SUA Signature Events

Our Traditions

Cheers to Your First Year and Convocation 

August 23 & 26, 2026

A celebration in Zable as one of the final events of orientation for First Years, Cheers to Your First year highlights the partnership with Athletics and Students for University Advancement with OA led cheers, athletic hype videos and the culmination class photo taken in 1693 on the field. Did we say you get a free T-shirt?! Fast forward a few days to your first day of classes ending in convocation in front of the Wren Building where your journey at W&M is official. You will find another little gift from us, class pin waiting on your seat. After you hear from President Rowe, you will get the opportunity to pass through the Wren Building where all of campus is there to welcome and celebrate you!

Senior Class Gift Launch

August 26, 2026

The last First Day of Classes is also the start of Senior Class Gift and mug nights at Green Leafe. We will be tabling on Sadler Terrace where you can make your Senior Class Gift, get your mug and potentially qualify for the Sunken Garden Society. The Class of 2027 is hoping to beat that record of the Class of 2026 with 89% hitting 90%. Join us later at Green Leafe for the first mug night of the year!

Tag Day

So many of the people, places and things at William & Mary are here because of private support! Look for yellow tags around campus that show the impact of our donors and how private support enhances all aspects of student life. #wmTagDay

W&M Busch Gardens Day 

September 25, 2026, 2-11 p.m.

W&M Busch Gardens day is back, thanks to sponorship from the President's Office, Student Affairs and Students for University Advancement! Details below

• Busch Gardens Single Day Tickets (includes parking) will be sold for $29 per person.
• Bus Transportation: While parking is included in the Busch Garden provided tickets, Student Assembly will also be reserving coach buses that will run continuously between Sadler and BG between 1:30pm-11:30pm
• Ticket Sales:  Will launch on-line Ticket Sales via a TouchNet store front in SLD for about 10 days between Wednesday, September 9^th and Monday, September 21^st. 
  • In person physical ticket pick up would take place September 23^rd, 24^th, and till 1pm on Friday 9/25. (Students will have to pick up the physical ticket that was purchased online).

Cheers to Your Senior Year 

October 22, 2026

Gather in the Sunken Garden with fellow seniors to celebrate your final year and see what Homecoming is like post-graduation.  Bring your ID to enjoy tastings of Virginia Beer Company and wine, dance the night away with DJ, and take pics with your friends with disposal cameras! We are partnering with the Cohen Career Center and One Network for exclusive disposal cameras to use at the event that we will then develop for you! The first 100 seniors to show that they have registered for One Network will receive a disposal camera for the night.

Homecoming Parade

October 23, 2026

Join us for this annual Homecoming Tradition! Whether you are a student organization that would like to participate march in the parade or a spectator watching from the sidelines looking to catch a t-shirt, this is fun way to start off Homecoming Weekend. Student Organizations must apply to march in the parade and you could win up $1,000 in prizes.

Senior Spring Day

Spring 2027

This is a time for seniors to congregate, recall fond memories of time at W&M at a special event open to all seniors. Come to the Alumni House to enjoy food, giveaways, and resources to help you post graduation and to stay connected to W&M.

Senior Wine & Cheese

April 29, 2027

Each spring we host Senior Wine & Cheese, a donor only event for seniors to celebrate your legacy at W&M. Enjoy your time with wine, cheese, a DJ, photobooth and more with your fellow seniors in the countdown to Commencement.

One Tribe One Day Carnival

April 2027

Shark slide, bungee, spinning tubs, obstacle course, kettle korn, Crumbl cookies, DJ, giveaways and more! Join us each spring on the Sunken Garden as we celebrate our annual day of giving back and paying it forward.

Study Hall at the Alumni House

December 6 & 7, 2026

May 9 & 10, 2027

Need a place to study in preparation for finals? Come study at the Alumni House with SUA! Snacks, beverages and a raffle for a prize will be available.

Alumni Induction Ceremony

At this ceremony during Commencement, you and your fellow graduates will officially be inducted as alumni and receive your alumni pins. Don't miss parting words of congratulations and best wishes from the president of William & Mary, your senior class president and leaders in the Alumni Association.

Transition to Alumni

Senior year is a wonderful time to celebrate all that you have accomplished thus far and make the most of your final year as an undergraduate. As you prepare for life after graduation, we are here to assist you on your journey to becoming W&M alumni with resources, connections and support.