In the earliest days of the college, residence students gathered to eat the main meal of the day in a formal setting. Much like today, the students all wore academic gowns and heard traditional Latin graces, and etiquette rules were in place. These basic, simple formalities have remained relatively unchanged for some 200 years.
Formal Meal is held once a semester, providing an opportunity for faculty, staff, students to dine together and listen to guest speakers. Attendees wear their academic gowns, and students stand until the head table arrives and the Latin grace has been said (or sung!). The gowns, the grace and the ritual have become familiar territory for King’s students and alumni; an essential part of what it means to be part of the King’s community.
Residence, day students, faculty and staff are warmly invited to join us Wednesday, September 23! Don’t miss out on this wonderful King’s tradition.
Timeline
5 p.m. President’s Reception in the President’s Lodge for Head Table guests
5:50 p.m. Students to arrive and line up outside Prince Hall
6 p.m. Procession of Head Table guests from the President’s Lodge to Prince Hall
7:30 p.m. Formal Meal ends
Please arrive at Prince Hall at 5:50 p.m. sharp to line up. Chartwells will get students in as quickly as possible. Doors will close after the head table procession.
Ticket information
Residence students can swipe their meal cards upon arrival.
Day students: KSU will be sponsoring 50 tickets for day students. Tickets are available to pick up at the KSU office on September 15 at 1 p.m. Day students are also invited to join the pre-formal Meal reception in the Lodge.
Faculty and staff have received an email invitation to Formal Meal. Please refer to the link in the message to RSVP by noon September 21 as space is limited. Dress is business casual.
Academic Gown Information
Students participating in the September 23 Matriculation ceremony will receive their gowns through the matriculation gown distribution process and may wear them directly to the Formal Meal following the Matriculation signing and reception.
Students attending the Formal Meal on September 23 only may pick up a gown in the Senior Common Room (SCR) prior to the reception at the President’s Lodge.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to a treasured tradition here at King’s!
