Spring 2024

• April 26: Last day of classes
• April 29-May 8: Reading Days and Finals
• May 13: University-wide Commencement

2024 is a big year for democracy, and the Gephardt Institute and WashU Votes are here to help you participate. Whether you need to find out if you’re eligible to vote, learn where you can cast your ballot, or connect with other students to talk about the issues, we’re here to support. 

Tomorrow, April 2, is the Missouri Municipal Election. If you're registered in St. Louis County, you can vote on campus in DUC 276. Just bring your Missouri-issued photo ID or your U.S. passport. Learn more about photo ID requirements on the Missouri Secretary of State website. Then, head out to Edison Courtyard for Party at the Polls, for food, music and fun! 

But engaging in democracy doesn’t end with voting. Throughout 2024, Gephardt Institute — with student groups and campus organizations — hosts a series of Engage Democracy 2024 events. From speakers, debate watch parties, workshops and more, there’s ways for everyone to get involved this year.  

On March 18, 2024, WashU adopted the recently released CDC guidance for respiratory illnesses including COVID-19, and no longer require faculty/staff or students to isolate for a specified period for COVID-19. If you visit Habif Health and Wellness Center and are diagnosed with the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, you will be given a note advising you to remain home until you are fever-free (without taking fever reducing medications) for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving. You will also be asked to wear a mask around others and practice good respiratory and hand hygiene for 5 days from the onset of your illness.

We are happy to move into this new phase of infectious disease prevention and encourage everyone to use the core strategies outlined by the CDC so we can keep the WashU community as healthy as possible.

Explore St. Louis and build your itinerary!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Old North

Located east of WashU's campus, Old North is a neighborhood rich with history to explore.

No trip to Old North is complete without a stop at Crown Candy, the oldest soda fountain in St. Louis, which opened its doors in 1913. Enjoy a deli sandwich and sip on an infamous Crown Candy milkshake. Feeling brave? Finish five milkshakes in 30 minutes and get them all for free, including a t-shirt and your name on the Wall of Winners.

You can also head to the Griot Museum of Black History to learn about Black history and culture in the Midwest.

Enjoy art installations at UrbArts Gallery, a nonprofit arts organization in the Black Arts Movement tradition, and explore Firecracker Press's letterpress work on 100% locally-made paper recycled from cotton t-shirts.

Local Events:

Matisse and the Sea: Recurring throughout April from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM or 9:00 PM CT

Matisse and the Sea is the first exhibition to examine the significance of the sea across Modernist artist Henri Matisse’s career. The exhibition will take place at the Saint Louis Art Museum and will include a wide range of works in many media, including paintings, sculptures, paper cutouts, drawings, prints, ceramics, and textiles, accompanied by a scholarly exhibition catalogue.

Shimmering Silks: Traditional Japanese Textiles: Recurring throughout April from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM or 9:00 PM CT

This event showcases exquisite silk pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, highlighting the evolution of Japanese textile art influenced initially by Chinese patterns before developing its distinctive styles. Visitors will explore a selection of garments and decorative arts that served the imperial families, nobility, and other elite circles of Japan. The exhibition will take place at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Animals Aglow: Wednesdays - Sundays throughout April from 6:30 PM-9:30 PM CT

Walk around the Saint Louis Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of 60 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Tickets can be purchased on the website.

Springtime History Walking Tour: April 3, 11, 19, and 24 from 10:00 AM-Noon CT

Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum is offering two-hour walking tours of its grounds. Join a master guide on one of the free tours to learn about the history and horticulture of Bellefontaine Cemetery and Arboretum, along with the intriguing figures who call it home.