Customs
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How it Works
The overarching goals of the Customs Program are to introduce new students to Haverford’s campus community and “the values upon which our community depends: mutual trust, concern, and respect for oneself, one another and the community” (Honor Code section 3.02), educate new students on the resources available to support and help new students succeed at Haverford, prepare new students for the academic environment at Haverford, and foster increasing agency and self-efficacy throughout the first year.
To facilitate this, Customs introduces frosh to a wide range of resources and information on campus, as well as encouraging students to pursue the College's mission: "Non Doctior Sed Meliore Doctrina Imbutus" or "Not more learned, but steeped in a better learning." This essentially hints at the College's commitment to the ideal of not just giving students a degree, but helping them learn about both themselves and the world around them.
What is Customs?
Customs is Haverford College's First-Year Experience program, which includes a five-day orientation immediately preceding the fall semester. This orientation week, called ‘Customs Week’, is a great opportunity to get to know your hall-mates and start building a community in your new home. But it doesn’t end there! The Customs experience is designed to give first years the resources needed to thrive at Haverford. This includes helping them become acclimated to Haverford resources, becoming more aware of their own identity and the different identities that are represented at Haverford, as well as helping them to understand the community values at Haverford and in the Honor Code. To help in this process, each group of first years is assigned two Residential Student Liaisons / Customs People that will guide them throughout the first year.
Join the Team
Customs teams are hired once a year during the Spring semester. If you're interested in being a part of one of the oldest traditions on Haverford’s campus please fill out the form! You’ll be contacted when the application process begins!
Have Questions?
Visit the First-Year Students site to find everything you need for a smooth transition to Haverford College!