Family Ties

Division of Student Success

August 2026

Dear parents and families,

I hope you and your loved ones have had another wonderful, restful summer. Our team is already busy preparing to welcome your student back to campus. We are all excited for the new academic year and for the energy the students bring with them.

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 our 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 connect with you and share the “why” behind this important evolution.

In this special edition of Family Ties, you’ll find helpful details about what to expect during returning student Move-in Days. Whether your student is returning for their second year or preparing for their final semester, we are here to help make the transition a smooth one.

Parent & Family Weekend takes place from October 30-November 1, 2026, and registration will open soon. Please save the date on your calendar.

Thank you for being such an important part of our WashU community—we’re so glad you’re with us.

Warmly,

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

@akgonzal327
@washustudentsuccess

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. 

Returning Student Move-in will take place from Fri., August 21, Sat., August 22, and Sun., August 23. Visit the ResLife website for more details. Contact Residential Life with any questions about housing assignments or move-in.

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. 

Student can attend the On-Campus Employment Info Sessions to learn about on-campus employment and 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, 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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