Hi Class of 2026,

We hope you enjoyed your first month of sophomore year and are excited for the month ahead! We know there is a lot going on during this time of year, but hopefully you've settled into a routine.

This edition of the Bear Bulletin includes some of the programs and events occurring this month and highlights some of the many on-campus resources available to support you.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us.

-Student Transitions & Family Programs

COVID Updates & Flu Shot Clinics

We experienced a start of the semester COVID surge on campus with 280 students reporting they were positive on a home test or were being treated by Habif Health and Wellness Center for COVID. Our case numbers peaked just after Labor Day and have steadily decreased after that. We currently know of just a few COVID positive students.

COVID, along with Influenza and other infectious respiratory illnesses will always be part of community living on a college campus like ours. Limiting transmission strategies include:

1. staying home if you are sick.
2. wearing a mask around others while you are experiencing symptoms.
3. increasing ventilation in your indoor spaces by opening windows when possible.

For COVID specifically,

• Take an Antigen (Ag) test if you are experiencing symptoms and if it is positive, contact Habif through the student portal. If it is negative, you should also reach out so Habif Health and Wellness Center can arrange PCR testing. 
• Wear a mask while around others for 10 days if you have been exposed to COVID, get an Ag test any time you have symptoms and at 5 days post exposure. Ag tests are available to purchase in Quadrangle pharmacy located within Habif Health and Wellness Center as well as many local pharmacies when Quadrangle pharmacy is closed. They are also available to purchase from Bear Necessities.
• Stay up to date on flu and COVID vaccines.

A new COVID vaccine is available and early laboratory data suggest that it will give good protection against current COVID strains. We encourage everyone to get this vaccine along with their annual flu vaccine. Habif will be holding flu clinics on campus October 18-22. We have ordered the new COVID vaccine and if we have received it by then, we will offer it at our flu clinics as well. Both vaccines will be available by appointment at Habif throughout the semester.  

Health Happenings

Let's Talk

Let’s Talk" is an initiative offering students quick, confidential consultations with experts from the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCPS). Designed especially for full-time students, these virtual 15-20 minute Zoom sessions are available without an appointment. Visit the Let's Talk to view the Fall 2023 schedule. 

While “Let’s Talk” counselors are professionals, these sessions are not a substitute for formal counseling and do not constitute mental health treatment; they are tailored to provide insights on specific concerns and give a glimpse into the counseling experience. If, after a session, you need more structured support, Let's Talk counselors can guide you on how to schedule with CCPS or a provider in the community.

Suicide Prevention Training

Myth: Asking someone if they're thinking about suicide will give them the idea.  

Fact: Asking saves lives!

WashU offers free suicide prevention training for students.

Therapy Assistance Online

Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) is a free service for all WashU students. It includes over 150 brief, effective, educational sessions that cover common topics and skills related to mental health and wellness. The First year toolkit in TAO is specifically designed for incoming students to assist with transition and adjustment to the new college environment. Learn more and register for sessions.

Civic Action Week

Civic Action Week (CAW) kicks off on October 16! CAW is a weeklong initiative to highlight civic engagement opportunities throughout Washington University—in relationship with local community, campus partners, and beyond. All week across campus, different faculty, staff, and community partners will host events and other opportunities to engage. From screen printing your own civic action t-shirt to attending the Civic and Community Engagement Fair, there’s plenty of ways to get involved on campus. We want to empower you to turn your civic passions into action. Visit the Gephardt Institute for more information and the schedule of events.

Message from University Libraries

Join University Libraries for a series of research workshops that will offer students insight into more advanced topics, including Zotero, citing sources, and intellectual property. Each workshop will be presented twice during the semester. Visit the University Libraries events page for more details and registration.

What to Do in the Lou

Explore St. Louis and build your itinerary!

Neighborhood Spotlight: The Grove

The Grove is home to a growing vibrant business and entertainment district in St. Louis City. In the Grove you can find a diverse mix of independently owned restaurants, retail stores and entertainment services. It is also a thriving center for St. Louis-area LGBTQIA+, artist, and cycling communities.

When you are in The Grove, explore the local shops for unique boutiques and antiques. Stop by La Finca, the first authentic Colombian-style coffee shop in St. Louis, for some aromatic coffee or kombucha at Confluence Kombucha. Then savor a meal at one of the area's delightful restaurants like Grace Meat + Three and Songbird. As home to the largest collection of street art in St. Louis, The Grove also boasts a vibrant artistic ambiance that you can immerse yourself in as you stroll from one spot to another. If you are in the mood for some entertainment, The Improv Shop also offers a variety of comedy shows at affordable prices.

Local Events:

Best of Missouri Market: October 6 from Noon - 8:00 PM and October 7 & 8 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Best of Missouri Market returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden this fall with nearly 100 vendors offering handcrafted items, locally produced food, and much more. This beloved fall festival features food, crafts, native plants, herbs, custom jewelry, handcrafted items, and more.

31st Historic Shaw Art Fair: October 7 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM & October 8 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Shaw Neighborhood Improvement Association hosts the very popular Shaw Art Fair. The premier fine art fair in St. Louis city features 120 artists and includes food, music, schools, and great art. This event takes place on the beautiful tree-lined parkway of Flora Place.

Coloring STL: Recurring throughout October during business hours

St. Louis is renowned for its rich architectural tapestry spanning various eras. You can dive into this heritage at the Missouri History Museum's Coloring STL exhibit. Entry is free, and visitors can uniquely engage by coloring directly on the walls! This interactive showcase spotlights over 50 local landmarks, from iconic city structures to timeless homes, each inviting your personal touch of color.

St. Louis Street Food Festival: October 14 & October 15 at 2:00 PM

This spectacular weekend event hosted at Ballpark Village will feature the St. Louis area's best food trucks and restaurants with all food items priced at $5 or less! This will give you the opportunity to sample a wide range of flavors and options from over 20+ vendors.