Hi Class of 2024,

We hope you are enjoying your summer so far! We cannot wait to meet you all soon.

Read this month's  Bear Bulletin  for important information you need to know for your transition to WashU. If you have any questions, feel free to email , message us through the Official Class of 2024 Facebook group or our Instagram , or ask in the WashU Admitted Students Network !

-The First Year Center 
Important Dates/Deadlines

Last week, Chancellor Martin sent a message to new students and families regarding the updated fall calendar. This message, and prior communication from the university, can be viewed at Messages from the University. Please note that the below dates reflect this updated academic calendar.

Important Academic Deadlines

  • July 14-16: Course Registration

Fall 2020

  • September 14: First day of classes
  • November 26 & November 27: Thanksgiving Break
  • December 18: Last day of classes
  • December 21, 2020 - January 1, 2021: Winter Break (Part 1)
  • January 4 - January 10: Final exams occurring remotely
  • January 11 - January 22: Winter Break (Part 2)

Spring 2021

  • January 25: First day of classes
  • March 15 - March 19: Spring Break (No classes)
  • May 6: Last day of classes
  • May 7 - May 13: Final exams
Bear Beginnings

Our approach to the new student transition is shifting this year to best serve our new students in light of current events. Bear Beginnings will take on a three-pronged approach to the transition outlined below.

  • Bear Beginnings: Summer Engagement Series - Throughout the summer, students will engage with current students, faculty, and staff through interactive platforms like Wisr (WashU Admitted Students Network) and Zoom. You will connect with the WashU community, your academic division, and hear from current students about involvement and engagement.

  • Bear Beginnings: Get Your Bearings Online Orientation - In August, you will enter an orientation portal where you will complete informational modules on a number of key topics for student success. All students will receive an email with further information later in the summer.

  • Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome - Our culminating experience welcoming you to WashU. We are working to finalize dates and plans including Move-In Day and the process for moving to campus. We will notify you with these dates and suggest you do not make final travel plans until we have released additional information.

Lastly, you will soon get a phone call or message from your Washington University Student Associate (WUSA) who is an upperdivision student who will connect with you during your transition and throughout your first year as an academic and WashU resource. They are excited to welcome you to the university and get to know you.
What To Expect This Month
You will be receiving the following items in the mail from us this month:

1) Letter from Chancellor Martin

2) Bear Essentials
  • Bear Essentials is a publication that helps first-year students prepare for their first year by providing a glimpse into different aspects of WashU.

3) Common Reading Program Book and Guide

4) June Before You Arrive Checklist
Course Registration
Registration for Fall 2020 courses will take place  via WebSTAC  between July 14-16 during your assigned registration time. 

Your adviser will reach out to schedule a virtual advising meeting. You  must  have your WUSTL key and email established to have access to course listings and to communicate with your adviser. Check your WUSTL email periodically to have the most up-to-date information! 
Bear Beginnings: Summer Engagement Series
This series is designed to connect new students with WashU over the summer. We're starting off with affinity space hangouts that occur via Zoom and community chats in the WashU Admitted Students Network. 

Register for these affinity space Zoom meetings and webinars through the e vents tab in the WashU Admitted Students Network ! We cannot wait to see you there!
Summer Academic Opportunities
1) Summer Start

Take one or two courses for academic credit towards your degree. Summer 2020 courses are virtual and meet from June 8 - July 10. The deadline to apply is June 3, 2020 at noon CST. Find out more through the Summer Start website.

2) Gateway to Business (for nonbusiness students)

Designed for nonbusiness students who desire to gain a fundamental understanding of business and enhance career preparedness. This is a virtual, six-week course that starts June 9, 2020. Apply and find out more through the Gateway to Business page.
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