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 and, this winter, alumni 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, staff and alumni are warmly invited to join us Wednesday, February 5 for the winter term Formal Meal! Don’t miss out on this wonderful King’s tradition.
5:00 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
6:05 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. Pick up times will be posted in January.
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
Residents can attend by using a swipe of their meal card. Andrea Lamb, Food Services Director, will connect with residents in January to confirm who plans to attend.
Day Students
The Day Students Society (DSS) will sponsor up to 50 tickets for Day Students. Check the DSS Instagram (@daystudentsociety) for more information on how to sign up for tickets.
Staff, Faculty or UKC Non-Student Community Members
Please RSVP to reserve a seat at the Head Table. Spaces are limited and first come, first served.
Alumni
On behalf of King’s, 20 seats to Formal Meal are available for our alumni. They are on a first come, first serve basis and require an RSVP.
Alumni RSVP–Formal Meal
