BEAR BEGINNINGS: FALL WELCOME 2022- CLASS OF 2026 Required events marked with *
FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 Information Station (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) South 40, Umrath House, Lower Level, Student Transitions & Family Programs
Staff from Student Transitions & Family Programs will be available to answer questions. Printed schedules, resources, and maps, including directions to local St. Louis shopping and dining locations, will be available.
Campus Tours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) South 40, Clocktower
Tours of the Danforth Campus, not including the South 40, will be provided by the Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs). WUSAs work for Student Transitions & Family Programs, serving as orientation leaders during Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome and as academic mentors throughout the first year. Tours depart every hour and will last approximately 50 minutes. The last tour will leave at 4:00 PM.
Alumni Family Hospitality Suite Open House (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) Ridgley Hall, Holmes Lounge
WashU Alumni Association invites alumni and their first-year students to stop by the Alumni Family Hospitality Suite. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of move-in and meet other alumni families, treat yourself to a cold drink and snacks, and take a family photo.
Allergy Friendly Kitchen Tour (2:00 PM – 2:45 PM) South 40, Zetcher House, Bear’s Den
Join the WashU Dining nutrition and culinary team for an allergy-friendly tour of the Bear’s Den on the South 40. Learn about our stations at Bear’s Den, including our Top 9 Allergy Friendly Station and our Simply Made menu for students with more attentive allergy and nutritional needs. Hosted by Dining Services.
Allergy Friendly Dining on Campus (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) South 40, Mudd House, Multipurpose Room
Join the WashU Dining nutrition team to learn more about navigating campus dining with a food allergy or another specific dietary need. Meet our dietitians and head chefs at our campus dining locations and learn valuable information to help you better meet your dietary needs and preferences while living on campus. Hosted by Dining Services.
Residential Floor Meeting* (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Various Locations. See communication from your resident advisor (RA) for specific locations.
Meet with your RA for a session covering everything you need to know for your first night living on campus. You are only required to attend the session on the day of your move-in.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 Information Station (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) South 40, Umrath House, Lower Level, Student Transitions & Family Programs
Staff from Student Transitions & Family Programs will be available to answer any questions. Printed schedules, resources, and maps, including directions to local St. Louis shopping and dining locations, will be available.
Campus Tours (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) South 40, Clocktower
Tours of the Danforth Campus, not including the South 40, will be provided by the Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs). WUSAs work for Student Transitions & Family Programs, serving as orientation leaders during Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome and as academic mentors throughout the first year. Tours depart every hour and will last approximately 50 minutes. The last tour will leave at 4:00 PM.
Alumni Family Hospitality Suite Open House (11:00 AM – 2:00 PM) Ridgley Hall, Holmes Lounge
WashU Alumni Association invites alumni and their first-year students to stop by the Alumni Family Hospitality Suite. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of move-in and meet other alumni families, treat yourself to a cold drink and snacks, and take a family photo.
Allergy Friendly Kitchen Tour (2:00 PM – 2:45 PM) South 40, Zetcher House, Bear’s Den
Join the WashU Dining nutrition and culinary team for an allergy-friendly tour of the Bear’s Den on the South 40. Learn about our stations at Bear’s Den, including our Top 9 Allergy Friendly Station and our Simply Made menu for students with more attentive allergy and nutritional needs. Hosted by Dining Services.
Allergy Friendly Dining on Campus (3:00 PM – 4:00 PM) South 40, Mudd House, Multipurpose Room
Join the WashU Dining nutrition team to learn more about navigating campus dining with a food allergy or another specific dietary need. Meet our dietitians and head chefs at our campus dining locations and learn valuable information to help you better meet your dietary needs and preferences while living on campus. Hosted by Dining Services.
Beyond Boundaries Welcome for New Students & Families (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) Mallinckrodt Center, Edison Theatre
Beyond Boundaries students and their families are invited to join Rob Morgan, director of the Beyond Boundaries program and teaching professor of drama, and senior leaders in Student Affairs for welcoming remarks followed by dinner.
Office for International Students and Scholars Welcome for New Students & Families (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) Graham Chapel International students and their families are invited to join the Office for International Students and Scholars and senior leaders in Student Affairs for welcoming remarks followed by dinner.
Scholar Programs Welcome for New Students & Families (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) Mallinckrodt Center, Edison Theatre
Danforth Scholars, Ervin Scholars, Rodriguez Scholars, and their families are invited to join senior leaders in Student Affairs for welcoming remarks followed by dinner.
Student Success (Deneb STARS and TRIO Scholars) Welcome for New Students & Families (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) Brookings Quadrangle Deneb STARS students, TRIO Scholars, and their families are invited to join Chancellor Andrew D. Martin and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez, and senior leaders in Student Affairs for welcoming remarks followed by dinner.
Gap Year Reception (6:00 PM - 7:00 PM) Ridgely Hall, Holmes Lounge
Join other students who took time off after high school before coming to WashU. Share your experiences and hear about what other people did during their time away from school. Families are also invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
Residential Floor Meeting* (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM) Various Locations. See communication from your resident advisor (RA) for specific locations.
Meet with your RA for a session covering everything you need to know for your first night living on campus. You are only required to attend the session on the day of your move-in.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 21 Residential College Meetings* (9:30 AM – 11:00 AM) Beaumont Hall: Rebstock Hall, Room 215 Danforth House: Louderman Hall, Room 458 Dardick House: Crow Hall, Room 201 Dauten Hall: Brown Hall, Room 100 Hitzman Hall: Simon Hall, Room 1 Hurd Hall: Simon Hall, Room 1 Koenig House: Hillman Hall, Room 60 Lee Hall: Rebstock Hall, Room 215 Lien House: Brown Hall, Room 118 Myers Hall: Simon Hall, Room 1 Park House: Hillman Hall, Room 70 Rutledge Hall: Brown Hall, Room 100 Thomas E. Eliot House A: McMillan Hall, Room G052 Umrath House: Wrighton Hall, Room 300
Join your residential college director to learn about your residential college living expectations.
WUSA Welcome Meeting* (11:15 AM – Noon) Various Locations. See communication from your Washington University Student Associate (WUSA) for your specific location.
Meet with your WUSA, who will serve as your orientation leader during Fall Welcome and as an academic mentor throughout the school year. You will walk through the Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome schedule, do ice breakers, and get to know your fellow small group members with whom you will engage during Fall Welcome. Look for communication from your WUSA regarding your specific location in your Teams Chat.
Resource Fair and Lunch Rotation (12:15 PM – 1:00 PM) Various Locations. Please attend the rotation that corresponds with the first letter of your last name. These sessions will repeat at 1:15 PM. • Resource Fair (Students with Last Names A – Le) Athletic Complex, Field House Explore the many resources WashU has to offer students and families.
• Lunch on Your Own (Students with Last Names Li - Ro) South 40, Zetcher House, Bear’s Den
Please make sure you take time for lunch. If you are eating on campus, we ask that you select this location. Meal plans (accessed using your student ID) are active. Credit and debit card payments are also accepted in university dining facilities. Be sure you know when and where you need to be for your next event.
• Lunch on Your Own (Students with Last Names Ru - Z) Danforth University Center
Please make sure you take time for lunch. If you are eating on campus, we ask that you select this location. Meal plans (accessed using your student ID) are active. Credit and debit card payments are also accepted in university dining facilities. Be sure you know when and where you need to be for your next event.
Resource Fair and Lunch Rotation (1:15 PM – 2:00 PM) Various Locations. Please attend the rotation that corresponds with the first letter of your last name. • Resource Fair (Students with Last Names Li-Z) Athletic Complex, Field House Explore the many resources WashU has to offer students and families.
• Lunch on Your Own (Students with Last Names A – E) South 40, Zetcher House, Bear’s Den
Please make sure you take time for lunch. If you are eating on campus, we ask that you select this location. Meal plans (accessed using your student ID) are active. Credit and debit card payments are also accepted in university dining facilities. Be sure you know when and where you need to be for your next event.
• Lunch on Your Own (Students with Last Names (F – Le) Danforth University Center
Please make sure you take time for lunch. If you are eating on campus, we ask that you select this location. Meal plans (accessed using your student ID) are active. Credit and debit card payments are also accepted in university dining facilities. Be sure you know when and where you need to be for your next event.
Office for International Students and Scholars Orientation* (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM) South 40, Zetcher House, Risa Commons
Join the Office for International Students & Scholars (OISS) and your FYI leaders for an important discussion on the federal and visa regulations. We’ll close with a fun, interactive round of trivia to ensure each attendee understands the basics of their immigration status. Please check for an email from OISS for your individualized schedule. Required for international students only.
TRIO Scholars Orientation* (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Please check for an email from the TRIO Scholars program for your individualized schedule. Required for TRIO scholars only.
WUSA Small Group* (7:00 PM – 8:30 PM) Various Locations. See communication from your WUSA for your specific location.
Meet your WUSA for your first small group of Fall Welcome. During this session, you will receive some welcome items, get to know fellow new students, and engage in conversations about personal and WashU values. Check your Teams messages for communication from your WUSA.
Black and African-American Affinity Night (9:00 PM – 11:00 PM) Graham Chapel
This panel-style event features students from WashU’s Black and African-American community sharing their experiences and insights as you prepare for your first year at WashU. Hosted by the Center for Diversity and Inclusion.
Movie on the Swamp (9:00 PM – 11:00 PM) South 40, Swamp Rain location: South 40, Zetcher House, Risa Commons
Enjoy watching a movie on the Swamp in this WashU tradition. Snacks and drinks will be available. We encourage you to bring a blanket or towel to sit on during the film. Hosted by the Congress of the South 40, a programming and advocacy group for all residential students.