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 and 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 and day students are warmly invited to join us Wednesday, September 25 for the first Formal Meal of 2024-2025! Don’t miss out on this wonderful King’s tradition.
5:00 p.m. President’s Reception in the President’s Lodge following Matriculation (for Matriculating students and Head Table guests)
5:50 p.m. Students to arrive and line up outside Prince Hall
6:05 p.m. Head Table guests process from the President’s Lodge to Formal Meal in 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.
Academic gowns will be provided in the Senior Common Room for Head Table Guests and Day Students.
We encourage students to “come as you are.” Gowns are just one part of the tradition of Formal Meal. You are welcome to dress up if you want, but it is not a necessity. We encourage you to dress in ways that reflect your identity, including your cultural heritage.
Ticket Information
Residence Students
Tickets are also available at Prince Hall between September 13 – 23. They cost a “swipe” of your meal plan to be manually deducted from your meal plan on the day of Formal Meal. See a Chartwells team member for more information on how to grab your ticket!
Day Students
The Day Students Society (DSS) is going to sponsor up to 50 tickets. Check out the Day Students Societies IG page (@daystudentssociety) for information on how to sign up for tickets!
Staff, Faculty or UKC Non-Student Community Members
The Dean of Students will be in touch via email about signing up for a place at the Head Table.
