New This Term: Firepits, Ice Rinks, and DIY Gatherings

From firepits outside the Collis Center and ice rinks on the Green, to virtual and in-person events, Dartmouth is offering an array of new resources and opportunities this term. The details are available on the Winter 2021 website, designed by the Office of Student Life to provide a centralized location for resources and information and help students connect with one another and build community this winter.

"We're really excited about the winter term and helping students make their Dartmouth experience all it can be," says Eric Ramsey, associate dean for student life and director of the Collis Center. "Winter is a distinctly Dartmouth experience. We really love to embrace our northern woods location."

And as the range of activities indicates, there are many ways to do just that.

"Sit around a firepit and have a conversation, take a walk, go to a Black Legacy Month program," says Ramsey. "Or take a few runs on a sled or a quick trip around the ice rink."

Students, staff, and faculty who are approved to be on campus and are taking part in the COVID-19 testing program can use the skating rinks and borrow outdoor equipment and cold-weather outerwear, as available, at no charge through the new Winter Activities Center, formerly Hanover Country Club, at 5 Hilton Field Lane.

Other opportunities for students include free cross-country ski lessons, winter naturalist classes, and more, through the Outdoor Programs Office, as part of its Winter Wonderland program. Free bus service to the Dartmouth Skiway will also be available for students, who can receive a free lift ticket during Winter Carnival.

"We've tried to reduce as many barriers as possible to going out and enjoying the winter term," Ramsey says.

Those who want to venture out on snowshoes or cross-country skis can explore areas near campus that are "really special to the community," including Pine Park, the golf course, and Oak Hill, Ramsey says. "Now we just need to hope for great weather, and a little more snow."

In addition to outdoor activities, students can take advantage of a number of indoor spaces on campus for studying and socializing. Participants in winter term events, both indoor and outside, are expected to follow Dartmouth's COVID guidelines.

"We've heard real excitement about the opportunities to engage and learn with each other," nearly all of which emerged from conversations with students about their hopes for this term, Ramsey says.

And that discussion isn't over. Anyone with suggestions for winter term can email Student.Life@dartmouth.edu or WinterTermSuggestions2021@dartmouth.edu.

Here's a snapshot of resources available on the Student Life website:

The Great Indoors

These meeting and study spaces are among the spaces available for use by students who are approved to be on campus:

Black Family Visual Arts Center

Collis Center

Dartmouth Library

Haldeman Center and Kemeny Hall

Hopkins Center

House Centers

Sarner Underground (The entrance is to the left of Class of 1953 Commons.)

Venturing Out

This winter, students can take part in ongoing outdoor activities and programs offered through the Snowsports School and the Dartmouth Skiway.

Do-It-Yourself Get-Togethers

The Collis Consulting Group can help students connect with existing organizations or create their own gatherings in accordance with COVID-19 guidelines.

Activities and Events

The Events Page features links to resources such as the campus calendar and Dartmouth Engage.

Winter 2021 Resources

This page includes information about Dartmouth Dining Services, COVID testing, health and wellness resources, and more.

For the latest information on Dartmouth's response to the pandemic visit the COVID-19 website.

Aimee Minbiole can be reached at aimee.minbiole@dartmouth.edu