August 2020
From the Desk of Dr. Robert M. Wild
Bear Beginnings
Health & Wellness Updates
Connect with Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life
Voter Registration
Family Webinar Series
From the Desk of Dr. Robert M. Wild
Dear parents & families,

I last wrote you on Friday, July 31 st with an update on fall planning. My colleagues and I on the fall planning committee have been hard at work planning for the fall semester. Our work has been guided by two key principles: (1) Allowing students flexibility with the fall and their decisions about coming to campus; (2) Planning for a campus environment that minimizes the potential spread of COVID-19 in our community. We know these are difficult and uncertain times for all of us, and we appreciate very much your patience and understanding as we work through our plans.

As you and your student finalize their plans for the fall semester, you have a lot to consider. We know you may have additional questions. As I mentioned in my Friday message, the university will be hosting a series of town halls this week to answer your important questions.
 
In particular, we encourage you to consider attending the town hall for new undergraduate students and families.
 
Tuesday, August 4 th , 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT
 
Panelists:
  • Kirk Dougher, PhD, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Support and Wellness
  • Cheri LeBlanc, MD, Executive Director of the Habif Health & Wellness Center
  • Kawanna Leggett, MEd, Interim Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students
  • Jennifer Smith, PhD, Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences
  • Ronné Turner, MA, Vice Provost of Admissions & Financial Aid
 
We encourage you to submit questions in advance and watch live via YouTube if you are able as it uses less bandwidth on your internet network and will allow for more people to participate in the town halls.
 
As the start of the semester approaches, I want to share some conversations you should be having with your student this month.
 
  1. Discuss the university’s fall plan and review the frequently asked questions and ones specific to undergraduate students. Only you and your student can determine what is the best decision for them, an on-campus or remote learning experience. Have your student submit an Intention for Fall Study form to indicate whether they plan to study in-person or remotely to the university by 5:00 PM CDT on August 5th.
  2. Familiarize yourselves with the many resources available to your student and family. Key university services and resources are outlined in your copy of Bear Essentials for Families, which you should have received in the mail from us a few weeks ago. Your student received a similar publication, Bear Essentials for Students as well. We are aware that USPS is experiencing significant delays. If you have not received either publication, they are available to view online.
  3. Encourage your student to complete all the items found in the Before You Arrive Checklists.

Please let us know if you have any questions, we can be reached at families@wustl.edu .
 
I hope you will be able to participate in the town hall tomorrow evening.
 
Robert M. Wild, Ph.D.
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Bear Beginnings
Summer Engagement Series

Throughout the summer, your student has been engaging with current students, faculty, and staff through interactive platforms like the WashU Admitted Students Network and Zoom. Please encourage your student to learn more about the Bear Beginnings: Summer Engagement Series and participate in upcoming sessions!
Get Your Bearings

Bear Beginnings: Get Your Bearings is an online orientation that will introduce your student to key university resources. Your student will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online orientation platform later this week. Make sure your student completes Get Your Bearings by September 1st .
Fall Welcome

Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome will begin the morning of Tuesday, September 8th and conclude the evening of Saturday, September 12th . During Fall Welcome, your student will meet with their WUSA small group, engage in academic experiences, and participate in a long-standing university tradition - Convocation. Some activities will take place in-person while others will be virtual to ensure safety precautions and physical distancing for COVID-19 can be followed. Student who choose to take their classes remotely will still be able to participate in Fall Welcome virtually.

Parent & Family Orientation will be offered as a virtual experience. Families will be mailed a "Convocation kit" to ensure you can participate in our university tradition from your home.

Details about move-in are available on the Residential Life website .
Health & Wellness Updates
The Habif Health & Wellness Center Resource Guide was recently mailed to parents and families. We are aware that USPS is experiencing significant delays. If you have not yet received your copy, please check out the online version

This guide was created to provide information regarding health record and immunization requirements, transferring records and prescriptions, continuing mental health care that may be needed.
Connect with Religous, Spiritual & Ethical Life
Is your student curious about religious, spiritual, or interfaith opportunities at WashU? Are they looking for a faith community or a place to ask questions? The Office for Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life is here to support students of any/no religious backgrounds and can help connect your student to WashU's many affiliated campus ministries .

For more information, encourage your student complete the Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life information request form or contact The Reverend Callista Isabelle , Director for Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life.
Voter Registration
An important conversation to have with your student before they leave home in the fall is about civic engagement and registering to vote. If your student is a U.S. citizen, they have the option to register to vote either in Missouri or in their home state.
 
WashU uses TurboVote, which is a software that can register students to vote in their state, send reminders before elections, and mail absentee ballot request forms to students who choose to vote outside of Missouri.
 
If your student would like to register to vote before arriving on campus, they can do so online. If you have any questions or your student is interested in becoming involved with voter registration initiatives on WashU’s campus this fall, please reach out to WashU Votes .  
Family Webinar Series
Thank you to those who have joined us for our webinars this summer! You can watch past webinars by visiting the Family Webinar Series Page.

We will be hosting a series of town halls this week to answer your important questions. In addition, the academic divisions are also hosting their own town halls.

First Year Center | Washington University in St. Louis
Umrath House, lower level, suite 0925 | One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1136 | St. Louis, MO 63130
families.wustl.edu  | Office: 314.935.5040 | Toll Free: 844.935.5040 |  Fax: 314.935.8516 |  families@wustl.edu