July 2020
From the Desk of Dr. Robert M. Wild
Important Dates / Deadlines
Academics
Health & Wellness Updates
Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Family Webinar Series
Update Your Contact Information
From the Desk of Dr. Robert M. Wild
Dear parents and families: 
 
I last wrote you on June 19th with an update on fall planning . As Chancellor Martin has previously shared, we anticipate providing more details by July 31st, including information about move-in and fall welcome.
 
I also wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the communications you can expect to receive from the university in July and share the items you can assist your student in accomplishing this month.


  • You should soon receive a package in the mail containing printed copies of two publications, Bear Essentials for Families and the Habif Health & Wellness Guide. These provide information on key university resources for you and your student. In particular, I encourage you to review the Habif guide for information on the university’s immunization and health insurance requirements and have your student submit the required forms.

  • Registration for fall 2020 courses will take place between July 14th and 16th during your student's assigned registration time. Please remind your student to check their WUSTL email several times a week to have the most up-to-date information from their adviser and academic division.
 
While the next few months can be full of excitement and anticipation, we know many of you will continue to have questions. We invite you to connect with us at  [email protected]  or call us at 314.935.5040 or toll free at 844.935.5040. Additionally, if you are looking for helpful information, we recommend you visit the  Division of Student Affairs Parent & Family website . 

We look forward to seeing you soon!
 
Robert M. Wild, PhD
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 
Important Dates / Deadlines
Last month, Chancellor Martin sent a message to new students and families regarding the updated fall calendar. This message, and prior communication from the university, can be viewed at the Messages from the University page of the Families website . Please note that the below dates reflect the updated 2020-2021 academic calendar . 

Fall 2020

  • September 14th: First day of classes
  • November 26th & November 27th: Thanksgiving Break
  • December 18th: Last day of classes
  • December 21, 2020 - January 1, 2021: Winter Break (Part 1)
  • January 4th - January 10th: Final exams occurring remotely
  • January 11th - January 22nd: Winter Break (Part 2)

Spring 2021

  • January 25th: First day of classes
  • March 15th - March 19th: Spring Break (No classes)
  • May 6th: Last day of classes
  • May 7th - May 13th: Final exams
Academics
Placement Exams

Students interested in taking calculus and math, chemistry, computer science, dance, foreign languages, music, and writing may be required to take placement or diagnostic exams. Many of these exams can and should be taken online during the summer.

Check out the New Students website for details regarding each individual placement exam.
Health & Wellness Updates
University Health Insurance

All students are required to have health insurance and will be automatically enrolled in the WashU student health plan. Students with personal or family health insurance coverage may waive out of the university’s plan but waiver requests must be submitted by September 5th ( a late waiver request will not be accepted after September 5th) . Visit the Habif Health and Wellness Center for more information.
Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI)
Virtual Programming

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is continuing to engage students, staff, and faculty – and welcomes parent and family members – in programming virtually. From the monthly Racism Pandemic Town Hall series, featuring panelists’ perspectives and research on critical issues, to justice focused workshops, the CDI knows these conversations cannot wait for Fall. Consider participating, or encourage your student to participate, in one of the virtual program s this summer. Some past programs have been recorded and are available on the CDI website .
Family Webinar Series
Information about upcoming webinars for our Summer Webinar Series has been released! You can learn more about the series, and watch past webinars, by visiting the Family Webinar Series Page. The information for our upcoming webinar and the link to register are below. 

A Conversation with Student Financial Services
Date : Tuesday, July 14th
Time : 5:30 pm CST
Description : Student Financial Services (SFS) provides support to students in multiple ways. SFS counselors are available to assist with a financial emergency, a family crisis, or just with understanding how aid works. Students can also get assistance with finding on-campus jobs, how to navigate the billing process, and with budget planning. Andrea Stewart-Douglas, Associate Director of Student & Family Engagement, will join us for a conversation on:
  • Paying your student’s bill
  • Financial assistance
  • Student employment
  • Payment and financing options



For more information about the University's response to COVID-19, please watch our Fall Planning webinars on the Family Webinar Series website.
Update Your Contact Information
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 an update about the fall contingency plan when it is released.

Your student can confirm your information on their WebSTAC account. If needed, your student should complete the updated family email address form to have your information updated in their WebSTAC account.
First Year Center | Washington University in St. Louis
Umrath House, lower level, suite 0925 | One Brookings Drive, Campus Box 1136 | St. Louis, MO 63130
families.wustl.edu  | Office: 314.935.5040 | Toll Free: 844.935.5040|  Fax: 314.935.8516 |  [email protected]