Family Ties

Division of Student Success

August 2026

Dear new WashU parents and families,

I hope you and your loved ones have had a wonderful, restful summer. Our team is already busy preparing for your student’s arrival. From Move-In Day to the many events planned during Orientation, this is a special time and we’re honored to be part of it with your family.

As a parent or family member, you are our most important partner in your student's college journey. Because you play such a vital role in their support system, I wanted to share some exciting news with you directly. This year we mark a new chapter for our campus community: we are officially stepping into a new name as the Division of Student Success (formerly the Division of Student Affairs).

Our dedication to the student experience remains unchanged. This new name only sharpens our focus on ensuring your student is equipped with the essential career and life skills, resilience, and purpose needed to thrive both during and far beyond their time at WashU.

I recorded a brief, one-minute video to introduce myself to our new families and share the “why” behind this important evolution.

As August gets underway, please encourage your student to complete any remaining items on their checklist to ensure a smooth move-in. If you haven’t already, check out the Incoming Families Guide for more details on what to expect as your student prepares for WashU and transitions to life on campus.

We know this season brings a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation and lots of questions. The Division of Student Success is here every step of the way to support your student. Thank you for trusting us with their growth and education. Enjoy these final weeks of summer together, and we look forward to partnering with you for an incredible academic year ahead.

Warmly,

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

@akgonzal327
@washustudentsuccess

International students must register for First-Year International Orientation by today, August 3 in the WashU Pathways Portal. Failure to complete the registration form will delay your ability to move in on August 13.

By registering for First-Year International Orientation, you do not need to submit a separate Early Arrival Request through Residential Life. Your arrival will be adjusted after your registration is received by our team.

First-Year International Orientation begins August 13. This program is designed to help you settle into campus, connect with other new international students, and prepare for a successful start to your WashU experience.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out oise@wustl.edu.

Please make sure your student completes the Before Your Arrive (BYA) Checklist. This checklist outlines important monthly tasks and requirements to help keep your student on track for a successful start on campus.

August includes several critical deadlines, so we encourage you to review and complete all required items as soon as possible. Missing checklist requirements may delay your student's access to their residence hall on Move-in Day or result in a hold on their record that could prevent schedule changes. Completing these steps now will help ensure a smooth move-in and registration experience.

The final webinar in the Family Webinar Series, A conversation about Orientation and Move-in Day, is Wednesday, Aug. 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. CDT. Advanced registration is required for the live webinars.  

The Family Webinar Series is designed to keep families informed and connected about all things WashU.

Each incoming student with a U.S. phone number will receive a call on August 8 or 9 from their WashU Student Associate (WUSA). Your student's WUSA will lead their Orientation small groups, serve as an academic mentor throughout the year and host weekly WUSA Hours. Students with international phone numbers will have an opportunity to ask their WUSAs questions via email.

Take a few minutes to review your student's residence hall's virtual tour, photos and floor plans before Move-in Day. Seeing their room layout ahead of time can help them plan what to bring, coordinate with roommates and feel more prepared for arrival day. Explore the South 40. 

Domestic first-year students will move-in to their residence hall on Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15*. Students can view their move-in slot and room assignment in their Housing Portal.

Staff from Student Transitions & Engagement will be available to answer questions on Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Student Transitions & Engagement is located in the lower level of Umrath House on the South 40 (across from the Bear’s Den entrance). 

Review ResLife's Move in Guide for detailed information about the Move-in Day process, maps, packing lists and more.

Contact Residential Life with any questions about housing assignments or move-in.

* Move-In Day for international students attending WashU on a visa is Thurs., August 13; see more information below. Fall varsity athletes have different arrival dates; please check with your head coach for more information.

Orientation for new students will begin the evening of Move-in Day and conclude the evening of Saturday, Aug. 22. During Orientation, students will meet with their WUSA small groups, engage in academic experiences, and participate in a long-standing university tradition—Convocation. Preview the Orientation schedule.

Convocation is open to first-year students, and parents and family can watch a live stream of the event online on August 22 at 7:30 p.m. A live stream link will be posted closer to the event.

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

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

Because you can't always predict when you might need mental healthcare, we encourage your student to register for and download the TimelyCare app before arriving to campus.

TimelyCare is a 24/7 virtual care service for full-time students, aged 18 years or older or those with guardian consent, to address common concerns that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely. Users have access to free telehealth support day or night, including TalkNow on-demand mental health sessions, 12 free scheduled counseling sessions per year, psychiatric care and health coaching. Services are available throughout the year, including summer months. 

Advanced registration for Parent & Family Orientation (PFO) has closed. For those who were unable to register in advance, you will be able to register on the day of your student's move-in. More information will be available that day. We look forward to meeting you!  

Student can attend the On-Campus Employment Info Sessions to learn about on-campus employment. Then students can attend the On-Campus Employment Fair to network with WashU departments that are recruiting now and in the future for paid on-campus positions.

To ensure you continue receiving each issue of Family Ties for the parents and family members of first-year students, be sure to subscribe and stay up-to-date on the latest information for WashU parents and families from the Division of Student Success.

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