From the Desk of Dr. Anna Gonzalez | | |
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Parents and families,
The Division of Student Affairs is working hard to ensure your arrival to campus later this summer goes as smoothly as possible. Move-In Day is one of my absolute favorite times because it provides a space for our university community to welcome you and your student to campus. We will be visible in our red WashU t-shirts to assist you, and I will personally be making rounds to say hello to many of you. If you see me, be sure to say hello!
With move-in approaching quickly, please check out some important topics and resources to review with your student:
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The transition to college is an exciting, yet busy, time. It is important that you clarify communication expectations with your student prior to their arrival. Your student’s educational record is their own. Similar to how medical records are protected by HIPAA, your student’s educational records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Discuss any expectations you have for your student to share their academic progress with you.
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Your student will receive a July checklist this month containing important reminders. Assist your student in completing everything on this list to make their transition as easy as possible. More information on completing checklist items can be found on the new students website.
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Housing assignments, including roommate information, were released on July 1 at Noon CDT via WebSTAC on the Housing Portal. Your student can select their move-in time and date using the same portal beginning on July 5 at 1:00 PM CDT. Please encourage your student to reach out to their roommate(s) to make an early connection, coordinate shared items and discuss living habits.
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Packing lists are available to assist students as they prepare for move-in. WashU also offers several options to ship items to campus. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and other parcel services deliver to WashU campus addresses. Students must include their MSC number for accurate shipping. Shipping addresses and MSC numbers can be found with the housing assignment. Packages can be accepted 14 days prior to Move-In Day. Visit the following link to learn more about mail services.
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Last week, your student received an announcement on two important courses that Chancellor Martin and I are encouraging your student to enroll in. Learn more about Dialogue Across Difference (DxD) and the new first-year course, Bearprints for Success: L43 1100.
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Parent & Family Orientation is a great way to learn more about WashU, the resources we provide, and to meet other parents. This year, Parent & Family Orientation will take place from Friday, August 18 to Sunday, August 20. Families can attend virtually or in-person, and all programming will end by 3:00 PM CDT on Sunday, August 20. You can preview the Parent and Family Orientation schedule on the families website. If you are able to join us, please RSVP for Parent & Family Orientation by Monday, July 31 at noon CDT.
If you have questions, please email families@wustl.edu or call us at 314.935.5040 or toll free at 844.935.5040. Helpful information can also be found on the parent & families website.
We look forward to welcoming you to campus soon!
Warmly,
Anna "Dr. G" Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
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Important Dates / Deadlines | | |
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Summer 2023
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July 1 at Noon CDT: Housing assignments available
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July 5 at 1:00 PM CDT: Move-in date and time selection opens
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July 18-20: Course registration
Fall 2023
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August 18 and 19*: Class of 2027 Move-In Day
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August 19-26: Fall Welcome for Class of 2027
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August 23: Transfer Student Move-In
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August 23-25: Transfer Student Welcome
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August 28: First day of classes
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September 4: Labor Day (No classes)
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October 7-10: Fall Break (No classes)
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November 22-26: Thanksgiving Break (No classes)
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December 8: Last day of classes
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December 11-20: Reading period and finals
*Fall varsity athletes may have different arrival dates. Please have your student check with their head coach for more information. International students should complete the OISS First-Year International Arrival Form.
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Parent & Family Orientation RSVP | | |
Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome for Class of 2027 | | |
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Move-In Day will occur on Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19, 2023*. Fall Welcome will take place Saturday, August 19 to Saturday, August 26, 2023. During Fall Welcome, your student will meet with a small peer group, engage in academic experiences, explore St. Louis and participate in Convocation, a long-standing university tradition. You can preview the Fall Welcome schedule for first-year students on the new students website.
*Fall varsity athletes may have different arrival dates. Please have your student check with their head coach for more information. International students should complete the OISS First-Year International Arrival Form.
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We're excited to welcome transfer students to campus in August. Move-In Day will occur on Wednesday, August 23* for transfer students living in Residential Life-managed housing.
Bear Beginnings: Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome will take place Wednesday, August 23 through Saturday, August 26.
*Fall varsity athletes may have different arrival dates. Please have your student check with their head coach for more information. International students should complete the OISS First-Year International Arrival Form.
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What to Expect this Month | | |
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If your student has a U.S. address, they will receive the following items in the mail from us this month:
1) July Before You Arrive Checklist
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The July Before You Arrive Checklist contains action items that should be completed by your student this month. Please encourage your student to complete these to-do items!
2) Habif Health and Wellness Postcard
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Course Registration
Registration for fall 2023 courses will take place between July 18-20 during your student's assigned registration time.
Your student's academic adviser reached out to them last month about registration. Your student must have their WUSTL Key and WashU email established to have access to course listings and be able to communicate with their academic adviser. Remind your student to check their WashU email several times a week to have the most up-to-date information from their academic adviser!
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Housing Assignments and Move-In Day | | |
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Housing Assignments:
Your student's 2023-2024 Residential Life housing assignment, including their roommate and suitemates, is now available to be viewed on the Housing Portal. Your student can log into the Housing Portal via WebSTAC.
If applicable, encourage your student to reach out to their roommate/suitemates via their WashU email(s) to introduce themselves and discuss what items they both will be bringing to the room or suite! A recommended packing list can be found on the new students website.
We work diligently to meet the room preferences of our students. When demand exceeds the supply of a given room type, we are not able to meet all room preferences. If your student wishes to request a room change, they can access the Room Change Form via the Request Forms tab on the Housing Portal. We will not begin processing room change requests until after the first two weeks after fall classes begin.
Move-In Date and Time Selection:
Your student will have the ability to select their move-in date and time on the Housing Portal beginning on July 5 at 1:00 PM CDT. Your student can view instructions on how to select their move-in date and time. The first-year move-in dates are Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19.
Fall varsity athletes may have different arrival dates than those stated above. Please check with your head coach for more information.
Incoming first-year international students will move-in on Thursday, August 17. Please complete the OISS First-Year International Arrival Form by Friday, July 14.
Renter's Insurance:
WashU has partnered with GradGuard to offer renter's insurance to students. Your student can obtain renter's insurance through GradGuard via the Request Forms tab on the Housing Portal.
Residential Life strongly recommends that all students obtain renter's insurance prior to their scheduled move-in date and time either through GradGuard or another provider of their choice. Residential Life is not responsible in the event of theft, destruction, or loss of money, valuables, or other personal property belonging to, or in the custody of, a student, as stated in the Housing Terms and Conditions.
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July 1 through September 8, you have the option to adjust your meal plan by completing a Meal Plan Change Request Form via the Request Forms tab on the Housing Portal.
Meal plan changes can affect your financial aid package. Follow-up with your Student Financial Services Counselor prior to submitting a Meal Plan Change Request Form.
To learn more about the different meal plans offered, please visit WashU Dining Services.
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Talk with your student about voter registration if they are eligible. Students may stay registered at home, or they can register to vote in Missouri. Visit the Gephardt Institute for more information. | |
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Your student must complete the following health and wellness requirements:
*Note: Mental Health Services will be changing their name to Counseling and Psychological Services. You will see this name change reflected on their website around mid-July, and in other resources over the next few months.
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Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life | | |
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Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life supports all students of any/no religious, spiritual, or philosophical background. They offer fun pause retreats to help students de-stress, interfaith dialogues, a confidential listening ear, and connections to prayer spaces and religious groups.
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The upcoming webinars for the Summer Webinar Series edition of our Family Webinar Series can be found below! This series was designed to help your student succeed, by answering all of their and your WashU questions. Recordings of the first two webinars in the Summer Webinar Series, A Conversation about Housing and Dinning and A Conversation about Habif Health and Wellness can be viewed on our Family Webinar Series page. The information for our upcoming webinars and their registration links are below.
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Updating Contact Information | | |
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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, and make changes to, your information in WebSTAC.
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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. | |
Student Transitions & Family Programs | Washington University in St. Louis
Umrath House, lower level, suite 0925 | One Brookings Drive, MSC 1136-0332-LL | St. Louis, MO 63130
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