Founders Day

The College's birthday, Founders Day, is celebrated on April 5, the date in 1911 on which the College’s original charter was signed by the Connecticut Secretary of State. (The Connecticut State Assembly approved the charter on April 4 to Thames College. The name was changed a few months later to Connecticut College for Women.) Founders Day events vary each year, but you can bet there will be birthday cake!

Founders Day

Floralia

This day-long student spring festival, held every May, is one of the best parties of the year! Bands play all day long and there is lots of dancing and socializing in the outdoor Shain Library Amphitheater.

Fall Weekend and Harvestfest

More than 1,300 alumni, parents and friends gather on campus for Connecticut College's annual family weekend. Guests can experience a slice of campus life by participating in faculty-led seminars, talking with distinguished alumni and cheering on the College's athletic teams. At Harvestfest, one of the most anticipated events of the weekend, more than 70 student clubs, academic departments and athletic teams set up shop, selling a wide array of Camel- and Connecticut College-inspired clothing, gifts and treats in a bazaar-like atmosphere. It's the biggest fundraiser of the year for most clubs, and a great opportunity to stock up on Camel swag.

Fall Weekend

Eclipse

Connecticut College students have produced this jaw-dropping talent show every spring for more than 30 years. Students spend much of the year organizing, choreographing and rehearsing the show's lineup of performances, which is shaped by a different theme each year.

Festivus

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

Student Involvement Fair

At the beginning of every semester, representatives from all campus clubs gather to recruit new members. Meet club leaders and sign up for as many clubs as you'd like. Don't be afraid to try new things.

Major events and traditions

TEDxConnecticutCollege

Each year, students organize and produce TEDxConnecticutCollege, which brings people together to share ideas worth spreading for a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks videos and live speakers spark deep reflection and discussion. Speakers for this annual event, held in April, include students, faculty, alumni and community and industry leaders.

Moonlight Breakfast

Students hitting the books to prepare for final exams are encouraged to take a study break and fuel up with an annual favorite: the moonlight breakfast. Staff volunteers from several departments serve pancakes, eggs, bacon, sweet potato puffs, mini danish and doughnuts. And you won't want to miss the decorate-your-own cupcake bar!

Senior Week

Each year, the junior class plans a week of fun and excitement for the graduating senior class.

Thursday Night Variety

Thursday nights are reserved for comedy shows, concerts, game shows, poetry slams, film screenings and more.

Dessert and Dialogue Series

Enjoy sweet desserts and engaging discussions in the residence halls. Each event in the series is led by student-selected faculty or staff member. Previous topics have included: dialogues with the president, representation of American culture and the super bowl, dating and relationships, human trafficking, and love your body. 

Blood drives

The Student Government Association teams up with The American Red Cross to sponsor two or three blood drives each year. At each event, students volunteer, recruit donors and advertise each drive.

Volunteer fair

Get involved! At the beginning of each semester, representatives from more than 30 community service agencies gather in Cro to share information about community service opportunities.