Division of Student Affairs
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Dear Student Affairs colleagues,
It is incredible how quickly we have reached the final stretch of the semester. This is a busy season as we rally to get our students across the finish line. As always, I am grateful for this team—for your heart and the hard work you dedicate to our students.
Even in these final weeks, there are still opportunities for us to come together. Please make note of the important announcements included in this newsletter, especially the following:
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- I appreciate your help encouraging students to report their internship and job plans through the First-Destination Survey. Knowing who landed a job or who is going to graduate school helps us engage those who still need to find their next steps after graduation.
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There are several volunteer opportunities coming up that I encourage you to consider—final exam proctoring with Disability Resources April 30-May 6, WILD on April 24, Day of Service and The Buder Center Pow Wow both on April 11, Moonlight Breakfast on April 29, and our WashU Affinity Student Celebrations.
- Finally, I am really looking forward to spending the day with you at Professional Development Day. Please be sure to RSVP for PDD no later than April 22. This helps give us an accurate lunch count for the day.
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See you on Wednesday, April 15 for our last divisional meeting of the academic year. Light refreshments will be available starting at 8 a.m. and the meeting will begin promptly at 8:30 a.m. in Risa Commons.
Warmly,
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Anna "Dr. G" Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
@akgonzal327
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April 8 is WashU Giving Day at Dr. G's Fun House |
April 8 is WashU Giving Day and also Dr. G's Fun House. Join the Division of Student Affairs from 2:30-5:30 p.m. for free food, games, music and more on Mudd Field. Please consider making a gift to the Student Experience Fund. Your support helps the Division of Student Affairs deliver the most transformative experience to our undergraduate and graduate students.
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Professional Development Day is May 20! Please RSVP no later than April 22. Dress for the day is casual, work attire, and please wear your WashU name tag. Note that the website will be updated with the full schedule, including locations and times, as the event gets closer.
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Volunteers needed to proctor final exams |
Sign up to volunteer April 30-May 6 to help proctor accommodated finals. Your support makes accessible testing possible, and supervisors are encouraged to offer flexibility for staff participation. Sign up to volunteer.
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The Social Programming Board (SPB) will host the Spring WILD on April 24 at Mudd Field, with doors opening at 6 p.m. This event depends on the support of volunteers from our incredible campus colleagues. By volunteering, you show SPB members that campus partners collaborate and take time out of their schedules to help create a safe, fun and memorable experience for our students. For questions, contact Carynn Smith. Sign up to volunteer.
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Volunteer for Day of Service |
Day of Service, the annual event that connects students with the St. Louis through service to the community, is on April 11 from 9 a.m. to noon. We are looking for additional support from our amazing colleagues in Student Affairs. All volunteers will receive an event t-shirt and hot breakfast (while supplies last). Sign up here.
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This late-night meal is hosted at both The Bear’s Den and The Village April 29 from 9-11 p.m. Students can enjoy a delicious, late-night breakfast, listen to great music, and relax before finishing up the school year.
Moonlight Breakfast is FREE to all WashU undergraduate students with a meal plan. What makes Moonlight Breakfast even more special is that WashU faculty and staff volunteer to work the event, serving up delicious food to students in the dining hall!
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Volunteers needed for WashU Affinity Celebrations |
We are currently seeking volunteers who can offer their time, energy and presence to help support the WashU Affinity Student Celebrations. These events truly come to life because of the support and care of our campus community, and we would be grateful for your help in making them special! If you’re interested in supporting one or more celebrations, please take a moment to complete this volunteer interest form. For questions, please email Dr. Jacob Chacko.
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Bear Days, our visit experience for admitted students, will take place on:
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Admitted students and their families will be exploring campus and spending time in many of our shared spaces. Thank you for helping create a welcoming, positive atmosphere. Your friendliness and professionalism make a lasting impression on our future Bears.
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National Student Employment Week is April 13-17. Encourage your student employees to join daily celebrations in DUC 110 from 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Each day features FREE food, fun activities, raffle prizes, and a chance to connect with fellow student workers. Supervisors and departments are also invited to take part in the week’s festivities. Visit the website for details on how you can get involved.
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month |
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a national observance focused on raising awareness and reaffirming our commitment to supporting individuals impacted by sexual violence. A variety of events will take place throughout the month, including Denim Day on April 22, an internationally recognized day of solidarity with survivors of sexual violence (note: we're celebrating a little early this year on April 22 so everyone can join before the end of the semester).
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The Division of Student Affairs is proud to celebrate our colleagues who were recently honored by NASPA for their outstanding leadership and impact on the student experience.
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It’s “Orientation” now! Terminology updates for Fall 2026 |
The week before classes for first-year students is called Orientation (formerly Fall Welcome). Additionally, the online onboarding module called Get Your Bearings has been retired. Student Affairs Marketing & Communications will update all web references by April. Please update any other materials in your area accordingly.
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Never heard of that acronym or term before? Check out our new Student Affairs Dictionary, a quick, go‑to guide for all the lingo used across the Division of Student Affairs.
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Promotional product guidelines and ordering process |
The guidelines and process for ordering promotional products across the division were shared in a training webinar last week. If you were unable to attend, the guidelines and webinar recording are available in the SA MarComm Knowledge Hub. Please refer to these resources when you are planning for and ordering any products. If you need access to the Hub, reach out to Elizabeth Sullivan.
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The Summer Internship Fund provides financial awards to undergraduate students to help offset the costs associated with completing unpaid or low-paid summer internships. The first-round application deadline is April 30.
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Rapid Access Counseling Zoom Appointments |
Beginning April 13, the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services will transition to a scheduling process designed to increase end of semester access to counseling appointments. Students will be able to schedule both return and new Rapid Access Counseling Zoom Appointments beginning 16 hours prior to the time they would like to be seen. To schedule the appointment, students can go to their Student Health Portal and select Rapid Access Counseling Zoom Appointment.
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Whether you’re graduating, heading into the summer, deep in graduate study, or figuring out what comes next, we want to hear from you. Jobs, internships, research, travel, grad school, exploration—it all counts. Take a quick moment to share your current plans or progress. Your insight helps shape career support that’s relevant now and stronger for the future. No pressure. No wrong answers. Just real impact.
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Register for Day of Service and spend a meaningful day partnering with local organizations to help strengthen and support the St. Louis community.
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Organized by ThurtenE Honorary, ThurtenE Carnival is the nation’s oldest and largest student-run carnival held at WashU every spring.
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Bear Bodega, the new convenience store on the South 40, is now open! Shop for everything from grab-and-go meals and fresh snacks to everyday grocery staples. No checkout lines, no waiting. Meal Points and Bear Bucks accepted. WashU ID required after 5 p.m.
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Two new 3‑credit courses have been added to the Civic Action Lab portfolio for the Fall 2026 semester: Foundations of Civic Engagement and Engage STL.
Foundations of Civic Engagement introduces key actions, strategies and approaches individuals can use to strengthen and improve their communities. Engage STL is an eight‑week experiential short course offered on Fridays beginning in August. The course takes students into St. Louis neighborhoods to explore, connect with local leaders, and gain an up‑close understanding of the region’s civic landscape. These additions join Strategies for Engagement in U.S. Elections and Running for Political Office, which are also being offered this fall.
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Check out the lineup of opportunities and experiences to honor Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month at WashU throughout April.
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| April 8, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Join students, faculty and staff for a farmers market, local health and wellness vendors, and campus resources to learn how we can all make well-being a habit.
*Rain location: Fun Room on second floor of the DUC
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| April 8, 2026, 2:30-5:30 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Join the Division of Student Affairs for free food, games, and music—and consider making a gift to support transformative student experiences.
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Spend a meaningful day partnering with local organizations to help strengthen and support the St. Louis community. Registration required.
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| April 13-17, 2026 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | DUC 110
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Student employees are encouraged to stop by these daily events for free food, fun activities, raffle prizes and community with other WashU student workers.
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| Student Affairs Monthly Divisional Meeting
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April 15, 2026, 8-9:30 a.m. | Risa Commons
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Light breakfast begins at 8 a.m. with a formal welcome at 8:30 a.m.
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| April 15, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mudd Field*
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Join students, faculty and staff for a farmers market, local health and wellness vendors, and campus resources to learn how we can all make well-being a habit.
*Rain location: Fun Room on second floor of the DUC
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| April 17, 2026, 2:30-5:30 p.m. | Brookings Quad
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Join the Division of Student Affairs for free food, games, and music during Alumni Weekend.
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| April 17-19, 2026 | Simon Lot
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ThurtenE Carnival is the nation’s oldest and largest student-run carnival held at WashU.
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| April 22, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mudd Field*
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Join students, faculty and staff for a farmers market, local health and wellness vendors, and campus resources to learn how we can all make well-being a habit.
*Rain location: Fun Room on second floor of the DUC
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a national observance focused on raising awareness and supporting survivors, with events throughout the month, including Denim Day on April 22, an international day of solidarity (note: we're celebrating a little early this year on April 22 so everyone can join before the end of the semester). See all of the events.
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| April 23, 2026, 5-7 p.m. | South 40 Swamp
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First-year students are invited to celebrate the completion of their first year at WashU.
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| April 24, 2026, 6 p.m. | Mudd Field
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WILD is an annual spring concert that takes place in Mudd Field. The largest student run event at WashU, each WILD features a headlining musical artist and free food and drinks. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m.
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| April 29, 2026, 9-11 p.m.| Bear's Den and The Village
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Served once every reading week, students can drop by Bear’s Den or The Village for a free, late-night breakfast spread. This event is open to all WashU undergraduates. Volunteer to help out!
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April 30-May 6: Final Exams
May 7: Housing check-out for non-graduating students
May 13: Senior Sunrise
May 15: Commencement
May 15: Housing check-out for graduating students
May 20: Student Affairs Professional Development Day
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Submit an entry for the next Student Affairs newsletter
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The Student Affairs newsletter is sent the first Tuesday of each month. If your department has content you would like featured, submit via the link below at least a week prior to the edition you would like to be included in.
Examples of items to submit are highlights of new initiatives or programming; staff achievements, publications or awards; department spotlights and upcoming events you would like Student Affairs staff members to know about.
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Washington University in St. Louis
One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
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Washington University in St. Louis
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
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