Bear Bulletin

Division of Student Affairs

May 5, 2025

Dear new students, 

Welcome to WashU! I am Anna Gonzalez, vice chancellor for student affairs. Students know me as “Dr. G.” My team and I are ready to provide you with an unforgettable experience!

Our staff in the Division of Student Affairs will guide you through your time at WashU outside of the classroom! It is very important to us that you feel connected and understand that you are part of a supportive community.

We have a vast number of resources that you will learn more about soon; until then, the new students website has information designed to aid your transition. You will also receive this Bear Bulletin newsletter every month. It will include important tasks for you to complete over the summer in order to prepare for your arrival on August 19.

Warmly, 

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

View the Academic Calendar →

Here are the main offices and contact available to support you:

Each academic division has an exchange advisor to support you throughout your time at WashU. Amy Suelzer is the contact for exchange students studying in the College of Arts & Sciences and Sarah Jimenez is the contact for Olin Business School exchange students.  

Check your WashU email account several times a week for important messages from your academic division. You will receive details about course registration, how to connect with your advisor, and may be asked to fill out important forms. 

OISE provides a welcoming environment for all international students during their time at WashU through programming, advocacy, and cultural enrichment. 

OISS is available to support you with information related to immigration, applying for a visa, and maintaining your visa status.

Student Transitions & Engagement supports new undergraduate students through their academic and social transition into the WashU community. 

Each month this summer, there will be important items you need to complete to ensure you are as prepared as possible for your start at WashU. Some items on the May checklist include: 

For those choosing to live in Residential Life-managed housing, please complete the Housing Application by the priority deadline of May 15. To complete the Housing Application, log into the Housing Portal. Email Residential Life or call 314-935-5050 with any questions about Residential Life-managed housing. 

Some exchange students choose to live in non-Residential Life-managed housing; explore the apartment referral service to help you consider your options. 

Activate your WashU Key. WashU Key activation information is emailed to incoming students by the University Registrar, sent on a rolling basis.

Enroll in DUO two-factor authentication to safely access university applications.

All exchange students must arrive to WashU by Tuesday, August 19 at 5 p.m. CT. Students living in Residential Life-managed housing will move in between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT. All new exchange students will be required to check-in with Student Transitions & Engagement at 6 p.m. to kick off Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome, an orientation program intentionally designed to welcome you to the WashU community. 

To help us prepare for your arrival, complete the Transfer & Exchange Fall Welcome Registration form by Monday, August 4. 

All undergraduate students are required to pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit upon admission to WashU. The enrollment deposit for exchange students is $550. You will see this charge added to your student account later this summer. 

As an exchange student at WashU, you will need to apply for a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa at the nearest U.S. consulate in your home country. It is your responsibility to gather information about the process for seeking a student visa in your home country.   

To apply for your J-1 entry visa, you will need a DS-2019. The Office for International Student & Scholars (OISS) will prepare this document and send it to your home school's exchange program. Typically, this takes 4-6 weeks following notification of your acceptance to WashU. You will also need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, before your visa interview. 

Students living in Residential Life-managed housing will not be able to move in without completing the health history form in the Student Health Portal. Log into the Student Health Portal and select Medical Clearances to access the health history form. 

All incoming students must provide documentation of required immunizations and screenings and should consider recommended immunizations.

All incoming students are automatically enrolled in the basic student health insurance plan unless there is proof of U.S. insurance through a U.S. employer via an employee parent or spouse/partner. More information can be found in the Student Guide to Health and Well-being Services. 

All students are automatically enrolled and charged for the entire academic year. If you are studying at WashU for only the fall semester, you must email Student Insurance to request only one semester of coverage. In this email, include the following: your full name, sex, date of birth, WashU ID, phone number, local address, and length of anticipated study at WashU. 

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