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Good morning Zach,
We hope you all were excited to learn your housing assignment and that your preparation for the transition to Wake is going smoothly.
This week, we wanted to give you a glimpse of what life in The Forest will be like this fall. Your residence hall is not just a place to live; it’s where you’ll build meaningful relationships with your roommate, hallmates, Faculty Fellows, and the larger Wake Forest community. From signature residence hall events to campus-wide traditions, your first semester will be full of opportunities to connect, grow, and feel at home.
Your Wake Forest experience starts the moment you move in. Over your first six weeks, you’ll be immersed in programs and events designed to help you settle into campus life, meet new people, and discover the many ways The Forest supports you as both a student and a member of this vibrant community.
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Wake The Forest
Wake The Forest is an initiative focused on the first six weeks, a foundational transition period known to be crucial for overall first-year success. Through a mix of in-hall programs and campus-wide events, you’ll engage with resources, meet new people, and begin shaping your Wake Forest story. It’s all about fostering care, connection, and belonging—so you can feel confident and supported as you start your journey.
During this time, you’ll experience signature events like Faculty House Calls on September 2 which is your chance to connect with Faculty Fellows right in your own hall, and have your first Deac Chat which is an intentional conversation with your RA to help you feel heard, supported, and right at home in your new community.
| | Throughout the year, you’ll see your Community Director (CD) and RA working alongside Faculty Fellows and campus partners to bring meaningful programs and events into your halls. Together, they’ll create experiences rooted in the principles of The Forest which are designed to spark connections, foster community, and help you thrive both personally and academically. | | | | |
Personal Development
This guiding principle encourages students to create a home at Wake Forest by embracing and cultivating a personally enriching sense of identity, balance, and well-being.
How you’ll engage: You’ll have opportunities to discover more about yourself in what you value, what inspires you, and how you want to grow during your time at Wake Forest. From wellness events that support your mind and body, to conversations around self care and goal setting, you’ll be encouraged to create a sense of balance and belonging that helps make your time here feel like home.
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Life of the Mind
This guiding principle promotes in students a commitment to lifelong learning through curiosity about the workings of the world and the lives and experiences of other people.
How you’ll engage: You’ll join discussions with Faculty Fellows, attend programs that explore current issues, and be encouraged to share your own passions and interests with your community.
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Community and Belonging
This guiding principle develops in students an openness to difference, diverse knowledge, community with others, meaningful relationships, and respect for the many ways of living the human experience.
How you’ll engage: From hall socials and programs that connect you with students from across The Forest, you’ll find plenty of ways to get to know others and build your Wake Forest family.
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Pro Humanitate
This guiding principle educates and develops leaders of character, integrity, and courage who embody Pro Humanitate.
How you’ll engage: You’ll have opportunities to participate in service projects, leadership development activities, and programs that challenge you to think about your role in your community and beyond.
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Your time in The Forest is what you make of it. Whether you’re attending a signature event, having a late-night conversation with your RA, or joining a hall program that sparks your curiosity, every moment is a chance to connect, grow, and add to your Wake Forest story. Lean in, show up, and take advantage of all The Forest has to offer—you belong here, and we can’t wait to see all the ways you’ll make this community your own.
Tyler Gailey, M.Ed.
Director of Residence Life and Program Director of The Forest
Abbey Rhoads, M.Ed.
Assistant Director of Residential Academic Initiatives and Engagement
| | Partners in our students’ journey to create a home at Wake Forest University | | | | | |
