February Edition: Bear Bulletin for First-Years

Hi Class of 2027,

As we progress into the new semester, we sincerely hope that you have had an encouraging and positive start. We understand that the beginning of a semester can be a mix of excitement and challenges, as you adjust to new courses, perhaps meet new classmates, and settle into a fresh routine.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us, message us through Instagram, or ask your WUSA!

- Student Transitions & Family Programs

First-Year Experience

Important Dates/Deadlines

Spring 2024

March 1: Last day to change a class to P/A
March 10-16: Spring Break (No classes)
April 26: Last day of classes
April 29 - May 8: Reading Days and Finals
May 13: University-wide Commencement

Department Debrief: WashU Libraries

The WashU Libraries are here for you! In addition to our vast collections of print and electronic resources across the seven locations across the Danforth campus, we also offer help with your research needs, with expert subject librarians for every discipline on campus available to assist with finding sources, navigating databases, and more. Send us a note via our 24/7 chat service anytime – we are always here to support your academic success. WashU Libraries also offers students the opportunity to apply for competitions and awards intended to showcase and enrich intellectual life on campus.

To-Do Items & Reminders

Housing Applications

On-campus housing applications for the 2024-2025 academic year are now open. The deadline to apply to be able to participate in room self-selection is Wednesday, February 14.

You can visit the ResLife website for additional resources to help guide you through the housing selection process.

What's Happening on Campus

Mindful Mondays: February 5 and 12 at Noon CST at Goldberg Lounge

You are invited to stop by Goldberg Lounge located on the 2nd Floor of the DUC to learn simple mindfulness practices and enjoy a moment to pause. Hosted by the Office for Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life and Habif Health and Wellness Center.

Civic Café Democracy Dinner: February 6 from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM CST at Stix House

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement is hosting a democracy dinner focused on Black Internet Culture & Political Power. Dr. Raven Maragh-Lloyd, Assistant Professor of African and African American Studies and Film and Media Studies, will be present as the distinguished speaker for the evening. Professor Maragh-Lloyd’s work explores the ways that Black and African American people creatively use media to build community and visibility. Dinner will be provided; please RSVP.

Tuesday Tea @ 3: February 6 and 20 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CST at Tisch Commons

Tuesday Tea @ 3 is an event sponsored by Campus Life held on the first and third Tuesdays that class is in session. Every other week, there is an opportunity for a student group or chapter to co-host this event to advertise their upcoming events and programs. Grab a friend and enjoy a cup of tea, say hi to the group hosting, and continue to carry on this amazing WashU tradition.

First-Year Student Nights

First-Year Student Nights events are part of the First-Year Passport Program. By signing up and attending two events each from the First-Year Student Nights at Athletics, First-Year Student Nights at the Arts, and First-Year In the Lou series (six events total), you will be eligible to receive a FREE WashU sweatshirt!

First-Year Student Nights at the Arts:

Student Transitions & Family Programs is partnering with the Performing Arts Department, the Department of Music, the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, and the Program in Film and Media Studies to highlight artistic events taking place on campus. Our next event is the Kemper Art Museum’s Spring Exhibitions and Q&A with artist Kahlil Robert Irving on Friday, February 23 at 4:30 PM CST. Register to attend this event.

First-Year Student Nights at Athletics:

Student Transitions & Family Programs will continue partnering with the Department of Athletics to highlight our spring semester varsity athletes. We have two exciting events for February. The Men’s Basketball team will take on New York University on Friday, February 16 at 7:30 PM CST and the Women’s Basketball team will challenge the University of Chicago on Saturday, February 24 at 1:00 PM CST. Register to attend these events and check the STFP Instagram regularly for information about future events.

Health Happenings

Habif Health and Wellness Medical Services

Respiratory illness season is in full swing, but it's not too late to get your updated flu or COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are proven to reduce your risk of severe diseases, and if you do get the flu or COVID-19 after being immunized, the case is much milder. Please stay home if you feel sick, get tested for COVID-19 or the flu as needed, and remember that wearing a mask in a crowded environment will help protect you from any respiratory illness. Please don’t hesitate to set up an appointment through the student portal or call 314-935-6666 or 314-935-4959 during regular hours for an urgent issue.

Habif Health and Wellness Promotion Services

Habif Health and Wellness Center has launched two key assessments on February 1: the Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors (MACH-B) and the American College Health Association's National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA). If you received an invitation, you have a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card for completing the survey, and you will help WashU develop well-being programs and services for students.

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

Life is a balance. Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) can help you get into a state of flow, get out of a funk, and much more. Register for TAO to learn more.

Habif Health and Wellness Center on Social Media

Keep up with the latest in health and self-care! Follow the Habif Health and Wellness Center on Instagram for instant access to the newest wellness tips, self-care strategies, and more. Their Peer Health Educators and Health Promotion team regularly post fresh, relevant content to help you take the best care of yourself and others. Don't miss out—stay informed and healthy!

WUSA Applications Close on Tuesday, February 13 at Noon!

WUSA applications close on Tuesday, February 13 at Noon - don't miss this opportunity to support new first-year, transfer, or exchange students in their transition to WashU! Visit the WUSA Application Information page to learn more about the application and interview process. Student Transitions & Family Programs will be hosting three in-person Information Session, led by current and former WUSAs, to introduce the WUSA role, explain the application and interview process, and answer questions. It is highly recommended that those interested in applying for the WUSA role attend:

DUC 276: Tuesday, February 6, Noon – 1:00 PM CST
Mudd Multipurpose Room: Wednesday, February 7, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
Lopata Multipurpose Room: Thursday, February 8, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST

Free Cooking Classes

Elevate your culinary skills with the return of cooking classes from WashU Dining Services. Be the first to know when sign-ups go live by following WashU Dining Services on Instagram. Planning ahead? Check out their calendar of events for an exciting lineup that promises to satisfy your taste buds and spark your culinary creativity.

Career Corner

The spring 2024 All Campus Internship & Job Fair is Tuesday, February 6 from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM CST in the WashU Athletic Complex. Another important innovation that we now have at WashU is our Career Communities. Career Communities offer space for you to explore future pathways and to connect with career development resources for support and guidance. If you have not registered on Handshake, please claim your free account. Handshake is the career management platform that provides a variety of information to students, including connection with employers and access to workshops and events hosted by the Center for Career Engagement.

What to Do in the Lou

Explore St. Louis and build your itinerary!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Cherokee Street

Cherokee Street is a hub for antique shops, art galleries, and restaurants. This neighborhood is also home to the largest concentration of Latiné-owned restaurants, shops, and grocery stores in St. Louis. To get there from the MetroLink, get on the blue line at Big Bend station and get off at the Civic Center station. You can then take the No. 11 bus to Cherokee Street and Jefferson Avenue to start exploring.

When you're there, make sure to check out STL Style House for St. Louis gear, explore the six-block stretch of Antique Row, and shop for a new plant or locally grown bouquet at Flower & Weeds. Grab a sweet treat at Whisk: A Sustainable Bakeshop, a coffee at the Mud House, or enjoy a meal at one of Cherokee Street's many delicious taquerias and other restaurants . You can also dive into St. Louis's history with a tour of the 19th century Chatillon-DeMenil Mansion .

Local Events:

Orchid Show: February 1 - February 25 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST

Witness the stunning beauty of over 6,000 orchids at the Missouri Botanical Garden's renowned Orchid Show. Explore an ever-changing display featuring nearly 700 unique species, including rare and endangered varieties. Different species bloom at different times, so the orchid show is constantly changing – and always exciting.

African American History Trolley Tour: February 10 and February 24 from 10:00 AM - Noon CST

Explore African American history on a 2-hour guided trolley tour through the Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, where you'll discover the stories and monuments of notable historical figures. Tickets are free with suggested $5 donation. There is limited seating so booking in advance is recommended.

Lunar New Year: Year of the Dragon Exhibition & Fundraiser: February 10 from 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM CST

Experience the Lunar New Year at the Duane Reed Gallery with the Year of the Dragon exhibition. Enjoy art from Asian American artists, a lunch by local businesses, and a panel on diversity in the arts. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for $25.

Owl Prowls: Recurring throughout February from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM CST

By visiting the World Bird Sanctuary during its Owl Prowls, you can meet the amazing birds that fly by moonlight. Owl Prowls offer an exciting opportunity to learn more about the intriguing life of owls from a naturalist. Come face-to-face with live owls and take an easy night hike across the grounds.

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