residence halls.
Read our full vaccination policy here
TUBERCULOSIS SCREENING
This electronic form helps students understand their risk for contracting tuberculosis, and determines whether further testing is required.
TUBERCULOSIS TESTING
International students are required to complete TB testing. Some domestic students will be required to submit TB testing as a result of prior medical history. The Wellness Center will notify you of this requirement by email.
PROOF OF INSURANCE
All registered full-time students are required to have health insurance coverage, either through the Denison’s Student Health Insurance Plan (offered through Wellfleet) or through a private individual or family plan.
If you plan to use an individual or family plan, you must request a waiver for the Student Health Insurance Plan. Note that students with out-of-state medicaid will not be approved for a waiver and will need to purchase the student plan.
If you do not take action on your insurance by either enrolling in coverage or requesting a waiver, you will automatically be enrolled. July bills will likely have health insurance charges for all students, but these charges will be removed as waivers for using private insurance are approved.
CONTACT THE ANN & THOMAS HOAGLIN WELLNESS CENTER WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT:
B Wellness forms
B Medical services
B Counseling services
B Wellness programs
The Hoaglin Wellness Center wellness@denison.edu (740) 587-6200
Contact Student Accounts at studentaccounts@denison.edu with questions.
You will submit a photo for your Denison Student ID card . Your Denison ID card serves as picture identification and is valid for the length of your enrollment at Denison. The ID card is multifunctional in that it is used for access to your residence hall, the library, dining halls, the Mitchell Center, your Denison Dollars, and admission to some university events.
Instructions for taking and uploading your photo will be found in Phase 3 of your Enrollment Checklist. If you submit a photo that does not meet
our official standards, we will email you to let you know why we are unable to accept that image, and we will invite you to submit a different photo.
Your Enrollment Checklist will update once the photo has been approved . Please note that it will not update immediately upon submission. Contact housing@denison.edu with any questions.
Finances
At Denison, you get more than a degree. The Denison experience is personalized, careerfocused, and guided by faculty, staff, and career coaches. You get real-world professional experience and long-lasting connections to help you create the future you want. This lifechanging experience is an investment, and it is important to understand how you will finance your Denison education.
Office of Student Accounts studentaccounts@denison.edu
(740) 587-6274
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AGREEMENT
Students need to complete the Financial Responsibility Agreement in Phase 1 of their Enrollment Checklist. In signing this document, students are accepting responsibility for timely payment of bills and fees. Failure to act in accordance with the Financial Responsibility Agreement could result in the inability to register for courses, select housing, move onto campus, or being administratively withdrawn from the university.
YOUR STUDENT ACCOUNT
Every student has a Student Account where tuition, course fees, housing, meals, insurance, loans, grants, scholarships, miscellaneous charges, and payments are applied. The bill listing the charges due for each semester is called your statement
A new statement will appear in your MyDenison Self-Service portal on the first business day of each month during your time at Denison.
GRANT PROXY ACCESS
You can grant parents and others direct access to your statements in your MyDenison Self-Service. This is called a GUEST PROXY. Please remind your Proxy to check their inbox for an email from proxyadmin@denison.edu soon after adding them. The PIN they receive to complete set-up will expire in five days.
VIEWING YOUR STATEMENT
Electronic statements are produced the first week of each month. An email is sent to your Denison email address and any Guest Proxy email addresses to which you have granted direct access, letting them know the statement is available for viewing. The Student Accounts office does not mail paper statements.
The two major billings are:
B July 6 (Fall Semester) due July 27
B Dec. 4 (Spring Semester) due Jan. 3
PAYING YOUR BILL
Student Accounts accepts payments online, by check, and electronic transfer from a third party (529 savings plans, employee-sponsored tuition benefits, etc.). Payments from outside the U.S. can be made through FlyWire. You can also set up a monthly payment plan through Nelnet Campus Commerce, which allows you to spread expenses over the semester in three or four equal monthly payments.
GRAD GUARD TUITION INSURANCE (OPTIONAL)
Denison has a partnership with Grad Guard, a tuition protection insurance program. It allows families and students to recover lost tuition and fees in the event of an unexpected leave or withdrawal.
FINANCIAL AID
The Office of Financial Aid ensures a smooth financial transition to your time at Denison. Be sure to check your Denison email regularly to respond promptly to requests and provide documentation as needed. The following is key to understanding your financial aid, where to find information, and next steps.
In your My Financial Aid portal on MyDenison, you have access to:
B Your current financial aid awards.
B Your financial aid award history.
B Missing financial aid documents.
NEXT STEPS
If you plan to borrow any of your offered Federal Direct Loan funds (Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized), you must complete the following two steps before the funds can be disbursed to your student account:
B STEP 1: Accept, reduce, or decline the offered Federal Direct Loans in your My Financial Aid portal.
B STEP 2: Go to www.studentaid.gov (Federal Student Aid - U.S. Department of Education site). Using your FSA ID (the ID used on the FAFSA), complete the items below:
B Entrance Counseling.
B Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note/MPN) for Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans.
Office of Financial Aid
finaid@denison.edu (740) 587-6276
OTHER FINANCING OPTIONS
B OPTION 1: Monthly Payment Plan
B OPTION 2: Parent PLUS Loan Request
B OPTION 3: Private/Alternative Student Loans
DISBURSEMENT REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements must be met in order for aid to be disbursed to your account:
B All requested documentation is received by our office.
B If you are accepting any types of loans, all steps must be completed according to your loan guidelines.
B Your final high school transcript (students from the U.S.) or secondary school certification with coursework and grades (international students) must be received.
B Outside scholarships cannot be credited to your account until we have received the funds for processing.
Note that loans will not be disbursed until 10 days before your first day of classes. It will be listed under Memoed Financial Aid on your July bill, which means you expect to receive it, but it has not yet been applied to your bill.
Please visit our Financial Aid FAQ page for more information
REQUIRED TRAINING MODULES
As part of our commitment to provide a safe and welcoming campus environment for all students, and as part of our institutional compliance obligations, all new students are required to complete training modules that help you make informed decisions about alcohol, drugs, consent, relationships, and anti-hazing. These online courses take 30-60 minutes to complete. You can work at your own pace from any computer and leave and return to the course you are working on at any time. Completing these online courses in required.
GET INCLUSIVE: VOICES FOR CHANGE
You will complete the “Voices for Change” training related to alcohol, drugs, consent, and relationships created by our training partner Get Inclusive prior to new student orientation.
You will receive an invitation at your Denison email address from Get Inclusive after your complete Phase 3 of your Enrollment Checklist. If you do not receive this email, please contact support@getinclusive.com.
PREVENT ZONE: HAZING PREVENTION 101
With the signing of Collin’s Law in Ohio in 2021, all Denison students are required to participate in anti-hazing and hazing prevention training. Students must participate in this educational training before they are allowed membership into any university recognized campus organization, fraternity and sorority, and/or athletics team. Failure to complete your Hazing Prevention 101 online course will result in an inability to participate in campus co-curricular organizations or athletics teams. If you have questions, please contact the Alford Community Leadership and Involvement Center (CLIC) at (740) 587-6374 or email clic@denison.edu
CARE (COMMUNITY ACTION FOR RESPECT AND EMPOWERMENT) WORKSHOPS
In this workshop, students will learn key concepts related to civil rights, violence prevention, and sexual respect; explore and practice strategies for intervening in difficult situations; and identify supportive campus resources. These workshops will take place during the fall semester, and you will select the date and time of the workshop you would like to attend.
SUBMIT FINAL OFFICIAL COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS
Your final college transcripts must be sent to us via your previous school’s registrar office — many schools use Parchment for this service — and it must be a copy of your official transcript.
If this requirement is still showing as “Awaiting” after three business days, please contact Jesse Yeager at yeagerj@denison.edu to ensure it was submitted.