Hi Class of 2025,

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, message us through the Official Class of 2025 Facebook group or our Instagram, or ask us in Bear Base.
-The First Year Center 
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
Bear Beginnings

Your WashU journey starts with Bear Beginnings, our three-pronged approach to the new student transition.

  • Bear Beginnings: Summer Engagement Series - Throughout the summer you have the opportunity to engage with each other, current student leaders, and staff through interactive platforms like Bear Base, Instagram Live, and Zoom. These experiences are centered around three topical areas: affinity, residential, and co-curricular. The Bear Beginnings: Summer Engagement Series kicks off later this month with affinity experiences hosted by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion!

  • Bear Beginnings: Get Your Bearings Online Orientation - Beginning this month, you will use an orientation portal to complete informational modules on a number of key topics for student success at WashU. All students received an email with instructions for accessing the platform earlier this week. These instructions can also be found below.
  1. Go to orientation.wustl.edu
  2. Select Student Login
  3. Answer the member profile questions. Please select first-year undergraduate. Additionally, international students are defined as students attending WashU on non-immigrant visas.
  4. Sign in using your WashU Key
  5. Complete the modules
  6. Throughout the modules, you may be asked to choose a track for your academic division. Please complete the academic division to which you are currently enrolled. 

  • Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome - Our culminating experience welcoming you to WashU. 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 Month
You will receive the following items in the mail from us this month:

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
Course Registration
Registration for Fall 2021 courses will take place via WebSTAC between July 13 - 15 during your assigned registration time. 

Your adviser will reach out to schedule a virtual advising meeting soon. You must have your Washu key and email established to have access to course listings and to communicate with your adviser. Check your WashU email at least two times a week to have the most up-to-date information! 
Summer Academic Opportunities
Summer Start

Enroll in up to six credit hours for academic credit towards your degree. Summer Start offers three different sessions each with a variety of course options in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and math. The application deadlines vary so we encourage you to find out more through the Summer Start website.
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