Announcements

Work will begin the week of September 7 to renovate the current Althouse student lounge to become the home of the Burgess Institute for the Global Economy. Students will be able to use the door facing Denim to come to and from classes. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Padgett at burgessinstitute@dickinson.edu. Thank you for your understanding during this time.

The Mermaid Players and the Department of Theatre & Dance are proud to present the New Voices Theatre Festival. Three Shows, three student directors, two student writers, and two weekends. One amazing festival. September 25 and 26th at 7pm in the Cubiculo Theater at 40 W High Street: An Actor's Transformation, written and directed by Forrest Riley. October 23 and 24th at 7pm in Mathers Theater: Pine Overcoat written by Jay Smith and directed by Jules Borusiewicz and The 39 Steps directed by Lara Perissinotto. It's our turn to play. Admission is free with general seating. 

Banner will be undergoing maintenance in order to upgrade critical components of the system on Sunday, October 4th, beginning at approximately 5 a.m. The upgrade is expected to be completed by noon on the same day.

There’s still time to apply and make your internship count! The final deadline to apply for the Fall 2026 Internship Program (INP) is Friday, October 2, 2026. You must apply by October 2 and register before your internship begins, even if your internship starts later in the semester. Retroactive credit will not be granted.

Through INP, you can set goals, reflect on what you’re learning, build professional skills, and earn 0.25 credits on your official transcript when you successfully complete the program while interning.

Orientation is required for students who are applying for, have secured, or have registered an internship. Choose an upcoming session in Handshake:

Tuesday, September 29, 12:30–1:00 p.m. — HUB Lower-Level Conference Room
Friday, October 2, 3:30–4:00 p.m. — Biddle House
Tuesday, October 6, 12:30–1:00 p.m. — HUB Lower-Level Conference Room
Wednesday, October 7, 4:00–4:30 p.m. — Biddle House

Questions about your internship? Contact intern@dickinson.edu.

Take a trip out to the College Farm to harvest your own pumpkin this season! This year's crop of Jack-o-lanterns are plentiful and large! Our self-serve pumpkin patch is open Monday -Saturday from 8am to 5pm. Details for how to locate the patch, harvest pumpkins and pay are located at our on-site farmstand (553 Park Drive in Boiling Springs). Pumpkins cost $20 - cash and virtual payment options available. U-pick sunflowers are also available while supplies last!

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Anita Tuvin Schlechter Auditorium (ATS)
360 W. Louther Street, Carlisle, PA 17013

Join us as Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson shares her insights that weave together essays and interviews from over 20 changemakers, including farmers, architects, policymakers, tech executives, and activists addressing the question What if We Get it Right? Provost and Dean of the College, Renee Cramer will host a fireside chat asking the tough questions that combine hard data and science with culture, policy, art, and poetry to show how solutions intersect across society and with our work here at Dickinson College. The discussion will help us all figure out how we can personally contribute to climate solutions, no matter what our skill sets are. There is a place or everyone in advancing positive climate solutions. Discover yours.

Learn more about Dr. Johnson here: https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 5:30 – 7 PM
Weiss Center for the Arts, Room 235

Artist Sam Van Aken, whose work is on view in the exhibition BRANCH: Trees in American Art, will give a public lecture about his work, including his process of sculpting through grafting fruit trees.

A reception with light refreshments will be held from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in the lobby of the Weiss Center for the Arts.

Dickinson students, staff, and faculty are invited to join us on the evening of Tuesday, January 26 for small group discussions of What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, the 2026 recipient of Dickinson's Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism.

A limited number of free copies of What If We Get It Right? will be made available to members of the Dickinson community who commit to participating in the January 26th event. Book requests must be submitted by Wednesday, November 4. Registration after that date is still encouraged, as it will help with planning.

This year's Community Reading Program is sponsored by The Center for Sustainability Education, Ethics Across Campus & the Curriculum, and The Waidner-Spahr Library.

Saturday, October 3, 9:00 – 10:30 am
Letort Spring Garden Preserve (Melester Barn)
1110 S Spring Garden St, Carlisle, PA 17013

Vans from Dickinson College leave at 8:30 am from the plaza of Weiss Center for the Arts for students and staff who would like a ride. They return at 10:30 a.m.

Join Jesse Price, Land Stewardship Director for the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, for a hands-on workshop exploring an innovative way to support local wildlife while managing invasive plants. Participants will learn how to construct a hibernaculum, an overwintering shelter that provides critical refuge for wildlife during freezing winter temperatures when natural habitat is limited. Whether you're a gardener, nature enthusiast, or conservation-minded community member, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn, build, and support local wildlife.

Register at https://www.troutgallery.org/events/build-a-wildlife-hibernaculum-from-invasive-plants

Oct 03, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Letort Spring Garden Preserve
1110 S Spring Garden St, Carlisle, PA 17015

Vans from Dickinson College leave at 8:30 am from the plaza of Weiss Center for the Arts for students and staff who would like a ride. They return at 10:30 a.m.

Join Jesse Price, Land Stewardship Director for the Central Pennsylvania Conservancy, for a hands-on workshop exploring an innovative way to support local wildlife while managing invasive plants. Participants will learn how to construct a hibernaculum, an overwintering shelter that provides critical refuge for wildlife during freezing winter temperatures when natural habitat is limited. Whether you're a gardener, nature enthusiast, or conservation-minded community member, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn, build, and support local wildlife.

Register at troutgallery.org

Thursday, September 24 | 9 - 11 a.m. | HUB Social Hall West
Tuesday, October 13 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | HUB Social Hall West
Tuesday, November 10 | 4 - 6 p.m. | HUB Social Hall West

We are happy to offer flu vaccinations to students, faculty and staff. Registration is required. Schedule your appointment via Bookings for your free flu vaccine today by clicking on the more information link below. Select the date and time that best fits your schedule, complete the required form fields, and then select 'book'. The number of vaccines available is limited. We'll open up more slots as soon as possible. Registration closes 24 hours before the scheduled clinic.

Flu shot facts: Of course, the flu shot fights the flu, but what exactly is the flu? It’s a virus that can cause respiratory infection. It spreads quickly. And it can lead to pneumonia and other complications. Learn more at: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/downloads/flu.pdf

Please read the Wellness Center Privacy Statement for participating in the Flu Vaccine Clinic regarding your protected health information collected in the Bookings appointment: https://www.dickinson.edu/downloads/download/4870/flu_vaccine_clinic_privacy_statement_for_staff_and_students

Note for employees: On-campus vaccinations are not available for spouses and/or dependents. Please be sure to schedule an appointment with their primary care provider or with a pharmacy that offers flu shots.

We invite nonexempt staff members to consider serving on one of two All-College Committees: the Information Technology and Services Committee (ITSC), which has two openings, and the Equity, Inclusivity, and Belonging Committee (EIB), which has one opening. The ITSC generally meets every other Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. in South College 214. The EIB Committee is currently establishing its meeting schedule for the year.

Serving on an All-College Committee is a valuable opportunity to contribute to shared governance, share your perspective, and engage with colleagues across the institution. Supervisors are welcome to nominate employees, and staff members are encouraged to volunteer themselves for consideration.

Employees interested in serving should email hargrove@dickinson.edu. Additional information about both committees is available through the 'More Information' link below. We hope you will consider this opportunity.

Hello Campus Partners! Campus Life is getting ready for our 3td annual Halloween BINGO event on Saturday, October 31, and we’re looking for campus departments to help make the event extra special!

We are asking departments who are interested to donate a themed gift basket valued at approximately $100 that can be used as a prize for our BINGO winners.

This is a fun opportunity to get creative and showcase your department! Baskets could be built around a theme such as:

Movie Night – snacks, candy, streaming gift card, cozy blanket
Cozy Fall Night – coffee/tea, mugs, blankets, fall treats
Game Night – board games, snacks, gift cards
Halloween Treats – candy, Halloween décor, festive goodies
Self-Care – candles, spa items, cozy socks, gift cards
Foodie Fun – restaurant or food delivery gift cards and treats
Your Department’s Theme – get creative and make it your own!

Departments are also welcome to incorporate Dickinson-branded items, department swag, or items that highlight the programs and services you offer.

If your department would like to participate, please contact Kimberly Steiner (steineki@dickinson.edu) in Campus Life by 10/7.

Thursday, October 1 | 7 - 9 a.m. | HUB Side Room 202-203

Nurses and wellness educators from UPMC will be on-site at Dickinson College to offer biometric health and wellness screenings for our valued faculty and staff. This initiative is designed to help you better understand key health indicators, promote awareness and prevention, and empower you to make informed decisions about your well-being. It also provides a chance to detect minor health concerns before they develop into more serious issues. This wellness screening includes: height/weight/BMI education, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides).

We have a few spots remaining! Register by clicking on the 'More Information' link below to schedule your screening appointment online and complete the preregistration form.

Results will be available on-site within minutes, offering a fast and convenient experience. This session is limited to the first 24 sign-ups. A breakfast certificate will be provided for the Dining Hall the morning of your screening.

Students interested in a biometric health and wellness screening should contact the Wellness Center to schedule their screening at studentwellness@dickinson.edu or by phone at ext.1663.

Embrace the season while supporting your physical, mental, and emotional health during this four-week wellness journey.

The challenge will begin on Sunday, October 25, and run through Saturday, November 21.

Register by clicking on the 'More Information' link below. This challenge is open to the campus community!

Tuesday, October 6 | 12 – 12-30 p.m. | Webinar

Landing your first job can be exciting—and intimidating. Between tax deductions, insurance elections and retirement plans, your first paycheck might be smaller than expected. This session breaks down what’s actually on your paystub and why your benefits matter more than you think.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:
• How to understand your paycheck and what’s being withheld
• The difference between gross pay and net pay
• How employer benefits (like 401(k), health insurance, and HSAs) factor into your total compensation
• Smart questions to ask during onboarding
• How to make the most of your benefits from day one

Whether you’re starting a new job or simply want to make more confident decisions, this session will help give you the clarity you need.

Click on the 'More Information' below to register with TIAA and receive the webinar link.

Wednesday, October 7 | 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. | Facilities Management Break Room, 5 N. Orange St.

Come chat with the Dickinson registered dietitian, Courtney Hager, about lowering your blood lipids. She will provide info about what foods and eating patterns are best for managing your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, how to keep it simple, and how to overcome barriers and take steps to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Wednesday, October 7 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. | HUB Side Room 203

Questions about retirement? Your financial consultant has answers. Making decisions about your money can feel complicated. TIAA’s experienced financial consultants are available to help you plan for your future. One-on-one personal advice and education about your retirement plan assets is available at no additional cost. During your discussion, they’ll cover questions like:

Am I saving enough?
Am I invested appropriately?
Am I on track to meet my retirement goals?

Schedule time today for an appointment with TIAA financial consultant, Nigel Stearns. To schedule a personal meeting, please click the 'More Information' link below or call 800-732-8353 (remember to ask for the Dickinson College schedule), weekdays, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET). All appointments must be scheduled through TIAA.

Wednesday, October 7 | 12 – 12-45 p.m. | Webinar

Your health and financial needs change over time. So, with the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period running from October 15 to December 7, be sure to register for this informative discussion. Fidelity Medicare Services® professionals will explain how to review your current coverage, so you'll be ready to make any updates.

They'll specifically cover the following topics:
• How to evaluate your current Medicare coverage and compare it with other plans
• What changes you may consider making during the Annual Enrollment Period
• Why it's so important for you to review your Medicare plan annually

Click on the 'More Information' below to register. If you are unable to attend, Fidelity will send a recording after the event.

Monday, October 19 | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. | DPS Training Room

This hands-on skills training prepares participants to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children age 12 or younger, and infants. Being certified will provide you with valuable skills that will prepare you to handle a potentially life-threatening situation.

RSVP in EngageD for the blended learning session to reserve your spot in this program. Successful participants will learn and achieve the skills needed to demonstrate and pass the written certification exams.

Approval to attend any professional development session must be obtained from the immediate supervisor before registering. For positions that require CPR certification, the cost of the online CPR certification or renewal training will be charged to the participant's department. Please contact Human Resource Services for details.

We are excited to share an update on the United Way of Carlisle & Cumberland County’s annual campaign. So far, our generous community has contributed over $10,000 toward our goal of $30,000 — and we’re confident we’ll get there with your help. Every gift, no matter what size, matters. Because of the generosity of several local companies, 100% of your contribution goes directly to local nonprofit programs, and you can designate your gift specifically to any of the United Way’s 23 partner agencies. The families the United Way serves are part of the ALICE population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are our neighbors, friends, and coworkers who work hard but still struggle to afford basic necessities. As Dickinsonians, we have the power to make a real difference.

We invite you to give in a meaningful way either through the Dickinson online pledge form or make your gift at www.uwcarlisle.org/donate/ indicating “Dickinson College” in the employer field.

We thank you for joining us in the mission to unite people and resources to build a stronger, healthier community.