Skip to main

Parent & Family Weekend

Registration is now open for Parent & Family Weekend 2026! 

We hope you'll join us on the Hill Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8! Whether you’re looking to spend time with your student, reconnect with the McDaniel community, or experience all that campus has to offer, it’s a wonderful opportunity to make memories together.

 

Throughout the weekend, families can enjoy a variety of special events, beginning with a parents-only Welcome Reception designed to help family members connect with one another and with campus partners who support student success. Additional highlights include an academic showcase, career and study abroad presentations, a spirited football game-day suite experience, an interactive murder mystery dinner, and our beloved Undergraduate Awards and Parent & Family Brunch.  

 
GREEN TERROR TIP: Bookmark this page and refer to it throughout the fall so you don't miss a thing.

A family with the Green Terror during Parent & Family Weekend.

The Schedule for the Weekend

Parent & Family Weekend 2026 is filled with engaging events and opportunities to connect with your student, explore campus life, and enjoy all that the McDaniel community has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Hill for a memorable weekend together!

Events are free unless otherwise noted. For fee-based events, all participants—including McDaniel students—must register and pay in advance. These fees help cover catering, supplies, and other event expenses.

Register now! The registration page includes the full weekend schedule, event details, and registration information. You can also explore the events planned for each day by clicking on the dates to the right. 
 

Friday, Nov. 6

Welcome Reception
5-6:30 p.m. | Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center
Parents and family members, we invite you to kick off Parent & Family Weekend 2026 at a special reception designed just for you! This complimentary event offers a great opportunity to connect with fellow McDaniel families over drinks and hearty appetizers while meeting campus partners who support your student's success. Registration is required for this free event

SPECIAL NOTE: Families attending the White Coat Ceremony at 6 p.m. are welcome to join us for the reception. We'll make sure you arrive on time. It's the perfect way to connect with campus partners before cheering on your future healthcare professional at this exciting milestone.  

---

Dinner (On Your Own)
6-8:00 p.m. | Englar Dining Hall, Roj Student Center 
Swing by the dining hall with your student and their friends for a meal together! Our special $12.25 pricing includes all-you-can-eat selections from all our stations – Trattoria, Americana, Smoke & Fire, Fusion, Roots, Clarity, and the popular Bake Shoppe! Pay as you enter the dining hall. We accept cash and major credit cards.

---

Rec Lounge Open House
6 p.m. - midnight | Roj Student Center, Pool level
Relax, unwind, and spend quality time together in a casual, family-friendly setting. Challenge your student to a game of pool or foosball, try your hand at board games, enjoy the video game consoles, grab some fresh popcorn, and simply enjoy being part of the McDaniel community. Whether you're looking to connect with other families or just have some fun together, this is the perfect place to kick back and make a few Parent & Family Weekend memories. Registration is not required to hang out in the Rec Lounge. 

Saturday, Nov. 7

Academic Showcase
9:15-10:15 a.m. | Learning Commons @ Hoover Library
Kick off your morning in Hoover Library with President Julia Jasken, Provost Sherman, and Dean Bendel-Simso. This informal, drop-in gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the academic leaders who help shape the McDaniel experience while enjoying coffee, tea, and breakfast bites alongside students, faculty, staff, and fellow families.

As you mingle, you'll have the chance to explore student research and creative projects, meet faculty from the Natural and Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and the Lumen Honors Program, and learn more about your student's academic interests. You'll also discover the many resources that support student success, including the STEM Center, Writing Center, Student Accessibility and Support Services, Hoover Library, Information Technology, and Student Success Coaches. There is no cost to attend; please register so we can plan accordingly.

---

CareerTracks
10:15-10:45 a.m. | Wahrhaftig Room, Hoover Library
Wondering how your student will turn their passions into a career? Join McDaniel's Center for Experience and Opportunity (CEO) team for an inside look at the "Career Climb" and discover how students are supported every step of the way.

Whether your student is still exploring possibilities or already thinking about life after graduation, you'll learn about the resources, experiences, and connections available to help them succeed. From identifying interests and career paths to gaining real-world experience, building résumés, preparing for interviews, and networking with employers and alumni, this interactive session will show how McDaniel helps students take confident steps toward their future. There is no cost to attend; please register so we can plan accordingly.

---

Going Global: A World of Learning Awaits
10:50-11:20 a.m. | Wahrhaftig Room, Hoover Library
At McDaniel College, every student can embark on an incredible journey abroad—whether for a few weeks, a summer, or a full academic semester! Studying abroad is a transformative experience that immerses students in new cultures, broadens global perspectives, and enhances academic and personal growth. From our vibrant campus in Budapest, Hungary, to over 50 amazing locations worldwide, a study abroad trip will turn an ordinary college experience into something truly extraordinary. Parents and families are warmly invited to explore the exciting world of study abroad opportunities at McDaniel and discover how these experiences can enrich your student’s life! There is no cost to attend; please register so we can plan accordingly.

---

The Hilltop Huddle – A Suite Experience
11:30 a.m. – End of Game | Albrittain Suite, Kenneth R. Gill Stadium
Get ready for game day, McDaniel style! Join President Julia Jasken, members of the College leadership team, and our Parent & Family Council for The Hilltop Huddle, an exclusive game day experience celebrating Green Terror spirit and community.

Cheer on the McDaniel football team from the comfort of a private suite while connecting with fellow families, alumni, and friends of the College. Enjoy a delicious game day spread, a signature cocktail, beer and wine, and lively conversation, all while taking in the excitement of the game. Whether you're a longtime fan or visiting campus for the first time, this spirited gathering is a fun and memorable way to experience the energy, pride, and sense of belonging that make McDaniel special. 

Cost: $55 per person. If your student will be joining you in the suite, they must also be registered and pay as a participant. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early!

---

Murder Mystery Buffet: Prom Night Panic!
6:30 p.m. | Naganna Forum, Roj Student Center
Put on your poodle skirts, slick back your hair, and step into a 1950s prom gone terribly wrong! When a shocking death on the dance floor turns this doo-wop celebration into a full-blown mystery, it's up to you to uncover the culprit.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the buffet dinner before the prom. As the evening unfolds, you’ll team up with fellow guests to gather clues, question suspects, and solve the crime to get the prom back on track. Filled with suspense, laughter, and interactive fun, this immersive murder mystery experience is perfect for families looking for a memorable evening together. Themed attire is encouraged, so come dressed in your best 1950s style!

Cost: $30 per person. Your McDaniel student must be included in your reservation. Space is limited, so register early!

Sunday, Nov. 8

Undergraduate Awards & Parent and Family Brunch
10 a.m. | Baker Memorial Chapel
Wrap up the weekend with one of McDaniel’s most cherished traditions! Join us for a festive brunch hosted by the Parent & Family Council as we celebrate the accomplishments, leadership, and achievements of our exceptional students.

Enjoy a delicious all-you-can-eat brunch, complimentary mimosas, and the company of fellow McDaniel families while we recognize students for academic excellence, leadership, and service. The celebration will also honor new Phi Beta Kappa inductees and students selected for leadership honor societies. Inspirational performances by the Gospel Choir will add to the joy as we come together to applaud the hard work, dedication, and success of our students.

COST: $20 per person. Your McDaniel student must be included in your reservation.

Space is limited. 

Green Terror Athletics in Action

Nov 7

Football vs Johns Hopkins University

12 p.m.

Don't miss a unique game day experience at Gill Stadium. 

Nov 7

Volleyball at Ursinus College

12 p.m.

Ready, Set, Spike! Volleyball is on the road for end-of-season Centennial Conference action. 

Nov 7

Swimming vs Ursinus College

1 p.m.

Head to Harlow Pool to cheer on the men's and women's teams as they compete against a Centennial Conference opponent!  

Our first White Coat Ceremony

McDaniel College is proud to introduce its first White Coat Ceremony, celebrating students in our Nursing and Occupational Therapy programs. Taking place on Friday, November 6, this special event marks a meaningful milestone in our students’ professional journeys.

For occupational therapy students, the White Coat Ceremony is a formal rite of passage celebrating the completion of foundational coursework and marking their transition from classroom learning to hands-on clinical fieldwork. For nursing students, it celebrates their entry into the nursing profession and the beginning of their clinical experiences. This meaningful tradition recognizes the dedication, compassion, and commitment that define these important healthcare professions.

Check back here for additional event details. We look forward to celebrating this exciting milestone with our students, their families, and the McDaniel community!

Students shopping in downtown Westminster.

Discover Downtown Westminster Fall in love with our charming community.

Your Parent & Family Weekend experience doesn’t end at the edge of campus! Just a short walk from McDaniel, historic downtown Westminster is a wonderful extension of our community, offering local restaurants, cozy coffee shops, unique boutiques, and the welcoming charm of a small town.

Take a break between campus events to grab a bite, enjoy a cup of coffee, browse local shops, or simply stroll along Main Street together. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax, gather with family, or discover something new, downtown Westminster has something for everyone.

When you explore and support our local businesses, you’re not only adding to your weekend experience—you’re also strengthening the connection between McDaniel and the hometown we’re proud to call home.

Plan Your Visit: Directions, Accommodations & Helpful Information

Add a little fitness and fun to your weekend plans... Stay Active During Parent & Family Weekend

Golfers on a course.

Footgolf or golf? You choose! Hit the Green

Looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors with your student during Parent & Family Weekend? Head over to McDaniel College’s golf course for a little friendly competition. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or trying something new, our golf course and footgolf experience offer a great opportunity to spend time together, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and make memories on the Hill. Grab your clubs—or your soccer ball—and come ready to play! Our beautiful course is perfect for players of all skill levels.

Run Moore logo

Lace up your sneaks! Mayberry 7 Mile

Hosted by the Westminster Road Runners Club, this race is the third leg of the Club's Marathon Series. The course features rolling hills, and you'll face a significant climb after about six miles.

The race starts and finishes at Runnymede Elementary School. The opening 200 meters feature a slight uphill, while the final 200 meters offer a welcome downhill finish!