Division of Student Affairs
|
|
|
Dear parents and families,
Thank you to everyone who attended Parent & Family Weekend 2025—it was wonderful to see so many of you and your students enjoying campus, attending events, and joining me on Mudd Field for our Fun House and food truck experience.
Parent & Family Weekend 2026 is October 30-November 1, so please hold the date now! While this weekend may seem far away, we offer a variety of ways for parents and families to remain engaged. One I am particularly excited about is Dr. G's Book Club for Parents & Families.
The Book Club begins this week (October 8 or 9) with The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. It isn’t too late to register! To participate in a virtual conversation with other families and Student Affairs staff please RSVP as soon as possible.
I also want to share a few upcoming reminders:
|
- Leadership Week (October 20–25) is a partnership with the Bauer Leaders Academy featuring events, workshops and experiential activities that strengthen and develop leadership. As our students exhibit many forms of leadership, events are open to all.
-
In the coming weeks, students will meet with their advisors to plan Spring 2026 courses. Encourage your student to enroll in a Dialogue Across Difference course, which helps students to navigate complex topics in constructive ways with trained facilitators.
-
The division offers a variety of activities during break periods as well. If your student will be on campus for some of our upcoming breaks, please encourage them to check the events page.
|
This issue includes a variety of timely events and programs. Enjoy, and I look forward to seeing some of you virtually this week!
Warmly,
Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
@akgonzal327
|
|
|
“Picture This” is our new monthly photo spotlight, capturing the moments that make campus vibrant and unforgettable for your student.
|
Last month, Cross-Cultural Connections hosted Cross-Cultural Line Dance Night, where students expanded their cultural knowledge alongside friends and peers in a fun and innovative way.
|
|
|
We invite parents and families to join the Division of Student Affairs for Dr. G’s Book Club for Parents & Families. Hosted by Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez, this is an opportunity to engage virtually with other families and university leadership to dialogue on best practices for supporting today’s students. The first book club of the 2025-2026 academic year is either Wed., Oct. 8, or Thurs., Oct. 9. Our first book is The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Note: families are responsible for purchasing the book.
Please RSVP through this link for Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. or Oct. 9 at 6 p.m. CDT. The registration deadline is 5 p.m. on Oct. 7. Details for Dr. G’s Book Club in Spring 2026 will be shared at a later time.
|
|
|
As part of encouraging Healthy Excellence, a key anchor in our strategic plan, Student Affairs hosts Well-being Wednesdays each Wednesday, until Nov. 12 on Mudd Field from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. This series invites students to get outside and learn how they can add aspects of well-being into their routine.
|
|
|
Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break housing and dining |
If your student lives in Residential Life housing, remind them to review the ResLife Reporter about Thanksgiving Break and Winter Break housing. Students must register for Thanksgiving and/or Winter Break housing if they intend on staying. There is no additional charge for housing over Thanksgiving Break or Winter Break if students register before the respective deadlines.
Information about dining hours and available services over break periods will be available on the Dining Services website.
|
|
|
The WashU edge: How our graduates stand out to leading employers
|
WashU graduates are making their mark in industries across the globe and employers consistently cite their strong academic preparation, problem-solving skills and ability to adapt in dynamic environments as reasons they seek out WashU talent.
|
|
|
Encourage your student to enroll in Dialogue Across Difference |
Spring 2026 registration begins Nov. 11. Encourage your student to enroll in Dialogue Across Difference, an eight-week course that teaches undergraduate students how to explore difficult topics such as politics, religion, race and gender in a positive and productive way.
|
|
|
Parent & Family Weekend Recap |
Thank you for joining us for Parent & Family Weekend 2025! We are so glad you were on campus with us. Enjoy this photo album.
|
|
|
Resources to keep your student healthy, safe and thriving |
Student Health Center
The Student Health Center - Danforth Campus offers comprehensive medical and psychiatric care, including treatment for acute and chronic illness or injury, sexual and reproductive health services, immunizations, lab/radiology work and emergency support. Staff are committed to inclusive care across all student populations. Appointments are available regularly. In addition to services offered through the Student Health Center, the TimelyCare app is available to students 24/7 for on-demand access.
Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CCPS)
CCPS provides confidential mental health counseling, support groups, couples and individual therapy, crisis intervention, and outreach programming. Many services are available after hours or via the TimelyCare app. The “Let’s Talk” program offers same-day drop-in consultations for students needing someone to talk with quickly.
Health Promotion Services
Health Promotion Services works proactively to foster a culture of wellness, offering education, workshops, and training programs on topics like alcohol and other drug use, sexual health, and suicide prevention. The office manages peer health education, maintains wellness resources (including the Zenker Wellness Suite), and provides programs that help students build healthy habits and access well-being supports. Health Promotion is focused on prevention and creating an environment where students thrive physically, mentally and socially.
|
|
|
We put together this guide for you to use throughout the year to gain a general understanding of what your student may be experiencing during their first few months at WashU. You will also find suggestions for supporting your student throughout the first semester.
|
|
|
Upcoming academic calendar dates |
October 4-7: Fall Break (no classes)
November 26-30: Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
December 5: Last day of classes
December 8-17: Reading period and final exam
|
|
|
|
The first virtual book club of the 2025-2026 academic year is on either Wed., Oct. 8, or Thurs., Oct. 9. Our current book is The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness. Please RSVP through this link.
|
|
|
|
This annual, university-wide event, hosted by the Bauer Leaders Academy strengthens and develops leadership among students.
|
|
|
|
This week, facilitated by the Division of Student Affairs, is dedicated to building community, providing support and raising awareness for first-generation students.
|
|
|
Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
|
Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
|
|
|
|
