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. WUSAs (Washington University Student Associates) are a great resource for your students, as they are upper class students who can speak to their own experiences during their first-year. Students are also 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 summer after a student's first year can be full of possibilities, ranging from opportunities to volunteer, get an internship or job, summer courses, to name a few. 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 

 

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. 

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 found in the link below and to talk to OISS in advance about their work plans. 

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

Mark your calendars for Residential Life deadlines!

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

Last fall, Washington University students saved approximately $430,000 by taking advantage of 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 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 .

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.

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.