Fall semester is arguably the most exciting on Fordham’s Rose Hill campus. It kicks off with freshmen orientation, a multi-day event to introduce first-year students to university culture, academics and social life. It also familiarizes new students with Fordham’s academic and conduct policy. Classes begin on Wednesday, Aug. 31, giving everyone the opportunity to experience a dose of their class schedule and prevent early burnout. That same day is the club fair, where clubs on the Rose Hill campus table and recruit members. Make sure to visit The Fordham Ram’s table to learn more about writing for the paper!

The add/drop period ends Sept. 8 and the first big event is the President’s Inaugural Ball on Sept. 16. Fordham’s equivalent of homecoming requires semiformal attire and students tend to go all out with the celebrations and outfits.

Family Weekend, held starting Sept. 30, includes a football pregame and tailgate, a NYC-style brunch, a performance showcase and a communal mass. Family Weekend is a great way for first-year students to introduce their parents to everything Fordham has to offer and to experience the beginning of football season at Rose Hill.

Sept. 15 is the start of Latinx Heritage Month and the Office of Multicultural Affairs always hosts a multitude of events, including free giveaways and events celebrating a variety of cultural cuisines. The celebrations extend to mid-October, which is also the middle of LGBTQ+ History Month, so the festivities only grow.

With mid-semester evaluations due on Oct. 26, midterms can be expected to be held in the week prior to give professors ample time for grading before Thanksgiving break. When certain midterms are depend on the student, but can be determined by the course’s syllabi.

Thanksgiving recess begins Nov. 23 and classes resume on Nov. 28. December is an exciting event typically filled with Christmas-themed events; clubs will hold holiday parties and the Commuter Student Association has held events such as hot chocolate socials in the past to get students in the festive mood.

The last day of classes is on Dec. 9. Fordham’s reading days (meaning no classes, meant for studying) are Dec 12 and 13, and exams for modern languages are held on the 13. Finals officially kick off on the 14 and end the 21, with the 21 being the last day to move out of housing. Holiday break this year will start the next day, on the 22, and students are expected to return by the time classes resume on Jan. 17.