Schedule of Events 2009/2010
August
New Student Orientation
Tuesday, August 25 to Sunday, August 30
The events planned for your first few days at Vassar will familiarize you with some important aspects of college life. Some events are intended for all new students, while others address specific needs and interests. We encourage you to see these events as opportunities to meet new people and learn more about your new home.Classes Begin
Monday, August 31
September
Fall Convocation
Wednesday, September 2 • 3:30pm - Chapel
Fall Convocation is the official culmination of the New Student Orientation Program and the official beginning of the academic year. Convocation address by Jeffrey Walker, Professor of Earth Science
Vassar Devils @Alumnae House
Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16 - Alumnae House
Join student fellows, house fellows and select alumnae/i for a fun dessert night at the college’s Alumnae House. Learn about the unique history and special traditions of the college as you enjoy a Vassar Devil (a tasty brownie, marshmallow, and ice cream concoction). Co-sponsored by the Freshmen Class Council, The Vassar First Year, the Council for Alumnae/i and Student Advancement, and Alumnae/i of Vassar College.
An Afternoon with Billy Collins
Wednesday, September 23 • 3:00pm - Students’ Building, 2nd Floor
Billy Collins, poet and author of Sailing Alone Around the Room - the Summer Reading for the Class of 2013 - will hold an open question-and-answer for first year students and friends. Bring your questions about the book or him.
William Starr Lecture
Wednesday, September 23 • 5:30pm - Villard Room
This year’s distinguished William Starr Freshmen Course Lecturer is Billy Collins, author of Sailing Alone Around the Room. Sponsored by the Freshmen Writing Seminar.
Freshmen Parents Weekend
September 26 - 27
October
October Break
Begins 5:30pm on Friday, October 16 and ends midnight on Sunday, October 25
November
Thanksgiving Break
Begins at 5:30pm on Wednesday, November 25 and ends midnight on Sunday, November 29
December
First Semester Classes End
Wednesday, December 9
Study Period
Thursday, December 10 to Sunday, December 13
First Semester Examinations
Monday, December 14 to Friday, December 18
Winter Break
Saturday, December 19, Residence Houses close at 9:00am
January
Residence Houses Open
Saturday, January 16 • 9:00am
Art as Activism
Tuesday, January 19 • 7:00pm - Students’ Building 2nd floor
An annual first year event where performance artists take the stage and present their creative works. Art as Activism is also a fun and engaging beginning of the spring semester event for all students. Performance artists to be announced.
Classes Begin
Wednesday, January 20
February
Leadership 360
Wednesday, February 10
Roundtable discussions with accomplished student leaders regarding leadership opportunities within the Vassar community.
March
Spring Break
Begins 5:30pm on Friday, March 5 and ends midnight on Sunday, March 21
April
All Parents Weekend
April 9 – 11
Spring Convocation
Wednesday, April 28 • 3:30pm - Chapel
Freshmen 15
Wednesday, April 28 (following Spring Convocation) • 7:00pm - Students’ Building, 2nd floor
A gathering for and by first year students, featuring fifteen three-minute reflections on the achievements and challenges of the freshmen year. Celebrate your experiences through song, dance, performance art, video, and other works of art. Sponsored by the Freshmen Class Council and The Vassar First Year.
May
Second Semester Classes End
Tuesday, May 4
Study Period
Wednesday, May 5 to Tuesday, May 11
Second Semester Examinations
Wednesday, May 12 to Tuesday, May 18,/p>
Residence Houses Close
Wednesday, May 19 • 9:00am