Haverford’s history is steeped in traditions, some still practiced, some left behind when the College became co-ed in 1980. But the most important traditions at Haverford are the ones still alive today.

The oldest, and probably the most pervasive influence at Haverford is its Quaker roots. Many of us will explore concepts of consensus, community, human service and collaboration in our time here.

Each year, 'Fords can look forward to a myriad of traditional events such the Collection speaker series; Screw Your Roommate, Snowball and Sun Dances; frequent a cappella concerts; pinwheel day; the annual weekend throwdown at the end of the year called Haverfest (which includes, amongst other things, a performance by a big name band Friday night and a carnival on Founders green with live music all day Saturday); and most importantly Fall and Spring Plenary.

Plenary provides a forum for student opinion and action for all members of the Students' Association. In this forum, the Honor Code, the Alcohol Policy and the Students' Association Constitution are all evaluated and improved upon. Other exciting campus initiatives such as the ExCo program have also found their roots in a Plenary session.

Many of the College traditions are packed into Customs Week. Over time, the many traditions associated with Customs Week have changed (first-years are no longer flung head-first into the Duck Pond), but the core principles and nature of the week remain the same. For instance, each class at Haverford has a tree planted in the Arboretum that will grow with them over the years. Along with numerous academic and social support systems for first-year students (including Customs People, Faculty Advisors, Upper Class Advisors, Honor Code Orienteers, Peer Awareness Facilitators, Ambassadors for Multicultural Awareness, Student Resource People, and Deans), first year students enjoy the traditional Quaker Meeting House Collection in which they are formally introduced to the Honor Code.

In addition to the typical graduation requirements of most higher education institutions, Haverford's student body also has a few ‘unofficial’ graduation requirements. Although there are many divergent opinions of the exact number and the degree of daring, the commonly agreed upon activities include swimming in the Duck Pond, running the “Naked Mile” and spending one full night in Magill Library.

Haverford’s many traditions are what give the College an institutional memory. They help us know where we’ve come from, so we can better see where we’re going.

Haverfest '06	Haverfest '06

Ben & Jerry's Bingo Night	Cornhole, of course.

To submit information about or a photo of a Haverford College tradition, email Jason McGraw.