At the Thanksgiving Dinner , professors come out to carve the turkeys. Every December, seniors gather in the Refectory for a Moravian Candle Trimming . These candles are used during the yearly Salem Candlelight Service . The entire Salem community gathers for the service in Hanes Auditorium. Without it, a Salem Christmas wouldn't be the same.
Convocations mark the official opening and closing of the school year.
Opening Convocation , held the night before the first day of classes, gives the student body the opportunity to see the new seniors during the processional in their caps and gowns. Similarly, Honors Convocation marks the end of the academic year. The entire student body, faculty, and staff join the president in celebrating yet another year in the education of women.