PARENT & FAMILY ORIENTATION
2023 Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome
2023 Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome
Dear parents & families, Student Transitions & Family Programs (STFP) would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your student. We understand the transition to college can be a major adjustment not only for students but also for family members. STFP is here to ensure the transition is as safe, easy, and comfortable as possible for everyone involved. Our goal is to make sure each new student builds and sustains their academic and personal goals. We bring together people, programs, and resources to provide an undergraduate experience of exceptional quality, where we come to know each student’s name and story and where we help them prepare for a life of purpose and meaning. We are here to help your student have an amazing experience at Washington University in St. Louis. The orientation experiences for students and families are intentionally planned separately to give each of you the opportunity to learn about the university and all we have to offer. While your student is meeting classmates and learning about life on campus, we strive to help you become familiar with the WashU community.
Your student will be very busy over the next few days, and your time together will be limited. When making plans with your student, please refer to your student’s schedule to be sure they are on time for important Bear
Beginnings: Fall Welcome programs. If you will still be in St. Louis, time has been set aside for dinner on Saturday evening and lunch on Sunday for you to enjoy meals with your student. Keep in mind that your student will be extraordinarily busy from this point forward, so we encourage you to say your “see you laters” on Sunday afternoon.
During Fall Welcome, both students and their family members will receive a
lot of information about a wide variety of topics. We encourage you to speak with your student about your experiences and ask them about theirs as well. Fall Welcome is organized to cover the following topics with your students:
• Academic integrity
• Academic resources and support
• Alcohol and drugs
• Being a positive member of the community
• Dining options
• Diversity and inclusion
• Health and well-being
• Living in St. Louis
• Living with a roommate or suitemate
• Preparing for classes
• Safety
• Sexual assault and relationship violence
Please talk to your students about these topics as they may have questions that you want to answer. We will also be providing you with an opportunity over the next two days to write a note to your student, which will be mailed to them a few weeks into the semester. The “Letters from Home” notecards will be available for pick up and drop off at various parent and family events.
Finally, always know STFP is a resource for both you and your student. We are here to answer any questions you have and provide any help that you need. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
Thank you so much, and welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! Student
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.
WELCOME FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND FAMILIES
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM | GRAHAM CHAPEL
International students and their families are invited to hear welcome remarks from senior leaders in Student Affairs followed by lunch.
ALUMNI FAMILY HOSPITALITY SUITE OPEN HOUSE
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | RIDGLEY HALL, HOLMES LOUNGE
The WashU Alumni Association invites alumni and their first-year students to stop by the Alumni Family Hospitality Suite. Stop by Holmes Lounge to meet other alumni families, grab lunch and a cold drink, pick up some WashU swag, and take a family photo.
INTERNATIONAL FAMILY WELCOME LUNCH
NOON – 1:00 PM | UMRATH HALL, UMRATH LOUNGE
Join families of other international students for a welcome lunch and speak with staff from Student Affairs, University Advancement, and the Office of International Students and Scholars. Your students will gather for lunch on the South 40 in Zetcher House, Risa Commons.
1:00 PM – 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.
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.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM | SOUTH 40, MUDD
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.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | SOUTH 40, ZETCHER
Please join your fellow first-year parents and family members at this reception to mingle, listen to live music, and enjoy desserts and refreshments. WashU Faculty Fellows, who partner with residential college directors (RCDs) and resident advisors (RAs) to facilitate community building and a sense of belonging in their residential college, will be introduced and present at this reception as well.
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Your student should look for a communication from their resident advisor (RA) for specific locations. Your new student will meet with their RA for a session covering everything they need to know for their first night living on campus. Your student is only required to attend the session on their move-in day. This meeting is for students only.
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.
ALUMNI FAMILY HOSPITALITY SUITE OPEN HOUSE
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | RIDGLEY HALL, HOLMES LOUNGE
The WashU Alumni Association invites alumni and their first-year students to stop by the Alumni Family Hospitality Suite. Stop by Holmes Lounge to meet other alumni families, grab lunch and a cold drink, pick up some WashU swag, and take a family photo.
CAMPUS TOURS
1:00 PM – 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.
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 | UMRATH HALL, UMRATH LOUNGE
Beyond Boundaries students and their families are invited to join Jennifer Harpring, interim director of the Beyond Boundaries program, and senior leaders in Student Affairs for welcoming remarks followed by dinner.
OFFICE OF SCHOLAR PROGRAMS WELCOME FOR NEW STUDENTS & FAMILIES
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | EMERSON AUDITORIUM, BAUER HALL
Danforth Scholars, Ervin Scholars, Rodriguez Scholars, and their families are invited to join senior leaders in Student Affairs for welcoming remarks followed by dinner.
TAYLOR FAMILY CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS WELCOME FOR NEW STUDENTS & FAMILIES
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | BROOKINGS QUAD
Enterprise Holdings Scholars, Kessler Scholars, Taylor Stars, TRIO students, and their families are invited to join Chancellor Andrew D. Martin, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez, and senior leaders in Student Affairs for welcoming remarks followed by dinner.
RECEPTION AT RISA
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | SOUTH 40, ZETCHER HOUSE, RISA COMMONS
Please join your fellow first-year parents and family members at this reception to mingle, listen to live music, and enjoy desserts and refreshments. WashU Faculty Fellows, who partner with residential college directors (RCDs) and resident advisors (RAs) to facilitate community building and a sense of belonging in their residential college, will be introduced and present at this reception as well.
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
YOUR STUDENT)
Your student should look for a communication from their resident advisor (RA) for specific locations. Your new student will meet with their RA for a session covering everything they need to know for their first night living on campus. Your student is only required to attend the session on their move-in day. This meeting is for students only.
PARENTSASPARTNERS
9:00 AM – 10:15 AM | GRAHAM CHAPEL
ChancellorAndrewD.Martinwillgreetfamiliesandspeakabouttheeducational experiencesoftheuniversity’sundergraduatestudents.Then,ViceChancellorforStudent AffairsAnnaGonzalezandseniorstudentaffairsleaderswilldiscusshowWashUwillsupport yourstudent’sacademiccareer.
DEANS’MEETINGSFORPARENTSANDFAMILIES
10:45 AM – NOON | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Academicdeanswilldiscusstheacademicrequirementsandresourceswithintheirschools.
DEANS’ MEETINGS LOCATIONS
• College of Arts and Sciences: Graham Chapel
• Olin Business School: Bauer Hall, Emerson Auditorium
• McKelvey School of Engineering: Brown Hall, Room 100
• Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts: Steinberg Hall, Room 105
RESOURCE FAIR AND LUNCH ROTATION
NOON – 1:00 PM | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Please attend the rotation that corresponds with the first letter of your student’s last name.
RESOURCE FAIR (STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH LAST NAMES A – LH)
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Explore the many resources WashU has to offer students and families.
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN (STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH LAST NAMES LI – SA)
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. Student meal plans 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 AND FAMILIES WITH LAST NAMES SC – 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. Student meal plans 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
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | VARIOUS LOCATIONS
Please attend the rotation that corresponds with the first letter of your student’s last name.
RESOURCE FAIR (STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH LAST NAMES LI – Z)
ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Explore the many resources WashU has to offer students and families.
LUNCH ON YOUR OWN (STUDENTS AND FAMILIES WITH LAST NAMES A – FL)
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. Student meal plans 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 AND FAMILIES WITH LAST NAMES FO – LH)
DANFORTH UNIVERSITY CENTER
Please make sure you take time for lunch. If you are eating on campus, we ask that you select this location. Student meal plans 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.
GAP YEAR RECEPTION
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | UMRATH HALL, UMRATH LOUNGE
Students and their families are invited to join senior leaders for welcoming remarks. Share your experiences with other students who took time off after high school before coming to WashU and hear about what other people did during their time away from school. Light refreshments will be served.
WELCOME
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | ATHLETIC COMPLEX
Parents and families of new varsity athletic team members are invited for a reception to meet coaches, staff, and hear from Anthony J. Azama, associate vice chancellor for student affairs and John M. Schael director of athletics.
2:00 PM – 6:30 PM | LOCATION OF YOUR CHOOSING
For the majority, this time is open on both student and family schedules. You may choose to spend time with your student or begin your travels home. Please be sure your student is back in time for their required WUSA small group meeting at 7:00 PM.
For a list of campus resource open hours, please visit newstudents.wustl.edu.
• Bear Necessities
• Campus Bookstore
• Campus Card Services
• Dining Services
• Disability Resources
• Habif Health and Wellness Center
• Residential Life
• South 40 Mail Room
• Student Financial Services
• Student Technology Services
• Sumers Recreation Center
The Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life (ORSEL) offers connections to a wide variety of religious organizations on campus and in the St. Louis area. Please reach out to ORSEL to get connected with campus ministry groups and St. Louis organizations.
It often happens that religious services occur during Fall Welcome. It is our goal that students will be able to fully observe their faith, practices, and traditions without missing important information. Students should reach out to their WUSA if they plan to participate in a religious observance during an orientation event to ensure they have access to any information they miss.
Please visit newstudents.wustl.edu for a listing of religious, spiritual, and ethical services.
Our Family Webinar Series was designed to answer your questions on a variety of topics. View past webinars and RSVP for upcoming webinars at families.wustl.edu.
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 editions of Family Ties, a newsletter sent to parents and family members of WashU students. This includes cell phone number, email address, and emergency contact information.
Your student can confirm your information in WebSTAC. Your student can make updates to their and your contact information in WebSTAC.
Parent & Family Weekend will take place October 27 - October 29. We hope to see you there! More information will be available in early September at families.wustl.edu/pfw.
Contact us at families@wustl.edu or by phone at 314.935.5040.