Division of Student Success
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Dear parents and families:
The start of a new semester brings a special energy to campus, and it has been great to welcome students back, see them reconnect with friends, explore new opportunities, and fill our spaces with excitement and purpose.
As the semester begins, please take note of the information below:
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Well-being Wednesdays begin again on September 9. Your student 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 every Wednesday.
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Encourage your student to attend the Fall Career Expo from September 16-17. More than 100 employers will be on campus to meet students like yours and there are a variety of prep sessions they can attend in advance to get ready to meet their next employer!
- Mark your calendar for Parent & Family Weekend, October 30, 2026–November 1, 2026. We are hosting a full weekend of activities for you and your student including Dr. G’s Haunted Fun House!
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Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting your student through their college experience. I look forward to being able to share important updates and resources with you in this newsletter every month.
Warmly,
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Anna “Dr. G” Gonzalez
Vice Chancellor for Student Success
@akgonzal327
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Students met with the Chancellor and Dr. G for First Day Photos in the underpass, a longstanding WashU tradition.
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Creating a best-in-class student experience: Get to know the Division of Student Success |
The Division of Student Success shapes the student experience at WashU through intentional co-curricular learning experiences that complement our students’ academic curriculum.
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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.
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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 event schedule and registration will open Sept. 21.
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Addressing a package to your student |
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 →
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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.
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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.
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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.
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There's still time to register for Career Exploration at WashU |
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.
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AI Perspectives Week begins Sept. 17 |
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.
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Share your WashU experience with future bears |
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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Accelerated Master's in Applied Data Science |
The new 4+1 Master's in Applied Data Science is open to students across majors, offering rigorous training in data-driven modeling and analysis in the Al era. Students can apply these skills to their field of interest. Learn more about this program.
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Important dates and deadlines |
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This online waiver process is appropriate for students who already have health insurance from a parent, spouse/partner, or employer and their plan meets the university’s waiver requirements.
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| Labor Day - university closed
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| September 9, 2026 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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| September 10, 2026, 5-6:30 p.m. | Tisch Park
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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.
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| September 14, 2026 5-7 p.m. | South 40
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Members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra visit campus to perform in a small ensemble for students, faculty, staff, and community members on the South 40.
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| September 16, 2026 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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September 16-17, 2026, 3-6 p.m.| Athletic Complex
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The Career Expo brings hundreds of employers to WashU to meet directly with our students because employers want to hire WashU students and graduates.
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| Encourage your student to engage with the WashU community as we explore different perspectives on the role of AI in higher education
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| September 23, 2026 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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| September 23, 2026 5-6:30 p.m. | Tisch Park
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WashU won the Learfield Directors’ Cup for the first time in program history—awarded to the athletic program with the most success across all sports—and only the eighth Division III school ever to win it. The WashU community is invited to celebrate this achievement with our WashU scholar-champions.
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| September 30, 2026 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Mudd Field
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Join us for Parent & Family Weekend, a celebration filled with events and activities for students and their families including Dr. G’s Haunted Fun House and campus-wide Halloween costume contest. The schedule and registration link will be available on families.washu.edu on Sept. 21.
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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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