South Carolina Corps of Cadets returns to campus

Sunday, Jan. 11
Various times
The Citadel campus

The Citadel’s first major event in 2026 will be the return of the Corps of Cadets to campus.

Having left for the winter furlough, cadets will return to campus on Sunday, Jan. 11. Throughout the reconstitution process, the Corps will return to the college’s 24/7 military lifestyle in preparation for the spring semester.

First day of spring 2026 classes

Wednesday, Jan. 14
Various times
The Citadel campus

On Wednesday, Jan. 14, spring semester classes will begin for both the Corps of Cadets and The Citadel Graduate College.

For more information on the spring semester’s academic schedule, click here.

Martin Luther King Day of Service and Parade

Monday, Jan. 19
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pearson Club, Johnson Hagood Stadium
Free, open to the public

On Monday, Jan. 19, the Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics — with sponsorship from The Citadel African American Alumni Association (CA4) — will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Pearson Club in Johnson Hagood Stadium, where breakfast will be served to the attending cadets, students, faculty, staff and members of the CA4. RSVP is required to attend the breakfast, click here to attend. Beginning at 8 a.m., attendees will hear from guest speaker Chief of Police Chito Walker.

Following the breakfast, Citadel cadets, faculty, staff and alumni will march in the MLK Day parade hosted by YWCA Greater Charleston. The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Johnson Hagood Stadium and will end at the South Carolina Aquarium. For more information on the parade, click here.

After the parade, Citadel cadets plan to volunteer with local nonprofits across the Lowcountry.

The MLK Day of Service is a national effort to use the holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. into a day of community service. It was created by Congress in 1994 through the King Holiday and Service Act.

“Inside the Gates” overnight campus visit

Thursday, Jan. 22 – Friday, Jan. 23
Various times
The Citadel campus
Free, open to high school juniors and seniors interested in joining the Corps of Cadets

High school students interested in attending The Citadel have the opportunity for an overnight, in-person visit.

Beginning with registration at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, students will get to spend a night in the barracks and eat in the mess hall. On Friday, Jan. 23, parents and students will attend information sessions; they will be able to have their questions about The Citadel answered by a panel of cadets and members of the faculty and staff.

These visits are designed to offer a comprehensive overview of life at The Citadel. Students and parents will be able to learn about academic programs, ROTC opportunities, cadet life, financial aid, student support services and more.

To register for the January 22-23 visit, click here.

First parade of the year and President’s List and gold star parade

Friday, Jan. 23
3:45 p.m.
Summerall Field
Free, open to the public

The Citadel will hold its first military dress parade of the year on Friday, Jan. 23, at 3:45 p.m. The military dress parade will honor those cadets and students who were named to the President’s List or who earned gold stars for superior academic performance during the fall 2025 semester.

The President’s List is one of the most distinguished cadet awards presented by The Citadel. It indicates excellence in academics and military duties.

Gold stars are awarded to cadets and students who have earned a grade point ratio of 3.7 or higher.

The tradition of parading troops can be traced back to the time of Alexander the Great, and the South Carolina Corps of Cadets’ Friday afternoon dress parades reflect those drill procedures and movements of the past.

Modern day dress parades are conducted to inspect troops, render honors, preserve tradition and foster espirit de corps. At various times throughout the year, parades are also used to present awards and recognize students, faculty, staff and other notable figures.

For more information, or to view the spring 2026 parade schedule, please visit the Parade Schedule webpage.

The Citadel Athletics

To purchase tickets, please call 843-953-3647 or visit citadelsports.com/tickets. 

The Citadel Basketball vs. Wofford

Saturday, Jan. 3
1 p.m.
McAlister Field House
Tickets start at $8

The Citadel Basketball vs. Western Carolina

Saturday, Jan. 10
1 p.m.
McAlister Field House
Tickets start at $8

The Citadel Basketball vs. Furman

Wednesday, Jan. 21
7 p.m.
McAlister Field House
Tickets start at $8

The Citadel Basketball vs. Presbyterian

Thursday, Jan. 22
6 p.m.
McAlister Field House
Tickets start at $8

The Citadel Basketball vs. VMI

Thursday, Jan. 29
7 p.m.
McAlister Field House
Tickets start at $8

The Citadel Basketball vs. UNCG

Saturday, Jan. 31
1 p.m.
McAlister Field House
Tickets start at $8