Bear Bulletin

Division of Student Success

September 2026

Dear students,

We're so excited to have you back on campus with us and are looking forward to this academic year. Keep these important dates, events and programs in mind as you get settled into your semester routine. 
 
-The Division of Student Success

Looking for events, activities and opportunities across WashU? Visit the Event Hub to discover what's happening on campus. While you're there, you can:

Start exploring today and make the most of your WashU experience through the Event Hub!

All full-time, degree-seeking WashU students are required to have health insurance. You will be automatically enrolled in the university's health insurance plan and an annual premium charge for this coverage will be applied to your account. This plan runs August 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027.

You may submit a request to waive this insurance by September 5. This waiver must be submitted annually. For approval, your current insurance coverage must meet the university's specific criteria. Contact the Student Health Center - Danforth Campus with questions about health insurance.

Two quick things to make sure your packages arrive without delay: your full name AND your Mail Stop Code (MSC).

Use your full preferred name. Then add your MSC, which routes the package to your specific mail center. Submit your address for packages as follows:

Full Preferred Name
MSC: 
6515 Wydown Boulevard (or 6985 Snow Way for Village)
St. Louis, MO 63105-2215

See full addressing standards and find your MSC →

The first day of classes is always a special milestone! Photos ware available to view and download.

The Longest Table is Thursday, Sept. 10, from 5-6:30 p.m. in Tisch Park. This beloved WashU tradition brings together students, faculty and staff for a shared meal and meaningful conversation.

Designed to foster connection and community, The Longest Table creates an opportunity for students to engage with others from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives while building a stronger sense of belonging on campus.

Advance registration requested.

WashU won the Learfield Directors’ Cup for the first time in program history, and the WashU community is invited to celebrate this incredible achievement with our scholar-champions at the Learfield Cup Celebration and Festival.

📅 Sept. 23
⏰ 5-6:30 p.m.
📍 Tisch Park

Come hungry and ready for fun! Enjoy complimentary local food and beverages (while supplies last), arcade games, caricature artists, airbrush tattoos, a photo booth and plenty of other exciting activities!

Spent the summer interning? We want to hear all about it.

Whether you landed your dream internship, learned a new skill, made valuable connections, or discovered what career path is (or isn't) for you, your experience can help inspire fellow students as they explore opportunities of their own.

Take a few minutes to complete our internship survey and share what your summer looked like. From major accomplishments to memorable moments, we want the inside scoop!

Take the survey →

Musicians from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will join WashU for a special small-ensemble performance, alongside student musicians selected by the Department of Music. Don't miss this unique opportunity to hear professional and student performers share the stage in an inspiring campus setting.

📅 Sept. 14
⏰ 5-7 p.m.
📍 South 40

This premier, two-day recruiting event is open to all schools, majors, class levels, undergraduate, graduate, PhD, Post Doc and MBA students. Be sure to attend a prep session! 

When: September 16 & 17; 3-6 p.m. 

Where: Danforth Campus, Sumers Recreation Center, Athletic Complex  

Connect with organizations from a wide range of industries, including: 

Register on Handshake. Learn more about the Career Expo. 

There's no better time to get involved at WashU Recreation! Whether you're looking to stay active, meet new friends, try something new, or take a break from your studies, there's something for everyone. Join an intramural sports team, sign up for a Bear Adventure trip, take a BearFit class, or explore the many other programs and opportunities available throughout the semester. Visit the WashU Recreation website to learn more and find the perfect way to get involved this fall.

Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and honors the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. Observed from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the month provides an opportunity to celebrate the diversity, achievements and lasting impact of Hispanic Americans in our communities, workplaces and beyond. Join us as we recognize the traditions, stories and accomplishments that continue to enrich our university and society.

See the events and programming →

Each Wednesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., join us on Mudd Field for Well-being Wednesdays. Hang out with WashU Comfort Dogs Bear and Brookie, grab lunch from the food truck, pick up a fresh veggie box, and learn about other ways to prioritize wellness.

WashU is committed to maintaining a community free from hazing. In support of National Hazing Prevention Week, it is encouraged that all faculty, staff, and students familiarize themselves with the University's Hazing Policy, learn how to recognize and report hazing concerns, and explore available campus resources. The Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards offers an optional online Hazing Prevention Canvas Course that provides an overview about the University's Hazing Policy, reporting processes, and prevention strategies. This course is highly encouraged for all members of the WashU community. Enroll today.

Could you benefit from major/career exploration and decision-making support? This 7-week, for-credit course is for you! There is still time to register before it begins on Oct. 7.

Career Exploration at WashU: Understand Yourself & Envision Possibilities
(GENST 2421: 1.0 unit, 7-weeks, pass/no pass)
Wednesdays, 3-4:50 p.m., October 7-November 18, 2026

This class is about understanding your interests, values and strengths as they relate to your course of study, college experiences and career. You’ll learn about and use resources at the Center for Career Engagement, reflect on writings by thought leaders, do informational interviews, research occupational options. Earn credit to take important steps forward with support from career coaches. Fantastic for sophomores, but open to undergrads from all schools.

Applications are open for the Fall 2026 Skandalaris Venture Competition (SVC)! Current WashU students and recent graduates with an early-stage idea or venture are invited to apply. SVC provides expert mentorship to help participants develop their ideas, prepare for commercialization and strengthen their pitches. Up to $25,000 in awards are available across the competition. Students from all disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Join the WashU community beginning Sept. 17 as we explore perspectives on the role of AI in our academic mission and its influence on accelerating teaching, learning, and discovery with AI Perspectives Week. 

Did you know, WashU provides students with free access to a suite of secure AI tools like Claude Edu with pro features including Code, Cowork and Design? Visit ai.WashU.edu to view AI resources including free and secure AI tools.

Parent & Family Weekend is October 30, 2026 – November 1, 2026. More details about programming and registration will be available soon. 

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