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The Early Days of the New School Year

Activities, traditions, and gatherings mark the beginning of the fall term for first-year and returning students.

A group of students stands in a circle listening to President Philip J. Hanlon '77 speaking in his office.
During matriculation, President Philip J. Hanlon ’77 greets first-year students personally and then speaks to the group as a whole in his office in Parkhurst. (Photo by Rob Strong)
After matriculation, Marie Schaffer '73 welcomes a member of the Class of 2023 as a part of Class Connections outside.
After matriculation, Marie Schaffer ’73 welcomes a member of the Class of 2023 as a part of Class Connections, a program organized by the First Year Office and the Office of Alumni Relations. Representatives from the Class of 1973, who will celebrate their 50th reunion during the Class of 2023’s commencement, gave each first-year student a pin with their class year on it. (Photo by Rob Strong)
A member of the Class of 2023 signs the Dartmouth Pledge
A member of the Class of 2023 signs the Dartmouth Pledge, symbolizing their commitment to the College’s community, during matriculation. (Photo by Rob Strong)
Taken at dusk, a first year holds a lit candle in front of them. Their face is lit up and in the background you can see Baker Library's lights. The student is a par
After being welcomed by leaders from the Class of 2019, the new students carry lit candles from the front of Collis Center across campus to the Bema for the twilight ceremony. (Photo by Rob Strong)
Hundreds of first year students are pictures filling the Bema at the end of twilight ceremony. They are all holding candles.
The culmination of orientation week for first-year students, the twilight ceremony ends in the Bema, where students gather as a class. (Photo by Rob Strong)
Several students linking arms in lines at the Bema and singing the Alma Mater.
After blowing out their candles, students link arms as they sing the Alma Mater at the conclusion of the twilight ceremony. (Photo by Rob Strong)
First-year students dined at the homes of their house professors on Sept. 14. These students are attending the School House dinner.
First-year students dined at the homes of their house professors on Sept. 14. These students are attending the School House dinner.  (Photo by Lars Blackmore)
Two students carry boxes as they move back to campus, a common scene in the days leading up to the start of classes.
Two students carry boxes as they move back to campus, a common scene in the days leading up to the start of classes. (Photo by Lars Blackmore)
Several tables are set up on the Dartmouth Green with people enjoying a cookout while listening to music performers on a stage at the north end of the green.
The Dartmouth community celebrates the beginning of the school year and Dartmouth’s 250th anniversary with hamburgers, hotdogs, garden burgers, and other picnic fare at the annual cookout on the Green. (Photo by Eli Burakian ’00)
Members of the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, led by Walt Cunningham, perform at the community cookout on the Green.
Members of the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, led by Walt Cunningham, perform at the community cookout on the Green. (Photo by Members of the Dartmouth College Gospel Choir, led by Walt Cunningham, perform at the community cookout on the Green.)