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: 

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 
4. With your student approaching the end of their undergraduate career, we hope you have made plans to join us for Commencement during May 14-17, 2019. You can sign up for updates on the commencement website. We're excited to see you soon and celebrate the success of your student. 

Graduation Fair: February 19-22, 2019

The Danforth Campus and Medical Campus bookstores will hold graduation fairs

February 19-22 from 10am to 6pm.

Students will be able to order their regalia, announcements, and have their graduation portrait taken!

Please note, only the Danforth Campus bookstore will be taking the graduation portraits.

Commencement- May 14-17, 2019

The 158th Commencement is right around the corner! Sign up for updates at commencement.wustl.edu/updates.

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.

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. 

https://oiss.wustl.edu/students/employment-training/

Celebrate your WashU senior with a commemorative brick permanently installed around the Hourani Clock Tower on the South 40 ( view map). Bricks can be inscribed with your student's name and class year in addition to personalized information such as their sorority/fraternity, sport, or school.

To ensure installation prior to Commencement 2019, don't delay in ordering your brick today or before February 15th.

Please call Parent Programs at (800) 247-8517 or email seniorbrick@wustl.edu with any questions.

Join the  WashU Parents Internship Network (WIN) !  WIN is a collaborative effort between WashU Parents Council and the WashU Career Centers 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 .

 

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 advisor. To find out other ways the Career Center can assist your student, visit careercenter.wustl.edu .

Do you know a young woman who is a sophomore or 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 21^st - 27^th, 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.

Applications are now open and will be accepted through April 1^st. More information and application materials can be found on the Olin Business School website. Have questions? Please send them to: OLIN-BOLD@email.wustl.edu.

As Washington University's commencement ceremonies approach, the Washington University Campus Store is prepared to support soon-to-be alumni with an array of graduation gear, including caps and gowns, class rings, graduation announcements, and diploma frames.

"We're proud to play a role in this special occasion for Washington University students," said Kristen A. Peebles, the Washington University Campus Store director. "Just as we helped students shop class and campus essentials, we're also here to make sure they have everything they need for a successful and memorable graduation."

Students are encouraged to stop by the store, located at 6465 Forsyth Blvd., during Grad Fair week, February 19-22, 2019, to review their options and place orders. Likewise, students may also visit wubookstore.com to browse and purchase related products.

In addition to diploma frames, the campus store also carries products that celebrate the much anticipated transition from student to alumni. These include alumni-themed apparel and gifts, as well as items that help support a graduate's job search or transition to the professional world.

For more information on graduation products and services, visit the campus store in person or online at www.wubookstore.com

April 26, 2019 WU 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 encouraged, custom Macs eligible. Please email campusstoretech@wustl.edu or call 314-935-7424 for more information.