Bear Beginnings 2020
Fall Welcome will begin the morning of Monday, September 7th and conclude the evening of Saturday, September 12th. During Fall Welcome, you will meet with your WUSA small group, engage in academic experiences, and participate in a long-standing university tradition – Convocation. Almost all activities will be virtual to ensure safety precautions and physical distancing for COVID-19 can be followed. Students who chose to take their classes remotely will still be able to participate in Fall Welcome.
Move-In
First Year Student Move-In will take place beginning on Friday, September 4 and continue through Sunday, September 6. Each student’s housing assignment, Move-In date, and Move-In time can be found via the WashU Housing Portal in WebSTAC. For more information about Move-In, please visit the Residential Life website.
Family Programming
Parent & Family Orientation will be offered as a virtual experience. More information can be found on the Parent & Family Orientation page.
Families will be mailed a “Convocation kit” to ensure they can participate in our university tradition from their home.
Fall Welcome Schedule
Students who chose to take their classes remotely will still be able to participate in Fall Welcome.
Convocation
Convocation is the official academic welcome to the University for new students and their families. Convocation includes speeches from a senior student and university leadership.
Convocation 2020 will take place virtually on Saturday, September 12th at 7:30PM. A link to watch the event will be provided on the Convocation page on September 12th.
Families will be mailed a “Convocation kit” to ensure they can participate in our university tradition from their home.
First Day of Classes
Start off the school year by participating virtually in a WashU tradition: First Day!
Religious Observances
It often happens that religious services occur during Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome. It is our goal that students will be able to fully observe their faith, practices, and traditions without missing important information. WashU makes every effort to provide information in a variety of formats to meet students’ needs. There is an asynchronous option available to students who may be unable to participate synchronously. Students should reach out to their WUSA if they plan on missing an orientation event for a religious observance to ensure the student has access to any information they may miss.
Accommodation Statement
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events. If you have a disability and require any accommodations in order to fully participate in Bear Beginnings, please list them in your Bear Beginnings Information Form on your WashU Pathways account. After we receive your submission, a member of the First Year Center will contact you for more information. Requests should be made as soon as possible, but at least two weeks prior to your arrival on campus. For any other questions about accessibility during Bear Beginnings, please contact Miranda Kroeger at the First Year Center.