Family Calendar

Denison Family Calendar 2025-2026

Welcome to Denison!

Dear Parents and Families, We are so excited that your student is joining our Denison community, and we are equally excited to welcome you, too!

To help orient you to Denison and our resources, this calendar shares important dates and information. As students acclimate to Denison and connect with one another, this calendar provides an overview of the academic year, highlighting opportunities that you can encourage your student to explore.

In addition, each month features conversation starters you can use when talking to your student about their semester.

Our Office of Family Engagement is here to support you throughout your student’s experience. Over the next several months, here’s how you can expect to engage with us: Family Weekend, Sept. 26-28: We invite all families to campus for Family Weekend, where you will have the opportunity to spend time with your student, take in arts performances, cheer at athletic competitions, and meet your student’s new friends and favorite professors and administrators. This is the best time to get a small taste of what it is like to be a Denison student!

Monthly Family Newsletters: You will receive our monthly “Denison Family Guide,” an email newsletter that equips you with information, upcoming opportunities, and potential timespecific conversations to have with your student.

To learn more about how to engage with Denison, go to denison.edu/families or scan the QR code below.

We also encourage families to engage in the life of the college.

Here are some ways to get involved: • Attend Denison events in your city, like our annual Denison

Everywhere in January, Presidential Receptions, and special city-based gatherings of Denisonians • Cheer on the Big Red at athletic competitions on campus or

near you • Attend performances at The Eisner Center for the Performing Arts • Serve as an admission ambassador and help us recruit future

Denisonians • Provide career mentorship and internships for current students • Host a Denison event, like a summer welcome reception for

incoming students, a meeting of Denison interns in your city, or other kinds of get-togethers • Donate to the Annual Fund, which provides funding for student

internships, student clubs and organizations, and scholarships • Join the Family Leadership Council and support the college

with a leadership-level gift Again, we cannot express enough how excited we are that you are joining our Denison community! We know these next months are a moment of celebration but also a transition for you, your student, and your entire family, and we are excited to partner with you and be a resource.

Warmly, Julie Tucker ʼ09, Director of Family Engagement Sara Stasko, Associate Director of Family Engagement Susan Stoner Leithauser ʼ90, Director of Parent and Family Philanthropy Samantha Keith, Associate Director of Parent and Family Philanthropy

A Family Guide to Granville RESTAURANTS Aladdin Restaurant / 122 E Broadway / 740-920-4144 Old-school diner with vintage flair serving American breakfast fare, burgers, and sandwiches.

Pretzel Shop / 136 E Broadway Light, buttery pretzels and strawberry lemonade.

Alfie’s / 221 E Broadway / 740-321-1111 Fresh-made wholesome salads, sandwiches, sides, and treats.

Ray Ray’s Hog Pit / 1256 Columbus Rd / 740-920-9103 Counter service barbecue specializing in smoked ribs, wings, and sandwiches.

Broadway Pub / 126 E Broadway / 740-587-0252 Classic all-American burgers, sandwiches, salads, soups, carryout, and bar service.

River Road Coffee / 935 River Rd / 740-587-7266 Traditional West Coast coffeehouse, gourmet espresso drinks, loose-leaf teas, bagels, and fresh pastries.

Chipotle / 520 S Main St. / 740-880-3049 Fast-food chain offering Mexican fare.

Seek-No-Further Cidery / 126 E Elm St Authentic New England-style hard cider crafted in the heart of the village, plus full bar and snacks.

Day y Noche / 134 E Broadway / 740-587-0204 Casual restaurant serving up well-known Mexican dishes and breakfast in a colorful interior.

Dragon Village / 127 E Broadway / 740-321-3338 Chinese food restaurant also serving vegetarian dishes.

Elms / 113 E Elm St / 740-587-1032 Family-owned and -run pizza parlor serving pizza, subs, salads, and their famous French bread.

Granville Inn / 314 E. Broadway / 740-587-3333 High-end American and French cuisine, seafood, and bar service.

Harvest Pizzeria / 454 S. Main St. / 740-920-4447 Specialty pizzas and vegan dishes are the headliners at this cheerful, modern restaurant.

Joe & Mimi’s / 943 River Rd / 740-587-0046 New York-style pizza, subs, and pasta in a quaint, family-friendly setting.

Madelyn’s Bakery / 119 E Elm St / 740-920-4294 Local bakery selling gluten-free and vegan baked goods.

OneLove Cafe / 415 S. Main St. / 740-920-4049 Cafe with Turkish coffee, smoothies, baklava, and healthy treats.

Palumbo’s Italian Market / 937 River Rd / 740-587-0409 Authentic Italian market with a fine selection of Italian wines, grocery items, and freshly prepared food and desserts.

Pochos Tequila & Cocina / 128 E Broadway / 740-920-4216 Popular Mexican restaurant serving street tacos, fajitas, and more.

Seven 4 Zero / 470 S Main St / 740-587-1864 Fast food spot for burgers, chicken tenders, and ice cream treats.

Snapshots Lounge / 1320 Weaver Dr / 740-321-1391 Relaxed American restaurant featuring innovative, locally sourced fare and backyard dining.

Station / 425 S Main St / 740-920-4275 Coffee shop in a historic train station with unique desserts and specialty coffee drinks.

Taco Dan’s / 119 S Prospect St / 740-321-1198 Family-owned and -operated taqueria restaurant, a favorite spot for our Denison students.

The Lot Beer Co. / 140 N Prospect St / 740-920-4444 Experience a time-traveling party with vintage arcade games, hot dogs, and delicious burgers.

Three Tigers Brewing Co. / 133 N Prospect St / 740-920-4680 Viet-inspired street food restaurant and microbrewery, with live music and specialty cocktails.

Village Coffee / 132 E Broadway / 740-587-4940 Bagels, pastries, soups, sandwiches, and gourmet coffees.

Whit’s Frozen Custard / 226 E Broadway / 740-587-3620 Frozen custard, hot dogs, pork barbecue sandwiches, and home of the “Whitser.”

Village Wine Co. / 126 S Main St / 740-321-3399 Curated beverage shop featuring unique, harder-to-find wine and beer.

HOTELS Granville and Newark Cherry Valley Hotel / 2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, 43055 740-788-1200 Granville Inn / 314 E Broadway, Granville, 43023 / 740-587-3333 Buxton Inn / 313 E Broadway, Granville, 43023 / 740-587-0001 Courtyard by Marriott Columbus Newark Granville 500 Highland Blvd, Newark, 43055 / 740-344-1800 DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Newark Ohio 50 N Second St, Newark, 43055 / 740-322-6455

New Albany

Halfway between downtown Columbus and Granville, a 20-minute drive.

Courtyard by Marriott Columbus New Albany 5211 Forest Dr, New Albany, 43054 / 614-855-1505 Hampton Inn & Suites New Albany Columbus 5220 Forest Dr, New Albany, 43054 / 614-855-8335 Home2 Suites by Hilton New Albany Columbus 5095 Forest Dr, New Albany, 43054 / 614-305-4257

BANKS

First Federal Savings and Chase, Park National, and Huntington banks have offices and ATMs in downtown Granville.

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Move In Day: First-Year Students

Week of Welcome: Casino Night

Week of Welcome: Rec @ Nite

Induction The Sizzle August Orientation

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August Orientation

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Off-Campus Orientation Experience Trips Move In Day: Upperclass Students

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CONVERSATION STARTERS

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Involvement Fair

Fall Semester Classes Begin

First-Year Friday

Saturday Service Kickoff

Campus Cookout & Fireworks

First Day of Class Celebration

Week of Welcome: Late Night Breakfast

What did you enjoy most about your off-campus experience? Did you connect with other students?

What was your favorite part of orientation on campus? Was there a session that resonated with you or an event that was especially fun?

What’s been the best part of living in a residence hall so far?

September 2025 MONDAY

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First-Year Friday

Connect Trip: Columbus Clippers Baseball Game

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9/11 Day of Service

First-Year Friday

9/11 Day of Service

Labor Day: Classes in Session

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ReMix: Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Disruption

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Big Red Career Expo

First-Year Friday

Denison Day: Concert & Performances

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Register here

Rosh Hashanah Begins Department of Theatre: The Grown-Up Family Weekend

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Theatre: The Grown-Up Family Weekend

CONVERSATION STARTERS

How do you want to get involved? Join a student organization? Attend events, special lectures, or performances? Get a campus job? Participate in student government or First-Year Council?

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How are you building relationships and connecting with other students?

If you are coming to Family Weekend: How would you like to spend Family Weekend? What would you like to participate in?

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Yom Kippur Begins

Department of Theatre: The Grown-Up Big Red Weekend (Alumni Homecoming)

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Fall Dance Festival

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First-Year Friday

Orchestra Concert

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Theatre: The Grown-Up Big Red Weekend

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Connect Trip: Columbus Crew

Columbus Day: Classes in Session

Fall Break: No Classes

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Diwali

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Dension Prism Concert

Vail Series: Gabriel Kahane

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Advising for Spring Semester 2026 Begins Department of Theatre: Rules for Living

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Theatre: Rules for Living

CONVERSATION Which classes are most prompting you to think STARTERS differently or challenging you to learn and grow?

How are you managing your time and balancing coursework with other responsibilities or activities?

What strategies are you using for your wellness? Are you sleeping, exercising, eating right, and developing emotional agility and resilience? Have you taken advantage of any wellness opportunities?

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Daylight Savings Time Ends

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First-Year Friday

Wind Ensemble Concert

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Theatre: Rules for Living

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Veterans Day: Classes in Session

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First-Year Course Registration for Spring Semester

Vail Series: Les Arts Florissants

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Concert Choir and Chamber Singers Concert

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Thanksgiving Day Residence Halls Reopen at 9 a.m.

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CONVERSATION STARTERS

Thanksgiving Break: No Classes

How are you feeling about college so far? What’s been something surprising about your transition?

Have you experienced any homesickness?

How did you get through it?

Tell me about the students living in your residence hall and the friends you’ve made. Where have you found your community? What’s been the social or community event you’ve most enjoyed so far this semester?

December 2025 SUNDAY

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Classes Resume

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First-Year Friday

Orchestra Holiday Pops Concert

Gospel Choir Concert

Denison Music Theatre: Lucky Stiff

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Fall Semester Classes End

Final Exams: Reading & Study Day

Winter Fest

1831 Day: Denison’s birthday!

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Residence Halls Close for Winter Break at 9 a.m.

Note: Be sure to check with your student about the date of their last final exam before booking travel home for Winter Break.

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Christmas Day

Kwanzaa Begins

Denison Music Theatre: Lucky Stiff

Theatre: Lucky Stiff

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Hanukkah Begins

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Final Exams: Reading & Study Day

Final Exams

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Final Exams

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Last Day of Hanukkah

Winter Break: No Classes

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Winter Break: No Classes

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Where did you feel the most excitement and passion in your classes?

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How do you feel about your Fall Semester grades?

What are you most looking forward to for Spring Semester?

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Involvement Fair

First-Year Friday

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Winter Break: No Classes

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Winter Break: No Classes

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Residence Halls Reopen at 9 a.m.

Spring Semester Begins Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration Classes Not in Session Fraternity and Sorority Recruitment Begins

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Denison Everywhere Join alums, families, and students as we celebrate Denison all over the globe.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

What will you do differently this semester to get the most out of your classes?

How will you build relationships with your new professors this semester? Have you considered going to their office hours?

How will you get involved in campus life outside of classes? Is there an organization you’d like to join?

February 2026 SUNDAY

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Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Bid Day

Groundhog Day

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First-Year Friday

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Vail Series: The Other Mozart

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Presidents Day: Classes in Session

Ramadan Begins

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21 Winter Gala Bluegrass and American Roots Festival

Lunar New Year

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Which faculty member have you learned the most from this year? What makes them such a good professor?

What is an interesting assignment, paper, or project you are currently working on?

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What are your plans for Spring Break? Are you participating in any of the opportunities Denison offers?

March 2026 SUNDAY

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Purim Begins

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Holi

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First-Year Friday ReMix Women Department of Theatre: Macbeth

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Daylight Savings Time Begins

Residence Halls Close for Spring Break at 9 a.m.

Theatre: Macbeth

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St. Patrick's Day

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Spring Equinox

Spring Break: No Classes

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Residence Halls Reopen at 9 a.m.

Classes Resume for Spring Semester

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Advising for Fall 2026 Registration Begins TUTTI Festival

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CONVERSATION STARTERS

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Have you visited the Knowlton Center this year? What upcoming programs or opportunities do you want to participate in?

How are you planning on spending your time this summer?

An internship? Summer research? A summer job?

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How comfortable are you with your resume and cover letter? How might you increase your confidence and sharpen your interviewing skills?

April 2026 MONDAY

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FAFSA Form Due for Returning Students

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First-Year Friday

Passover Begins

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Easter

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Passover Ends

Department of Theatre: Picasso at the Lapin Agile

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Academic Awards Convocation

Combined Orchestra and Choir Concert

Rising Sophomore Course Registration for Fall 2026

Big Red's Big Day Health and Fitness Fest

Annual Spring Aestavalia: Food, student performances, and more!

Theatre: Picasso at the Lapin Agile

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Department of Theatre: Picasso at the Lapin Agile

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Denison Day of Giving

Culture Palooza Concert

Earth Day

Theatre: Picasso at the Lapin Agile

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Theatre: Spring Awakening

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Are you considering studying abroad during your time at Denison? If so, where and in which program? Have you visited the Center for Global Programs to learn more?

How are you beginning to prepare for finals and end of semester projects?

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What is an activity, performance, athletic competition, or off-campus trip that you might attend this month?

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Spring Semester Classes End

Final Exams: Reading & Study Day

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Final Exams: Reading & Study Day

Theatre: Spring Awakening

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Final Exams

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Final Exams: Reading & Study Day

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Residence Halls Close for NonGraduating Students at 9 a.m.

Final Exams

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Baccalaureate

185th Annual Commencement Exercises Residence Halls Close for Graduating Students at 6 p.m.

Senior Soiree

Mother’s Day Final Exams

Commencement Weekend

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Memorial Day

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CONVERSATION STARTERS

What achievements are you most proud of after your first year of college?

What is one thing that really challenged you and how did you grow from it?

What are you looking forward to over summer break?

Denison Family Engagement families@denison.edu 740-587-8045