Parent & Family Orientation 2024
August 16, 2024 – August 18, 2024
See our recordings from this year’s events.
Parent & Family Orientation Check-In
On the day your student moves in, please send one representative from your group to check in for Parent & Family Orientation. Check-in will occur on Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM in Student Transitions Family Programs located in the lower level of Umrath House on the South 40 (across from the Bear’s Den entrance).
At check-in we will confirm your RSVP and be able to provide resources including the schedule, dining guide, shopping guide, and campus map.
It is important that every family checks in so we know how many people are on campus.
What to expect during Parent & Family Orientation:
| On Saturday evening, many students and families will choose to eat together on campus or at a local restaurant before New Student & Family Welcome. | |
| On Sunday, Parent & Family Orientation sessions are for families only. In our experience, most students prefer to sleep in and get settled. Families and students may choose to eat lunch together on campus and visit the Resource Fair. |
Convocation
A time-honored tradition at WashU, Convocation is the official academic welcome to the university. Students will join the Chancellor, Provost, Deans, and Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs in Brookings Quad along with their classmates.
Families are encouraged to participate in this time-honored university tradition from the comfort of their homes, via the livestream. The in-person event is for students only.
Moving your student
On your student’s move-in day, please adhere to your student’s assigned move-in time to assist us with the flow of traffic. Detailed information about move-in will be available on the Residential Life website.
Students may bring an unlimited number of family members and helpers with them.
If you are moving your student in on Friday, we encourage you to make plans with your family to explore St. Louis, shop for any additional supplies or snacks, and walk around campus on Saturday. You will have the whole day free as most of the Parent & Family Orientation programming takes place on Sunday to accommodate families with a Saturday move-in date. For ideas of what you can do in St. Louis, check out Explore St. Louis and what they recommend under See & Do.
The majority of our Student Affairs staff are out of their offices and working to support your Move-In Day.
Fall Welcome
Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome begins the evening of Saturday, August 17 and concludes the evening of Saturday, August 24.
During Fall Welcome, your student will meet with their WUSA small group, engage in academic experiences, explore St. Louis, and participate in a long-standing university tradition. Your student has a busy schedule during Fall Welcome.
On the evening your student moves in, they have a required Residential Community Meeting. While your students attends their required Residential Community Meeting, we invite you to join the other first-year parents and family members at our Reception at Risa Commons. Beginning Monday morning, your student will be busy exploring academic life, community living and St. Louis.
Exploring St. Louis
Some families may choose to arrive in St. Louis before their student’s assigned move-in day. Families may use that time to go shopping for last minute supplies and explore St. Louis. You can find a list of nearby shopping options in our shopping guide. Families may also use this as an opportunity to have a family meal at a local restaurant. You can find a list of nearby dining options in our dining guide. You will also find there are many places you can explore in St. Louis, many of them free.
Family Webinar Series
The Family Webinar Series is here to help families stay informed on all things WashU! We know you are integral to the success of your student, so we designed this webinar series around the questions we know you are, or will be, asking. Check out our upcoming and previous webinars for helpful information about WashU!
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. If you have a disability and require accommodations (such as assistive listening device, captioning, large print, reserved front row seat, advanced copy of slides to be projected, etc.) in order to fully participate in our Parent & Family Orientation, please email Student Transitions & Family Programs at least 10 business days in advance of the event.