Hi Class of 2026,

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

-Student Transitions & Family Programs
Important Dates/Deadlines
Fall 2022
  • October 8 - 11: Fall Break (No classes)
  • October 21 - 23: Parent & Family Weekend
  • November 23 - 25: Thanksgiving Break (No classes)
  • December 9: Last day of classes
  • December 12 - 21: Reading period and finals
Department Debrief: Student Transitions & Family Programs
With Bear Beginnings behind you and your first semester at WashU just beginning, we want to highlight a few upcoming programs and events to keep an eye on and also provide you some resources to aid your transition into college academics.

Parent & Family Weekend | October 21 - 23, 2022
Parent & Family Weekend is a great opportunity to reconnect with your family by showing them your favorite study spot or coffee shop on campus, 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 to view the schedule of events, purchase tickets and t-shirts, and plan their visit.

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 an hour and a half (WUSA hours) on your residential floor answering questions about academic deadlines (e.g., add/drop, course registration, etc.), helping you find involvement opportunities on campus, and making connections with you and your peers. Check for communication from your WUSA for the time and date of your next WUSA hours.

We encourage you to attend WUSA hours and get to know your WUSAs, as they can be a helpful resource for you.
Symphony on the South 40
You are invited to attend Symphony on the South 40 on Monday, September 12. Members of the St. Louis Symphony under the direction of Darwin Aquino will follow a string ensemble comprised of WashU student musicians, and the evening will end in a side-by-side performance.

Symphony on the South 40 will take place outside of Bear's Den on the South 40 from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM on Monday, September 12. Admission, food, and drinks are free. We hope to see you there!
First Year In the Lou: Balloon Glow
On Friday, September 16th, the St. Louis Balloon Glow will take place at Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park. The event is free to attend and will begin at 5:00 PM. If you would like to attend with a group, WUSAs will leave from the Clocktower at 6:30 PM to take the Metro to Forest Park and then walk to this event. Additionally, the Great Forest Park Balloon Race takes place on Saturday, September 17th. The race begins at 4:30 PM, but festivities start at 1:00 PM.

Stop by the Student Transitions & Family Programs office between 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Friday, September 16th to pick up glow sticks for the Balloon Glow! If you plan to walk to and/or from Forest Park with a WUSA, please sign up.
First Year In the Lou: Cardinals Game
Join Dr. Anna Gonzalez ("Dr. G"), Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, at the Cardinals v. Pirates game on September 30th at 7:15 PM. Students who sign up for a free ticket are responsible for getting themselves to the game. We recommend using your U-Pass to take the MetroLink. If you would like to walk with a group to the University City-Big Bend Station, WUSAs will leave in groups from the Clocktower at 5:40 PM and 6:00 PM. WUSAs will also be present at the game to lead you back to the MetroLink Stadium Station to return to campus. More information about how to use the MetroLink will be communicated to students who sign up for tickets.

Your ticket will be emailed to you on the day of the game. You will need to download the MLB app to claim your ticket. See you at the game!
Handshake
Handshake is a career management platform to help you discover new career options as well as find internship and job opportunities. You’ll also use it to learn about events and programs on campus, network, connect with employers, and more.

We encourage you to set up your Handshake profile right away! The system will alert you to opportunities based on your interests and preferences. The WashU Career Center website has links to videos to help you get started.

Use Handshake to register for the Fall 2022 All-Campus Internship & Job Fair on Thursday, September 22.
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