As our new first-year students, transfers, returning Panthers and our faculty and staff settle back into campus, there will be plenty of events on the calendar to keep everyone busy outside of the classroom. And our impending merger with Russell Sage College will certainly expand these opportunities for both student bodies!
Here’s our annual compilation of time-honored institutional events and some fun festivities planned by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership for Fall 2026.
August
On Thursday, August 27, join the campus community at the annual Involvement Fair in the Albert M. White Gymnasium from 5:30 – 7 pm. The popular event is co-sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership and the Student Government Association. With more than 55+ clubs and professional organizations, this is a perfect opportunity to see where your interests fit best here.
After your first week of classes, gather your fellow classmates for Game Night in the South Hall Courtyard from 6-7 pm on Saturday, August 29. Join the RAs for lawn games, board games, and snacks! If rain is in the forecast, we’ll move to South Hall, first floor lounge.
Finish off your week with a beach-themed ice cream social on Sunday, August 30 from 2-3 pm in the South Hall Recreation Room. The RAs are throwing and will bring the board games! 🏖️
September
Be sure to cancel that alarm before bed on Sunday, September 6 since Monday is Labor Day and there are no classes – time to catch up on some sleep or explore parts of Albany including Lark Street, the Capital and Empire State Plaza, or do some shopping! FYI – Tuesday classes will follow a Monday schedule.
Towards the end of September, ACPHS will host its time-honored White Coat Ceremony to welcome first-year Doctor of Pharmacy students into the initial stages of the pharmacy profession. The event takes place on Friday, September 25 at 4 pm in the gym. Alumna, Dr. Leigh Briscoe-Dwyer ’87 will be the keynote speaker.
In addition, we’ll host Family Fun Day on Saturday, September 26. Bring your family friends to campus to check out your dorm set up and explore the city. More details coming soon!
October
Reunion Weekend kicks off Friday, October 2-3. All alumni are welcome to join the festivities including Alumni soccer and basketball games, an Alumni Awards Celebration Dinner, a Milestone Brunch, Alumni Spirit Night and more.
The Center for Student Success joins the Russell Sage College Career and Self-Discovery Center to host the Career Expo on Tuesday, October 6, in the RSC Armory, from 11 am to 2 pm. This exciting new event is open to students and – in a first for ACPHS – alumni from both colleges. Find more information around campus and on Handshake.
On Monday, October 12, there will be no classes in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day. Join ACPHS in honoring and recognizing the Indigenous inhabitants of the land where the campus now sits, specifically the Mohawk, Mohican, and Schaghticoke tribes.
The American Pharmacist Association Academy of Student Pharmacists at ACPHS will host the Health and Wellness Expo at Crossgates Mall on Saturday, October 24 from 12-3 pm. The annual event is open to the entire community and will feature a variety of free services such as blood pressure screenings, flu shot clinics, bone density screenings, and much more. 🩺 😷
Also in October, our admissions team will host the first of two Open Houses for prospective students on October 17 in the Gozzo Center. The day provides an opportunity for students to tour campus, learn about academic programs, meet faculty, and attend sessions designed to help guide students on their interests.
November/December
The second Open House will take place on Saturday, November 21 in the Gozzo Center. Stop by and share your ‘why’ with these prospective students.
The campus will break from November 25-27 to honor the Thanksgiving holiday. Students are encouraged to rest in advance of finals week which will begin on December 7 and end on the 11th.
And once the semester ends, there is an extended opportunity to recharge for the spring semester which won’t commence until Monday, January 19, 2026!
To keep abreast of all events and opportunities, be sure to check out Engage@ACPHS. Anything published with a panther paw and a gator claw will be open to all students.
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