SAS Traditions

A number of traditional shipboard-wide activities - with a several-decade history - occur on each Semester at Sea voyage. These events are open to the entire shipboard community and all are encouraged to participate.

• Students of Service Auction - This event is a fundraiser for the shipboard drive, which provides funding for Semester at Sea's community and service learning projects, student scholarships, etc. All shipboard participants are invited to auction items of interest in the live auction, silent auction, or raffle.
• Involvement Symposium: During student orientation, an involvement symposium is scheduled in order to allow participants to learn of the many involvement options. A plenary session allows faculty and staff to provide an overview of involvement opportunities. Participants are invited to visit satellite locations immediately following the plenary session to learn more about a particular interest(s) and sign-up to participate.
• Talent Night Performances - Voyages culminate with a formal talent show that showcases shipboard talent. Surprise performances by crew members leave a lasting mark.

• Sea Olympics: A shipboard staple 45 years in the making, teams (organized by residence "seas") in the Semester at Sea Olympiad compete in a series of shipboard events ranging from the traditional to the unique. Along with the pride of title comes a handsome reward decided by the residence life team.
• Neptune Day - Dating back to 1926, the transition from pollywog to shellback forms one of Semester at Sea's most memorable traditions. Each time the MV Explorer crosses the equator for the first time during a voyage, festivities ensue in which pay homage to King Neptune by kissing a fish, showering in "guts," and shaving their heads.

• Alumni Ball: As each voyage nears its conclusion, the Alumni Ball Committee (in conjunction with the Student Ambassadors and voyage staff) coordinate the Alumni Ball. This semi-formal and often themed event brings the community together and gives proper forum for much necessary reflection. It is a celebration of the progression from students to alumni of Semester at Sea.  
• Alma Mater - As a tribute to Max Brandt, respected ethnomusicologist and Chief Academic Officer Emeritus, the composition of our alma mater is Semester at Sea's newest tradition. Listen to "Off to Sea-The World" while viewing the History and Timeline or simply read the lyrics.