A picture of the WashU campus with the words 'Family Ties.'
May 2021
From the Desk of Robert M. Wild
Important Dates / Deadlines
Move-In Day and Bear Beginnings
What to Expect this Summer
Course Registration
Family Webinar Series
Navigating the Families Website
Update Your Contact Information
Contact Us
From the Desk of Dr. Robert M. Wild
Dear parents and families,

Welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! My name is Rob Wild and I am the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, which means I work with many of the people and programs that will support your student while they are learning here on campus. We are glad your student has chosen Washington University and on behalf of my colleagues, we are all looking forward to welcome you and your student to campus!

I know many of you have questions about the fall semester related to health and safety on campus as we return to more normal life at the university, following this past year. I can say that with widespread vaccines and the continued progress in reducing rates of COVID-19 in our community, we are hopeful for a return to a much more normal fall semester, beginning with move-in and Bear Beginnings. Katharine Pei, Director of the First Year Center, recently emailed you and your students about Move-In Day and Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome. You can read the full message, and all messages from university leadership, at families.wustl.edu.

We believe that regular communication with parents and families is critical to the success of our students. Below, you will find the May edition of Family Ties, the quarterly newsletter written specifically for the parents and families of undergraduate students. This quarterly publication is edited by the First Year Center and sent throughout the year directly to your inbox.

The key to successful transition is preparation. I have introduced below some key dates, programs, resources, and information that I hope will serve useful as you help your student prepare for the next step in their journey.

  • Bear Essentials for Families will arrive to your address in mid-June. This brief guide provides an overview of the WashU first-year experience and suggests strategies and resources for your student and your family. With this publication, you can also expect to receive the companion Parent and Family Habif Health and Wellness Guide.

  • The First Year Center (FYC) will serve as a resource for you during your student's entire undergraduate experience. The FYC hosts important programs to help families transition into the university and stay connected throughout the year. You can find information pertinent to you as a family member on the Division of Student Affairs parent and family website. FYC staff also provide regular and important information to parents and families throughout the summer and the academic year.

  • The FYC also coordinates communications, programs, and resources to support new students. The FYC often communicates with new students throughout their first year at WashU. We have identified some important milestones you can help your student in accomplishing this summer further down in this publication.

It has been my honor to serve the university this past year as the Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. I will be returning to my regular role as associate vice chancellor and dean of students later this summer. I am very excited to welcome our new vice chancellor for student affairs, Anna Gonzalez, PhD. Dr. Gonzalez currently serves as vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Harvey Mudd College and has been appointed vice chancellor for student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis effective July 1. She and I have been working closely together since March and Anna's energy and deep knowledge of Student Affairs will be outstanding for all of us here at WashU. I hope you'll join me in welcoming Dr. Gonzalez!

While the next few months can be full of excitement and anticipation, we know many of you will continue to have questions. We invite you to connect with us at families@wustl.edu. or call us at 314-935-5040 or toll free at 844-935-5040. Additionally, if you are looking for helpful information, we recommend you visit the Division of Student Affairs parent and family website.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Robert M. Wild
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Important Dates / Deadlines
Summer 2021

  • July 13 - 15: Course registration

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
Move-In Day and Bear Beginnings
The university recently announced plans for Move-In Day and Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome for the Class of 2025. The plans were shared via email with you and your students on May 6th. You can learn more about Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome, the early arrival process, family programming, and more on the Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome website.
What to Expect this Summer
Be on the lookout for communication from the First Year Center throughout the summer.

  • Visit the what to expect over the summer timeline for the full list of summer communication pieces heading your way. Digital copies of all publications will be shared in future editions of Family Ties.

  • You student will receive a Before You Arrive checklist in June, July, and August. Please encourage your student to complete these items each month so their transition to the university is as smooth as possible.
Course Registration
Registration for Fall 2021 courses will take place between July 13-15, 2021 during your student's assigned registration time. 

Your student's adviser will reach out to them in early June. They must have their WUSTL key and email established to have access to course listings and be able to communicate with their adviser. Remind your student to check their WUSTL email several times a week to have the most up-to-date information from their adviser! 
Family Webinar Series
The upcoming webinars for our Summer Webinar Series can be found below! This series was designed to help your student succeed, by answering all of your WashU questions. You can learn more and access any of our past webinars by going to our Family Webinar Series Page. The information for our upcoming webinar and its registration link are below. 

We hope you will join us for out first webinar of the summer, A Conversation About Housing and Dining, tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18th at 5:30 PM CST. Registration is required.

Description: Residential Life provides a robust on-campus living experience designed to facilitate community and learning for students during their time as a WashU student. Dining Services provides students multiple meal plan options and oversees various dining centers around campus to provide students the nutrition they need to succeed academically and personally. Will Andrews, Associate Director of Residential Life, and Andrew Watling, Associate Director of Dining Operations, will join us for a conversation on:

  • Housing assignments
  • Residential Life policies
  • Meal plan options
  • Nutrition on campus

Click the following links to register and find out more information about our other upcoming webinars.
Navigating the Families Website
Over the course of the summer and academic year, our Division of Student Affairs parent and family website can be a great resource to help you navigate this transitional period.

To begin, we encourage you to explore the campus resources, messages from the university, and family webinar pages.
Update Your Contact Information
We encourage you to work with your student to check that your contact information is correct in their WebSTAC account. This will ensure that you, as a family member, are receiving all relevant information including future editions of Family Ties. This includes cell phone number, email address, and emergency contact information.

Your student can confirm your information on the WebSTAC site. If needed, your student should email the First Year Center to have your information updated in their WebSTAC account.
Contact Us
For a springboard to help you determine the best answer to your questions, please email families@wustl.edu or call 314.935.5040 or reach us toll free at 844.935.5040.
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 | Fax: 314.935.8516 | families@wustl.edu