Division of Student Success

September 2026 newsletter

Dear Division of Student Success Colleagues,

What an incredible start to the new academic year! Move-in was a big success. Families shared positive feedback, describing the experience as smooth, well-organized and efficient.

Thank you to everyone who dedicated extra time and energy to making the weekend a success. Your willingness to go above and beyond, spend additional time on campus, and support students and families during this important transition was essential. Because of your efforts, our newest students and their families felt welcomed, supported and confident from the moment they arrived. 

As we move into the fall semester, please remember the following:

Finally, please make sure to mark your calendars for our first monthly Divisional Meeting of the year in Risa Commons on Wednesday, September 9. Light refreshments will be available starting at 8 a.m.

Warmly,

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

After 101 years, the bear gets a new identity. Read the full story. 

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!

Calling all marketers, communicators, web wranglers and social media coordinators!

Mark your calendars for the upcoming MarComm Social Hour and join colleagues from across the division who support marketing, communications, website management and social media. It's a chance to connect, share ideas, swap success stories and meet others doing similar work across the division. Note a student-employee session will be held on on Sept. 25. See more below. 

📅 Sept. 22
⏰ 2-3 p.m.
📍 Risa Commons

The Division of Student Success Marketing & Communications team is hosting the Student Success Design and Social Media Student Symposium on Friday, Sept. 25 from 2-4 p.m. at Ursa's Stage Side.

This event is for all students employed by the Division of Student Success whose responsibilities include designing communications materials or managing social media. Students will learn how to work with design systems, brand standards and available resources, as well as marketing and design best practices. Registration is required and closes Sept. 18. 

All departments should be uploading their programs and events to SA Tools and using the Event Manager system. Need help navigating Event Manager or want tips for making the most of its features? Check out the User Guide in the top-right corner of Event Manager for helpful instructions and resources.

There's no better time to get involved at WashU Recreation! Whether you're looking to stay active or try something new, there's something for everyone. Explore the many 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. 

WashU faculty and staff are invited to join the Career Partners Network. This brand-new professional development initiative has been launched to strengthen the career ecosystem and bring together a community of like-minded colleagues to support student career readiness. Whether you want to make confident referrals to the Center for Career Engagement (CCE) or integrate career into your course/program, there’s a place for everyone. To sign up or learn more, please visit the CCE's website and complete a brief interest form. 

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.

Know a student who recently had a standout internship, excelled as a student employee, or is doing great things post-grad? The CCE is looking for students to feature in our Internship, Student Employment, and Post-Grad Spotlight Series. Simply share a few details about the student, and we’ll take it from there! For questions, please email Maria Bruns.

The university has transitioned to Maxient, a new case management and reporting platform that will be utilized across numerous university offices, including multiple departments within the Division of Student Success.

As part of this transition, reporting form links have changed. Please update any bookmarks, webpages or resources that reference the forms below:

If you have any questions or identify websites, documents, or resources that need to be updated with the new links, please contact studentconduct@wustl.edu.

Encourage students you know 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.

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

When: September 16 & 17; 3 - 6 p.m. 

Where: Danforth Campus, Sumers Recreation Center, Athletic Complex  

Students can connect with organizations from a wide range of industries, including: 

Students can register on Handshake. Learn more about the Career Expo. 

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. 

See the events and programming for Hispanic Heritage Month →

Know a student who can benefit from major/career exploration and decision-making support? Please share this 7-week, for-credit course. 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 students you know 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.

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.

Oct. 3-6 - Fall Break (no classes)

Oct. 4-6: Fall Alternative Break

Oct. 7 - Student Success Monthly Divisional Meeting

Oct. 7 - Well-being Wednesday

Oct. 14 - Well-being Wednesday

Oct. 21 - Well-being Wednesday

Oct. 19-24: WashU Leadership Week

Oct. 28 - Well-being Wednesday

Oct 30: Halloween Costume Contest at Dr. G's Fun House

Oct. 30-Nov. 1: Parent & Family Weekend

Submit an entry for the next Student Success newsletter

The Student Success newsletter is usually 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 Success staff members to know about.

Submit here →

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