Senior Week
Senior Week takes place the week after Spring Finals Week, ending with Commencement.
Most underclassmen are not on campus for Senior Week, but they can apply for Late Stay if assisting with Senior Week activities or have extenuating circumstances that requires additional time to move out.[1]
2026 itinerary
As of May 19, the itinerary for 2026 Senior Week is as follows:[2]
Monday, May 18
21+ Wristbanding Tabling
📅Monday, May 18 · 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm📍College Center North Atrium
If you plan to drink at Senior Week events, you must get your 21+ plastic vinyl wristband to wear for the week! Please bring your VCard and State ID. Don't lose or remove your wristband!
Board Game Night
📅Monday, May 18 · 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm📍Raymond MPR
Join NSO for a fun, chill, social evening of board games to kick off Senior Week! There will be something for everybody, whether you're a serious gamer, a casual gamer, or you've never made it to an NSO event before now. All you need is a good attitude!
Tuesday, May 19
21+ Wristbanding Tabling
📅Tuesday, May 19 · 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm📍College Center North Atrium
If you plan to drink at Senior Week events, you will need to get your 21+ plastic vinyl wristband to wear for the week! Please bring your VCard and State ID. Don't lose or remove your wristband!
Senior Comedy Show
📅Tuesday, May 19 · 9:00 pm – 10:30 pm📍Sanders Auditorium
Tickle your funny bone before the Shiva Rave with one last hurrah from your favorite senior comedians! Watch the campus comedy orgs perform their favorite old and new material for their favorite Vassar audience.
Shiva Rave
📅Tuesday, May 19 · 10:00 pm – 2:00 am📍Shiva Theater
Kick off a 🔥fire🔥 Senior Week with a raving party! This year's theme is no theme. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident to dance the night away!
Wednesday, May 20
Sunrise Breakfast
📅Wednesday, May 20 · 5:00 am – 6:00 am📍Graduation Hill
Cap off the first night of Senior Week by watching the sunrise at Graduation Hill with the Class! Whether you're pulling an all-nighter or getting up early, enjoy one of the last sunrises at Vassar. FREE Breakfast will be provided. Weather permitting; food in College Center if raining.
Last Chance Bell Ringing
📅Wednesday, May 20 · 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm📍Main Circle, Main Building
Limited only to seniors who were unable to ring the bell in the fall. Please leave spots available for folks who have not been able to participate in this important tradition.
Senior Formal
📅Wednesday, May 20 · 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm📍The Grandview, Poughkeepsie
Buses leave from Main Circle at 5:45 pm and return at 11:15 pm. Open-bar cocktail hour 6:00–7:30 pm in the outdoor pavilion overlooking the Hudson River. Dinner followed by dancing in the ballroom. Formal attire encouraged. Bring government ID and cash for the cash bar. $50 ticket required.
Senior Mug Night
📅Wednesday, May 20 · 10:00 pm – 1:00 am📍The Mug
Your last mug night as a Vassar student! Come vibe to fun music and be with awesome people you may never see again.
Thursday, May 21
Bottomless Brunch
📅Thursday, May 21 · Three seatings: 10:30 am–12:30 pm, 12:30 pm–2:30 pm, and 2:30 pm–4:30 pm📍Savona's Restaurant, Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie
Enjoy a delicious brunch buffet while sipping on unlimited mimosas and bellinis. $30 ticket required. This event will sell out.
Scene Night
📅Thursday, May 21 · 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm📍Blodgett Courtyard
Come and hang out with Shakespeare Troupe as they recite and perform scenes from some of the Bard's greatest hits!
Senior Cabaret
📅Thursday, May 21 · 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm📍Rocky 200
A final opportunity for seniors involved in FWA productions or who loved musical theatre at Vassar to come together and sing with their friends. A short, cabaret-style event where seniors can perform a solo or group number.
Friday, May 22
Graduation Rehearsal (Mandatory)
📅Friday, May 22 · 9:15 am – 12:00 pm📍Graduation Hill
You must attend a rehearsal in order to walk at Commencement! Attendance will be taken. Breakfast catered by Panera. No cap and gown needed.
Senior Scavenger Hunt
📅Friday, May 22 · 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm📍Main Building, Express Side
Join us for a campus-wide scavenger hunt that is sure to test your Vassar College knowledge! The first people to finish will be awarded prizes! $5 ticket required.
Lavender Reception
👥LGBTQ+ Center📅Friday, May 22 · 3:00-4:00PM📍AULA
Happy Hour
📅Friday, May 22 · 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm📍Bridge Building
Enjoy an afternoon of wine and Aperol spritz. Your ticket includes one complimentary drink and food; cash bar also available. Bring picnic blankets! $5 ticket required.
Senior Drag Show
📅Friday, May 22 · 8:00 pm – 11:30 pm📍The Shiva
The senior drag show for any members of VC Royalty who want to perform one last drag number at Vassar. Come and cheer on some of your favorite Vassar drag superstars!
Saturday, May 23
Baccalaureate Service
The pinnacle event celebrating the journeys of graduating students from diverse backgrounds. All are welcome. Free ticket required.
Class of 2026 Champagne Reception
Invite your family and friends to enjoy champagne and light desserts.
Bonfire
📅Saturday, May 23 · 10:00 pm – 12:00 am📍Townhouse Circle
Spend your last night at Vassar with the seniors around a bonfire. Bring your own things to burn. Our last event before graduation!
Sunday, May 24
Vassar College 162nd Commencement Ceremony
📅Sunday, May 24 · 10:00 am📍Graduation Hill
Commencement Speaker Noah Baumbach '91 will deliver the address. Seniors must line up by 9:15 AM at Doubleday Lane by Vogelstein.
Commencement Reception
📅Sunday, May 24 📍Chapel Lawn
A reception on the Chapel Lawn will immediately follow the culmination of the Commencement Ceremony.
Art Department Reception
👥Art Department📅Sunday, May 24 · 12:00-3:00pm📍Loeb Sculpture Garden