Dear parents and families, 

I am excited to welcome you to our spring semester at WashU. There have been many wonderful moments already, including connecting with students, attending events, engaging in conversation, and even seeing the campus blanketed in snow!

We have a vibrant campus community with many activities and events for students. If your student is not familiar with the Washington University Group Organizer (WUGO) have them bookmark it today! On WUGO, students can view upcoming events including opportunities to join student groups. 

Some of our traditional student events are just around the corner: 

• Black Anthology is this weekend, February 2 and 3, in Edison Theatre on campus. It is planned by WashU undergraduate students and your student can purchase tickets through the Washington University Box Office.
• Lunar New Year Festival (LNYF) is February 9 and 10. Held annually, LNYF is a student-run production staged in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Learn more here.
• ThurtenE 2024: Once Upon a Carnival will return April 19-21. Hold the date now and check the ThurtenE Carnival site for more details as information is shared. 

Our varsity sports are now well into their winter seasons. Tickets are free for all WashU undergraduate students. To cheer on the Bears in-person, view their upcoming schedules. Your student can also find an activity to match their interest by exploring the Sumers Recreation Center. Our talented team offers everything from yoga to cycling. Your student can even reserve a massage chair! 

Finally, we will host several Dr. G.’s Fun House events this spring. These events are hosted by the Division of Student Affairs and free for all students. They are designed to provide a free, high-engagement, low time commitment opportunity for students and include activities like inflatables, games, food trucks, and more. The best way to stay up-to-date on these is to follow our Student Affairs Instagram account, @washustudentaffairs. 

I hope to see your student soon!

Warmly, 

Anna "Dr. G" Gonzalez

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

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

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

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

Your student is 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 Cafe 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 for students, so make sure they 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. Encourage your student to stop by and enjoy a cup of tea, say hi to the group hosting, and continue to carry on this amazing WashU tradition.

Habif Health and Wellness Medical Services

Respiratory illness season is in full swing, but it's not too late for your student to get an updated flu or COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are proven to reduce the risk of severe disease, and if your student does get the flu or COVID-19 after being immunized, the case is much milder. Please encourage them to stay home if they feel sick, get tested for COVID-19 or the flu as needed, and remind them that wearing a mask in a crowded environment will help protect them from any respiratory illness. Encourage your student 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 your student received an invitation, they have a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card for completing the survey, and they will help WashU develop well-being programs and services for students.

Habif Health and Wellness Center on Social Media

Your student can stay connected and informed with the latest wellness tips and updates from the Habif Health and Wellness Center by following their Instagram page. This will give them access to the most up-to-date health information, self-care strategies, and much more. Peer Health Educators and Health Promotion staff are constantly sharing new, timely, and relevant content to help them take care of themselves and others.

Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

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

Dive into the success of WashU Dining Services' December Give Back Program on The Monthly Dish blog. We'll be sharing inspiring stories and community impact, allowing you to gain a firsthand look at your students' enriching on-campus dining experiences. Follow WashU Dining Services on Instagram to stay connected about the exciting moments and delicious delights shaping your student's undergraduate journey.

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 your student to explore future pathways and to connect with career development resources for support and guidance. If your student has not registered on Handshake, please encourage them to claim their 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 our Center for Career Engagement. 

Encourage your student to explore St. Louis or build an itinerary for your next visit!

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.

The schedule for our spring 2024 Family Webinar Series can be found below! This series was designed to help your student succeed by answering all of their and your WashU questions. Register for upcoming webinars and view recordings of past webinars.

• A Conversation about Mental Health: Pre-recorded and live on February 1
• A Conversation about Pre-Health Advising: February 21 at 5:30 PM CST
• A Conversation about Student Engagement and Leadership: April 8 at 5:30 PM CST
• A Conversation about Dining Services: April 10 at 5:30 PM CST

To help you determine the best answer to your questions, please email or call 314.935.5040 or reach us toll free at 844.935.5040.