Traditions

Haverford's history is steeped in traditions, some still practiced and some were left behind when the College became co-ed in 1980. But the most important traditions at Haverford are the ones still alive today.

The oldest, and probably the most pervasive influence at Haverford, is the College's Quaker roots. Many of us will explore concepts of consensus, community, human service and collaboration in our time at Haverford, while others might dig deeper into understanding the Quaker tradition by taking a course, attending Meeting, or spending time doing research in the Quaker Collection.

Each year, 'Fords look forward to the myriad traditional events such the Collectionspeaker series; Screw Your Roommate, Snowball and Sun Dances; frequent a cappella concerts; pinwheel day; the annual weekend throwdown at the end of the year called Haverfest; and, most importantly, Fall and Spring Plenary.

Plenary provides a forum for student opinion and action for all members of the Students' Association. In this forum, the Honor Code, the Alcohol Policy and the Students' Association Constitution are all evaluated and improved upon. Campus initiatives such as the ExCo program and the Committee for Environmental Responsibility found their roots in a Plenary session.

Another Haverford tradition still alive and well today is service with and in the community.  Years ago, when the College had an academic curriculum focused on the seven dimensions of a Haverford education, an Eighth Dimension was added: service learning.  Though the seven dimensions of a Haverford education no longer exist as the guiding core curriculum, Eighth Dimension (better known today as 8D) is still the office on campus responsible for coordinating student-lead service initiatives, project, and programs.

Visit the Student Activities Office to read more about traditions.