This is your doorway to Dartmouth: a Big Green Welcome to all Parents & Families
Use this page for information, tips and advice on how to help students succeed at Dartmouth. We call it Partnering For Success.
Many basic services and links can be found here
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When you arrive in Hanover and need directions or information, go to the student-staffed Information Desk just inside Collis Center. The building is located on the Green, across the intersection from the Hanover Inn. The staff at the Front Desk of the Hanover Inn is also a good source of Dartmouth and local information. Additionally, in the summer, there is an Information Booth on the Green.
Top of pageMany parents and families were unable to attend the September 13th Parent & Family Orientation on campus. Fortunately, with this website, information from the educational sessions is available online. The program began with a welcome from President Kim and continued in a conference format with concurrent sessions on topics selected for their relevance to those who support Dartmouth students. Select any topics that interest you. More information is on Facebook; just search for Dartmouth Parents.
President Kim and Acting Dean of the College Sylvia Spears welcomed supporters of the Class of 2013 and talked about their plans for the College and students’ experience. Watch here.
The Academic Path students will take at Dartmouth and who their advisors will be. Watch here.
Getting Involved in Student Organizations
Health Services and Safety at Dartmouth
Living at Dartmouth: How Residence Halls and Dining Support Student Success
Study Abroad: An Overview Dartmouth's Off-Campus Academic Programs
Statistics show us that some families communicate with their students as often as 50 times per week. Others talk once a month. Either way, remember that Dartmouth students are capable people who are developing the skills of autonomy and self-regulation. It is up to them to learn to meet deadlines, make decisions, and work toward their goals. When you do talk, encourage them to do their own problem solving and to look beyond the most obvious solution. Sometimes it seems that students only call home when they are lonely or discouraged and that leads families to believe the students are always unhappy. If that is happening to you, try getting in touch at other times and it is likely you will find a happier student.
Top of pageTwice a year Dartmouth hosts Family Weekends, which are a blend of programs created by Student Life to encourage families to learn about Dartmouth and helping students succeed at the College, and events designed by students to entertain their visitors.
Parents will receive registration materials by U.S. mail in February. Before then, you may wish to make housing arrangements.
The Family Weekend activities begin by 3 p.m. on Friday and conclude by 2 p.m. on Sunday and they include 50+ events that are a mix of family fun, getting to know Dartmouth, and learn about how to help students succeed in College. A variety of videos from the 2009 First Year Family Weekend can be found here. Registration materials have been mailed to families of First Year students. Schedule materials and all other information needed for the weekend are available for pick up at the Collis Center, Friday Noon - 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Families that have not pre-registered are welcome to register in Hanover at the Collis Center. Friday Noon - 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Parents will receive registration materials by U.S. mail in June.
Graduation, known at Dartmouth as “Commencement” is always the second Sunday in June. For complete information, click here. Because we have plenty of space on the Green, there are no tickets and everyone is welcome to attend. The weather in Hanover is variable in June so be prepared for a hot day, a cool day, and a wet day. The ceremony is on the Green, rain or shine. If there is extreme and dangerous weather, the ceremony is cancelled (not rescheduled, not moved to another location). If that happens, graduating students pick up their diplomas in Robinson Hall. For tips from other families on enjoying Commencement Weekend, join the discussion on Facebook.
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