Division of Student Affairs
April 2026
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Dear Parents and Families of the Class of 2026,
As we approach the end of the school year, I want to take a moment to express how deeply proud and grateful I am of your graduating students.
We know that the support students receive from their loved ones during their college career reinforces the work we do in the Division of Student Affairs to prepare them for lifelong success. So thank you for being our partner in this journey. Also, congratulations! You will soon be the parents and families of the WashU Class of 2026, which is no small feat.
As we move toward the finish line, there is still much to do. I want to share a few upcoming highlights and celebrations:
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As students work hard to finish up the academic year, we will again offer our Rapid Access Counseling Zoom Appointments through the Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CCPS) starting on April 13. Using our student portal, students will be able to schedule both returning and new appointments with a counselor beginning 16 hours prior to the time they would like to be seen—with no wait. Timelycare is also available 24/7.
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If your student has already landed a job, is enrolling in a graduate program, or has their next steps lined up, encourage them to share their plans by completing the First-Destination Survey. If they are still looking, remind them that the Center for Career Engagement (CCE) is available to all WashU students and alumni who need career support—now and any time in the future.
- Dr. G’s Fun House is on April 17. I am hopeful this allows them to unwind, relax and have some fun with games, food and music outside on Mudd Field.
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Your student will also have opportunities to participate in several beloved WashU traditions, including WILD, Thurtene Carnival, Moonlight Breakfast, and our annual Day of Service. These experiences bring students together to celebrate community, creativity, service and fun—and often become some of their most cherished WashU memories.
- If your soon-to-be graduate is living in university housing, please have them review the move-out procedures from Res Life to make sure that your final move-out day goes smoothly.
- And finally, I hope your student will join me for Senior Sunrise on May 13. It is one of my favorite culminating events—being together at the iconic Brookings steps at dawn, wrapped in blankets with coffee in hand to watch the sun rise over St. Louis. What a fitting symbol of how much the class of 2026 has already achieved and the new beginnings in store for them.
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It has been such a privilege having your student at WashU and an honor to have you, our parents and families, as forever members of the WashU community. I look forward to celebrating with you at Commencement.
Warmly,
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Anna "Dr. G" Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
@akgonzal327
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The Division of Student Affairs hosts this low-commitment, high fun event on Mudd Field, featuring food, games, music and more. The April 17 Fun House also coincides with Reunion Weekend, welcoming our graduates back to campus to join the fun.
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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 returning 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. Timelycare is also available 24/7.
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Your student's post-grad era starts now and we want to hear about it! |
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and the families who’ve supported them along the way. Whether your student is heading into a job, pursuing graduate school, or still exploring their options, their next steps after graduation matter. We invite your student to take a brief survey to share their plans. Their insight helps us strengthen career resources and opportunities for current and future students.
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Moonlight Breakfast set for April 29 |
This late-night meal is hosted at both The Bear’s Den and The Village. 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.
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Bear Bodega Open All Day. Every day. |
Bear Bodega, the new convenience store on the South 40, is now open. Students can 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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Research and internship housing options available at WashU |
WashU is St. Louis' premier intern and research housing option for both WashU and non-WashU Students, 18 years or older participating in an academic internship or research project.
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The university-wide Commencement Ceremony will take place on May 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. on Francis Olympic Field. Additional information about school ceremony schedules and Affinity Celebration schedules can be found on the Commencement website and more information about school ceremony attendance, including tickets, can be found in the Commencement FAQ.
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If your student is living in university housing, know there are specific move‑out procedures they must follow. The last day to move‑out for graduating students is May 15 by 5 p.m. May 15 is a very busy day on campus, so we encourage you and your student to have a move‑out plan to ensure the process goes smoothly.
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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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Students can spend a meaningful day partnering with local organizations to help strengthen and support the St. Louis community.
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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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| April 15, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mudd Field*
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Students can explore a farmers market, local health and wellness vendors and campus resources to learn how to make well-being a habit.
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| April 17, 2026, 2:30-5:30 p.m. | Brookings Quad
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Students can join the Division of Student Affairs for free food, games, and music during Reunion Weekend.
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| April 17-19, 2026 | Lot 35
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ThurtenE Carnival is the nation’s oldest and largest student-run carnival held at Washington University in St. Louis every spring.
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| April 22, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Mudd Field*
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Students can explore a farmers market, local health and wellness vendors and campus resources to learn how to make well-being a habit.
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| April 24, 2026, 7 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.
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| April 29, 2026, 9-11 p.m. | Bear's Den and The Village
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Reading week fuel: a free late-night breakfast at Bear’s Den and the Village for all WashU undergrads with a meal plan.
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April 30-May 6: Final Exams
May 13: Senior Sunrise
May 15: University-wide Commencement
May 15: Housing check-out for graduating students
May 20: Student Affairs Professional Development Day
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Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
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Washington University in St. Louis
1 Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130
washu.edu
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