Hi Class of 2025,

Congratulations on starting your first year at WashU!

We hope you are finding time to attend some First 40 programming. You can check out the Washington University Group Organizer (WUGO) for a list of events happening during First 40 and all year long.

This edition of the Bear Bulletin highlights some of the programs / events occurring this month and also includes some tips for succeeding in the classroom and resources for trying a new study skill or method of time management.

-The First Year Center 
Important Dates/Deadlines

Fall 2021
  • August 30: First day of classes
  • September 6: Labor Day (No classes)
  • October 9 - 12: Fall Break (No classes)
  • November 24 - 28: Thanksgiving Break (No classes)
  • December 10: Last day of classes
  • December 13 - 22: Reading period and finals
Department Debrief: First Year Center
With Bear Beginnings behind you and your first semester at WashU just beginning, we want to highlight a few upcoming programs and event to keep an eye on and also provide you some resources to aid your transition into college academics.
Parent & Family Weekend | October 29 - 31, 2021
Parent & Family Weekend is a great opportunity to reconnect with your family by showing them your favorite study spot or coffee shop on campus, inviting them to sit in on one of your faculty lectures, exploring St. Louis attractions, catching a WashU Bears football game, and more.

If your family plans on joining us for Parent & Family Weekend, encourage them to visit our website starting mid-September to view the schedule of events, register for the weekend, and plan their visit to campus.
Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs)
You have already been introduced to your WUSAs. However, we want to remind you of their presence during your first year at WashU. The next year will be one of growth and adjustment. Throughout this time, your WUSAs will serve as your academic and personal mentors, introduce you to certain WashU traditions, and help you adjust to the academic culture of your new home.

Each week, your WUSAs will spend two hours (WUSA hours) on your residential floor answering questions about academic deadlines (i.e. add/drop, course registration, etc.), helping you find involvement opportunities on campus, and making connections with you and your peers. The first set of WUSA hours for all WUSAs will take place Thursday, September 2nd and next Thursday, September 9th from 8:00 - 10:00 PM.

We encourage you to attend WUSA hours and get to know your WUSAs, as they can be a helpful resource for you.
The Learning Center
One of the most utilized academic resources is The Learning Center. Through The Learning Center, there are several academic tutoring and peer mentoring sessions available, ranging in many academic subjects, as well as training workshops on skills such as time management and note-taking. Located in the lower level of Mallinckrodt Center, The Learning Center is a great resource for any academic questions you have or issues you face.
What's Going on this Month?
Fall Activities Fair | Friday, September 3rd
Join Student Union and over 300 student organizations for the Fall Activities Fair on Friday, September 3rd from 3:30 - 5:00 PM on Mudd Field. A virtual option is available on Thursday, September 2nd at 12:30 PM.

WashU at the Zoo | Friday, September 3rd
The St. Louis Zoo is a hometown treasure and it's right across the street in Forest Park! Grab a friend and get to know your zoo neighbors by taking a trolley to the zoo. Trolley trips begin at 5:25pm from Alumni House and will run throughout this private, free event for WashU!

Symphony on the South 40
Hear the sweet sounds of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra right outside your door on the South 40!

Join us on Monday, September 20th from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM outside Bear's Den (BD). The First Year Center will be handing out free popcorn and other snacks to those in attendance. Student performances will open this evening of incredible music. This event is free and open to the public.
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