Family Ties

Division of Student Success

September 2026

Dear parents and families:

It was such a joy to see many of you during Move-in and Parent & Family Orientation. As part of First-year Orientation, your student got an exciting start to their WashU journey with leadership and purpose sessions, Career Conversations, “In the Lou” excursions—with the week culminating in traditions to celebration of the Class of 2030 with the W photo, Convocation, and Party in the Park.

These early experiences represent the first steps in their ongoing journey of academic and personal growth as well as the beginning of many unforgettable moments of their college experience.

As the semester begins, please take note of the information below:

As a vital partner in your student’s college experience, I look forward to sharing important updates and resources with you in this newsletter every month. Welcome again to the WashU family!

Warmly,

Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Success
@akgonzal327

1,945 students. 29 Countries. One WashU!

One of the newest WashU traditions took shape before Convocation as 1,945 first-year students gathered on Mudd Field to form a giant "W." Representing 29 countries and a wide range of experiences, the Class of 2030 came together, closing a memorable Orientation Week and the beginning of their WashU story.

Watch the reel →

The Division of Student Success shapes the student experience at WashU through intentional co-curricular learning experiences that complement our students’ academic curriculum. 

Learn more about the division's departments→

The first day of classes is always a special milestone! We welcomed students with supplies, snacks, and lots of school spirit to set the tone for a successful year. Photos ware available to view and download.

Students joined the chancellor, provost, deans, and vice chancellor for Student Success in Brookings Quad along with others from their class on Aug. 22 for Convocation, the official academic welcome to the university. Watch the recording.

Parent & Family Weekend is October 30, 2026–November 1, 2026. The division hosts a weekend full of events and activities for students and their families, including Dr. G’s Haunted Fun House! The schedule and registration will open Sept. 21.

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 some suggestions about how you can support your student throughout the first semester.

Sending something from home? Every package needs your student's full name AND their Mail Stop Code (MSC) to reach them. Please address mail as follows:

First and Last Name 
MSC Code
6515 Wydown Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63105-2298

Don't have your student's MSC? Ask them to check their WashU ID account before you ship.

Get full shipping guidelines →

Each Wednesday, students can join us for Well-being Wednesdays where they can 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.

Encourage your student to take a seat at The Longest Table on 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.

More than 100 companies like Cigna Group, Bunge and Mastercard will be at the upcoming WashU Career Expo. Encourage your student to attend and meet their next employer.

Could your student benefit from major/career exploration and decision-making support? Then, this 7-week, for-credit course is for them, and 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.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the future of learning, research and innovation. Encourage your student to engage with the WashU community as we explore different perspectives on the role of AI in higher education and its impact on teaching, learning and discovery. AI Perspectives Week begins Sept. 17.

To support students in this evolving landscape, WashU offers free access to a suite of secure AI tools with premium features. Students can learn about the AI resources available to them and explore guidance on using AI responsibly in their academic work at ai.washu.edu/tools.

As a WashU parent, you have a unique perspective on the student experience. Share it with families in your community by serving as a College Fair volunteer. Volunteers connect with prospective students and parents at local college fairs, answering questions and sharing their WashU experiences. No prior experience is needed, and the university provides training and resources. Learn more or sign up to volunteer.

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