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.
Customs is Year-Long!
While the language may seem a little confusing, the Customs Program itself reaches far past the first five days of the year. Customs Week is the Orientation to campus, while sessions and community building continue throughout the year. It's the interactions and education that happens outside of the classroom, in the halls and spaces where students are most comfortable, where Customs teams teach first years and the other way around.
Customs People (CPs) is Haverford's alternative to a Residential Advisor program. Essentially, the CP is a live-on-the-hall resource for first-years who helps new students get the hang of Haverford and college life, and help create community on-the-hall. One Customs Person lives on each first-year hall.
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 meet your Dean, Katrina Glanzer, and to find everything you need for a smooth transition to Haverford College!