Annual Events & Traditions
The university, its faculty, staff and students annually sponsor events that support the interests of the UMD community. Some events listed are open to the public. For detailed information, please visit the university's News & Events page for the current calendar of events, or see the links and contacts listed below.
January • February • March • April • May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December
On-Going
Brown Bag Lunch Series (September - May)
The series offers three informative programs each semester. Each Brown Bag Lunch includes a brief talk by a UMass Dartmouth faculty or staff member followed by an opportunity for questions, answers and discussion. All talks run from noon to approximately 1:30 p.m., in the Library’s first floor browsing area. Bring your own lunch; beverages are supplied. Faculty, staff, students and the general public are welcome to attend. Parking is available in lot 13. The Library is fully accessible.
International Film Series (September - April)
The series features films from countries around the world, with storylines that are diverse and generally unconventional. Held bi-weekly, on Fridays, during the academic year, in Group VI, Room 153. Parking is available in lots 8 or 9. Free admission. Hosted by Professors Charles and Patty White of the English Department: 508-999-8285; cwhite@umassd.edu, pwhite@umassd.edu
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Fall
Welcome Week (September)
A week of fun events, sponsored by the Office of Student Activities, welcoming returning and new students back from summer vacation. Festivities include an array of activities, such as a hypnotist, comedians, dances and novelty activities.
College of Nursing's Theta Kappa Chapter Honor Society's Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament (September)
This annual tournament raises money for nursing research, scholarships, and other important endeavors by the College of Nursing. Contact Prof. Sharon Sousa, College of Nursing, 508-999-8249, ssousa@umassd.edu
Fall Festival (October)
The university's homecoming weekend, sponsored by the Office of Student Activities and Alumni Affairs. It is a traditional and exciting weekend of events that include alumni, parents, and the university community. It showcases residents and student organizations through a processional parade to one of the fall athletic events. Contact Don Berube, Alumni Affairs, dberube@umassd.edu.
Gardeners' Swap and Yard/Flea/Craft Sale (October and June)
Gardeners' swap, plant sale, flea market and art fair held during Fall Festival. Proceeds benefit Compeer. Also held the first Saturday in June. Contact Karen Nourse, 508-542-0203, knourse@umassd.edu
Harvest Fest (October)
A fall celebration for students, hosted by Campus Activities Board. The fest includes activities such as pie eating contests, pumpkin painting, and hay rides, and features seasonal food favorites like candy apples, apple cider, and popcorn.
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender History Month (October)
Special events planned by Pride Alliance and the Women's Resource Center for National Coming Out Day (October 11).
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October)
Open to the UMD community, the Women's Resource Center provides resources, workshops, events and classes to promote a broader understanding of the diverse experiences of all women.
NOW's Love Your Body Day (October)
On October 20, the Women's Resource Center sponsors events for the UMD community in participation with the National Organization for Women's national day of action to speak out against ads and images of women that are offensive, harmful, dangerous and disrespectful.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October)
The Women's Resource Center hosts events and provides information on domestic violence for the UMD community.
National Young Women's Day of Action (October)
The Women's Resource Center participates in the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights League's National Young Women's Day of Action. The day is in memory of Rosie Jiménez, a college student who died from complications, the first known victim of the Hyde Amendment, which cut off all federal funding for safe and legal abortions. call for women to unite in solidarity, across movements, to feel their power and secure their freedom. Event is held on the 3rd Thursday of October.
Corsair Hall of Fame (October)
Annual induction ceremony recognizing the athletic achievements and contributions of the university's many dedicated athletes and friends. Hall of Famers are alumni of the UMD's Division III Corsairs, or its predecessor institutions, or individuals who have given outstanding service to UMass Dartmouth's athletics programs. Contact Jim Mullins, Athletics, 508-910-6930, jmullins@umassd.edu.
Open House (October - November)
Each of the university's colleges hosts an admissions open house, with presentations of the colleges's fields of study, financial aid, residential life, self-guided tours of the campus and residence halls and question and answer sessions.
Diwali Festival (November)
The Indian Students Association and the Center for Indic Studies' annual fall festival of lights. (Flash required for CIS website.)
Annual Student Electronic Imaging Festival (November)
The College of Visual and Performing Arts' Annual Student Electronic Imaging Festival provides a framework in which students share their creative efforts in the field of digital imaging, animation, interactive design and virtual reality with family, friends, the community as well as potential employers. The festival is held in November, on the Friday prior to Thanksgiving, from 7:30 pm, in Room 153, Group VI. Contact HGoldman@umassd.edu.
Miss UMD (December)
Hosted by Campus Activities Board, this pageant is held every winter to showcase the talents of the female participants vying for the crown and the title.
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Winter
Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast (January)
The breakfast provides an opportunity for the community to focus on the visions and ideals of Dr. King and to share those values with each other. It features recipients of the Drum Major Awards, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions toward realizing Dr. King’s dream of equality, social justice, and peace. Nominations for Drum Major Awards are accepted from the public. Contact Dr. George Smith, Assistant Chancellor, Equal Opportunity, Diversity & Outreach, 508-999-8008, g1smith@umassd.edu
Black History Month (February)
Events open to the UMD community, sponsored by Frederick Douglass Unity House, and the Women's Resource Center.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week (February)
Events open to the UMD community, sponsored by the Women's Resource Center.
Take a Kid to a Game Day (February)
UMD's participation in the nationwide TAKG, a grassroots program encouraging adults to take children to a NCAA basketball or football athletic event. Contact Jim Mullins, Athletics, 508-910-6930, jmullins@umassd.edu.
One Ton Sundae (February)
Hosted by Campus Activities Board, this event is aimed to refresh students just as they start missing summertime ice-cream fun. Students get a free bucket full of their favorite ice creams and toppings.
Feminist Theater (February or March)
The Women's Resource Center presents staged feminist themed theater productions. Past productions included performances of The Vagina Monologues, and an open mike presentation of That Takes Ovaries. Contact Kim Sylvia, 508-910-4584, ksylvia@umassd.edu
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Spring
UMD Athletic Achievement Awards (Spring)
Banquet held each spring to honor athletic and academic achievement. Contact Jim Mullins, Athletics, 508-910-6930, jmullins@umassd.edu.
Women's History Month (March)
Special events planned by the Women's Resource Center for International Women's Day (March 8).
Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April)
Organized by the Women's Resource Center, UMD participates in Take Back the Night, an international rally and march that is organized in local communities with the purpose of unifying women, men, and children in an awareness of violence against women, children and families. It is usually held on the 3rd Thursday of April.
Career Expo (April)
The Career Resource Center's annual career fair, held under a tent in the Quad area.
Mr. UMD (April)
Hosted by Campus Activities Board, this pageant is held every spring to showcase the talents of the male participants vying for the crown and title.
Student Sculpture Exhibition (April - May)
An annual student exhibition featuring outdoor site-specific sculpture. Held each spring, the exhibition is located on the main campus, outside Group VI. Admission is free. Contact the Sculpture Department, 508-910-6662, or 508-910-6661.
Commencement (May)
For facts, photos, and videos of the Commencement exercises of current and previous years, please visit the Commencement site.
Commencement Gala (May)
Held each spring on an evening prior to Commencement, the annual Commencement Gala brings together the UMD community to celebrate its collective accomplishments, the successes of the year's graduates and Honorary Degree recipients. The evening begins with a cocktail reception, followed by a gourmet dinner and dancing. This fundraiser is sponsored by the UMass Dartmouth Foundation, with proceeds earmarked for one or more programs of excellence within the colleges and departments, and for student scholarships. Contact Tia Bullard, 508-999-8760, tbullard@umassd.edu.
Honors Convocation (May)
The Honors program recognizes the achievements of students who have excelled academically in a variety of disciplines and colleges.
Senior Week (May)
This week is devoted to the graduating seniors. Activities include a traditional lobster bake, Hawaiian Luau, the final campus party, and other activities to conclude the last days of students' undergraduate careers. Contact the Office of Student Activities.
Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society Research Exhibition (May)
Sigma Xi hosts a two-day research exhibition by faculty and graduate/undergraduate students.
Spring Ball (May)
Hosted by Campus Activities Board, held annually at the end of spring semester, this semi-formal dinner and dance night is held at an off-campus location.
Spring Fest (May)
Hosted by Campus Activities Board, this is an entire day of fun, usually held the day after the Spring Ball, for UMD staff, faculty and students. This campus community event is filled with food, music, carnival type rides, caricatures, laser tag, hot air balloon rides and other activities. This outside affair offers entertainment ranging from local bands to larger national acts.
Gardeners' Swap and Yard/Flea/Craft Sale (June and October)
The Gardeners' swap, plant sale, flea market and art fair held the first Saturday in June. Proceeds benefit Compeer. Also held during Fall Festival. Contact Karen Nourse, 508-542-0203, knourse@umassd.edu
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Summer
Independence Day (July)
The Independence Day Pops Concert and Fireworks is UMass Dartmouth's and the Town of Dartmouth's community celebration, featuring fireworks, the Chancellor's barbecue, food vendors, and a varied musical program, including a pops concert by the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra. The grand finale fireworks display, scheduled for approximately 9:30 p.m., coincides with the playing of the "1812 Overture" and "Stars and Stripes Forever." Free admission. Rain date is usually scheduled for the fall. Check the events calendar for this year's details.
Corsair Classic (July)
An annual golf tournament, sponsored by the Friends of UMass Dartmouth Baseball, the Classic is held rain or shine at Allendale Country Club in Dartmouth. Proceeds from the event will support the UMass Dartmouth baseball program and help pay the expenses for the Corsairs' annual spring trip. Contact Bob Curran, UMass Dartmouth Baseball Office, 508-999-8721, rcurran@umassd.edu.
Dog Days (July and August)
Hot Dogs on the Quad is a series of information sessions, tours and refreshments, sponsored by the Admissions department, 508-999-8605.
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