Family Weekend has moved from the spring to early fall, expanding to include the families of seniors as well as first-year students.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend time with their students, meet other families, get to know faculty and staff, have fun, and experience campus life as a member of the Dartmouth community,” says Scott Brown, interim dean of the College.

“The peak of fall foliage season is such a beautiful time in Hanover,” says President Philip J. Hanlon ’77. “Our faculty and staff will greet families with a vast array of dynamic programming we know they will enjoy.”

Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, and events wrap up late Sunday morning, Oct. 2. Among the highlights: a “Building Community” panel moderated by Vice President for Alumni Relations Cheryl Bascomb ’82, featuring Brown; Provost David Kotz ’86 (a three-time Dartmouth parent); and Shontay Delalue, senior vice president and senior diversity officer.

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Interim Dean of the College Scott Brown talks with families during their visit to campus last fall. (Photo by Lars Blackmore)

There will also be campus and special tours; open houses hosted by various College programs and departments, including the Book Arts Workshop; information sessions on topics ranging from wellness to study-abroad opportunities; and a showcase of a cappella singing groups. There are also home football, volleyball, field hockey, men’s soccer, and women’s rugby contests over the weekend.

More than 1,500 relatives and friends visited campus for a special Fall Family Weekend last October to celebrate with sophomores and juniors who, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, hadn’t been able to have such an event in the spring of 2020 and 2021.

“We are excited to launch a Family Weekend event that will be focused on the parents and supporters of both first-year students and seniors,” says Marianne Huger Thomson, associate dean of student affairs. “Holding the weekend in the fall gives families a chance to come to Dartmouth during a time that students are often missing home and looking for reconnection. This will also allow senior families to visit Dartmouth with other families another time before commencement.”

The Family Weekend site includes a registration form, schedule of events, and suggestions for weekend accommodations.