Despite the cooler temperatures, students are wrapping up the semester on a cozy Colgate campus. Here are 13 updates, reminders, and highlights to keep in mind as they head into a well-earned break. 

Next year’s family weekend will be held Sept. 18–19, 2026 — rescheduled from Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026.

Those who spend significant time in central New York know that there are four full seasons. The further into autumn, the more likely that temperatures will drop considerably and rain will dampen any outdoor celebration. For several years we have welcomed families to campus after the fall break. In response to feedback from attendees, the University has decided to shift family weekend to a time earlier in the semester. This should increase the chance of a warmer, sunnier climate in Hamilton.

If you have already made hotel reservations at the Colgate Inn or Hotel One75, reservations will be adjusted accordingly. 

The date is changing, but the spirit of family weekend remains the same. As ever, the schedule will include athletic competitions, arts events, open classrooms, food trucks, family dinner, religious services, and much more. The entire campus community hopes to see you next fall, Sept. 18–19, for Family Weekend 2026. Watch colgate.edu/familyweekend for updates.

The opening of a new campus convenience store — the C Store — took place on Friday, Nov. 7, in the former O’Connor Campus Center conference room. The C Store is the result of student feedback and staff input. The official grand opening will take place in the spring.

The new venue offers health and wellness items, snacks, beverages, school supplies, and more. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 4 to 10 p.m. on weekends. Students can use ’Gate Cash, bonus dollars (which come with premier meal plans), and flex dollars (which come with all other meal plans). 

The final stretch of a semester can be a stressful time for students. Their Colgate experience comes with a support system designed to help them thrive. In addition to faculty office hours, administrative deans and the Counseling Center and Psychological Services are available during both open hours and by appointment. Students can also visit the chaplains or any of the other academic support services as they navigate this final push in the semester. 

The Shaw Wellness Institute is sponsoring Wagging for Wellness pet therapy during Finals Week. Students can stop by Case Library on Wednesday, Dec. 17, to spend time with trained therapy dogs from Paws of CNY and Pet Partners of CNY. 

When students travel during the upcoming winter recess, they may face wintry driving conditions. Here are some helpful winter driving tips from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. In addition to monitoring weather forecasts, Colin Idzi, Colgate’s director of transportation, suggests checking N.Y. State Thruway Authority traffic cameras for additional updates on current road conditions. If a student with a scheduled Colgate airport shuttle experiences flight delays, please notify the Transportation Department at transportation@colgate.edu.

As we wrap up the fall semester, students may be looking toward the spring semester and the new opportunities and experiences that will come their way. The Office of the Registrar offers many resources to help students navigate the registration and degree process. While the office encourages communication between students and parents about their academic program, students are responsible for understanding and managing their academic progress. If your students need help or have questions, encourage them to reach out to their academic adviser or to the Office of the Registrar for further guidance. They are ready and willing to help. 

The Center for Learning, Teaching, and Research at Colgate provides financial support for nearly 400 students from all disciplines to engage in robust summer experiences. Opportunities include independent or collaborative research with Colgate faculty and staff, field school, long-term community service projects, internships, and intensive language programs. An informational meeting for students regarding application processes for these programs will be held in January.

Students with documented disabilities who need specific adjustments for their academic or living environments should contact the Office of Student Disability Services. The housing selection process that will take place in the spring involves an additional step if students will be requesting approval for a housing adjustment. The application process for the 2026–27 academic year opens on Dec. 22, 2025, with complete applications due in early February. Colgate’s executive director of the Office of Student Disability Services shares answers to common questions.

Colgate’s partnership with Enterprise Rent-a-Car’s CarShare program has been a success this semester. The service allows students to reserve a vehicle for personal use, whether for an errand, an appointment, or an overnight trip. Many have taken advantage of the program, and it will continue in the spring. 

For winter break travel, Colgate offers direct bus routes throughout the Northeast, including New Jersey, Manhattan, and the Boston area. Unlike in previous years, all routes are guaranteed to run. Students can book their tickets now via the TouchNet store in the Colgate student portal and by filling out this form to secure their spot. Students can also make reservations for Colgate shuttles to and from regional transportation hubs in Syracuse and Utica and purchase Megabus tickets on the transportation website. 

The 2026–27 returning student financial aid priority deadline is Jan. 31, 2026. Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must reapply for financial aid each academic year. Both the 2026–27 CSS Profile and the 2026–27 FAFSA should be submitted by Colgate’s Priority Deadline: Jan. 31, 2026. Both applications are available now. Additional materials may be requested at a later date, so students should log in to their Colgate Financial Aid Portal throughout the winter and spring to view and complete any additional financial aid application requirements.

Spring semester e-statements are available from Student Accounts the first week of December 2025, with a due date of Jan. 10, 2026. Payment plans will be available once the e-statement is released.

Form 1098-T for student and family 2025 federal tax preparations will be available by the end of January 2026. This process is completed with partner ECSI, and can be accessed through TouchNet. Please have your student verify that authorized users have access to view the 1098-T in TouchNet. E-consent is now available in TouchNet under Consents and Agreements if your student would like to opt in to receive the 1098-T electronically.

The 142nd edition of the Salmagundi, Colgate University's yearbook, is on sale now through April 30, 2026. The 2026 yearbook will serve as a time capsule of campus beauty and memories of student life, academics, organizations, senior portraits, athletics, commencement, and profiles of staff and faculty. Yearbook orders will be shipped to home addresses in late summer or early fall.

Have a graduating senior? Spring senior portrait sessions will be held Jan. 26–30 and Feb. 2–6. These free sessions are by appointment only. Seniors will be contacted in January with registration information. Personalized yearbook recognition ads are the perfect way to commemorate achievements and to celebrate milestones for your graduate. The deadline for submitting an ad is March 31, 2026. Questions? Contact salmagundi@colgate.edu.

*Except for students with prior approval from Residential Life