Traditions

Connecticut College has many time-honored events and traditions that bring the College community together and create lasting memories.

Batch Blast

A party given in August for first-year students. Funded by an anonymous gift in honor of Esther Batchelder '19, the Blast often includes picnics, comedy acts, hypnotists, improv groups, open mics and other social events.

Camel Mascot

Connecticut College athletes became "Camels" in 1969, when the College went co-ed. Mike Shinault, a former Navy officer, volunteered to coach the new men's basketball team and the players demanded a mascot. Shinault recalled a team named the "Camels" during his Navy days in Pakistan and suggested it to the team. It was a hit and has come to represent Connecticut College student athletes of all sports.

Camelympics

A social event in which residential houses compete with each other in different activities. This event bolsters school spirit and is just pure fun!

Commencement

A true community celebration of achievement, on the College Green, with featured student and guest speakers. A traditional picnic luncheon follows for all who attend. There are several Commencement traditions.

Crush Party

Each residential house sponsors this event - usually a dance or party - and students invite their "crush" or their friends to attend.

Eclipse Weekend

Begun in 1975, Eclipse is a diverse student club dedicated to organizing a spring weekend full of events such as dinners, dances and a standing-room-only talent show.

Fall Weekend

Show your family and friends the sights on campus, take them to a soccer game on Harkness Green, and introduce them to your roommate(s). Meet alumni who return to enjoy the festivities.

Festivus

Taking its name from a well known Seinfeld episode, Festivus is Connecticut College's annual non-denominational holiday party. Each residential house hosts its own Festivus party, all culminating in a Festivus dance in the College Center at Crozier-Williams, known as "Cro."

Floralia

A day-long student spring festival in May.  There are bands and lots of dancing in the Shain Library Amphitheater. It's one of the best parties of the year!

Harvestfest

An outdoor carnival/festival with food and entertainment, usually held in conjunction with Fall Weekend. 

Laurel Chain

At Commencement, junior class women dressed in white carry chains of  laurel through which the graduating seniors march.

Pine Sapling

Each Connecticut College graduate is presented with an Eastern White Pine (Pinus  strobus) sapling which they carry as they march at Commencement. The sapling represents the  tree on the College seal and each student's continuing connection to the College.

Student Activities Fair

If you want to become involved in a club, organization or campus activity, visit the Student Activities Fair held in Cro in early September to learn about all the things to do on campus - and in the community. 

TNEs

Thursday Night Events, or TNEs, may be a dance party in Cro, or other type of social. TNEs are sponsored by a class, a residential house or a club and are a great way to meet students.

Volunteer Fair

More than 30 community service agencies gather in Cro at the beginning of the semester.  Learn more about opportunities to become involved in the local community.

Last Modified: Friday, April 11, 2008 11:44