Traditions

Among the many things that define life at Haverford are the various traditions that are carried on by students each year.

Haverford’s history is steeped in traditions, many of which are still in place today. Each year, students look forward to a myriad of traditional events such as the monthly Collection speaker series; Screw Your Roommate, Snowball and Sun Dances; frequent a cappella concerts; pinwheel day; Haverfest; and fall and spring Plenary.

A more recent Haverford tradition is the Go Board. Launched in 2003 by FIG, Haverford’s student-run computing group, Go! is an online community portal that serves as a public forum for discussion, announcements, and news for Haverford students. Go! is student-moderated and incredibly popular — many students say the first thing they do in the morning is check Go!

Community service is another important Haverford tradition. The 8th Dimension was conceived by a group of students in 1976 that wanted to bridge the gap between social concerns and academics by putting in place a program that would allow active community service involvement in keeping with Haverford’s Quaker heritage. 8th Dimension got its name because the Haverford curriculum requirements at the time were divided into seven “dimensions”, and community service was seen as the missing link for a complete education. Since its inception in 1978 the 8th Dimension program has grown immensely; its first project was organized in the early 1980s and subsequent programs have focused on youth, AIDS awareness, hunger, and homelessness. Other student-run projects included the HOAP Project, which organizes the Spring Break service trip.

Visit the Student Activities Office to read more about traditions.