Academics
New Student Orientation
Event details
Orientation 2026 will take place from Wednesday, Aug. 26 – Sunday, Aug. 30. Parents and families will join us on Wednesday, Aug. 26 to help their student move in to campus. Orientation schedule
Hobart and William Smith campus calendar
HWS Events Calendar
Showing the snapshot from 2026-08-26.
Find upcoming HWS events at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. Search the campus calendar by keyword or category for lectures, student activities, athletics, performances, club meetings, dates, times, and locations.
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Student Engagement
#ThisIsHWS, Outdoor Fun & Sno Cones, and Meet Us By The Lake!
Event details
#ThisIsHWS #ThisIsHWS is built on a simple idea: every member of the HWS community has a story worth telling. Since 2018, the project has invited students to share the experiences, values, and beliefs that have shaped their lives, creating opportunities to see one another beyond first impressions. Through active listening and storytelling, our community develops authentic empathy and celebrates the individual members that create this community. Outdoor Fun & Sno Cones Get moving and meet new friends at this action-packed recreation session hosted by the HWS Rec Center! Jump into a game of volleyball, badminton, spikeball, kickball, or gaga ball, toss a football, and try a variety of other lawn games and activities. Whether you're looking for some friendly competition or just want to have fun, there's something for everyone. Come play, connect, and discover all the ways you can stay active at HWS! Meet Us By The Lake! There's no better way to experience HWS than on the shores of Seneca Lake! Join us at the Bozzuto Boathouse to paddleboard, kayak, swim, cast a line with members of the Fishing Club, or simply relax and take in the view. Whether you're looking for adventure or a chance to connect with new friends, this is your opportunity to discover one of the most iconic parts of the HWS experience. Come see why life is better when you meet us by the lake! This lake excursion will be offered during your group’s assigned time. You will be escorted from the Quad in small groups with a guide to the boathouse. OM Groups 1-12 1-2:30 p.m. #ThisIsHWS - Vandervort Room 2:45-4 p.m. Outdoor Fun & Sno Cones - The Quad 4:15-5:30 p.m. Meet Us By The Lake! - Bozzuto Boathouse OM Groups 13-25 1-2:30 p.m. Meet Us By The Lake! - Bozzuto Boathouse 2:45-4 p.m. #ThisIsHWS - Vandervort Room 4:15-5:30 p.m. Outdoor Fun & Sno Cones - The Quad OM Groups 26-36 1-2:30 p.m. Outdoor Fun & Sno Cones - The Quad 2:45-4 p.m. Meet Us By The Lake! - Bozzuto Boathouse 4:15-5:30 p.m. #ThisIsHWS - Vandervort Room
Student Engagement
Paws for a Break
Event details
First-years and transfers will have an opportunity to "Paws for a Break" and come relax with some of the most beloved celebrities on campus, in case they're finding the transition to campus a little ruff. If you can't make it don't terrier yourself up about it as there will be plenty of additional opportunities throughout the school year.
Academics
Convocation 2026
Event details
Convocation marks the start of the academic year at Hobart and William Smith. The event program includes addresses from the Hobart and William Smith student leaders, faculty and the alumni community. New first-year students and new transfer students join current students, including our senior Hai Timiai and Druid Honor Society members, in celebrating the academic experience. Class banners are signed, and new students receive a gift from the deans.
Academics
First Day of Classes
Academics
Student add/drop period | Work due for spring semester incompletes
Event details
Student add/drop period and work due for spring semester incompletes.
Student Engagement
First Day Photo Booth
Event details
Celebrate the first day of the Fall semester with a HWS-themed photo booth!
Student Engagement
Free Ice Cream for Students from Sprinkle Starship
Event details
Celebrate the first day of classes with free ice cream for students from the Sprinkle Starship!
Career Services
Virtual Joint Interview Essentials and Networking 101 Workshops
Event details
This combined workshop, hosted by Career Services, satisfies both prerequisites, Interview Essentials and Networking 101, for students applying for Guaranteed Internship Funding. Students will learn how to build and maintain a professional network, approach networking opportunities with confidence, and effectively use platforms such as LinkedIn to expand professional connections. The workshop will also cover interview essentials, including different types of interviews, how to prepare, professional attire, responding to behavioral and general interview questions, and best practices for following up with employers after an interview. Whether you are actively applying for internships or planning ahead, this workshop will equip you with practical tools to make strong professional connections and present yourself effectively to employers—while fulfilling a key requirement for Internship Funding.
Student Engagement
Tie-Dye Tuesday
Athletics
William Smith Soccer vs. Emmanuel College (Mass.)
Athletics
Hobart Soccer at St. John Fisher University
Athletics
William Smith Field Hockey at St. John Fisher University
Event details
William Smith Field Hockey at St. John Fisher University Full schedule
Faculty & Staff
The Dock Drop-In Information Session
Event details
Join us for a drop-in session on Zoom or in Scandling Campus Center at Finger Lakes Coffee to learn more about The Dock. This session is designed for faculty and staff who would like to know more or view the portal. For more information, including frequently asked questions, please visit the website.
Career Services
Women in Business Club Luncheon with Ericka McKenna '02
Event details
Women in Business Club Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Ericka McKenna '02, Chief Marketing Officer, Real Chemistry. Ericka has nearly 20 years of experience partnering with pharmaceutical manufacturers on bringing new, highly innovative products to market. She has worked with some of the world's most innovative healthcare companies, including Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb and AbbVie. Most recently, her career has focused on leading growth and marketing efforts for Real Chemistry, a multinational, healthcare-focused marketing and communications network. Ericka is a proud alumna of Hobart and William Smith, where she earned a bachelor's degree. She also holds a master's degree in healthcare innovation from the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine.
Centennial Center
Centennial Center at the Involvement Expo
Event details
Stock up on studying essentials (highlighters, pens, pencils, fidget toys, snacks, etc.) and learn more about Centennial Center programming at the Involvement Expo! Meet us on the Quad from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. (Rain location: Vandervort Room, Scandling Campus Center.)
Student Engagement
Fall Involvement Expo
Event details
HWS has over 80 student organizations. Come learn more about them and how you can get involved!
Lectures
Technology Workshop Series: Intro to File Management
Event details
The Digital Learning Center is pleased to offer a student workshop series on a variety of technical skills. Join us on Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in Learning Studio 2, on the first floor of the Library. Learn a new tool and develop your skills. No previous experience necessary, drop-ins welcome. Check out all the offerings in our series: September 3: Introduction to File Management September 10: Basics of AI Literacy September 17: Introduction to Video Editing with DaVinci Resolve September 24: Introduction to Excel October 1: Podcast Recording and Editing October 8: AI: Cheating or Study Tool? October 15: Intermediate Excel October 22: Why is the AI Lying to Me? Hallucinations, Bad Prompts, and How to Fix them October 29: Introduction to Photoshop November 5: Collecting Data with Survey123 November 12: Exploring Ethical Implications of AI November 19: DSLR Camera and Lighting Demo
Admissions
Fall Open House
Event details
Open House programs typically include panel discussions with students and faculty, a campus tour and lunch. Rising seniors may also register for an interview when they arrive to campus.
Student Engagement
Fun Friday: Get to Know Student Activities & Greek Life
Event details
Get to know the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life! Learn more about Student Government, CAB, Greek recruitment, leadership and involvement opportunities, the Road Trip Series and more!
Student Engagement
Welcome Back Dirty Soda Bar
Event details
Come celebrate the beginning of the school year with us at the AIC! Dirty Soda Bar ingredients will be provided while supplies last. Hope to see you there!
Student Engagement
Open House hosted by Mary Herlihy Gearan
Event details
Come to the President’s House for a relaxed, informal gathering with fellow students and Geneva community members. Enjoy light refreshments and a fun chance to meet new people and engage with friends.
Athletics
William Smith Soccer at Washington and Lee University
Event details
William Smith Soccer at Washington and Lee University Full schedule
Athletics
Hobart Soccer at Brandeis University
HWS AI Club
Weekly HWS AI Club meeting
HWS AI Club Events at Hobart and William Smith are open to students from every major and class year.
When: Every Sunday, 5-6 PM · Sanford Room
Where: Sanford Room, Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Bring a question, a class project, or just curiosity. Meetings are beginner-friendly, open to every major and class year, and require no application.
HWS event information
Finding events at Hobart and William Smith
Where can I find upcoming HWS events?
Use the HWS Events Calendar above to browse current campus events by month, keyword, and category. Listings include event titles, dates, Eastern times, locations, organizers, descriptions, and links to the official HWS record.
Is this the HWS academic calendar?
No. This page covers campus and community events. For a student-friendly academic-date summary, use the HWS Academic Calendar. For official semester dates such as the first day of classes, registration, breaks, reading days, and final exams, use the official HWS academic calendar ↗.
Where can HWS students find clubs and activities?
Campus activities appear in the calendar when HWS publishes them. For the complete organization list, use the official HWS clubs and organizations directory ↗. HWS AI Club meeting and joining information appears on this page.
Student organizations
HWS clubs and organizations
Search HWS student organizations by name and official category. HWS AI Club is highlighted with a direct link to its Skool community.
Directory publication is pending HWS approval.
Official directory link available
Written HWS approval is required before this directory is published here. Until then, use the official HWS directory for the current list.