May 2020
From the Desk of Dr. Robert M. Wild
What to Expect this Summer
Family Webinar Series
Navigating the Families Website
Update Your Contact Information
From the Desk of Dr. Robert M. Wild
Dear parents and families: 
 
Welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! My name is Rob Wild and I am the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, which means I work with many of the people and programs that will support your student while they are learning here on campus. We are glad you and your student have chosen Washington University and on behalf of my colleagues, we are all looking forward to welcoming you and your student to campus!

I know many of you have questions about the fall semester and the upcoming academic year in light of the current public health challenges with COVID-19. The university Fall Contingency Planning Committee is exploring a number of scenarios to inform planning in critical areas including academic calendars, curriculum, residential life, and student and community safety.  We are working to ensure that we can provide an in person experience that is safe for everyone. We will share more information as soon as it is available. You can read more about the university’s response to COVID-19 including a series of FAQs for admitted students.

We believe that regular communication with parents and families is critical to the success of our students.

Below, you will find the May edition of  Family Ties , the quarterly newsletter written specifically for the parents and families of undergraduate students. This quarterly publication is edited by the  First Year Center  and sent throughout the year directly to your inbox. 

The key to successful transition is preparation. I have introduced below some key programs, resources, and information that I hope will serve useful as you help your student prepare for the next step in their journey. 

  • Bear Essentials for Families will arrive to your address in mid-June. This brief guide provides an overview of the WashU first-year experience and suggests strategies and resources for your student and your family.

  • The First Year Center (FYC) will serve as a resource for you during your student's entire undergraduate experience. The FYC hosts important programs to help families transition into the university and stay connected throughout the year. You can find information pertinent to you as a family member on the Division of Student Affairs Parent & Family website. FYC staff also provide regular and important information to parents and families throughout the summer and the academic year.

  • The FYC also coordinates communications, programs, and resources to support new students. The FYC often communicates with new students throughout their first year at WashU. We have identified some important milestones you can support your student in accomplishing this summer further down in this publication.

While the next few months can be full of excitement and anticipation, we know many of you will continue to have questions. We invite you to connect with us at families@wustl.edu or call us at 314.935.5040 or toll free at 844.935.5040. Additionally, if you are looking for helpful information, we recommend you visit the  Division of Student Affairs Parent & Family website . 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Robert M. Wild, PhD
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (effective June 1, 2020) 
What to Expect this Summer
Be on the lookout for communication from the First Year Center throughout the summer.


Course Registration

Registration for Fall 2020 courses will take place between July 14-16, 2020 during your student's assigned registration time. 

Your student's adviser will reach out to them in early June. They must have their WUSTL key and email established to have access to course listings and be able to communicate with their adviser. Remind your student to check their WUSTL email several times a week to have the most up-to-date information from their adviser! 
Family Webinar Series
The upcoming webinars for our Summer Webinar Series have been released! You can learn more by going to our Family Webinar Series Page as well as access any of our past webinars. The information for our upcoming webinar and its registration link are below. 

A Conversation with Habif Health & Wellness Center
Date : Monday, June 22nd
Time : 5:30 pm CST
Description : The Habif Health and Wellness Center offers a range of services from medical checkups and mental health services to wellness support and health education. Aaron Daughtery, Associate Director of Administration, will join us for a conversation on:

  • Habif services and resources
  • Health forms
  • Insurance
  • Immunizations


Navigating the Families Website
Over the course of the summer and academic year, our Division of Student Affairs Parent and Family website can be a great resource to help you navigate this transitional period.

To begin, we encourage you to explore the Campus Resources, Messages from the University, and Family Webinar pages.
Update Your Contact Information
We encourage you to work with your student to check that your contact information is correct in their WebSTAC account. This will ensure that you, as a family member, are receiving all relevant information including an update about the fall contingency plan when it is released. This includes cell phone number, email address, and emergency contact information.

Your student can confirm your information on the WebSTAC site. If needed, your student should email the First Year Center to have your information updated in their WebSTAC account.
Contact Us

For a springboard to help you determine the best answer to your questions, please email families@wustl.edu or call 314.935.5040 or reach us toll free at 844.935.5040.
First Year Center | Washington University in St. Louis
Umrath House, lower level, suite 0925 | One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1136 | St. Louis, MO 63130
newstudents.wustl.edu  | Office: 314.935.5040 | Fax: 314.935.8516 |  firstyearcenter@wustl.edu