Please continue to share any comments and ideas with us about content for upcoming issues by contacting us at
FamilyTies@wustl.edu.
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If you were forwarded this email,
click here to join the Family Ties mailing list now.
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Get to Know the First Year Center
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The First Year Center supports new students through their transition into the community of Washington University in St. Louis to assure that they build and sustain their academic and personal goals. The center brings together people, programs and resources to provide an undergraduate experience of exceptional quality where all students are known by name and story and where they prepare themselves for lives of purpose and meaning. Bear Beginnings: New Student Orientation, Parent & Family Weekend, and a host of other programs for students throughout the year are run out of the First Year Center.
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From the Desk of Dean Wild
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Dear parents and families:
Our spring semester is already well underway- students are working hard and spring break is about a month away- an eternity for most of our students!
I am writing to share some suggestions and advice for working with your student as the spring semester unfolds:
- Often students return for the spring semester looking for a "fresh start." This approach often provides a way for students to reflect on their successes from the fall, reevaluate what could be improved from last semester, and to take the steps to make this semester even better. This could involve academic choices, friend groups, or student organizations they are involved with. Students may be excited about a number of opportunities this spring, and have a hard time saying "no" to new experiences. Finding balance is key and there are many resources on campus that can help your student talk through that process. Students are able, and encouraged, to reach out to their 4-year academic advisor, their Resident Advisor, Cornerstone: The Learning Center, and the Career Center for assistance with academic support, job/internship searching, and staying within their 4-year plan.
- In the spring semester, student groups and organizations are recruiting again and often appoint a new class of student leaders. While this can be an exciting time of new connections, some students may experience disappointment or setback. Remind your student that not getting the position or admitted into the group that they had hoped for is a chance for growth and opportunity. We all experience successes and failures during our lifetimes and learning from disappointment is an important skill. Encourage them to ask what they can do to improve and to try again when the opportunity presents itself.
- While it may seem far away, this is also a great time to start preparing for the summer. The Career Center offers many great resources to help students think about what their next steps might be, including post-graduate study or the internship or job search, as well as the application process, such as resume help and interview practice. Students are encouraged to schedule an individual appointment or stop by for walk-in office hours.
Please don't hesitate to write me at rob.wild@wustl.edu if you have any questions.
Robert (Rob) M. Wild
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Transition and Engagement & Dean of Students
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FYE Student Leadership Positions
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Encourage your student to apply for an
FYE Student Leadership position! FYE Student Leaders assist new students in their transition to Washington University.
Washington University Student Associate (WUSA)
WUSAs are volunteers who assist new students with their academic, social, and personal transition to Washington University. They serve as orientation leaders during Bear Beginnings and then serve as academic peer mentors for the student's entire first year. First-year WUSAs mentor first-year students while transfer & exchange (TX) WUSAs mentor transfer and exchange students.
BEAR Leaders
BEAR Leaders support the Bear Beginnings orientation program through leading 15-18 first-year students through one of five themes during the three day Immersive Experience Program (IEP). Additionally, BEAR Leaders will assist in the implementation of the Campus Life at WashU (CLAW) evening series.
Applications are due Tuesday, February 12 at Noon.
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Alison Lindsay Named 2019 NCAA Today's Top 10 Honoree
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Lindsay was honored on Jan. 24 in Orlando
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Alison Lindsay, a 2018 graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, was selected as a 2019 Today's Top 10 Award winner as announced by the NCAA. The award recognizes former student-athletes for their successes on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. All 10 winners were recognized on Jan. 23 at the Honors Celebration during the NCAA Convention in Orlando. More information can be found here.
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Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS)
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International Students need to apply for work authorization well in advance of starting internships
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You may be encouraging your student to get practical training through internships or other temporary employment. However, keep in mind that international students have an extra responsibility when it comes to employment; they must obtain proper work authorization, which takes considerable time and planning in advance. Work authorization applications for summer employment may be started as early as February. We don't want students to be unable to take a great job offer because they didn't apply for authorization sufficiently in advance. Please encourage your international student to read the information at the link below and to talk to OISS in advance about their work plans.
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Residential Life Housing Selection 2019 is here!
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| Housing Selection 2019-2020: Understanding Eligibility & More! |
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Mark your calendars for Residential Life deadlines!
- February 1-8, 2019: Housing Reapplication
- Residents wishing to live within Residential Life housing will have the opportunity to participate in the Residential College Process by submitting an Online Housing Application through the Housing Portal from February 1-8, 2019.
- February 20, 2019: Residential College Round Room Selection
- In this round, up to 60% of upperclass rooms in the Residential College Round will be available for assignment to groups of students who currently reside in that Residential College.
- March 6-8, 2019: General Housing Round Room Selection
- First-year students who want to live with other students from other Residential Colleges can select the General Room Selection process. In the General Room Selection process, first-year students are given priority to select suites, which include the suites on the Northside.
As your student prepares to submit their housing application or explore their options for residential life housing, use the Residential Life website:
reslife.wustl.edu.
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WIN (WashU Parents Internship Network)
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Join the
WashU Parents Internship Network (WIN)!
WIN is a collaborative effort between WashU Parents Council and the WashU Career Center to source paid internships across a range of highly desired industries and professions.
For information on how to post a position, a list of some of our target organizations, and a flyer on the benefits of hiring a WashU intern, please go to
WIN
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Stipend deadlines approaching:
To make unpaid internships viable for financially qualified students, the Career Center provides a limited number of stipends. Application deadlines are March 1 and April 1.
If your student is still searching for a summer or post-graduation opportunity, encourage them to meet with a career advisor. Students can use
online scheduling to set up an appointment with their career advsor. To find out other ways the Career Center can assist your student, visit
careercenter.wustl.edu.
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New summer program for high school women interested in business
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Do you know a young woman who is a sophomore in junior in high school and who wants to learn more about business and leadership?
If so, encourage her to apply to BOLD@Olin- a new summer program offered by the Olin Business School. Held July 21st - 27th, BOLD@Olin is designed to give rising female leaders opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth. Throughout the week students will learn from Olin Business School faculty; network and be inspired by accomplished women in business; and engage in opportunities to develop their leadership potential.
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WashUCampus Store Cost-Saving Options Save Washington University Students $430,000
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Last fall, Washington University students saved approximately $430,000 by taking advantage of the Washington University Campus Store's many course material affordability programs and services, including used books, text rental, digital titles, and price match. With so many cost saving options, the campus store team wants to make sure Washington University students understand that the Washington University Campus Store is - simply put - the best place for books.
As part of Follett's network of more than 1,200 campus stores and 1,600 virtual stores, the Washington University Campus Store offers the largest inventory of used books in the industry. This past fall, more than 74,000 used titles were available throughout Follett's network, saving students more than $20 million. Another popular cost-saving option, text rental, allows students to save up to 80% compared to purchasing new material. Follett's rental program saved students across the U.S. and Canada more than $40 million this past fall.
For students interested in exploring digital options, the Washington University Campus Store offers a wide range of digital learning technologies including Follett's BryteWave digital textbook reader. Many digital titles provide anytime, anywhere access as well as varying discounts compared to purchasing new print materials. This past fall, Follett increased its available digital titles by 35% over last year, saving students who chose this option more than $8 million compared to purchasing new.
"Students have more success in the classroom when they have affordable access to needed course materials," said Kristen A. Peebles, Washington University Campus Store director. "Our goal is to ensure all students obtain the materials they need at the lowest cost possible."
For more information, simply drop by the Washington University Campus Store or go to
www.wubookstore.com
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WashU One Day Only Sale for Mac & iPad Pro
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On April 26, 2019 WashU students can take advantage of the best prices of the year at the Campus Store! During this 1-Day event, Wash U receives an additional 8% discount off the Education price. Pre-orders are encouraged and custom Macs are eligible. Please email
campusstoretech@wustl.edu or call
314-935-7424 for more information.
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Summer 2019: Course Browsing Now Open
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Now is the time to remind your student to review summer course options at WashU.
The Summer School offers hundreds of courses over four sessions. Students can take a full year of lab sciences in ten weeks, get a head start on a major, or fulfill general graduation requirements in an efficient way. Class size is small and students benefit from close interactions in the classroom. The intense format of summer classes also allows students to study with greater focus than during the fall and spring semesters.
Visit the
Summer School website to learn more about summer classes and special programs. Registration for summer opens March 27th.
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Help APAP and Admissions with College Fairs
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Represent WashU at an Event Near You
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| Do you want to share your WashU pride to help recruit, enroll, and welcome talented students in your community? Consider representing WashU at a College Fair! College Fairs provide opportunities for high school students and their families to learn more about colleges and universities. Since WashU Admissions Officers are unable to attend every college fair, we rely on Alumni and Parents Admission Program (APAP) volunteers to represent WashU and help recruit the next generation of talented students. Your efforts will help personalize the admissions process for these students and spread enthusiasm for the university around the world. Visit our website to learn more |
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