Welcome

Welcome new students!

Welcome incoming Fall 2026 incoming students!

The Fall 2026 Welcome Guide below is your go-to resource for preparing for life at Bennington. Inside, you’ll find important deadlines, arrival and orientation information, housing and health requirements, travel details, academic resources, and answers to common questions to help you feel ready for your first semester.

Fall 2026 Welcome Guide

Important Dates for Fall 2026 Term

Aug 24 | New international students arrive
Aug 25 | International Student Orientation
Aug 28 | New domestic students arrive
Aug 28 | New student orientation
Aug 30 | Returning students arrive (more details will be sent in the summer)
Sep 1 | Convocation 2026, 11:00am, Classes begin at 2:10pm
Sep 7 | Labor Day | Several administrative offices closed. Classes are in session.
Oct 2 - Oct 4 | Fall Weekend | Classes in session | Oct 2 - Oct 4
Oct 12 | Indigenous People’s Day | Classes in session, administrative offices open
Oct 15 | First seven-week classes end | All classes meet
Oct 16 - Oct 19 | Long Weekend | No classes
Oct 20 | Second seven-week classes begin this week
Oct 29 | Plan Day | No classes
Nov 4 | Plan Day | No classes
Nov 10 | Plan Day - ends at 2:30pm | No classes in session all day
Nov 11 | Veterans Day | Classes in session
Nov 25 - Nov 29 | Thanksgiving Break | No classes, administrative offices closed Thu/Fri
Dec 11 | Last day of classes | All classes meet
Dec 12 - Jan 3 | Winter Break: Students | Dec 12 - Jan 3
Dec 13 | All houses close at 4:00pm