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. 24 - 28 | International Student Orientation
Aug 28 | New domestic students arrive
Aug. 28 - Sept. 1 | New Student Orientation
Aug. 30 | Returning students arrive (more details will be sent in the summer)
Sept. 1 | Convocation 2026, 11:00am, Classes begin at 2:10pm
Sept. 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