Welcome, Class of 2027!

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 or reach out on Instagram.

- Student Transitions & Family Programs

Important Dates/Deadlines

Summer 2023

• July 18-20: Course registration

Fall 2023

• August 18 and 19*: Class of 2027 move-in
• August 19-26: Fall Welcome
• August 28: First day of classes
• September 4: Labor Day (No classes)
• October 7-10: Fall Break (No classes)
• November 22-26: Thanksgiving Break (No classes)
• December 8: Last day of classes
• December 11-20: Reading period and finals

*International students and fall varsity athletes have different arrival dates. Please check with the Office for International Students and Scholars or your head coach for more information.

What To Expect This Month

If you have a U.S. address, you will receive the following items in the mail from us this month. If you live outside the U.S., you can review the information online.

1) Bear Essentials for Students

• Bear Essentials for Students is a publication that helps first-year students prepare for their time at WashU by providing a glimpse into different aspects of the university.

2) June Before You Arrive Checklist

• The June Before You Arrive Checklist contains action items that should be completed this month.

You will need to complete the following item this month:

3) Bear Beginnings: Get Your Bearings online orientation

• This month, you will use an orientation portal to complete modules on a number of key topics for student success at WashU. Completion of this online orientation is due by 11:59 PM on Monday, July 3, 2023. Instructions for accessing this platform are:

1. Go to orientation.wustl.edu
2. Select "Student Login" and sign in using your WUSTL Key.
3. Answer the member profile questions. Please select "first-year undergraduate." International students are defined as students attending WashU on non-immigrant visas.
4. Complete the modules. Throughout the modules, you will be asked to choose a track for your academic division. Please complete the academic division for which you are currently enrolled. Beyond Boundaries students should select the academic division from which their four-year adviser belongs.

June 2023 Checklist

Each month this summer, there will be important items you need to complete to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your first year. Some items on the June checklist include:

• Reviewing and updating your WebSTAC user profile.
• Taking any necessary online placement and diagnostic exams.
• Connecting with Disability Resources if you require accommodations due to an identified disability or have questions about specific disability-related concerns.
• Complete Get Your Bearings by 11:59 PM on Monday, July 3, 2023.

Course Registration

Registration for fall 2023 courses will take place via WebSTAC between July 18 - 20 during your assigned registration time. 

Your adviser will reach out to schedule a virtual advising meeting by mid-June. You must have your WUSTL Key and WashU email established to communicate with your adviser. Check your WashU email at least two times a week to have the most up-to-date information! 

Dialogue Across Difference (DxD) and L43 1100

Dialogue Across Difference (DxD)

Dialogue across Difference (DxD) are one-credit, eight-week courses teaching students how to dialogue across difficult topics such as politics, religion, race, and gender identity in a positive and productive way. Hear from students who have taken the class and learn more about the program.

First-Year Course L43 1100

This one-credit, seven-week course is designed to help new students make a successful transition to WashU, both academically and personally. This course sets students on a path in which they will engage with academic readings, interactive activities, and empirically based strategies centered on the five core anchors of Student Affairs: Healthy Excellence; Leadership; Career Development; Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion; and Student Engagement & Belonging. The course also introduces the students to key academic success and learning strategies resources and support staff that will optimize their experiences at the university.

Students interested in taking L43 1100 should speak with their academic adviser when discussing their fall 2023 course schedule. McKelvey students should consider taking ENGR 120 First Year Foundations.

Health and Well-being Updates

All WashU students must complete the following health and wellness requirements.

• Submit your immunization record and health history form. Students who have not completed this requirement prior to move-in will not be allowed to enter their residence hall.
• Choose a health insurance option. All students are required to have health insurance and will be automatically enrolled in the WashU student health plan. Students with personal or family health insurance coverage may waive out of the university’s plan. Waiver requests become available on July 1 and must be submitted by September 5.
• Transfer prescriptions to the Quadrangle Pharmacy, located on campus in the Habif Health and Wellness Center.
• Discuss plans to continue mental health support/counseling, if appropriate. 

Summer Webinar Series

Our Summer Webinar Series was designed to answer student and parent and family members' questions about WashU. Recordings of past webinars can be viewed on our Webinar Series page.

Consider attending our upcoming webinar, A Conversation about Habif Health & Wellness, Tuesday, June 13 at 5:30 PM CDT. Registration is required.

Click the following links to register and find out more information about our other upcoming webinars.

• Tuesday, June 27 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation about Combined Studies
• Tuesday, July 11 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation about Student Financial Services
• Tuesday, July 25 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation about Disability Resources
• Tuesday, August 1 at 5:30 PM CDT: A Conversation about Move-In and Fall Welcome