Bear Facts 2019

BEARFACTS 2019

washington university in st. louis | 1

DEAR ALMA MATER, THY NAME IS SWEET TO ME, OUR HEARTS ARE ALL FOR THEE FAIR WASHINGTON. THY HALLS SHALL HONORED BE THROUGHOUT THIS GREAT COUNTRY FOR ALL ETERNITY, OUR WASHINGTON. THOSE DAYS OF YOUTH WHICH ALL OF US SPENT WITH THEE FORM A DEAR HISTORY, FAIR WASHINGTON. COULD THEY RENEWED BE, WE’D LIVE OUR DAYS WITH THEE FOR ALL ETERNITY, OUR WASHINGTON. ALMA MATER GEORGE LOGAN & MILTON ROSENHEIM CLASS OF 1908

2 | bear facts

BEARFACTS 2019 Authored by First Year Center

Edited by Miranda Kroeger Katharine E. Pei Photography by WashU Photographic Services Bonner Williams ’16, Cole Bishop ’14, Rahee Nerurkar ’14

washington university in st. louis | 3

4 | bear facts

You hold in your hands a guide to your first year at Washington University in St. Louis.

Written and designed by students who were in your shoes not too long ago, the pages that follow answer many of the questions you’ve probably had (and even some you didn’t know you had).

What should you bring? Where will you eat?

What building does your mail go to? How can you get involved? This guide isn’t meant to be studied or memorized, but to be a window into what to expect during your time at WashU, and hopefully it excites you for the years, experiences, and adventures to come.

Table of Contents

Welcome

6

Before You Arrive

11

Move-In & Bear Beginnings

31

Learning on Campus

41

Living on Campus

61

Our Names, Our Stories

85

Beyond the Classroom

99

Exploring St. Louis

115

washington university in st. louis | 5

WELCOME Welcome to Washington University! The First Year Center is home to the people and programs that will help ensure a smooth transition into your first year on our campus. We believe that how we welcome people into our community says a lot about who we are as a university. We know this is both an exciting and sometimes stressful time for you and your family. Our goal at the First Year Center is to help you meet and learn about the many students, faculty, staff, departments, and programs that will become part of your new Washington University family.

You will have lots of material to look over before arriving on campus in August—at Washington University we love to send email and old-fashioned snail mail! This book, Bear Facts, is designed to provide one source of information about your new home. The people who helped design Bear Facts are the people who know our campus best—our students! They were recently new students just like you, so they know what you need to know before you get here and what will be important in your first few months on campus. We hope this book is helpful in answering some of the questions you have about Washington University.

FROM THE FIRST YEAR CENTER

THE FIRST YEAR CENTER TEAM KATHARINE PEI Director REGGIE GACAD Assistant Director DACODA SCARLETT Coordinator MIRANDA KROEGER Administrative Coordinator

But don’t feel you have to memorize everything in this book.

We have been working hard to get ready for you, and during your first days on campus in August, you will participate in Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation. Teams of Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs), students who serve as orientation leaders and peer mentors, will assist you in getting settled and ready for your first day of class.

They will continue to guide you throughout your first year. In addition to the WUSAs, you’ll meet faculty, staff, and student leaders who are ready to help you make the adjustment to college life. Take the time to get to know them.

We cannot wait to meet you! Best wishes to all of you as you begin your journey at Washington University.

The First Year Center supports new students through their transition into the Washington University community to assure they build and sustain their academic and personal goals. The center brings together people, programs, and resources to provide an undergraduate experience of exceptional quality where all students are known by name and story and where they prepare themselves for lives of purpose and meaning.

FIRST YEAR.WUSTL.EDU | FIRST YEARCENTER@WUSTL.EDU | (314) 935.5040

6 | bear facts

FROM THE FIRST YEAR CENTER EXECUTIVE BOARD As the 2019 First Year Center Executive Board, we would like to welcome you to Washington University! The First Year Center Executive Board, a group of upperclass students who plan and support events and initiatives for first-year students, is dedicated to helping you make a smooth transition to college life. We are proud to bring you Bear Facts. This publication will provide you with information about what to do before arriving on campus in August, what to expect once you get here, the logistics of Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation, placement exams, living and learning at Washington University, and much, much more.

We hope that after reading Bear Facts, you will be better prepared for your arrival.

For the next four years, Washington University will be your home away from home. You will meet new people, experience what it is like to live on your own, and find your place in the WashU community.

The most important step in this great journey is to join us in August for Bear Beginnings, where you’ll get to know the campus and the people around you.

We hope you are as excited about Bear Beginnings 2019 as we are, and that you will make the most of your time here. We are here for you, so if there is anything we can do to better your experience or answer questions you may have, please do not hesitate to ask us. For contact information and complete Bear Beginnings details, visit our website at firstyear.wustl.edu or email us at firstyearcenter@wustl.edu.

Good luck, have a great summer, and we’ll see you in August!

The 2019 First Year Center Executive Board

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Jackie Baik, 2021 Skokie, IL

Lydia Ho, 2021 Hong Kong

Lizzie Michalski, 2021 Naperville, IL

Clarinda Tan, 2021 Chesterfield, MO

Aiden Blinn, 2021 Dallas, TX

Allison Holleb, 2021 Chicago, IL

Ben Moore, 2021 Solon, OH

Logan Thoms, 2021 Coulterville, IL

Jacob Blum, 2021 Boca Raton, FL

Sarah Juang, 2021 Wayzata, MN

Katie Plotkin, 2021 Los Angeles, CA

Libby Evan, 2020 Albany, NY

Adina Loomis, 2021 Brentwood, MO

Morgan Solender, 2020 New York, NY washington university in st. louis | 7

8 | bear facts

IMPORTANT DATES The university-wide academic calendar for the 2019–2020 school year, as well as some relevant orientation dates, can be found below. Not included on the schedule are important dates like the Add/Drop deadline (related to course registration). Those dates can be found in course listings available at wustl.edu.

Download and print a PDF of these dates at firstyear.wustl.edu.

FALL 2019 August 15 International First-Year Student Orientation arrival

Download and print a PDF of these dates at firstyear.wustl.edu.

August 17

Move-In Day

August 17–25

Bear Beginnings

August 17–18

Parent & Family Orientation

August 21

Transfer/Exchange Student Orientation begins

August 26

First day of classes

September 2

Labor Day (No classes)

October 12–15

Fall Break (No classes)

November 1–3

Parent & Family Weekend

November 27– December 1

Thanksgiving Break (No classes)

December 6

Last day of classes

December 9–18

Reading period and final exams

SPRING 2020 January 13

First day of classes

January 20 Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday—no classes March 8–14

Spring Break—no classes

April 24

Last day of classes

April 27–May 6

Reading and Exams

May 15

Commencement

THINKING ABOUT TRAVEL PLANS? Good move, but avoid making arrangements for Thanksgiving and the end of both semesters until you’ve finalized your course schedule and know when all of your exams, papers, and projects will be for the semester.

washington university in st. louis | 9

10 | bear facts

C H A P T ER O N E

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE washington university in st. louis | 11

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Welcome to Washington University! We probably aren’t the first to welcome you to campus, and we certainly won’t be the last. The entire campus is excited about your arrival to our community this August.

While Move-In Day is still an entire summer away, there are many important action items you need to complete before you arrive on campus. On page 16 you will find a comprehensive list of all the “todo” items you should be completing this summer.

We know the summer is time for family, friends, and hopefully a fun adventure or two, but it is important you complete the checklist so you can start college on the right foot.

Don’t hesitate to contact the First Year Center if you have any questions about the to-do list—we are here all summer preparing for your arrival and are happy to help.

Stay in touch! Follow the First Year Center on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat for more updates and reminders throughout the summer and into the school year. /wufirstyearcenter @WUFYC WashUFYC

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS? If Bear Facts doesn’t answer them, check our website firstyear.wustl.edu, give us a call at (314) 935.5040, or email firstyearcenter@wustl.edu.

12 | bear facts

Dear incoming students: Allow me to be the first to say welcome to Washington University in St. Louis! You are now members of a vibrant and diverse academic community with a strong legacy of learning and discovery that dates back to our founding in 1853. From Nobel laureates to noted authors, entrepreneurs, business and academic leaders, artists, engineers, scientists, and more—our Washington University community is filled with exceptional scholars, collaborators, and innovators who are improving lives in service of the greater good. We look forward to seeing you make your own mark on this place as you prepare for the world ahead of you.

Please know that, whatever you set your sights on here at WashU, you won’t be alone. Supportive faculty, caring staff members, and your peers and colleagues will join alongside you as you pursue your passions. We are all here to help you succeed.

Welcome, once again, to Washington University. We are eager to meet you as you take this next step forward and join our thriving community. Enjoy your summer of preparation, and #GoBears!

Best, Andrew D. Martin Chancellor

REMOTE REGISTRATION You will receive information from your academic division this summer about registering for classes prior to your arrival in August.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES You will be emailed the name of your fouryear academic adviser in early June. After first completing the registration modules in the Canvas learning management system for the College of Arts & Sciences, you will contact your adviser to arrange a time to discuss your academic interests and fall course options. Once you’ve discussed your courses and career interests, your adviser will authorize you for registration. You will then be able to register for classes online on July 9–11 at your assigned registration time. Arts & Sciences students will have an opportunity to pre-register for some First-Year Program classes. Look for information about First-Year Programs at this website: artsci.wustl.edu/fyp.

OLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL All incoming business students will be assigned an academic adviser who will help you navigate registration and be a resource for you during your time in Olin. All students will receive an email from their academic adviser in early June regarding registration. You can anticipate speaking with

your adviser via phone or Skype to discuss your fall courses. You will then be authorized to register and will do so via WebSTAC at your assigned registration time.

You will also be contacted by your Olin Peer Ambassador (OPA) over the summer. This upperclass student will be a great resource for you regarding your social and academic life at Olin. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Olin Business School at olin.wustl.edu and reach out to Paige LaRose, plarose@wustl.edu, or your OPA with any questions.

SAM FOX SCHOOL OF DESIGN & VISUAL ARTS: ARCHITECTURE & ART You can expect to receive registration information by email in mid-May. You will create a tentative schedule using the Registration Worksheet in WebSTAC. You will not be authorized to register on your own. Course selections are due by June 18.

We will create a schedule with your input and whenever possible, register you for your desired classes and/or sections. We will be in contact with you by telephone or email if we have questions or concerns about your selections. Once registration is complete, you may view your schedule in WebSTAC. Some course adjustments may be made prior to the beginning of classes if Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Washington University Placement Exams require changes.

washington university in st. louis | 13

MCKELVEY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING McKelvey School of Engineering crosses boundaries in research and teaching, as well as providing strong student support and academic advising. Prior to arriving on campus, new students will be assigned a fouryear adviser in Engineering Undergraduate Student Services. During Bear Beginnings, students will have the opportunity to meet with faculty from their academic area of interest for continued academic advising.

Over the summer, you should expect to complete and return an academic interest form indicating which major you might want to pursue (please return this form by early June). You will receive an email by July 1 with the name of your four-year adviser in Engineering Undergraduate Student Services and specific information about registering from home. You will review the online registration information thoroughly and contact your four-year adviser for more information or help with questions about course registration for your first year. You will then register for courses online during your assigned registration time in July.

Each academic division at WashU has a different registration process.

The online registration information emailed to you by July 1 will cover much of what you will need to know as an incoming engineering student.

Information includes descriptions of student groups, communication within the school, Advanced Placement and transfer credits, as well as what courses are suggested for the different areas of interest within the McKelvey School of Engineering.

For any questions about registration, students should contact their four-year adviser in Engineering Undergraduate Student Services who will be happy to discuss course selection or other matters related to the McKelvey School of Engineering.

TRANSFER STUDENT REGISTRATION Registration procedures vary depending on which academic division you are entering. You will be contacted by your academic adviser to register for classes over the summer.

PURCHASING COURSE BOOKS Once you have registered for classes, it’s time to get your books!

WU CAMPUS STORE The WU Campus Store is the most convenient way to purchase your course materials. All course materials are available for purchase in new or used condition and many are available to rent or in e-book format.

14 | bear facts

Digital books are also a popular option. To see if a book is available digitally, check the course shelf tag. Digital books can offer savings of up to 60% off the cost of new.

washington university in st. louis | 15

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE CHECKLIST This checklist includes important items you need to complete each month.

Visit the First Year Center website, firstyear.wustl.edu, for additional details and instructions about each item. There, you can also download and print a PDF of this list.

JUNE

JULY

Establish Access

Academic

• Activate your WUSTL Key, your online login which will give you access to many important university websites and portals, including email and course registration.

• Register for classes July 9–11 during your assigned time.

• Activate your WUSTL email account. All communication from the university will be sent to this email account so you need to check it at least once a week in the summer. We recommend every two to three days.

• Review and edit your WebSTAC User Profile to ensure you have an updated mailing address. You can also add your preferred first name so it can be reflected in your university records, including your student ID card.

• Send a headshot to Campus Card Services for your student ID. Academic • Check your WUSTL 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 academic adviser, and may be asked to fill out important forms.

• Take any necessary online placement and diagnostic exams.

• Calculus placement • Chemistry diagnostic • Foreign language*: Spanish, French, Italian, German, Latin *Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, and Russian will be taken on campus during Bear Beginnings • Writing Placement • Connect with Cornerstone: The Learning Center if you are seeking academic support or accommodations related to disabilities Health & Wellness • Complete your Habif Health & Wellness Center Student Portal requirements including your health history, vaccination (immunization) documentation, and health insurance waiver.

16 | bear facts

• Check your WUSTL email account several times a week for important messages from your academic division. Each division has a different ‘to do’ item this month.

• Read the Common Reading Program book.

• Complete the Academic Integrity module.

Health & Wellness • Transfer your medical records and prescriptions to the Habif Health & Wellness Center and make arrangements for treatment.

Prepare for Arrival • Check your housing assignment.

• Sign up for a U-Pass, a free transit card for St. Louis public transportation.

AUGUST Academic • Check your WUSTL email account several times a week for important messages from your academic division. Each division has a different ‘to do’ item this month.

• Confirm your AP, IB, and transfer credits were sent to the university.

• Complete the Common Reading Program assignment.

Health & Wellness • Complete the required online alcohol, drug, and sexual violence prevention education modules.

Prepare for Arrival • Pack for Move-In Day! • We suggest packing in boxes or plastic bins. Use painter’s tape to label them with your name, cell phone number, building, and room number.

Remember, you may be carrying these bins, boxes, and other items up several flights of stairs so make them light and easy to carry.

CONNECTING WITH THE UNIVERSITY There are many ways that the university will communicate with you about important details related to items such as grades, housing, billing, etc. This section outlines the different ways you can connect digitally with WashU.

WUSTL KEY

Use your @wustl.edu email!

It’s very important that you start using your WashU email address once you have it. It’s the main way you’ll receive a lot of information from the university.

Your WUSTL Key is the set of login credentials (login ID and password) you’ll use to access WebSTAC and many other WashU online services.

All entering first-year and transfer students receive notification in the summer from the University Registrar with information about WebSTAC, their WUSTL Key, and their university email address.

You should have already received communication from the University Registrar to set up your accounts. If you have not, please contact them at registrar@wustl.edu.

WEBSTAC WebSTAC (Web STudent ACcess) is an online WashU platform where you register for courses, see your grades, check your meal plan points and Bear Bucks activity, and much, much more!

Using WebSTAC tools, you can add and drop classes, check grades, and request an official transcript, as well as review billing information and access Dining Services, Campus Card, and Residential Life program sites.

Privacy The privacy of your student records is protected by law under the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Certain pieces of “directory information” on your record may be publicly available, such as your address and phone number, unless you have placed an information restriction on your record, which is your option under the law.

You will use WebSTAC to register for classes, so we have provided a tutorial over the next few pages. It is important you understand this vital tool, so if you have any additional questions or concerns, check out WebSTAC’s online help. To get to WebSTAC go to webstac.wustl.edu and log in using your WUSTL Key ID and password.

washington university in st. louis | 17

This is the WebSTAC homepage. Unless you already used your WUSTL Key to log into the network from a different university website, you’ll see this page when you visit.

Once you’ve logged in, an overview of all your university-affiliated information is available. The menu below also expands, enabling you to keep track of your classes, billing records, housing information, activity on your campus card, and more. You should definitely take some time to explore the different menus and see how WebSTAC works.

COURSE LISTINGS To view course listings, click Course Listings under “Courses and Registration” or go to courses.wustl.edu. This will launch a window, like the one below, which allows you to browse all courses offered by the university in a few different ways. The easiest way to look at the offerings is by picking a semester, school, and department from the “Course Listings” home page. For more advanced options, click on the “By Semester” search item in the menu. From there you can search for courses by attributes, days, and times.

18 | bear facts

REGISTRATION WORKSHEET The “Registration Worksheet” is a WebSTAC tool that helps you prepare for the advising and registration period of an upcoming semester. You can find the Registration Worksheet under “Courses and Registration.”

This is a great tool for keeping track of classes you’re interested in taking, seeing what your day-to-day schedule will be like, and organizing a discussion about your course preferences with your academic adviser.

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) Another key Washington University website is Canvas, a Learning Management System (LMS) that instructors use to make course content and activities available online. By using your WUSTL Key ID and password, you can log on to Canvas at mycanvas.wustl.edu to check out class descriptions, calendars, syllabi, and assignments for some of your classes. Instructors may also use Canvas to keep students updated on their grades and changes to a course. Information about each of your courses will not appear unless the instructor has published the course in Canvas, making it available. Student Technology Services recommends Chrome or Firefox as the best browsers to use when accessing Canvas.

Canvas support is available 24/7 through the Help button within Canvas.

How-to guides that will help you perform many tasks, from checking grades to finding assignments, are available via mycanvas.wustl.edu.

This summer, you will use Canvas to complete your Academic Integrity module.

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY GROUP ORGANIZER (WUGO) Washington University Group Organizer is WashU’s online hub for student involvement. WUGO offers a year-round, virtual student activities fair where students can explore and connect with the over 450 student groups on campus. Students can also find a full calendar of events, leadership opportunities, volunteer experiences, and much more. Connect anytime online or through the mobile app to explore how you can get involved.

Learn more about WUGO at wugo.wustl.edu.

PREFERRED NAMES The Preferred Name policy allows Danforth Campus students to change their first name in many university information systems without pursuing a legal name change. By allowing students to use a preferred name, the university hopes to provide students an empowering, safe, and nondiscriminatory university experience.

Reasons for using preferred names may include students known by names that are different from their legal names, transgender or gender nonconforming identities, international students or other students who wish to adopt an English language name, or students who have popular names who wish to use a different one. Students who list a preferred name on their admissions application will automatically have their preferred name entered into the university system.

At any time, you may add, edit, or delete a preferred name in your academic record in WebSTAC by going to the Student Information tab and then clicking on the “User Profile” link. Your preferred name will be used on many university documents, systems, and communications. To view the policy online, please visit registrar.wustl.edu.

For more information about enrolling with a preferred name, please visit the student information website for the Preferred Name policy: registrar.wustl.edu.

washington university in st. louis | 19

PREPARING FOR REGISTRATION AP/IB/TRANSFER CREDITS Washington University generally accepts AP scores of a 4 or 5 for credit. Some departments will give you credit based solely upon your AP score, whereas other departments give “contingency credit” based upon your AP score and completion of a higher-level course. Some departments do not grant credit, only placement into a higher-level class. Questions regarding International Baccalaureate (IB) and credit for college-level course work should be referred to your school’s registrar to determine appropriate placement and credit.

PLACEMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC EXAMS Students interested in taking math or foreign language classes at WashU are required to take placement exams. Students interested in taking General Chemistry at WashU are required to take the diagnostic exam.

Information about AP and IB Credits:

Information about Placement Exams:

College of Architecture

samfoxschool.wustl.edu/student_resources/forms

Cris Baldwin

College of Art

samfoxschool.wustl.edu/student_resources/forms

Cris Baldwin

College of Arts & Sciences

college.artsci.wustl.edu/policies/placement_credit

Sarah Longo

Olin Business School

Contact your academic adviser

McKelvey School of Engineering

engineering.wustl.edu/current-students/studentservices/Pages/advanced-placement.aspx

FOREIGN LANGUAGE PLACEMENT Unless you will be starting a language you have never studied before, you must take a foreign language placement exam. For students who are interested in pursuing the study of French, German, Italian, Latin, or Spanish, information about the placement exams is available online at the First Year Center website, firstyear.wustl.edu. Students need to complete the placement exams prior to registering for classes. For students who are interested in pursuing Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Hindi, Korean, Japanese, and Russian, the placement exams will be administered on campus during Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation in August. Detailed information will be provided when you arrive to campus.

GENERAL CHEMISTRY DIAGNOSTIC EXAM Students who plan to take General Chemistry at Washington University are required to take the General Chemistry Online Diagnostic Exam. Please note, the Chemistry Diagnostic Exam is not a placement exam and the score on the diagnostic exam cannot be used to replace the course credit. Students interested in placing out of General Chemistry are required to contact the Chemistry Department and take a chemistry placement exam during the first week of class. The grade to the placement exam may be used for the course credit. The online exam is available from Monday, June 10, 2019 through Friday, July 5, 2019. The two-hour timed exam is available online at chemistry.wustl.edu. You will need your six-digit WashU student ID number to access this website, but no password is required. The webpage also includes a series of tutorials for review, as well as practice problems and quizzes. It is recommended that you review these materials before taking the online exam. For tutorials prior to taking the online exam, visit chemistry.wustl.edu. Questions about Chemistry should be directed to Dr. Jia Luo at jluoa@wustl.edu.

20 | bear facts

crisbaldwin@wustl.edu crisbaldwin@wustl.edu sarahlongo@wustl.edu

Tobin Harris

tobinharris@wustl.edu

COMPUTER SCIENCE PLACEMENT

MATH PLACEMENT

Students interested in beginning with a course beyond CSE 131 should take the placement exam during Bear Beginnings. This exam is for students with significant computer science background and programming experience, regardless of intended major. The exam is used to determine proper placement in the computer science curriculum. All students are welcome to take the placement exam, including students who did not take the AP test or who are not satisfied with their AP test score and students who are uncertain about their proficiency. No books or notes are permitted.

Please bring sharpened pencils to the exam. This exam determines one of the following outcomes:

Students intending to take calculus at WashU must take the math placement exam online prior to registering for classes. Students who received a 4 or 5 on the AP exam do not need to take the placement exam. Please complete the exam before course registration.

Visit math.wustl.edu/ incoming-students.

• A student may be placed in CSE 131 to take the course in its entirety.

• A student may be recommended to begin in a CSE course beyond CSE 131.

• A student may be recommended to begin in a CSE course beyond CSE 131 but completion of specific CSE 131 modules may be required or recommended.

Proficiency credit for CSE 131 (3 units) is awarded automatically if a student has a 4 or 5 on the AP CS “A” test. Any requirement for CSE 131 is therefore satisfied by that proficiency credit. That requirement can also be waived without credit if the student passes the proficiency exam. Please visit bit.ly/cseplacement to register for the computer science placement test.

The time and location will be posted in Engineering Undergraduate Student Services (Lopata Hall, rm 303) and sent to you by email after registration.

For more information about the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, visit cse.wustl.edu.

WRITING PLACEMENT If you need to take the Writing Placement Exam, you will be notified via email in late May with instructions about the online exam. Your academic adviser will have access to your placement one to two weeks after you complete the exam. It is important you complete this before you speak with your academic adviser. If you are not required to take the exam your adviser will know your placement by early June.

All first-year students should plan to take College Writing 1 during their first year of study to satisfy the first-year writing requirement.

Semester placement is determined by the College Writing Program Office and is based on a variety of factors. Students in some first-year programs (e.g., Mind-Brain, Law & Society) take College Writing 1 in the fall, while others (e.g., Text & Tradition) take it in the spring. For more information about College Writing 1 or about writing placement, visit the College Writing Program website, collegewriting.wustl.edu or contact the College Writing Program Office, collegewriting@wustl.edu.

We encourage you to complete the online placement exams prior to speaking to your academic adviser about fall course selection.

When you take the exams, be sure to write down the scores of your placement exams and have them available when consulting with your adviser. Be sure you complete the exam before your summer registration date.

See pages 13–14 in Bear Facts for more information about registration for your specific academic division.

This information is for Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, and Business. The McKelvey School of Engineering has its own writing requirements, which can be found at engineering.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 21

SUMMER TO-DO ITEMS E-BILLING STATEMENTS Once you have access to WebSTAC, please invite your parent or family members to view your e-statements. You will need to invite them under Billing & Bear Bucks, Pay/View My Bill, Parent/ Other User IDs, then select Add New. Your family member will promptly receive an email with the user ID you created and a link to the parent billing portal. Please note, the parent-billing portal is separate from WebSTAC and only allows them access to your billing information; all other student record information will remain private. For more information regarding eBilling, please visit financialservices.wustl.edu.

STUDENT ID CARDS Your WashU student identification card may be small in size, but it has the power to do many things. Your ID card is not only proof of being a student at WashU, but it also holds your points for your meal plan, gives you access to buildings and computer labs on campus, and much more!

Anytime you want to grab a bite or sit down for a meal with your friends, you’ll swipe your ID card at the checkout line and the points you use will be automatically deducted from your meal plan balance. If you want to check out how many meal points are left on your account, you simply log into your WebSTAC account, and there’s a link to the balance of your individual meal plan.

Students also have the option to use their WashU ID card for laundry services and snack and beverage purchases at selected vending machines if Bear Bucks are added to the card. Students can go online through WebSTAC and add up to $1,000 per semester to their Bear Bucks account 24/7. In addition, students, parents, and family friends can deposit additional funds to student Bear Bucks accounts using the convenient GET Funds app: get.cbord.com/wuds.

You will receive your student ID card when you arrive on campus. If you need to replace your student ID card, visit Campus Card Services or contact them at (314) 935-8800. There is a $25 charge for replacing a lost ID card. Damaged or broken ID cards are replaced for free as long as they are the most recent ID card and you bring them to Campus Card Services for exchange.

22 | bear facts

Washington University supports a 100% paperless billing environment with instant online access.

Your student ID includes your name, ID number, and a photo of you. This is the card that you make meal point and Bear Bucks transactions with, swipe into your residential hall with, use for print access, etc.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY All incoming students are required to watch and complete a module regarding Academic Integrity via Canvas. You will receive an email with specific instructions to log in and view the video in June. For more information regarding the university’s commitment to academic integrity and expectations for students, please see page 47.

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG EDUCATION AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE RISK REDUCTION Each student is expected to complete the online alcohol and other drug and sexual violence prevention education course, before coming to campus for Bear Beginnings. This course provides reliable information for making responsible decisions throughout your college experience.

Even if this does not pertain to you, the course can help you navigate peers’ drinking and drug use. In addition, the course highlights healthy relationships and sexual violence risk reduction. In late July/early August, you will receive instructions via your WashU email about how to log on and complete the course.

PACKING LIST You don’t need to pack your whole room to come to college, but you’ll want to make sure that you have some odds and ends covered. This list isn’t inclusive, but there are some things we couldn’t live without once we got here. Download and print a PDF of this list at firstyear.wustl.edu.

MUST BRING

• Toiletries

• Sewing kit

• Alarm clock

• Towels (more than one!)

• Any documentation—you may need to show your eligibility for paid employment opportunities

• Trash can

• Small refrigerator (no larger than 4 cubic feet)

• Backpack

• Air-conditioning units

• Calendar

• Candles

• Cell phone and charger

• Electric appliances with exposed coils

• Television

• Clothes and shoes that can get dirty (for projects you may get involved in)

• Gas grills or charcoal grills

• Under-bed storage bins

• Clothes hangers

• Halogen lamps

• Comforter, blankets, and pillows

• Hot plates

• Cleaning supplies

• Credit or debit card • Desk lamp • Dry erase board and markers • Envelopes and stamps • First-aid kit • Flashlight • Hammer and tools • Hangers, shoe rack, and plastic hooks

• Umbrella

DON’T BRING

• Sponge and dish soap • Stereo or computer speakers • Suit and/or semiformal attire for special events you may attend • Tissues

• Guns/weapons (See Weapons Policy for complete list)

Many of these items are available for purchase at the WU Campus Store, Bear Necessities, or the Trading Post.

• Incense • Pets (other than fish) • Toasters • Water beds

What’s in a standard room?

Rooms for first-year students include an XL twin bed, desk, chair, dresser, blinds, and a recycling bin.

• Wireless routers

ALSO CONSIDER • Air freshener • Bed raisers • Bicycle and bike lock

• Health insurance information

• Board games

Packing Tips

• Heavy winter coat

• Closet organizers

•

• ID/Driver’s license

• Computer or laptop

• Laundry bag and detergent

• Cooking utensils

Talk with your roommate(s) prior to packing so you can avoid bringing duplicate items.

• Painter’s tape

• Decorations for your room

•

• Power strips and extension cords

• Desk organizer

Label boxes with your name, your residential building, room number, and cell phone number for Move-In Day.

•

You can do a lot of shopping after you arrive and have seen your room.

• Prescription medication(s) • Reusable grocery totes • Reusable water bottle • School supplies • Shampoo and body wash • Sheets (twin, extra-long) • Shower shoes and shower caddy • Small fan

• Extra shelving units, crates, plastic containers, filing cabinet • Hair dryer • Headphones • Iron and ironing board • Microwave • Plastic drawers • Portable vacuum • Reusable cups, plates, and utensils

washington university in st. louis | 23

SHIPPING TO CAMPUS UPS, Federal Express, and other parcel services deliver to WashU. You can send packages to your campus address. Remember to include your full address, which varies depending on where you live on campus. See below for guidelines for writing your address.

Your campus box (CB) number can be found with your housing assignment on WebSTAC.

South 40

WHAT’S MY ADDRESS?

Your Name CB ####* 6515 Wydown Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63105-2215

Where will you be living?

North Side Your Name CB ####* 6985 Snow Way St. Louis, MO 63130-4400

24 | bear facts

for example William G. Eliot, Jr. CB 0000 6515 Wydown Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63105-2215

UTRUCKING, INC., A STUDENT-RUN BUSINESS UTrucking makes the transition from home to school easy and has been a one-stop shop for student moving needs for over 40 years.

UTrucking offers two unique fall shipping services for WashU students: East Coast/California/Texas/Chicago Ship to School: If you live on the East Coast (between Washington, D.C. and Boston), in California (Bay Area or Los Angeles), in Texas, or in the Chicago area, UTrucking can pick up your belongings right from your home and deliver them straight to your door at WashU. Nationwide Ship to School: If you live outside our home pick-up regions or if you want to ship items from online retailers, you can send UTrucking your packages using UPS, FedEx, or any other carrier, and they will deliver them straight to your door.

UTrucking also offers Summer Storage and Shipping services at the end of the school year. For more information, visit utrucking.com or contact UTrucking at info@utrucking.com, or (314) 266.8878.

A NOTE REGARDING PARENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS The time before coming to campus is both stressful and exciting; the transition to college introduces many changes to your daily life as a student and young adult. Try to picture all of the emotions you are feeling at this moment and multiply them by some variable A (for anxiety), and you might start to understand just how your parents are feeling. As Karen Levin Coburn, Senior Consultant in Residence and co-author of Letting Go: A Parents’ Guide to Understanding the College Years, explains, “The summer before college is an exciting time, but it can also be a time of high stress. There is a desire for more freedom among incoming students, and this can lead to tension in the family. As the summer progresses, students often feel pulled between spending time with friends and time with family. They may also feel pressured by all the decisions they have to make and all the things on their ‘to-do list’ as the days fly by.” The important thing to remember is that the more your family understands and is made aware of what is going on in your life, the smoother this transition will be. As much as you need your family’s support, they need your support in return.

To facilitate an open dialogue between you and your family, Parent Programs publishes the Parent & Family Resource Calendar and the First Year Center plans Parent & Family Orientation to parallel the student orientation program during the first days of your arrival. The calendar will be sent out during the summer, along with other useful information for your family members. In August, Parent & Family Orientation will introduce your family members to the people and resources available for you and will help them get an insider’s view of student life at Washington University. More information, including a tentative Parent & Family Orientation schedule, is available at firstyear.wustl.edu, so check it out!

KEEP IN TOUCH Sign up for Family Ties, a quarterly newsletter keeping you up to date on what’s happening around campus, at firstyear.wustl.edu

Visit the Parent & Family Resource section of firstyear.wustl.edu. Also, be on the lookout for the Parent & Family Resource Calendar, arriving to your house in July.

washington university in st. louis | 25

A MESSAGE TO FAMILY MEMBERS FROM FIRST YEAR CENTER STUDENTS We caught you! That’s right. We know that even though the title of this publication is Bear Facts, you, being the loving, interested, and caring family member that you are, have started reading this guide in hopes of gaining a little insight into the changing life of your student. Your motives are perfectly understandable, so rather than stopping you, we invite you to read on, including the following comments from us at the First Year Center regarding what we wish our parents and families realized when we started at WashU. First, you have not lost your student. At times, it may feel as though you have, but understanding that your students are simply looking to branch out from home, not separate entirely, is key to understanding them.

Second, respect your students. They are in the process of attaining a new level of independence unparalleled in any other time in their lives. Respect that they would like to make their own decisions— offer your input but refrain from mandating things. It’s amazing how many families have argued over what color comforter to purchase, or how often you expect your students to call versus how often they intend on calling.

Next, learn from your students. They can teach you things you may have never realized before. Be open to their new experiences, and you may have the delightful experience of learning a thing or two from them.

Remember that WashU is a place with students from everywhere. Therefore, your students will make friends of all backgrounds and beliefs. Listen as they share experiences about new friends. Support your students’ stepping outside of comfort zones while they are in an environment that encourages this.

Try to understand your students’ changes. You are sending them to college to gain knowledge and to experience new things in life. They will grow and learn, and they will change. Sometimes this is unexpected; they may select a new major three times, and for a while, they might not know what they want to do after college. It is important to see them as the people they are becoming, and not as the people they were when they started, or as the people you think they ought to be.

Also, keep in mind that family is still important. No matter how far away you are, we students need to know that you still care about us. Your support is incredibly important to our success at school, and we need every ounce of it. Nothing will replace your love and support.

Additionally, send care packages or encouraging snail-mail once in awhile. We love getting little reminders of home!

Lastly, preparation for college is a busy time for every student. We realize it is sometimes easier for a parent or family member to make a call on behalf of your student to verify information about the upcoming first semester; however, it would help us begin to establish a relationship with your student if you could encourage him or her to make that call or send that email, especially throughout the academic year.

As the First Year Center supports your students through their four years, one of your important roles is to encourage their independence and their efforts in new endeavors. The First Year Center and other departments on campus will help connect students to resources, but the First Year Center will also push for their autonomous work in developing faculty relationships, connecting with the Career Center, and getting involved in other campus activities.

We are pleased to be your partner in launching your student into the WashU community. We want to hear from you if there is a serious family or personal matter that will affect your student or if you have questions in coaching your student to utilize the resources at WashU. We appreciate your help in encouraging your student to self-advocate and look forward to supporting both your student and your family in the transition to college.

26 | bear facts

INFORMATION FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS You will receive information from the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) throughout the summer. Make sure to read everything so you don’t miss important information regarding deadlines and visa and immigration procedures. International students should plan to arrive by the start date on their I-20s/ DS2019s. For additional information, please visit firstyear.wustl.edu. New international students are expected to participate in an international orientation program.

EARLY ARRIVAL PROGRAMS There may be a reason for your early arrival. Those programs that commonly require early arrival, along with a campus representative for each, are below.

Deneb STARS Program Lucy Chin, studentsuccess@wustl.edu Fall Varsity sports Please contact your individual coach

INTERNATIONAL ORIENTATION PROGRAMS All new international students on visas are expected to participate in an international orientation program, but other students who have been studying in high schools abroad are also welcome to attend. The programs help international students transition to both the United States and to Washington University. The programs cover issues unique to international students and provide additional time for new international students to acclimate to the campus and St. Louis.

FIRST-YEAR INTERNATIONAL’S (FYI) ORIENTATION New First-Year Students are required to participate in the First-Year International’s Orientation, and should arrive on August 15, 2019. Campus housing will not be available for First-Year International Students arriving before August 15, 2019.

For questions about the First-Year International’s Orientation, please contact the Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) at oiss@wustl.edu or (314) 935-5910.

EXCHANGE/TRANSFER (EX-TRA) ORIENTATION The Exchange/Transfer Orientation is an introduction to the people, places, resources, and activities for new transfer and exchange students.

Students in this program should arrive on August 20, 2019. Campus housing will not be available for international exchange and transfer students arriving before August 20, 2019.

For more information about the Exchange/Transfer Orientation, contact the OISS at oiss@wustl.edu or (314) 935-5910.

Office for International Students and Scholars EM A IL

oiss@wustl.edu PH O NE

(314) 935-5910 W EB S ITE

oiss.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 27

LETTERS FROM HOME Libby Evan Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Class of 2020 I have never been someone that has been good with change. Not even a little. My mom can pretty much time the exact moment I will walk into my parents’ bedroom or our kitchen in tears about not feeling ready for the next big change in my life, so when I walked into our kitchen and started freaking out, she knew exactly what was happening. I sat in the very seat I was sitting in when I found I got into WashU and ranted on and on about how I was not ready to go to college. Looking back now, it is unbelievable that I felt this way, especially because just a few months earlier, I stared at my phone dumbfounded that I actually got into WashU. I went to a really small high school in which I knew everyone on campus and every time I passed someone, we would wave at each other and smile.

I loved those small, friendly moments and was not ready to leave the comfort of them behind. I remember waking up on college T-shirt day and putting on all my apparel. I proudly wore my WashU shirt, hat, and accessories. I was so excited and could not stop grinning every time someone asked me about WashU, but underneath that grin I was still nervous.

High school graduation came and passed and the nerves kept building. I enjoyed my summer at home but felt change looming. I remember shaking on the airplane as my parents attempted to calm me down. When we landed, my parents had to talk me out of turning around and heading straight home. I was still shaky when we finally gathered our luggage and got in the rental car. I stared out the window and asked myself over and over again why I chose a school so far away. Then we turned the corner and the Washington University sign appeared in front of me. We pulled onto Shepley Drive and my question was answered. My body calmed and I just knew, as I had the first time I visited campus. I had finally arrived. I was at my new home.

For additional parent and family resources, visit firstyear.wustl.edu.

28 | bear facts

Move-In Day was hectic to say the least. During one of our many Target runs, I actually ran into a person I had briefly met over the summer. We were both so relieved to see each other and that connection grounded me. We hung out throughout Bear Beginnings, our first-year orientation program.

We even introduced each other to our respective suitemates who later would proudly wave to me when we ran into each other on campus, just like in high school! I can happily say as I am entering my senior year that I am still friends with the person I ran into on Move-In Day. The connections Bear Beginnings facilitates can not only help create a sense of ease but they also create the sense of home for which we are all searching.

Those moments during Bear Beginnings made living in St. Louis seem less and less scary. I felt more comfortable leaving upstate New York to finally attend the college of my dreams. I had been working toward this moment my entire life and nothing, not even my own nerves could hold me back. For the first time in my entire life, I was ready to embrace change.

FAMILY’S PERSPECTIVE

Jo-Beth Waldman Evan Albany, New York Three is the magic number in my family. I have three kids each born a year apart, meaning that my house went from full to an empty nest very quickly once the college years started. Libby is my youngest child and when she was accepted to WashU and announced she was going to be in St. Louis, I was excited and shocked. I never thought Libby, my child, who had originally decided to stay within driving distance to our home in Albany, New York for college, would be in Missouri!

After Libby officially accepted WashU’s offer, we celebrated with apparel for the entire family, a tradition we also had for our two older sons.

Three days later, Libby was wearing her WashU attire and each member of the family received a new WashU hat!

Now the fun began! We needed to tell the rest of our large extended family where Libby was going to college. It is our family tradition that we host a yearly family picnic in May which includes a badminton tournament. The tournament has a bracket and each school attended by a family member is represented by a team name. It is a really big deal to our family. That picnic, we added the Washington University Bears!

Our other major project was to get Libby ready to move to WashU. We found out quickly that you do not realize how much you plan to bring until everything needs to be shipped. It became a game.

Libby put everything into piles and I was pulling things out of piles. Eventually we compromised after determining that the weather in St. Louis was different than New York and planning accordingly.

The time from the day Libby determined that she was going to attend WashU until the day we boarded our flight for Bear Beginnings flew by. We spent a lot of time having fun adventures, spending time together, preparing, and hearing all about the other students Libby met over the summer that she could not wait to see. Libby also had been in contact with her Eliot suitemates and was excited to finally meet them in person.

When we arrived at WashU, we walked into Libby’s room in Eliot. My emotions were all over the place, but I was so overwhelmed by moving and the trips to Target that I did not have much time to think about it. After Libby’s room was all set up, it was finally time to relax. Then it became real. My little girl was now a first-year student at Washington University in ­ St. Louis. She was about to start her next chapter as a college student. I knew she was ready, but the bigger question was, was I?

Preparing Libby for WashU was an exciting time for all of us. Libby was finally going to be in college like her two brothers and before she was going to move so far away, we wanted to take advantage of our time together over the summer. We spent lots of time at the pool, enjoyed different trips, and got together with family and friends. Libby also hung out with her friends from her international high school. These were friends she would not see for a while.

washington university in st. louis | 29

30 | bear facts

C H A P T ER T W O

MOVE-IN & BEAR BEGINNINGS washington university in st. louis | 31

MOVE-IN & BEAR BEGINNINGS So your luggage and boxes are packed, painter’s tape across the front of each piece with your name, residence hall, room number, and cell phone number labeled clearly in Sharpie. You had your final meal at your favorite restaurant with friends and family and hugged the family pet goodbye. It is time to set out on your journey to campus, and we know you have a lot of questions… “How will I know what to do when I get to campus? Where is my residence hall located on the South 40? Am I going to get lost? How am I going to get my TV and 10 boxes of clothes up to my room on the third floor? Who will I eat dinner with the first night my family is gone? How am I going to be ready for classes? What books should I buy?” Don’t worry! The First Year Center, Residential Life, your academic division, and the entire WashU community are ready to answer all of your questions and help you every step of the way. This section will give you step-by-step instructions on how to get to campus, how to navigate Move-In Day, and what Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation has to offer as you prepare for learning and life on campus.

MOVE-IN DAY AUGUST 17, 2019

32 | bear facts

SECTION CONTENTS • Move-In Day • Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation • People You Will Meet • A Snapshot of Your First Few Days • Making the Most of Bear Beginnings • Life after Bear Beginnings

MOVE-IN DAY We at the First Year Center think that Move-In Day at WashU is one of the most exciting days of the year. We know you are nervous about the days ahead, but we have been preparing for your arrival all summer!

Move-In Day is your chance to get settled into your room; finally meet your roommates, your RA, and your WUSA; eat in Bear’s Den; have your first official floor meeting; and chant your way to Convocation.

GETTING TO CAMPUS Washington University is easily accessible by car, plane, train, and public transportation. You’ll want to talk with your family this summer to plan out what the best way for you to arrive will be. Detailed instructions and directions for arrival by car, plane, train, or MetroLink are available at firstyear.wustl.edu.

Plane St. Louis Lambert International Airport is about a 20-minute drive from campus and connects you with major cities across the country.

You can get to campus from the airport by either MetroLink, car, or cab.

Train Gateway Station serves as a connection point for Amtrak, making it easy to reach Chicago and Kansas City. The station is about 15 minutes east of campus in downtown St. Louis.

Car Whether you’re driving from your house (wherever that may be) to WashU or coming from the airport, campus is easy to get to by car.

Located just off of I-64, Washington University’s suburban location is very car friendly and many parking areas are located across campus.

You can park anywhere on campus while Bear Beginnings is in session, so you won’t need to worry about a parking pass unless you are a commuter or transfer student with a parking pass. You cannot, however, park in a red-zone spot at any time.

In order to have the smoothest move possible, we suggest you pack all belongings in boxes or plastic bins. Label each box or bin with your name, cell phone number, residential building, and room number.

ARRIVING TO CAMPUS Move-In Day is Saturday, August 17, 2019*. We are moving in well over 1,500 students on Saturday, August 17, 2019. To help manage traffic, domestic students will be assigned a designated move-in time between 8:00AM and 4:00PM in late summer 2019. In order to ensure that all students moving into the residence halls are able to unload their belongings as quickly and efficiently as possible, we are requesting that students arrive during their pre-selected time slot.

Staff and volunteers will be present to assist you with your move-in. *International students, fall varsity athletes, and individuals in the Deneb STARS program have a different arrival date.

washington university in st. louis | 33

34 | bear facts

OK, you have settled into your room—now what? Get ready for an amazing nine days of Bear Beginnings!

BEAR BEGINNINGS: NEW STUDENT FALL ORIENTATION YOUR OFFICIAL INTRODUCTION TO WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Bear Beginnings, held from August 17 through August 25, will aid you with your academic, social, cultural, and personal transition to Washington University and St. Louis. Our programs and events will provide you with an opportunity to learn about the university and meet your peers before classes begin on Monday, August 26. During this time, you will have the chance to meet with your adviser and finalize your course schedule. You will also attend programs and events where you can explore what it means to be a WashU student both inside and outside of the classroom, while meeting others who are new to WashU. By fully participating in Bear Beginnings, you’ll have an opportunity to not only discover the campus community but also begin to prepare for a successful first year.

COMMON READING PROGRAM Keep an eye out for your Common Reading Program text, which you will receive from the university in the summer. Chosen by a selection committee of students, faculty, and staff, the Common Reading Program text is an interesting and stimulating read, one that underpins your first academic experience at Washington University. Read the text before your arrival on campus and think about its themes. What are your opinions? What would you like to ask your new classmates or professors? You will also complete a 250-word response to the text that should be submitted to your discussion leader before your arrival to campus. You will receive further details about your discussion leader and response submission in early August.

During Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation, all first-year students will participate in a lively group discussion of the text led by a member of the WashU faculty or staff. We urge you to approach the Common Reading Program discussions in a spirit of openness. This is a unique and valuable opportunity to challenge yourself, share your ideas, learn about other viewpoints, and meet and engage in dialogue with your classmates. There are no right or wrong answers, no grades, and diverse viewpoints and perspectives will be encouraged and respected. The more involved you choose to be, the more you will take away from this experience. Throughout the first semester, you will encounter themes from the text in classes, discussions, and engaging on-campus programming.

For more information, check out the Common Reading Program website firstyear.wustl.edu. Happy reading!

FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS For first-year students, your first mandatory event at Bear Beginnings is your residential floor meeting at 5:30 PM on Saturday, August 17. The location of your meeting will be posted on your residential floor—and don’t forget to wear your Convocation shirt! Be sure that you are settled in, you have eaten dinner, and you are ready to go by 5:15 PM. TRANSFER STUDENTS For transfer students, your first mandatory event at Bear Beginnings is the Transfer & Exchange Student Welcome on Tuesday, August 20. The time and location of the meeting will be emailed to you in early August.

The Common Reading Program holds a contest each year based on the text you’ve read. To learn more and enter it, check out firstyear.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 35

PEOPLE YOU WILL MEET Jacob Blum

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 When my plane first touched down at Lambert Airport in St. Louis, I was extremely nervous and anxious about the next four years of my life. I had no idea what to expect, and I felt alone and unsure about my place in the WashU community. However, that all changed when I arrived on campus. As soon as my family and I drove up to my residence hall, a team of student leaders was immediately there, welcoming me to my new home. These students shuttled my bags to my room and provided me with all of the information and advice I would need for my first several days at WashU. Over the next several hours, I met many important people who would play a role in my first year at WashU. I was introduced to my Residential Advisors (RAs) Katie and Alexis, both of whom lived on my floor. They walked me through orientation, and the different components of residential life. Through them, I also met several faculty and staff members who would help shape my residential experience at WashU: my Residential College Director (RCD), a professional staff member who manages the residential college, and my Faculty Associates (FA) and Faculty Fellows (FF), faculty members who plan events and provide first-year students with connections in the residential college. Later that day, I also met my Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs), who acted as peer mentors for all of the students on my floor. Over the next several days of orientation, and throughout the school year, my WUSAs became one of my greatest resources. Through them, my floormates and I formed a tight-knit community that truly made my first year at WashU a great one.

After Bear Beginnings had ended, I finally had my first day of classes. Through my RAs and WUSAs, I already knew the basics of life on campus, such as how to schedule meetings with professors, where I could study, and even where I could take a quick, 20-minute power nap. As the days went on, I became increasingly excited for the semester ahead. All of my professors were passionate about teaching and willing to connect with students individually during office hours. Through group projects, I would be able to collaborate with

36 | bear facts

other students and form new bonds of friendship outside of my residential college. I even met some professors through a free faculty lunch program, in which students eat lunch with a professor of a large lecture class.

While classes provided me with academic stimulation and connections to professors, the Fall Activities Fair demonstrated all of the various clubs and organizations that I could join to meet other students. Rows of tables covered Mudd Field, and I spent several hours signing up for different organizations that exposed me to many aspects of social life at WashU. I even went with some of my friends to an improv group tryout, and while I was not planning on joining the team, it was still a fun way to meet people and try something new.

The WashU community is filled with different individuals with diverse backgrounds, personalities, and interests. Outside of the school, St. Louis also provides a rich community and history that I have spent time exploring. Overall, the community at WashU and the people I have met have helped me feel at home through the support and resources they provide.

A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR FIRST FEW DAYS When you arrive on campus in August, you will receive a complete schedule of events happening during your first few days. Here’s a simplified version of that schedule to give you a sense of how much is planned for you.

MOVE-IN DAY AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING Saturday, August 17th Students will move into their residence halls and participate in Convocation, the official academic welcome to the university in the evening.

Sunday, August 18th Students will become more acquainted with their residential college. Parents and families can look forward to programming specific to their needs and bid farewell to their students!

ACADEMIC DIVISION ORIENTATION Monday, August 19th, Tuesday, August 20th, and Wednesday, August 21st Students will connect with their peers in their academic colleges, get oriented with degree requirements and resources, and explore exciting opportunities. In the evening, all-Class traditions and programs will take place.

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES Thursday, August 22nd, Friday, August 23rd, and Saturday, August 24th Students will participate in one of several Immersive Experiences with a group of their peers. The Immersive Experience programs include arts & culture, civic and community engagement, innovation and entrepreneurship, and leadership.

GET READY FOR CLASSES Bear Beginnings schedules will be on the First Year Center website, firstyear. wustl.edu, this summer.

You’ll receive an official welcome packet with finalized details when you arrive on campus in August, too.

Sunday August 25th Take time to prepare for classes tomorrow morning!

washington university in st. louis | 37

MAKING THE MOST OF BEAR BEGINNINGS Lizzie Michalski McKelvey School of Engineering Class of 2021 Bear Beginnings is WashU’s nine-day orientation program. It starts from the very moment you step onto campus for Move-In Day. With an endless number of boxes and new faces, it may seem overwhelming, but Move-In Day and the following days leading up to classes will be some of the most exciting and memorable days of your first year at WashU. From your WUSAs, RAs, and BEAR Leaders, the WashU community does a great job ensuring that every new student has a comfortable transition into their new home. During this time, you will be introduced to various aspects of WashU life, ranging from academics to co-curricular activities and everything in between, so let’s dive into some of the key programs during Bear Beginnings.

Convocation Convocation is the biggest event of Bear Beginnings.

It is a huge celebration to welcome you and all your peers to the WashU community. At the end of MoveIn Day, you will gather with your residential college and join together with the rest of the incoming students, parents, and family members for a lively night filled with WashU traditions. This is the first and only time you will be with your entire Class until your graduation. With cheers, speeches, residential college mascots, sentimental family members, and a celebration, Convocation will surely get you excited for your upcoming college adventure!

Floor Meetings Throughout Bear Beginnings, you will have many floor meetings with your new residential community. These meetings, led by your RAs and WUSAs, offer critical information about mandatory events and programs throughout the day. Most importantly, these meetings provide the impetus to start building lifelong relationships with your floormates through both silly icebreakers and serious discussions about community and expectations. They are a great place for you to ask questions about Bear Beginnings, the first day of classes, or anything you may be wondering about WashU in general.

Academic Division Orientation During Bear Beginnings, you will not only meet with your residential community, you will also have the opportunity to meet with students, advisers, and faculty members in your academic college. This gives you the opportunity to become oriented with your specific academic division and learn more 38 | bear facts

about degree requirements, classes, and academic resources available to you. You will learn about unique, exciting opportunities while bonding with your peers.

Immersive Experiences For three days during Bear Beginnings, you will participate in one of several Immersive Experiences. These experiences allow you to meet peers with a shared interest while exploring St. Louis.

Common Reading Program The Common Reading Program is a way that you will be able to engage and interact with your fellow classmates in a meaningful conversation. During the summer prior to attending Bear Beginnings, you and your peers will all read the same text, chosen by the university. During Bear Beginnings, you will gather in a small group with your floormates, and an RA or WUSA, to participate in a discussion led by a renowned faculty member. Without the pressure of a letter grade, these discussions truly bring out the genuine intellect and curiosity of the WashU community as well as the values and respect that WashU students uphold in each interaction. It is a great way for students to explore different opinions and perspectives shaped by their individual experiences, giving you an opportunity to learn about the values and experiences within your small group. The text is selected specifically to inspire these conversations and different points-of-view.

Make sure to read the text so you can participate in the discussion.

LIFE AFTER BEAR BEGINNINGS Jacob Blum

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 The night before the first day of classes, I could hardly sleep. I was both nervous and excited, and I kept checking through the list of items I would need for my first day. I had already printed my class schedule and campus map, bought my school supplies, and attached a new phone wallet to the back of my phone for my student ID and room key. I was filled with anticipation for the days to come.

Since Bear Beginnings had recently ended, I felt well prepared for my first several days as a WashU student. However, I quickly realized that while the orientation program was important for introducing me to the different aspects of life at WashU, I would still find myself getting lost on campus or forgetting where I could find food for lunch. I also quickly learned that time management was important for me to be successful in my school work.

One of the largest obstacles I had to overcome was the increased level of academic rigor in my classes.

In high school, I had taken several AP classes and completed the IB diploma, but my courses did not challenge me in the ways that my college courses have. While I was nervous about overcoming the spike in difficulty, the resources that WashU provides for students were invaluable in helping me achieve my academic goals. I often attended office hours for some of my larger lecture classes to have a more personal interaction with my professors, and I utilized The Writing Center as a tool for checking grammar mistakes in my essays. The resources I used my first semester are still helpful for me today and played a vital role in helping me adjust to life at WashU. Through the Fall Activities Fair, I was able to find several clubs to join and multiple communities to become part of. I started volunteering with the Campus Y through their safe trick-or-treat event, which provides a safe way for little kids to

experience Halloween. My friends and I also created an intramural soccer team, through which I met other students on different teams as we played against each other on Mudd Field. Joining these different student groups have resulted in some of the best memories I have at WashU. I have made friends with both upperclass students and other first-year students, as well as many of the faculty who help facilitate some of the organizations I take part in. These activities have expanded my WashU community and have helped me find my home on campus.

Life after Bear Beginnings can definitely be overwhelming. Almost everything you do is a new experience, and the first several weeks can be stressful. With that being said, those first weeks are a great time to become adventurous and curious about what the WashU community has to offer. You might meet new friends, get involved with student groups, or build connections with professors. As you start school after Bear Beginnings, spend time enjoying the different experiences WashU has to offer and soon enough, WashU will feel like home.

washington university in st. louis | 39

40 | bear facts

C H A P T ER T H R E E

LEARNING ON CAMPUS washington university in st. louis | 41

LEARNING ON CAMPUS After Bear Beginnings, it’ll be the first day of your academic career at Washington University. As you walk from the South 40 through the Underpass, you will be greeted by faculty and staff who will hand out morning snacks and school supplies. There will even be a chance to take a “first day of school” photo to send home—just like the kind you might have taken on your first day of kindergarten. (Trust us: the throwback is actually pretty cool.) Once you walk through the Underpass, the incredible academic opportunities of WashU will be ready and waiting for you. You can explore 111 majors and 100 minors.

You’ll take classes from world-renowned experts in their fields. You will engage, you will learn, you will discover.

You will also experience a transition period. The first few days of the fall semester may be the first time you’ve ever been in a large lecture class with 50, 100, or even 300 of your peers. You might also be in your first small seminar with only a dozen classmates and your professor.

You may have your first science laboratory section or foreign language practice section. You may find that courses don’t necessarily unfold in the traditional classroom and find yourself on a bus traveling around St. Louis to see the evolution of architecture across more than two and a half centuries. We hope that whatever your first semester brings, you lean in and take full advantage of every experience.

While you’re discovering all the incredible academic opportunities at WashU, know that there are also a plethora of resources available to support you—The Writing Center, Cornerstone: The Learning Center, and the Office of Undergraduate Research are just a few of the departments available to help ensure you have a successful academic career.

42 | bear facts

SECTION CONTENTS • Welcome from Provost Thorp • Academic Divisions • Meet the Deans • Academic Integrity • Academic Advising • Succeeding in the Classroom • Contemplating Your Major?

• Letter from a Faculty Member • Academic Opportunities • Study Abroad • Getting a “B” • Academic Resources • Getting to Know Your Faculty

WELCOME FROM PROVOST THORP HOLDEN THORP

Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Professor of Chemistry and Medicine As the provost of Washington University, let me be one of the first to welcome you to St. Louis.

“Great,” you think, “what is a provost?” The provost is the chief academic officer, so I’m responsible for all of the schools, classes, student life, research, and, well, pretty much everything that will be part of your life at WashU. But I’m not as famous as my boss, the chancellor, so I mostly work behind the scenes. If you see someone in a suit on campus that you don’t recognize, that’s probably me.

You made two bold decisions when you decided to come to WashU. The first was to attend a research university. That means that the faculty who teach you in your classes are also involved in original research—in doing and trying and writing things that have never been done before. Don’t leave WashU without taking advantage of that. Be part of making the history of knowledge: ask your professors about their research and get involved in undergraduate research.

The second bold decision was to come to a place that was smaller and more committed to undergraduate education than most other major research universities. Yes, your faculty members are very involved in their research, but they chose to be here because they wanted to be at a place where they could be active scholars and heavily engaged in undergraduate teaching.

When you put these two things together, there’s something else that is likely to happen that is more serious: you’re going to learn a lot about the great problems facing the world. Climate change, poverty, conflict, inequality, disease. We like problems at WashU, because we believe that all of you have the energy and brainpower we need to get them fixed, particularly when you’re in this intimate and innovative environment. And whether you study engineering, biology, or the humanities, you’re going to think a lot about these problems.

Our goal is for your education to position you to find a path that allows you to act boldly to improve the world knowing that you have the support of a community that wants everyone to succeed.

I know our brochures are filled with smiling students sitting on the Quad and enjoying ThurtenE Carnival. Don’t worry, there’s plenty of all that here.

But we’re going to challenge you, too. We’re going to invite you into the messy, complicated world of problems we live in. We want you debating these problems with your fellow students and the faculty and staff. Because when you leave here, you’re the ones we’re counting on to do something about it.

We want you to challenge us, as well. If you see something at WashU that you don’t like, let us know.

Push us to do the best for you with your education.

We don’t know it all. Sometimes the questions you ask make our research better or make our university better. Put your hand up.

You probably thought you were coming here to learn the answers to questions. Actually, you can find the answers to most questions on your iPhone. We want you to learn what questions to ask.

Questions like “Why do things have to be this way?” and “What can I do to create change?”

Welcome, Bears. We can’t wait to see what you folks come up with.

washington university in st. louis | 43

ACADEMIC DIVISIONS COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES Your first year in Arts & Sciences will be one of discovery and exploration as you lay the foundation for areas of interest you’ve already identified and try out subjects that are new to you. We encourage you to take advantage of the course offerings designed specifically for first-year students. First-year seminars allow you to dive deeply into a topic or wrestle with an idea or concept from multiple perspectives as you build a relationship with your professor in a small class environment. Some seminars introduce you to multiple faculty members and their research interests; they’re great ways to learn about the cutting-edge work your professors are doing when they’re not in the classroom. Ampersand programs provide more sustained introductions over your first year or two to a topic or a field, while also providing many opportunities for you to get to know other students who share your interests. In a number of fields, you can also begin getting involved in research in your first year—it’s not too early! By the time you reach the end of your first year, we hope your world will be a lot bigger, more complicated (in a good way!), and more challenging than when you started.

College of Arts & Sciences PHONE

(314) 935-6800 EMAIL

college@wustl.edu WEBSITE

artsci.wustl.edu

OLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL Welcome to the Olin Business School! Your experience at Olin will be a stepping-stone to the world of business. Starting from day one you will have an opportunity to learn about business innovation and collaboration and fundamental business practices. In “Management 100: Individual in a Managerial Environment,” you will learn to think critically about business’s role in society and the world and about the individual as an employee, customer, and manager of a business firm.

“Management 150A: Foundations of Business,” will allow you to flex your entrepreneurial muscles by creating a consumer product idea.

Your team’s product and strategy will develop over the course of the semester as you learn about each major business function.

The Olin Business School fosters a collaborative atmosphere amongst peers. We provide occasions to engage with Olin administration and faculty members. There are 26 Olin Business School groups and organizations to get involved in and ample opportunities to hear from and interact with alumni and business leaders. All these things create a rigorous and supportive undergraduate experience.

We are excited to welcome you to Washington University in St. Louis and the Olin family!

44 | bear facts

Olin Business School PHONE

(314) 935-6315 WEBSITE

olin.wustl.edu

SAM FOX SCHOOL OF DESIGN & VISUAL ARTS We’re glad you’ve decided to join our diverse community of architects, artists, and designers at the Sam Fox School. First-year students are introduced to the subjects, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines of architecture, art, and design. As an architecture student, your first year will be centered on a foundation studio in design—you’ll even get the chance to design a small building.

In addition, you’ll take a drawing class and begin to explore your academic interests beyond architecture by taking classes in Arts & Sciences.

Art students build awareness, competence, and confidence through studio experiences in 2-D, 3-D, and digital design. You will take a drawing class and take classes in other academic areas.

For all Sam Fox School students, the first year is a time to explore a number of activities. You can join one of the student councils for art or architecture or participate in the WashU chapter of a professional organization like AIGA, AIA, or NOMAS. Take advantage of a free student membership at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum. Join the Kemper Student Council and attend special student-focused events, exhibition openings, and gallery talks. The museum also hosts film series and Friday evening concerts throughout the year.

Your first year at the Sam Fox School will be exciting, challenging, and rewarding, and you’ll have the support of your faculty, advisers, and fellow classmates to help make it all happen.

Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts PH O NE

(314) 935-6532 EM A IL

gbinning@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

samfoxschool.wustl.edu

MCKELVEY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING New students in the McKelvey School of Engineering can be “handson” right from the start. While we know that you will likely have a challenging set of classes first semester, there are still many opportunities to balance the course load with exciting and stimulating activities. The National Society of Black Engineers and Society of Women Engineers host social and mentorship events. Engineers without Borders, Engineering World Health, and the WU Racing Team develop leadership ability by putting building skills to good use.

EnCouncil, the student council of the McKelvey School of Engineering supports students as a liaison to faculty and administration and hosts school- and university-wide events. Invention and entrepreneurship programs are another way to get involved quickly in practical learning. The McKelvey School of Engineering sponsors a Discovery Competition that nurtures prototype development and awards $25,000 to winning teams. First-year students are serious contenders every year.

McKelvey School of Engineering PH O NE

(314) 935-6100 W EB S ITE

engineering.wustl.edu

The school’s atmosphere is active and collaborative. This collective spirit begins student-to-student and extends to relationship-building with faculty and staff. A two-tier advising system with an Engineering Undergraduate Student Services four-year adviser and a faculty adviser in your major supports your experience from arrival to graduation and beyond.

washington university in st. louis | 45

MEET THE DEANS At Washington University, deans of the various schools and colleges serve as the leaders of their respective programs. You’ll meet the dean unique to your school (and quite possibly the deans of other schools) during Bear Beginnings.

Each school and college has several assistant and associate deans, as well. Their responsibilities vary, but they often oversee specific programs and initiatives for students or serve as academic advisers.

OLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL MARK TAYLOR

BA Oxford University, MA Oxford University MA Liverpool University, MSc London University MBA London University, PhD London University DSc Warwick University How can a student make the most of their time at WashU? Get out and explore. Be receptive to a wide variety of ideas.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES BARBARA A. SCHAAL

BS University of Illinois, Chicago MPhil Yale University PhD Yale University What do you remember most about your first year in school?

A general chemistry lab experiment gone awry that resulted in a (small) fire.

SAM FOX SCHOOL OF DESIGN & VISUAL ARTS CARMON COLANGELO

BFA University of Windsor MFA Louisiana State University How could a student make the most of their time at WashU? It’s simple. Pursue your passion.

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES JENNIFER SMITH

AB Harvard College ScM University of Pennsylvania PhD University of Pennsylvania How can you make the most of your first year at WashU? Explore! Socially and academically. You don’t yet know the limits of your interests and abilities.

McKelvey School of Engineering AARON BOBICK

BS Massachusetts Institute of Technology PhD Massachusetts Institute of Technology How can you make the most out of your first year at WashU? Work hard to get to know someone who is unlike anyone else you have ever known.

46 | bear facts

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

ACADEMIC ADVISING

At Washington University, academic integrity is strongly valued. Effective learning, teaching, and research all depend upon the ability of members of the academic community to trust one another and to trust the integrity of work that is submitted in classes for academic credit or conducted in the wider arena of scholarly research. When such an atmosphere of mutual trust exists, the free exchange of ideas is fostered, and all members of the community are able to work to achieve their highest potential.

ROLE OF THE ACADEMIC ADVISER

In all academic work, it is important that the ideas and contributions of others be appropriately acknowledged and that work that is presented as original is in fact original.

Ensuring the honesty and fairness of the intellectual environment at Washington University is a responsibility that is shared by faculty, students, and administrative staff.

The expectations of Washington University may be different from your high school or previous institution and it is not uncommon for new students to feel stressed or overwhelmed at some point during their first year. It is often in these situations that students violate the principles of academic integrity. The university takes the academic integrity policy very seriously. All violations will be reported on your graduate and professional school applications.

To help avoid and manage the stress that may lead a student to violate these principles, many academic resources are available. Student Conduct and Community Standards works closely with the Academic Integrity Deans of each college as well as other administrators and entities in order to promote and educate students about the standards and community expectations in our academic community.

Please make sure that you are familiarizing yourself with the Student Code of Conduct listed below, as well as your individual college policy. Each college policy can be found by visiting the Student Conduct and Community Standards website.

THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF OFFENSE Academic misconduct includes, but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, fabrication of data or records, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, misrepresentations of student status, and résumé falsification, or otherwise violating the Academic Integrity Policy. Knowingly making false allegations of academic misconduct against any student will itself be considered a form of academic misconduct.

It’s a good policy to always ask your professors for clarification on their specific expectations before submitting any course work. It is always better to ask for an extension or simply turn in a late assignment rather than violate the Academic Integrity Policy.

If you are confused about methods of citation or research techniques, check out the many resources listed in this book. There is always someone you can turn to for help.

Washington University is committed to providing students with the assistance and support needed to achieve their academic goals. As part of that commitment, WashU provides each student with an academic adviser. Your academic division will match you with an adviser who will help you plan a successful course of study, navigate course listings, and assist you with choosing classes that correspond with your interests. Advisers meet with students each semester, or more if desired, to discuss academic, personal, and career goals.

• Work with you on the broad issues of academic planning.

• Help you sort through the options to build a successful academic plan.

• Advise you on semester-by-semester details of course selection.

• Explain general academic requirements.

• Suggest courses that meet your needs and suit your interests.

• Let you know about special opportunities such as study abroad, undergraduate research, and Career Center events.

• Connect you with additional resources across campus, including academic support and involvement beyond the classroom.

• Monitor progress towards the degree.

WERE YOU AWARE THAT THESE ACTIONS CONSTITUTE A BREACH OF ACADEMIC INTEGRITY? • Placing false information on your résumé • Unauthorized collaboration on course assignments • Copying items from the Internet without proper citations or rephrasing published or unpublished material without providing proper citation • Changing data in your lab notebook • Accessing back files or examinations without express permission from the professor

washington university in st. louis | 47

SUCCEEDING IN THE CLASSROOM Lydia Ho

McKelvey School of Engineering Class of 2021 Class of 2023, we are so excited to welcome you to campus. As you prepare for your first semester at WashU, here are some tips and tricks that will help you find your footing.

Read the syllabus and map out your days At the beginning of the semester, most professors will give out a syllabus for each class, which will detail grade breakdowns, assignment deadlines, quiz and test dates, etc. By carefully reading through your syllabi at the beginning of each semester, you will have a better understanding of what to expect from each course and set yourself up for success. I like immediately writing all of the important dates from each class in my calendar, so I don’t lose track of any deadlines as the semester goes on. College is a big balancing act between academics and extracurricular activities, and I have found using my calendar to block out my commitments very helpful. Doing so has allowed me to visualize when my busy weeks are and plan ahead appropriately, or when I have some free time to grab a meal with my friends.

Try new things One of the best things about college is the multitude of opportunities! Regardless of your academic division or major, you will have the flexibility in your curriculum to take some classes that simply sound interesting. What is great about WashU is that you can take a class as pass-fail or audit a certain number of nonrequired and nonmajor classes, allowing more freedom to explore your interests without worrying about your grade in the class. I like to make sure I take a mix of STEM, social science, and humanities classes each semester so I get a variety of experiences in the classroom too. Outside of the classroom, WashU offers a plethora of activities you can get involved in, so don’t be afraid to try something new, whether auditioning for a cappella or joining a cultural group.

Health and wellness For many students, college is the first time they will live away from home for an extended period of time. The most important piece of advice you will hear again and again is to sleep. Getting enough

48 | bear facts

sleep will help you get through all of your busiest days, and I always find myself more productive in my work when I am well-rested. Knowing when to take a break is important in living a balanced life, whether that is taking a walk, grabbing a meal with friends, or watching an episode of your favorite show on Netflix. Exercise can also help to relieve a stressful week. Don’t forget to eat regularly too.

Remember, your long-term health is crucial, and only in taking care of yourself will you have the energy to succeed!

Reach out for help WashU provides students with an abundance of resources that you can take advantage of to help you succeed. You’ll have professors, Residential Peer Mentors, and tutors to aid with any academic challenges you might run into, just to name a few!

There are also some resources that are academic division-specific. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and there are usually multiple options for each class, so you can experiment with what works best for your learning style. There are also resources if you are feeling overwhelmed beyond academics.

Uncle Joe’s is a confidential peer counseling service on campus if you need a listening ear, and the Habif Health & Wellness Center also offers nine free counseling sessions each school year. With so many options, your adviser, RAs, and WUSAs are some of the people you can turn to for help with navigating all the different resources on campus.

CONTEMPLATING YOUR MAJOR Clarinda Tan

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 Even before graduating high school, we are always asked the classic “What do you want to major in?” question. Unlike my friends who knew that they wanted to be musicians, doctors, or computer scientists, I would laugh (nervously) and admit that I was unsure. High school gave me a great overview of math, science, history, literature, and some fine arts, but I never felt extremely passionate in one of those subjects over the others. Going into WashU, I had also heard that students could double major or minor across different academic divisions. With all of that information, I became really overwhelmed when it was time to register for classes.

Register for Classes YOU Find Interesting Although high school may require every student to take the same courses, college lets you pick the classes that you want to take. WashU gives you so much freedom to explore topics that you find interesting while still keeping you on track to graduate in four years. Not only that, but you can take classes in any academic division that you want!

After looking at all of the course listings, I registered for classes in communication sciences, environmental sciences, business, economics, and philosophy during my first semester. For me, taking a wide variety of courses allowed me to rule out topics that were not interesting to me.

After that first semester, I decided to take global health courses, which led me to choose the Global Health and Environment major. Additionally, taking that first business course piqued my interest in business, and I am now second majoring in Health Care Management and minoring in Marketing.

Talk to Advisers Each major has faculty and staff members that serve as the “point-people” who can explain the requirements of the specific major that they oversee. You might meet some of them at WashU’s Major/Minor Fairs or you can schedule an appointment to talk about possible career paths resulting from your major of interest. I wish I would have talked to major advisers earlier because they answer all your questions and more. Don’t be afraid to reach out!

Use the Career Center If you are unsure of your future career, WashU’s Career Center has a fantastic website with hundreds of resources to help you explore potential interests. Look through the CAREERLink to look at job and internship descriptions that sound right for you or even look at outcome data of where students of your major-of-interest are currently working. If you want more guidance, you can book an appointment with a career adviser or even go to walk-in hours.

Once you decide on a major, the Career Center becomes even more useful by helping you create and revise résumés and cover letters, find internships and jobs, and practice interviewing skills.

Don’t Feel Rushed to Declare Many students come into WashU knowing exactly what they want to major in to reach their professional goals, but just as many students are not as certain of their major or career. You aren’t required to declare a major until Spring of your sophomore year (I didn’t declare until then), and you can still change your major after that time. So, take all the time you need to find your interests while navigating the college world. Know that you are not alone and that we are all here to support you!

washington university in st. louis | 49

LETTER FROM A FACULTY MEMBER BRIAN D. CARPENTER

Professor, Department of Psychology & Brain Sciences, Faculty Fellow, The Village Residential College Professor Snape, Professor Xavier, Professor Farnsworth—are these the only professors you’ve known so far in your life? If so, we’ve got a surprise for you when you arrive on the WashU campus. We don’t wear capes. We can’t read your minds. Our careers are not focused on creating doomsday devices. Instead, what you’re going to find is a group of bright, energetic scholars ready to share their enthusiasm for learning.

Still, you may have questions about who these professors are and what they actually do. What is the life of a WashU professor really like?

Professors on the WashU campus are involved in many different activities as part of our jobs. First, we’re all researchers, discovering new things and adding to the knowledge in our respective disciplines.

Faculty in every school on campus conduct groundbreaking research on such diverse topics as gamma-rays emanating from quasars, the politics of natural resources, nanoparticles designed to deliver medications, interventions to reduce obesity, the impact of the occult sciences on the fine arts, the genetics of breast cancer, the psychology of negotiations, and more. The faculty bring in millions of dollars in grants every year to support that research, and we mentor graduate students who are pursuing advanced study in a particular area. We’re also eager to get undergraduates involved in that research too.

You’ll find opportunities throughout the university to collaborate with professors on their research, working side by side with the faculty in developing and executing research, and maybe even designing your own research project.

The second major role of a professor is, well, to “profess,” to teach. We spend many hours preparing lectures, planning discussions, choosing books and articles and films and music to share with you, and figuring out how to present it all in a way that will test you intellectually, stretch your mind, and prepare you for an ever more complicated world. Just as our research is diverse in its focus, so too is our teaching.

With just a brief glance at the course catalog, you’ll see the faculty have prepared compelling classes that touch a large universe of topics. Here’s a sampling: Urban Ecology, Design as a Catalyst for Change, Introduction to the Atomic Nucleus, West African Music and Dance, Zen Buddhism, The Crime Novel and Film Noir, Physics of the Heart, The Politics of Privacy, Jazz in American Culture, and more. Four years may seem like a long time to spend in college, but it’s not going to be nearly long enough for you to take all the classes you’ll want to take.

50 | bear facts

A third role we play on campus is to help run the place.

Professors serve on committees, boards, panels, and other groups that help shape what your college experience will be like and how it will evolve for the students who will follow you. We take great pride in this place, and we work hard to make it even better.

So that’s what professors do on campus. But you may be surprised to learn that we have very rich lives beyond the classroom and lab, just as you will. The professor who leads your discussion in the afternoon about political theory sits down at night to revel in classic British television comedies. The professor who lectures about the neuroscience of film just spent last weekend bicycling across Missouri. The professor who taught your class on graphic novels heads out to hear jazz whenever she can in the evenings. Yes, we’re all accomplished scholars, but we’re also parents, golfers, painters, gardeners, cooks, occasional nappers, chocolate lovers, bird watchers, swimmers, trumpeters, daydreamers, and more. We’re people who want to get to know you in the classroom and want to get to know you beyond the classroom. And it’s OK to get to know us too. Visit us during office hours. Talk with us in and after class. Say hello when you pass us on the sidewalk. We’re a big community of people who love ideas and love to learn, and we’re eager for you to join us. See you soon on campus!

ACADEMIC OPPORTUNITIES COMBINED STUDIES Are you in the College of Arts & Sciences but want to unleash your inner artist? Are you in the McKelvey School of Engineering but think you have a knack for business? Well, good thing you are at Washington University. Despite having four separate undergraduate schools, WashU does not limit students to just one area of study.

Each of the four schools has different course requirements for its degree; however, these requirements do have room for you to get an additional major/minor, or even a dual degree. In fact, it is not uncommon to meet a Washington University student with a double major and/or minor.

DEFINITIONS MAJOR: n. also used as a v. — your main area of study; credit requirements vary from school to school and department to department. Your major, or majors if you pursue more than one, will be acknowledged on your official transcript. The second major does not need to be from the same school. Example: Taylor is double majoring in biology and accounting.

MINOR: n. also used as a v. — your second area of study; requires fewer credit hours than a major but you still get to explore that field. Your minor, or minors if you pursue more than one, will also be acknowledged on your official transcript. Your minor does not need to be from your main school.

Example: Jordan is majoring in biology and minoring in painting.

DUAL DEGREE: adj. also used as a n. — a student wishing to receive two degrees must complete the degree requirements for both degrees. Check with the schools for requirements. Example: Alex is a dual degree (student) in the Olin Business School and College of Arts & Sciences. Students wishing to pursue multiple undergraduate degrees may discuss this option with their advisers during Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation.

If you desire to pursue a combined studies curriculum, you should: • Attend the combined studies program during Bear Beginnings • Speak with the school(s) and/or department(s) that interest you • Seek guidance from your academic adviser, who is extremely knowledgeable about his or her school’s program

PRE-PROFESSIONAL ADVISING Thinking about a future in the health professions? Many students at Washington University show a strong interest in dentistry, health care administration, medicine, MD/PhD, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health, just to name a few. Students interested in pre-health should discuss these interests with their academic advisers. Pre-health students will take a course load rich in the natural sciences. Requirements will vary by the students’ intended professional school.

Students who are interested in a future in the health professions should email prehealth@ wustl.edu with any questions and to get on the prehealth mailing list. prehealth.wustl.edu.

The Pre-Health Team stresses the importance of reviewing all information sent to you via the listserv and on the Pre-Health website.

washington university in st. louis | 51

Are you considering law school?

Law is a diverse field, offering opportunities in a wide variety of civil and criminal practice areas to those who choose this profession. If you believe law school may be in your future, use this first year to investigate possibilities for your major, recognizing that law schools do not favor any particular field over another. What’s important is to find an academic discipline you enjoy and can do well in, as grades are an important factor in law school admission. Over the next four years, take classes that will hone your communication skills (oral and written) and require you to critically analyze complex materials, as those are skills you will need as a lawyer.

For more information about pre-law, to sign up for the listserv, and for a listing of advisers please visit college.artsci.wustl.edu/ prelaw_advising.

Sign up for the pre-law mailing list by responding to the email that will be sent to all first-year students in August. Throughout the academic year, you will then receive weekly bulletins of events of interest to the pre-law community. First-year students should also plan to attend the Pre-Law Information Session held early in the fall semester where they will meet the pre-law advisers and get answers to some FAQs about preparing for law school. Information sessions are also offered each year for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The weekly bulletin will alert you to those sessions.

Pre-law advising is available for all students who are thinking about pursuing a law degree. You may meet with a pre-law adviser to talk about your plans for law school, but individual appointments are generally not necessary until junior or senior year.

STUDY ABROAD Understanding other cultures, languages, and countries is important, whether you’re an environmental engineer, artist, architect, accountant, or historian. Washington University offers many ways to incorporate international study into your undergraduate program.

Each undergraduate school has developed high-quality study abroad opportunities that enhance the strengths of our undergraduate programs. We offer a variety of full-year, semester, and summer programs that allow you to earn credit toward your major or minor while studying abroad.

Each year, WashU undergraduates study in more than 50 different countries. Program sites include Milan, Italy; Florence, Italy; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Shanghai, China; Santiago, Chile; Tübingen, Germany; London, England; Herzliya, Israel; Sydney, Australia; Cape Town, South Africa; Madrid, Spain—just to name a few.

52 | bear facts

For more information about study abroad opportunities for your academic division, visit sa.wustl.edu.

GETTING A “B” Ben Moore

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 Entering WashU, I felt very confident in my ability to study and understand the materials that we discussed in class. However, I quickly became overwhelmed with the number of students in the lecture and the pace of the class. In high school, my teachers would spend the first day framing the class, but at WashU my professor jumped right into the course material. I remember my confusion as the professor began lecturing. Equations, formulas, theories, and concepts I had never even heard of flew out of his mouth as I frantically attempted to write down every word on the PowerPoint. As the weeks passed, the course material only got more difficult and the pace accelerated drastically.

I found myself stuck on the majority of the homework problems.

As we approached the first quiz, I felt confident in my study habits. In high school I would thoroughly read through the textbook, listen to the lectures, and rewrite good notes. However, I continued to feel a vagueness surrounding some of the material. While I could remember key concepts and overarching themes, I was unable to solidify my grasp on the minute details that brought the material together. To me it seemed that this vagueness meant that I needed to continue to re-read the textbook and rewrite my notes.

Unfortunately, this technique helped strengthen my knowledge of the material I already knew, and I felt frustrated by my inability of connect all the pieces.

On the day of the first quiz, I felt unprepared.

Despite spending hours working in and outside of class, my understanding of the material was sporadic at best. The grade I received reflected this. In high school, I was used to getting A’s on all of my quizzes and tests. When I saw my grade, I was devastated, especially after spending so much time studying.

Fortunately, my four-year adviser and my WUSAs helped me reframe my grade. Instead of looking at my grade as an end-of-the-world scenario, they helped me realize that I needed to change my approach to studying. As my grade on the quiz

showed, my study habits weren’t working in the way they had in high school. If you find yourself struggling, utilize all of your resources: go to office hours, meet with your TAs, go to Cornerstone: The Learning Center, take the practice quizzes.

There are many resources on campus to aid in your success and provide options for enhancing your study habits, conceptual understanding of the material, and more.

Instead of just rereading the textbook, I started using flashcards and other methods to help me study more effectively. I also attended my Residential College's Residential Peer Mentor (RPM) hours where a peer leader led a small, weekly study session right in the building in which I lived.

I reached out for assistance and learned new strategies to approach quizzes and exams in a more effective manner.

Throughout my experience, I learned that it is important to stay positive and to realize that one grade does not define me nor my work ethic. I now appreciate the effort that I put into studying and my ability to alter my approach to be successful academically. In the end, the class allowed me to grow as a student, enhance my study skills, and most importantly, develop a level of comfort with challenges, a skill I have found to be incredibly helpful, in and outside of the classroom.

washington university in st. louis | 53

ACADEMIC RESOURCES CAREER CENTER Whether you are a first-year or a transfer student, the Washington University Career Center is here to help you. The Career Center offers a variety of services and resources to help you find an internship, engineering co-op, or full-time job; explore possibilities; connect with employers and alumni; and prepare for graduate or professional school.

The Career Center is open to all undergraduate and graduate students.

No matter what the future looks like, the Career Center believes that one-on-one career advising is a critical component to your success.

Meet with a Career Adviser early to develop your individualized plan.

We can also help you find meaningful summer experiences—as early as your first year—to test potential career options. To schedule an appointment with an adviser, call or stop by our main office.

Throughout the year, the Career Center offers career fairs, industryspecific groups and events, workshops, networking events in cities around the country, city-based events to explore your interest in specific geographies, and Road Shows to help you learn about different jobs and make connections.

Career Center LOCATIONS

Main Office: DUC, Suite 110 Engineering: Lopata Hall 303 Art & Architecture: Steinberg Hall 005 PHONE

(314) 935-5930 EMAIL

careers@wustl.edu WEBSITE

careercenter.wustl.edu

Weston Career Center PHONE

All undergraduate and graduate students also have access to CAREERlink, an interactive database of jobs, information sessions, and upcoming events. CAREERlink provides students with an opportunity to connect with employers, apply for on-campus interviews, and sign up for events, workshops, and information sessions.

(314) 935-5950

CORNERSTONE: THE LEARNING CENTER

olincareers.wustl.edu

EMAIL

wcc@olin.wustl.edu WEBSITE

Be sure to check out Cornerstone: The Learning Center. Located on the ground floor of Gregg House on the South 40, Cornerstone is the hub of academic support at Washington University. Services include academic peer mentoring, the TRiO program, Disability Resources, and many other useful academic resources.

Academic Mentoring Programs offer academic support in partnership with the academic departments in a variety of forms. Academic Mentoring programs are designed to support students in their course work by helping students develop the lifelong skill of ‘learning how to learn,’ and by stimulating their independent thinking. Programs include course-specific, weekly, structured study groups facilitated by trained peer leaders; course-specific weekly walk-in sessions facilitated by academic mentors in convenient locations and times, such as in the residential halls in the evenings. Cornerstone also offers individual consulting/coaching for academic skills such as time management, study skills, note taking, and accessing resources. In addition, Cornerstone conducts graduate and professional exam prep courses (including the MCAT and LSAT).

Cornerstone also administers TRiO, a federally funded program that offers advising, leadership development, financial assistance, and other support to students who are low-income, the first in their family to go to college, and/or have a documented disability. Services include academic coaching, academic peer mentoring, cultural and leadership programs, summer internship assistance, and postgraduation advising. First year and transfer students are considered for selection during the summer before entering their first semester.

Eligible students are encouraged to apply when notified, as space in this program is limited. Finally, Cornerstone includes Disability Resources (see the next page for more information) for students with disabilities or suspected disabilities.

Every year, Cornerstone interacts with more than 2,000 students, making it one of the most highly utilized services on campus.

54 | bear facts

Cornerstone: The Learning Center PHONE

(314) 935-5970 EMAIL

cornerstone@wustl.edu WEBSITE

cornerstone.wustl.edu

DISABILITY RESOURCES Disability Resources (DR), located in Cornerstone: The Learning Center, provides resources for students with disabilities and suspected disabilities. It is important for incoming students and their families to know that the laws governing disability status eligibility differ between high school and college. To be eligible in college, students must have an impairment that substantially limits them in a major life activity in comparison to most people. DR helps students determine whether they are eligible for accommodations.

DR is the official resource for students with learning, attention, visual, hearing, psychiatric, mobility, or medical disorders. Students can visit the DR website, cornerstone.wustl.edu/disability-resources, to review the requirements for documenting their disability and requesting accommodations. Students should submit their documentation well before course registration to be sure there is no delay in getting accommodations once classes begin. Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis. Disability Resources can be reached at disabilityresources@wustl.edu.

LIBRARIES Washington University Libraries will enhance your academic and leisure pursuits with an abundance of sources and services: online and print research materials, technology for both checkout and in-house use, knowledgeable staff, world-class Special Collections, comfortable spaces for solo and group study, a spacious cafe, travel and popular literature reading collections, inspiring exhibits, and much more.

Olin Library, located at the heart of the Danforth Campus, is the largest among the University Libraries system, which includes nine additional libraries housing subject-specific collections. Use the accompanying campus Libraries map to guide your exploration. Students are welcome to use the spaces and collections at all locations.

If the Libraries don’t have a source you need, getting books and articles from other libraries is quick and simple. Libraries staff members are happy to assist with your requests. Consider meeting with a librarian when working on a research assignment.

Over 20 subject area librarians are at your service. Many subject librarians have advanced degrees in particular fields and can offer expert guidance in finding and using sources in these areas. They can also assist with general research questions and help you master efficient searching strategies that will contribute to your academic success.

The Olin Library building is open 24/7 during the semester, and the University Libraries website provides another 24/7 access point. Visit our website to search e-journals and e-books, access reserve readings, make requests for physical materials, reserve study rooms, ask questions using the Ask Us! chat service, search wisely using curated Research Guides, and more. Visit University Libraries to explore spaces and meet the staff. You may also learn more about Olin Library at your convenience using our mobile tour accessible via the WashU app.

University Libraries

Forest Park Parkway Snow Way Drive

10 2

Mudd Field

WEBSITE

9

1 6

4

8

Francis Field

Skinker Boulevard

Big Bend Boulevard

3

(314) 935-5410 library.wustl.edu

7 Forsyth Boulevard

5 Varsity Athletics

Shepley Drive

Library Map Key 1. Olin Library 2. Chemistry (Louderman Hall)

The Swamp

Wydown Boulevard

8. Art & Architecture (Kemper Art Museum)

3. L aw (Anheuser-Busch Hall)

9. Earth & Planetary Sciences (Rudolph Hall)

4. Business (Simon Hall)

10. P hysics (Compton Hall)

5. Music (Gaylord Hall) 6. East Asian (January Hall) 7. Social Work (Brown Hall) washington university in st. louis | 55

OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH Research is the systematic gathering of information to help you answer a question or solve a problem. Research is going on right now all over the university and all over the world in libraries and laboratories, in rainforests and hospitals, and in courtrooms and archaeological sites. Undergraduate students who want to build a relationship with faculty, develop creativity and problem-solving skills, and eventually contribute new knowledge to the world are encouraged to participate in research at Washington University.

The key to getting started in research is finding a subject you are passionate about and making connections with faculty who share that interest. Get to know professors, teaching assistants, and upperclass students in your classes or department; talk to them about their research. Take advantage of what’s going on around you. Every week the university hosts lectures, workshops, and colloquia that are open to undergraduates. You never know what topic might spark your interest!

When you have identified your intellectual spark, Washington University has resources to help you take the next step. The Office of Undergraduate Research supports the larger mission of the university to advance and protect the process of inquiry by facilitating and promoting faculty-mentored undergraduate research experiences in all schools and all disciplines. As a first-year student, the Office of Undergraduate Research encourages you to learn more about research in different academic disciplines and think about strategies for developing a research topic. Click “Getting Started” on our website and read about Identifying Your Area of Interest and Finding a Mentor.

The most fulfilling and sustainable projects are ones that emerge from insatiable curiosity. We are here to help guide you on your path.

Office of Undergraduate Research W EB S ITE

ur.wustl.edu

56 | bear facts

UNIVERSITY REGISTRAR The University Registrar is responsible for data and services pertaining to the academic records of all Washington University students. The office issues official transcripts and diplomas, and provides verification of student enrollment and degrees earned for all students on the Danforth Campus.

The office also provides support for the entire Student Information System, which includes web applications like WebSTAC and Course Listings.

University Registrar LO C ATI O N

Women’s Building, suite 10 PH O NE

(314) 935-5959 W EB S ITE

registrar.wustl.edu

WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSOCIATES (WUSAs) WUSAs are upperclass students who work through the First Year Center and will be able to help you understand important academic policies, procedures, and deadlines and assist you with your transition into the university. There are two WUSAs assigned to each first-year floor and WUSAs who work with exchange and transfer students. These fun and amazing students will guide you through Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation and then throughout the rest of your first year. They’re here to help you!

THE WRITING CENTER The Writing Center, a free service, offers writing advice to all Washington University students. Tutors will read and discuss any kind of work in progress including student papers, senior theses, graduate school application essays, and oral presentations. The average tutorial session lasts one hour. The Writing Center staff is trained to help you at any stage of the writing process, including brainstorming, developing and clarifying an argument, organizing evidence, and improving style. Rather than editing or proofreading, the tutors will emphasize the process of revision and teach you how to edit your own papers.

Students are seen primarily by appointment, although walk-ins will be accommodated as the schedule allows. To make an appointment, students should visit our website.

The Writing Center LO C ATI O N

Olin Library, first floor PH O NE

(314) 935-4981 EM A IL

writing@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

writingcenter.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 57

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FACULTY Jackie Baik

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 During my time at WashU, I’ve learned that getting to know faculty can lead to success in the classroom, open doors to research opportunities, help secure letters of recommendation for internships and jobs, and strengthen bonds with potential long-term mentors. You have the power to connect with faculty members both inside and outside the classroom.

In my experience, smaller discussion-based courses naturally facilitate closer interactions between professors and students. First-Year and Sophomore Seminars offer this intimate classroom experience with many course options available to students in a variety of academic interests. If you’re looking to develop close relationships with your professors, but are intimidated by reaching out to faculty members outside of the classroom, consider taking seminar courses. They allow for more personal student–teacher interactions.

In addition to this, many academic departments host events to introduce new students to their faculty and to each other. I attended an event during my first semester at WashU and became acquainted with many faculty members I would not have met had it not been for the event. I found that one of the professors was just as passionate about Jane Eyre as I was, and after spending about an hour discussing literature we both enjoy, I had a list of book recommendations to indulge in during my free time. She also introduced me to other faculty members that could offer me fellowships and research assistantships based on my interests.

There is a Faculty Associate or Faculty Fellow assigned to every residential college. These faculty members work together with Residential College/Community Directors (RCDs), Resident Advisors (RAs), and Washington University Student Associates (WUSAs) to create a sense of community within the residential college, and ideally, help bridge the gap between faculty and undergraduate students. Events and activities hosted by Faculty Associates or Faculty Fellows are great opportunities to chat with a faculty member outside the classroom. Added bonus: many of the Faculty Associates and Faculty Fellows have friendly and absolutely adorable dogs!

In the fall, be sure to watch for emails from the First Year Center about opportunities to have lunch with your faculty.

58 | bear facts

A free faculty lunch program sponsored by the First Year Center provides an opportunity for students and faculty to interact over a casual lunch. These lunches are hosted by faculty members who teach large introductory courses such as General Chemistry, Intro to Psychology, or Intro to Art History. All first-year students in the eligible classes will receive an email invitation to sign up to have lunch with their professor and other students in the class. Lecture classes are not necessarily conducive to small conversations, but these lunches create an environment for students and professors to form personal connections.

Many faculty members also hold office hours and make themselves readily available for extra help regarding class material or even to chat! Many of my current mentors have become large contributors to my daily college experience simply because of one appointment I made with them outside of the classroom. Though seemingly daunting at the start, I have found that taking advantage of office hours is very rewarding personally, as well as academically and professionally.

The faculty I’ve encountered at WashU are, by and large, bright scholars, committed teachers, and caring individuals. Professors want their students to succeed and they appreciate respectful, driven, and intellectually curious scholars who care about their academic and personal growth. I’m not an especially outgoing person, and I know that approaching a professor can be intimidating, but overcoming this initial discomfort and building relationships can bring great rewards.

washington university in st. louis | 59

60 | bear facts

C H A P T ER F O U R

LIVING ON CAMPUS washington university in st. louis | 61

LIVING ON CAMPUS One of the most important aspects of your first year at Washington University will be your residential college experience. The variety of living environments in our residential colleges will provide many opportunities for you to live comfortably, study, and build friendships that will last throughout your college career and your lifetime. As a member of the residential college community, you’ll have the opportunity to form close bonds with others and become involved in numerous activities and organizations. You will be encouraged and supported in your intellectual development through forming relationships with others—students, faculty, and staff.

RESIDENTIAL LIVING AS A NEW STUDENT Washington University’s first-year residential areas include 10 residential colleges on the part of campus we call the South 40, located at the southwest end of the Danforth Campus. Our residential colleges have lounges, study rooms, personal computing, and collaboration rooms. As you become more familiar with your residential college, you will find a dedicated group of people willing and able to help with your transition.

Resident Advisors (RAs) are highly trained upperclass students who live in the residence houses and act as leaders, confidants, resources, and mentors to their peers. In addition, each college has a Residential College Director (RCD), a professional staff member who lives in an apartment in your community and who manages the day-to-day operations and community engagement model. Each college also has its own dedicated housekeeping and maintenance personnel.

The South 40 is where you and all of our first-year classmates will begin your WashU experience and start to get to know one another.

Living on campus is so much more than sleeping and studying. The South 40 is like a small town with its own fitness center, dining facilities, technology center, meeting rooms, intramural fields, basketball and sand volleyball courts, recreation game rooms, and music practice rooms.

In addition, you will find the following services located on the South 40: Bear Necessities, a gift shop; Paws & Go, a convenience store; the student mailroom; a library book drop; several student-run businesses; and Habif Health & Wellness Center.

SECTION CONTENTS

• R esidential Living as a New Student • The South 40 • Residential Colleges • Residence House Room Details • Receiving Mail • Faculty & Your Living Experience • Dining on Campus • Houses vs. Halls: Breaking Down WashU’s Repetitive Naming System • Roommate Relations • Where Can You Eat on Campus • Safety • A Healthy First Year • WashU Nightlife • Sustainability • Finances • Technology on Campus • University Stores

Residential Life PH O NE

(314) 935-5050 W EB S ITE

reslife.wustl.edu 62 | bear facts

The Swamp

Wallace Drive

Big Bend Boulevard

Shepley Drive

Wydown Boulevard

THE SOUTH 40 ayman Crow Residential W College

L iggett/Koenig Residential College

illiam Greenleaf Eliot W Residential College

obert S. Brookings R Residential College

L ee/Beaumont Residential College

ark/Mudd Residential P College

mrath/South Forty U Residential College

hanedling, Dauten, and S Rutledge (JKL) Residential College

itzeman, Hurd, and Myers H (HIG) Residential College homas H. Eliot Residential T College

washington university in st. louis | 63

RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES Name

Founded

Capacity

Robert S. Brookings Gregg and Lien Houses

1999

Wayman Crow Dardick and Nemerov Houses

Layout

Traditions

163 First-year students 325 Total

Modern

Brinner (Breakfast for Dinner), Scorch on the Porch Grill-Out, Brookings Week, Making the Grade

2004

169 First-year students 313 Total

Modern

Crow Cakes, Bar-B-Crow, Sundaes on Sunday, Nathan Dardick Visits, WayCrow bonfire

Thomas H. Eliot Eliot and Eliot B Houses

2010

156 First-year students 308 Total

Modern

Gator Welcome Week, Weekly Sunday Snack, Eliot Lawn Games

HIG Hitzeman, Hurd, and Myers Houses

1961

90 First-year students 227 Total

Traditional

Alphabet Bowl Flag Football Game against JKL, HIGriddle, HIGfest, HIGapalooza,

JKL Shanedling, Dauten, and Rutledge Halls

1964

90 First-year students 244 Total

Traditional

Alphabet Bowl Flag Football Game against HIG, Karoake and Fondue, Brinner with Faculty Associates, JKL S’mores, JKLephant Ears

Lee/Beaumont Lee and Beaumont Houses

1962

252 First-year students 264 Total

Traditional

Lee/Beau Cocoa, Lee/Beau Love Week

Liggett/Koenig Liggett and Koenig Houses

1960

156 First-year students 274 Total

Modern

WeLKome Week, MiLK & Cookies, Fabulous Fox Theatre trips, Finals Week Study Breaks, Mentoring Program, LK Knight Pass

Park/Mudd Park and Mudd Houses

1989

192 First-year students 342 Total

Modern

Pirate Week, Park Mudd “Mudd Pies,” Pirates take the Mississippi, Tree Planting, Dinner Derby

USoFo Umrath and South Forty Houses

2009

315 First-year students 545 Total

Modern

Whale Waffles, Whale Week, Casino Night

William Greenleaf Eliot Danforth, Shepley, and Wheeler Houses

1998

192 First-year students 465 Total

Modern

WGE Waffles, WGE on the Water, Brunches with Faculty Fellow, WGE-Q, WGE Bonfire

64 | bear facts

Shield

RESIDENCE HOUSE ROOM DETAILS

FACULTY & YOUR LIVING EXPERIENCE

Average room sizes:

As a Washington University student, you will have the opportunity to interact with faculty members in your Residential College outside of the formal classroom setting, through the Faculty Associates/ Fellows Program. Faculty Associates are faculty members who collaborate with Resident Advisors to plan programs for your floor/building. Faculty Fellows live in Residential Colleges, and you can visit their families and sometimes even pets in your residential community. We encourage these types of interactions in an informal, home-like environment to create a strong sense of community and encourage a positive social, cultural, and intellectual atmosphere. It intentionally provides more contact between students and faculty members, increases your understanding of faculty roles, provides you with role models and academic resources, and enhances the intellectual environment of your Washington University residential college community.

• Single 8.5’ x 11.5’ • Double 11.5’ x 14’ • Triple 11.5’ x 16.5’ Please note that each room will vary slightly and these are estimates.

All rooms include the following for each resident: • Bed and mattress (extra long twin, 36” x 80”) • Desk and chair • Dresser and closet space • Central air conditioning • Small recycling bin Rooms may also have: • Mini-blinds • Adjustable height beds (allowing for more storage space) • Carpeting

RECEIVING MAIL Each student living on campus is assigned a campus mailbox. South 40 residents will find their mailboxes on the ground floor of Hitzeman Hall. If you live on the North Side, your mailbox is on the ground floor of Village House. Information about your mailbox can be found in the WashU Housing Portal in WebSTAC. Wondering what your address is? See page 24.

Sample programs you can participate in with Faculty Fellows and Associates include floor trips to the zoo, home-cooked meals at the Faculty Fellow or Faculty Associate’s home, pumpkincarving parties, informative panels on how to navigate college and communicate effectively with faculty, excursions to see a theater or musical performance downtown, ice skating in Forest Park, and canoe trips.

Floor plans for every building can be found online at reslife.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 65

DINING ON CAMPUS MEAL PLANS All meals and food items bought on campus may be paid for with your meal plan that you purchase at the beginning of each semester. Your points are accessed through your WashU ID card—all you have to do is swipe your card and the designated points for the food you buy will be deducted.

The meal plans at Washington University operate on a “declining balance” program, which offers you flexibility in your spending options. Points may be used at WU Dining Services locations on main campus, on the South 40, in the Village, and for food and beverage purchases in Paws & Go or Millbrook Market, the two convenience stores on campus. Your points are awarded on a semester basis, and unused points expire at the end of the academic year. In the event that you exhaust your meal plan, you can purchase your meals using the (optional) Bear Bucks account.

Meal purchases remain tax-exempt when using Bear Bucks. Here is the breakdown of the meal plans that you can opt for in 2019–2020: Plan Name

Points

Important Notes •

First-year students must have a Gold or Silver meal plan during the academic year.

•

Upperclass, transfer, and commuter students can choose any meal plan.

•

Residents of the Millbrook Square or Village East apartments must have the On-Campus Apartment plan or larger.

•

The Off-Campus meal plan is available to students living in off-campus Residential Life housing or commuting to campus.

Cost

Platinum 5,170 $6,639 Gold 4,636 $6,097 Silver 3,779 $5,250 Bronze 2,928 $4,389 Apartment 1,342 $1,974 Off-campus 792 $1,228 Platinum Plan This plan is designed for only those involved in intramurals, club sports, or other high-intensity activity.

Gold Plan This plan is designed for the individual that requires more calories due to a very active lifestyle. If this describes you, then the Gold Plan is for you.

Silver Plan This is our most popular plan. This plan will best meet the needs of those students who eat three meals a day and enjoy an occasional snack. This meal plan is the minimum required for first-year students and is the most popular plan for our returning students. For more information, visit our website.

What options are available for students with dietary restrictions?

Whether you’ve been a vegetarian for years, keep kosher, have a gluten allergy, or another dietary restriction, have no fear, your personal eating plan is easy to follow on campus if you plan ahead. On the menu pages of the Dining Services website, you will find options for whatever you need— kosher, lacto-ovo, lacto, vegan, and many other eating plans. In addition, you will find the nutritional content of these items.

Dining Services EM A IL

diningservices@wustl.edu PH O NE

(314) 935-7098 W EB S ITE

diningservices.wustl.edu

66 | bear facts

HOUSES VS. HALLS: BREAKING DOWN WASHU’S REPETITIVE NAMING SYSTEM Imagine this: It’s the first day of classes and you finally feel like a real WashU student. You leave your room in search of your classes with a campus map and your WebSTAC schedule clutched tightly in hand.

Already late, you hope that there is at least one upperclass student around who can tell you how to get to Lopata.

Unfortunately, the first lesson you learn as a WashU student is that not only do most of the campus buildings look the same, but some apparently share the same name as well. To avoid confusion, here is a list of the places on campus that have similar names and a description of the traits that distinguish them.

Danforth Campus The Danforth Campus includes main campus (academic buildings), the South 40, and the North Side residential area.

Since undergraduates spend most of their time on the Danforth Campus, students don’t really use “Danforth” to refer to WashU’s main campus.

Danforth House Danforth House on the South 40 is one of the first-year residence houses. This is usually what students are referring to when they say “Danforth.”

Danforth University Center The Danforth University Center, usually referred to as the DUC (pronounced “duck”), is home to dining areas, lounges, meeting rooms, and offices for several student services.

Bauer Hall One of the newest additions to the Olin Business School, located across from the Danforth University Center.

Brauer Hall One of the newest additions to the School of Engineering, located near Skinker and Forest Park Parkway.

Urbauer Hall Urbauer is another building in the School of Engineering and hosts the Department of Energy, Environmental & Chemical Engineering.

Brookings Hall The big castle-like structure on the east side of campus.

It serves as an administration building for the university, housing the offices of the Chancellor, Student Financial Services, Undergraduate Admissions, and more. When people

say the word “Brookings” by itself, they generally mean this location.

Brookings Residential College Brookings Residential College is located on the South 40, adjacent to the Clock Tower. Brookings Residential College includes Lien House and Gregg House.

Eliot Residential College Thomas H. Eliot Residential College is what students generally mean when they say the word “Eliot” by itself. Eliot Residential College is located on the South 40 and is made up of Thomas Eliot House and Eliot B. William Greenleaf Eliot William Greenleaf Eliot Residential College, named for the university co-founder, is not referred to by the name “Eliot.”

Instead you will frequently hear the nickname WGE (pronounced “wiggy”) used for this residential college. WGE consists of Shepley House, Wheeler House, and Danforth House. It is located on the South 40.

Crow Hall Crow Hall houses the Department of Physics in the College of Arts & Sciences. When people say “Crow” they are usually referring to this location.

Crow Residential College Wayman Crow Residential College is located on the South 40. It consists of Dardick House and Nemerov House. People generally refer to this location by its full name, “Wayman Crow.”

Cupples I Part of the Engineering complex, located next to the Quad.

Cupples II Cupples II houses the College of Arts & Sciences and Office of Undergraduate Research; it’s located near Olin Library.

McKelvey School of Engineering This is the name for the engineering school, located on the east end of campus.

McKelvey Hall McKelvey Hall will open on the east end of campus in 2020 and will be the home of the Department of Computer Science in the McKelvey School of Engineering.

McMillen Lab McMillen Lab is a chemistry building located near the Engineering complex and is connected to Bryan Hall by a lounge.

People will generally say the entire name, “McMillen Lab,” when referring to this location.

McMillan Hall McMillan Hall is also located on the Danforth Campus.

It houses departments such

as Anthropology and Overseas Programs. People will refer to this location as simply “McMillan” or by its full name “McMillan Hall.”

Knight Center An executive conference center and hotel.

Knight Hall One of the newest additions to the Olin Business School; it’s located across from the Danforth University Center.

Lee House A first-year residence hall that is paired with Beaumont House to make “Lee/Beau” Residential College.

Lien House A first-year residence hall that is paired with Gregg House to make Brookings Residential College.

Lopata Hall Lopata Hall is the main entrance to the Engineering complex and is located across from Sever Hall and Duncker Hall. Engineering IT, Engineering Student Services, and the undergraduate Linux labs are located here.

Lopata House Lopata House is located on the North Side residential area and is part of the Village. It also has a suite of classrooms.

Olin Library This is the main library on the Danforth Campus.

Olin Business School This is the name for the business school, located in Simon, Knight, and Bauer Halls. It’s commonly referred to as “the B school.”

South 40 The southern-most 40 acres of campus where 3,000 students reside. All first-year students live on the South 40.

South 40 House An upperclass student residence hall where Bear’s Den and Risa Commons are located.

Commonly referred to as “So-Fo-Ho.” Umrath Hall Umrath Hall is located on the Danforth Campus and houses a number of Arts & Sciences academic departments, as well as the Campus Y and the Danforth Center for Religion and Politics.

Umrath House Umrath House is a residence house on the South 40, and sits just west of the South 40 Center.

The First Year Center is located on the lower level of Umrath House.

Wrighton Way A route on the east end of campus.

Wrighton Hall Building housing the Department of Chemistry in the College of Arts & Sciences. washington university in st. louis | 67

ROOMMATE RELATIONS Aiden Blinn

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 Despite the countless academic and social changes that come with the college transition, there was only one thing on my mind as I adjusted to my new home on Move-In Day: my new roommate. The last person I had shared a room with was my triplet brother‌ when I was five years old. Before coming to WashU, I was used to having my own space, one that I could retreat to for peace and quiet at the end of the day, so I was worried about how to manage living with a roommate.

During the spring before my first year, I remember the Class of 2021 Facebook was flooded with people sharing pictures and information about themselves to try to find compatible roommates. I ended up finding a roommate through the Facebook group.

Despite finding a roommate, rather than being assigned a random one, I was still nervous—I had only texted him a few times before agreeing to live with him. We texted sporadically throughout the summer, which reassured me a little bit, but I still was not sure what to expect.

Fast-forward to Move-In Day: my roommate came in and started unpacking after I had already settled in. At first, we did not have a whole lot to talk about.

He was busy moving in, and I felt a little awkward sitting on my bed with nothing to say. Over time though, as we got to know each other better, I realized we were far more alike than I had expected.

We had similar sleeping and cleanliness habits, common interests, and a lot to talk about.

My roommate ended up being a great match for me, so when it came time to decide where we wanted to live for our second year, living together was the obvious choice. At first, I was anxious and sorely lacking in experience living with someone else, but I am glad I was able to live with a roommate. The experience has given me invaluable knowledge about how to share a living space, be a considerate roommate, and work through conflicts.

68 | bear facts

SOME TIPS ON ROOMMATE RELATIONS • Don’t come to college with the expectation of either loving or hating your roommate. Take things as they come and be flexible and willing to compromise. Be patient and exercise tolerance, but don’t let yourself be taken advantage of.

• Don’t compare your relationship with your roommate to that of your friends’ roommate relationships. Each roommate interaction is unique and what works in one room won’t necessarily fly two doors down.

• Approach differences in opinion and lifestyle as learning experiences. Don’t be quick to make judgments. Just because your roommate approaches certain aspects of life in a different way than you do does not mean you will not get along.

• Find a place away from your floor, on or around campus, where you can go when you need some alone time. The rush of college life is fun and exhilarating, but sometimes you may need to have time for you.

• Don’t be afraid to let people who hang out in your room know when it’s time to leave. Your room is your personal space, and you decide when people come and go.

• With the aid of your RAs, you will work with your roommate or suitemates to complete an agreement, discussing your preferences and expectations for living in a shared space. Take the roommate agreement seriously. You and your roommate may have similar interests, but this doesn’t mean you necessarily have similar living styles. Consider things like cleanliness (is the floor just another shelf or would you prefer it neat?), sleep (is background noise OK? Do you like to sleep in?), guests (so as to avoid coming home to a party you didn’t know about), and temperature (many people have preferences—try to find a compromise if your preference and your roommate’s contrast).

washington university in st. louis | 69

WHERE CAN YOU EAT ON CAMPUS? The short answer—almost anywhere.

Forest Park Parkway

1

Snow Way Drive

5

8 9

11

Mudd Field

4 6

Francis Field

7

Skinker Boulevard

Big Bend Boulevard

3

10

Forsyth Boulevard

Varsity Athletics

Shepley Drive

Buildings in red house dining locations. They are numbered so you can learn a little more about them in the descriptions that follow.

2 The Swamp

Wydown Boulevard

1

VILLAGE HOUSE The Village Coffee Connection and Millbrook Market Serves fresh pastries, breads, bagels, Kaldi’s coffee, and has a convenience store option.

The Village Café Offers international and grilled specialties, a changing menu, Kaldi’s coffee, and more. Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch Saturday and Sunday.

2

SOUTH 40 HOUSE Bear’s Den (BD) This is the most popular place on campus! Offerings in BD include grilled favorites at Grizzly Grill, Latininspired treats at ¡Oso Good!, Easterninfluenced eats at World Fusion, pizza and pasta at Ciao Down, hot Kosher meals at L’Chaim, and the very popular Mongolian grill at Sizzle & Stir.

Paws & Go The South 40’s mini-supermarket provides basic convenience items such as milk, cereal, fresh fruit, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, chips and salsa, cookies, crackers, spreads, etc.

Cherry Tree Café Favorite coffee drinks are available to accompany an early morning bagel or late night treat. The café also offers deli sandwiches, soups, and is home to GET Food on the South 40—our online meal ordering system.

70 | bear facts

3

ANHEUSER-BUSCH HALL Law Cafeteria This dining hall, located in the atrium of the Law School, serves as the dedicated eatery for students enrolled in the law program. The location is open to all members of the community. Bear Bucks are accepted, but they do not participate in the Undergraduate Meal Plan.

4

8

9

10

Ibby’s This full-service, sit-down restaurant offers a great atmosphere and unique menu offerings. It’s a great place to unwind at the end of the day.

HILLMAN HALL Grounds for Change This café offers a daily changing lunch menu, house-made pastries and desserts, grab-n-go meals, coffee beverages, and fresh-squeezed orange juice.

Café Bergson It’s the place to go for an early morning espresso, coffee, pastries, or breakfast sandwich. Later in the day, stop in for a Jamba Juice smoothie, hot sandwich, and a cold beverage.

Danforth University Center Servery The main dining location on central campus features four serveries: Trattoria Verde, WashU Wok, 1853 Diner, and DeliciOSO. Also located in the servery is George’s Express, a pick-up point for our GET Food online ordering system.

SCHNUCK PAVILION Parkside Café This café offers decidedly St. Louisinspired lunch and dinner menus, house-made pastries and desserts, Grab & Go meals, coffee, and other beverages. Check out the expansive outdoor eating areas and take in the sights of nearby Tisch Park.

BAUER HALL

DANFORTH UNIVERSITY CENTER

LOPATA HALL, LOWER LEVEL Stanley’s Café Offers a wide variety of lunch foods such as fresh sandwiches, salads, meat and veggie paninis, soups, and hot dogs, as well as baked goods and beverages.

Starbucks Serving custom coffee drinks and to-go pastries and snacks. Bear Bucks are accepted, but they do not participate in the Undergraduate Meal Plan.

6

MALLINCKRODT CENTER Subway Across from the WU Bookstore, Subway offers fresh sub sandwiches, salads, and more. Sandwiches can come on a variety of breads baked fresh daily.

SIMON HALL Einstein Bros. Bagels Serving great bagels, sandwiches, and gourmet coffee. Bear Bucks are accepted, but they do not participate in the Undergraduate Meal Plan.

5

7

11

OLIN LIBRARY Whispers Café Whispers Café offers your favorite soft drink and coffee beverages, as well as pastries and an expanded grab ’n’ go selection of some of your campus favorites. Whispers now features Nitro Cold Brew coffee and Firepot Tea.

washington university in st. louis | 71

SAFETY WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY POLICE DEPARTMENT The Washington University Police Department, also known as WUPD, is a diverse law enforcement team that provides foot, bicycle, and vehicle patrol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. WUPD officers possess the same authority on campus as that of a St. Louis County police officer. According to WUPD, we have a very safe campus, but no place is immune from crime. The key to reducing crime is responsibility for oneself, others, and one’s personal property. Most crimes committed are “crimes of opportunity,” which can be avoided by taking some simple preventative steps.

To help you feel safe and secure on campus, Washington University has also developed initiatives to both enhance your personal safety and protect your property. Some of these programs include: BEAR PATROL: Bear Patrol is a team of students who patrol the Washington University campus at night and provide escorts to students, faculty, and staff. This service is especially convenient for escorts from Olin Library.

WashU Police Department Put this number in your phone (314) 935-5555

BICYCLE REGISTRATION AND LOCK PROGRAM: Bicycles may be registered free of charge through WUPD. Kryptonite U-Bolt bike locks can be purchased from WUPD at a low cost. Students who purchase a lock are automatically entered into the Bicycle Registration program.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONES: The blue light emergency telephone system is a series of highly visible telephones strategically located throughout the Danforth Campus and extending into areas of university-owned off-campus housing. Pushing the red button connects the phone to the Washington University Police Department and help is dispatched immediately.

FISTFUL OF FIVES: Both WUPD and EST (Emergency Support Team) can be reached on campus by dialing 5-5555. Easy to remember, easy to use. From off campus or using your cell phone, dial (314) 935-5555.

Washington University Police Department

LOST AND FOUND: WUPD administers the online Lost and Found program. This site gives the campus community the ability to report lost property, view a list of found items, or register their personal items online. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to register their serialized property for ease of identification in the event the item is ever lost or stolen. This site can be found on the WUPD website.

Lien House, Lower Level Enter on Shepley Drive

OPERATION ID: This program encourages students to record the serial numbers of their valuables on an inventory card to give to a parent or a friend for safe storage, and to engrave their student ID number or driver’s license number on the property. WUPD has inscribing devices available in their office free of charge.

RAPE AGGRESSION DEFENSE SYSTEMS (RAD): RAD for Women, RAD for Men, and Advance RAD are 12-hour self-defense programs offered free to students and staff. The programs teach awareness, risk reduction, avoidance, prevention, and basic self-defense techniques— all led by certified instructors. For more information, visit our website or call (314) 935-5043.

72 | bear facts

LO C ATI O N

PH O NE

(314) 935-5555 W EB S ITE

police.wustl.edu

STOP TAGS: The most popular targets for both casual and experienced thieves are computers, in particular laptops. WUPD provides a low-cost option for deterring theft of your computer or other valuables by putting a patented security plate on your equipment that is so strong that removal of the security plate will alter the item, making it easy to identify, but without damaging it. Each plate bears a unique barcode and a toll-free telephone number to call in case lost or stolen equipment is found. Also, a permanent tattoo bearing the number is chemically etched into the equipment and all vital information regarding your equipment, such as make, model, serial number, and owner, is registered with STOP. TRANSPORTATION: The university provides a variety of transportation services, both on and off campus. For more details about these options, please see the Parking and Transportation section of this publication (page 122).

WHISTLE ALERT PROGRAM: WUPD offers a metal whistle for university students, faculty, and staff. The whistle can signal for help and alert others to call the police. Whistles are available in the Communications Center of the Police Department. Upon receipt of the whistle, you are instructed to refrain from blowing it except for emergencies.

Top Safety Tips •

Lock your room door whenever you leave and when you’re sleeping.

•

Never prop open exterior building doors.

•

Don’t allow people to tailgate (follow behind you) into your building.

•

Call the police at first sight of a suspicious person in the building.

•

Never leave your valuables unattended, even in common study areas.

•

Avoid walking or jogging alone, especially after dark.

•

Download the Noonlight app to your phone.

PREPARE YOURSELF. BE READY IN AN EMERGENCY Washington University is committed to protecting the safety and security of our community. Emergencies or disasters can happen at any time and usually occur without warning. When an emergency strikes at WashU, our safe and prompt recovery will depend on existing levels of preparedness and a thoughtful response among students, faculty, staff, and visitors.

WHEN A CRISIS OCCURS You will have multiple ways to obtain information about the status of a crisis, when one takes place at Washington University.

• WEBSITE: Visit the university’s website emergency.wustl.edu.

New information will be posted to the site. If there is no current emergency, the site will say so.

• HOTLINE: You can listen to frequently updated voice messages by calling the university hotline: (314) 935-8000 (5-8000 from a campus phone), or (888) 234-2863 (out of area) • EMAIL: Check your email for updated information.

For additional preparedness information and updates during an emergency, visit our website and follow @WashUReady on Facebook and Twitter.

Keeping Information Current Confirm that your contact information is correct, including home phone number, cell phone number, email and campus address, and who to contact if you are ever injured. Confirm your information on the WebSTAC site at webstac.wustl.edu.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts Students and their families can get alerts by downloading the WUSTL Mobile App and “allow notifications.” You will then receive all campus-wide alerts that our emergency operations team pushes out to the campus.​ Additional information about the WashUAlert System is available via emergency.wustl.edu.

Download the app on ios and android devices.

washington university in st. louis | 73

A HEALTHY FIRST YEAR HABIF HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER Habif Health & Wellness Center provides medical and mental health care and health promotion services to students on the Danforth Campus. During your time at WashU you may find that you are not feeling well or you need advice on some health-related issues. Seek medical or mental health treatment at Habif, located in Dardick House on the South 40, before attempting to go somewhere else, unless it is an emergency. Staff members are committed to taking excellent care of students while supporting your experience at WashU. Same-day medical appointments are available. Schedule via our website.

MEDICAL SERVICES provides routine care, preventive health care, evaluation/treatment of illnesses and injuries, immunizations, an onsite lab, radiology, and a pharmacy.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES provides individual, couples, and group counseling. Psychiatric services are provided to prescribe and monitor medication. Crisis services are also available. All full-time students who pay the University Health and Wellness Fee as part of their tuition are eligible for services.

HEALTH PROMOTION SERVICES provides free programs and risk reduction information on issues including stress, sleep, sexual health, and alcohol/other drugs. Check out the Zenker Wellness Suite in Sumers Recreation Center, and programs on campus led by student Peer Health Educators. In 2018 this department launched the WashU Recovery Group to provide an opportunity for students in recovery from substance use to connect with other students with similar experiences. The group provides local resources, support, meetings, and activities. Members have 24/7 access to a private facility to study, meet, and socialize. The group is not a recovery program; it is a confidential resource that students can add to their support system.

For more information contact recovery@wustl.edu.

Habif Health & Wellness Center staff members hold all necessary degrees, licenses, and certifications to practice in Missouri. They have particular training and experience in working with university students. They are committed to the growth and development of each student. In addition, they provide consultation to health-related student organizations and assist with training of faculty and staff who work extensively with students. Read more about each service and staff member on our website.

STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN All students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage.

Information concerning the insurance requirement can be found at our website. Students wishing to waive the student health insurance plan must complete a waiver prior to September 5th. If you are on the Student Health Insurance Plan, a referral is required for most medical services off campus.

74 | bear facts

Habif Health & Wellness Center LO C ATI O N

6643 Shepley Drive St. Louis, MO 63105 PH O NE

(314) 935-6666 W EB S ITE

habif.wustl.edu

STUDENTS HELP PEERS WITH HEALTH ISSUES Peer Health Educators (PHEs) are student volunteers interested in health promotion who share their knowledge with the larger campus community through programming. PHEs are nationally certified and receive additional training from staff on specific health topics including sexual health, mental health, alcohol and other drugs, and fitness and nutrition. Several other student groups dedicated to peer health education include Stressbusters, Phi Lambda Psi (Greek women’s health and wellness honorary), Pride Alliance and Safe Zones (LGBTQIA), Reflections (body image concerns), Uncle Joe’s and Active Minds (mental health), and several groups devoted to sexual violence risk reduction and survivor support (SARAH, LIVE, and CARE). Most of these groups will be at the Activities Fair in September to tell you more about what they do and how you can become involved.

Health Tips for a Successful First Year: •

Enjoy the Sumers Recreation Center or join an intramural (IM) or club sports team to make friends, keep moving, and relieve stress.

•

Check out the foods marked “Connie’s Choice” and other healthy food choices served throughout campus.

•

Get your flu shot this fall.

•

Wash your hands!

•

Sign up for free stress management sessions through Health Promotion Services.

•

If you are sexually active, get tested for sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, through the Habif Health & Wellness Center.

•

Consider less caffeine and more sleep.

EMERGENCY SUPPORT TEAM (EST) The medical director of Habif Health & Wellness Center is the medical director of EST, a student organization that serves as first responder when there is an emergency on campus. EST is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during the academic year. Students who join the team go through an intensive training process and become licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in the state of Missouri. All medical treatment provided through EST is confidential. To contact EST, dial (314) 935.5555. For information on membership and more, visit est.wustl.edu.

SUMERS RECREATION CENTER The Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center opened in October 2016, transforming the recreation and fitness landscape for WashU students.

Located at the west end of campus next to historic Francis Field, the state-of-the-art Sumers Recreation Center houses a variety of spaces, programs, and services to help students reach their fitness and wellness goals. All students who pay the WashU Student Health & Wellness Fee are automatically members at Sumers. The heart of Sumers is the Fitness Center, which features an extensive lineup of high-end cardio and strength equipment as well as a cutting-edge functional fitness rig and medicine ball wall. Sumers also houses a three-court gymnasium, a 1/10-mile indoor running track, and three group exercise studios where students can take advantage of more than 70 BearFit group exercise classes per week including cycling, yoga, TRX, and Zumba.

Students can also access the racquetball and squash courts, as well as Millstone Pool during open swim hours. In addition to the fitness programs and spaces, Sumers also houses the “Zen Den,” a relaxation space outfitted with two motorized massage chairs available for complimentary use, as well as a massage room where members can purchase sessions with a licensed massage therapist. Rounding out the spaces within Sumers is the Zenker Wellness Suite—a satellite space for the Habif Health & Wellness Center offering information and programming on health and wellness initiatives. For more information, visit our website.

SOUTH 40 FITNESS CENTER The South 40 Fitness Center is a satellite facility for the Office of Recreation located conveniently amongst the residential colleges on the second floor of the South 40 Center, just above the Bear’s Den. It features a full lineup of cardio equipment and a limited offering of strength training equipment as well as a stretching area. Access to S40 Fitness is complimentary to all students who pay the WashU Student Health & Wellness Fee. For more information, visit our website.

Sumers Recreation Center LO C ATI O N

330 N. Big Bend St. Louis, Mo. 63130-4899 PH O NE

(314) 935-4619 W EB S ITE

rec.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 75

76 | bear facts

WASHU NIGHTLIFE Adina Loomis

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 Being a St. Louis native, I thought that I had already explored much of the nightlife that the city has to offer. I expected that I’d get numerous questions from new friends about where the best places were to hang out or where the best food could be found. While the latter assumption was correct, I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy re-exploring some of my favorite places and discovering new opportunities.

The location of WashU’s campus just outside of the city makes it a prime spot to explore both the nearby neighborhoods of Clayton and University City, as well as Forest Park, the Central West End, and the downtown area. For students, Clayton’s restaurant scene is its biggest draw, which means that you can regularly find a friend heading there in the evening for a bite to eat that doesn’t come from Bear’s Den. Similarly, University City is home to the lively street known as the Loop. It hosts many different choices for students looking to get off campus. The Loop has an extensive range of restaurants (most even take your Bear Bucks!), and the entertainment options are just as plentiful. Both the Pageant and Delmar Hall are good sized music venues that bring in a variety of artists throughout the year, and the historic Tivoli Theatre screens new, indie, and rerun movies that everyone is sure to enjoy. Throughout October, if you’re looking for fun off campus, the Tivoli hosts an interactive Rocky Horror production, but be sure to get your tickets early!

Forest Park is located right in WashU’s front yard and doesn’t disappoint. Larger than New York’s Central Park, it offers biking and walking trails, as well as the Saint Louis Art Museum and Missouri History Museum, the Muny outdoor theater, and a world-class zoo. If you’re looking for a great way to spend a Friday night with friends in mid-September, the park hosts a massive Balloon Glow. When it gets

colder, the zoo gets decked out in holiday lights for Wild Lights, and farther south from campus, the Missouri Botanical Garden puts on their own light show as well. For those not too fond of the cold, the City Museum, located downtown in a former shoe warehouse, is a giant, 10-story playground built from salvaged materials from the St. Louis area.

Want a more relaxed evening where you can stay close to your residence hall? WashU has many activities on campus as well. The Social Programming Board hosts free events such as non-alcoholic happy hours with free food, comedy shows, concerts, and movie screenings. Don’t forget the cultural shows in the Edison Theatre like Black Anthology, Carnival, Diwali, and Lunar New Year Festival (LNYF) which are produced by and star WashU students. In addition, Ursa’s Night Life on the South 40 has themed event nights that often include free food and crafts. No matter what you’re in the mood for at the end of your busy week, WashU and its surrounding areas are sure to offer you and your friends plenty of fun and good eats to round out your college experience.

washington university in st. louis | 77

SUSTAINABILITY Washington University’s commitment to being a sustainability leader is woven throughout all aspects of the undergraduate experience—from the courses you will take, to faculty research, to the way you will live on campus.

Sustainability is a major part of the WashU culture. Here are some important ways you can be part of this commitment:

LIVE GREEN • Less Is More. The greenest thing you can do is consume less. By changing simple habits in everyday life, we can have a big impact on human and environmental health.

• Shop at the Sale on the Swamp early on Move-In Day for room essentials before going to the big box stores. Shop year-round at the Trading Post, the free thrift store on the South 40 operated by the student-run nonprofit Sharing With A Purpose (SWAP).

• Refuse single-use. Carry a reusable water bottle. Skip the straw. Eat on dishware at major campus eateries. If you are on-the-go, participate in the reusable Eco To Go box program or get discounts with your reusable mug. For extra points, carry some reusable cutlery to cut down on your personal waste!

Office of Sustainability EM A IL

sustainability@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

sustainability.wustl.edu

• Conserve energy. Bring LED lights and Energy Star appliances to campus.

Always turn off lights when leaving a room. Coordinate with your roommate(s) to share appliances and turn off or unplug devices when not in use. Set thermostats between 68 and 72 degrees during cold months and 74 to 78 during warm months. Get ready to participate in the annual energy saving competition Green Cup in February!

• Recycle. Campus has a single-stream recycling system—almost all paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic containers go in the same bin. Containers must be free from food or liquids! Visit our website for more information.

• Compost. Look for waste sorting stations at participating campus dining areas and events. Follow the signs to achieve zero waste dining. Don’t contaminate good compost—when in doubt, throw it out!

• Go car-free. Use alternative transportation throughout your time at WashU. Bring a bike, register it, and get a discounted U-Lock with WUPD. Use local public transit networks (MetroLink and bus) with your free allaccess U-Pass.

• Take the Green Monday pledge. Join a growing campus initiative to reduce our collective ‘foodprint’ by eating delicious vegetarian and low-carbon meals at least one day per week. Download and explore the Sustainable Food Guide on our website to learn how to green your diet and about the impact of different food choices.

GET INVOLVED • Study sustainability. Consider majoring or minoring in one of WashU’s sustainability-related programs. Regardless of your major, explore how your field can help develop sustainable solutions.

• Subscribe to the Office of Sustainability newsletter to receive news and opportunities for deeper engagement, including energy, environment, and sustainability internship openings at WashU and in the St. Louis community.

• Join a student organization. WashU has over a dozen groups focused on various aspects of sustainability. You can also run to become your Residential College’s Eco Rep. 78 | bear facts

Sign up to receive the Office of Sustainability’s newsletter at sustainability.wustl.edu.

FINANCES FINANCIAL SERVICES Student Financial Services (SFS) is a student resource for financial assistance information and general money management topics.

Located in the lower level of North Brookings Hall, SFS provides services to help students manage their money wisely. These services and resources include:

Student Financial Services

• Meet with the counselor on duty. If you have questions about financial assistance or would like help planning your budget, just walk in, call, or email to speak with a counselor.

(314) 935-5900 (888) 547-6670

• Pay your Student Accounting Billing Statement. SFS is available to answer questions and accept payments; however, it may be more convenient to pay your bill electronically.

• Obtain an Interest-Free Emergency Loan. An emergency loan may be helpful in some situations. Stop by SFS to discuss your situation with a counselor.

H OUR S

8:30 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday PH O NE

EM A IL

financial@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

sfs.wustl.edu

Research student employment opportunities. If you are looking for a part-time job, login to “My FA Access” on our website and select “Student Employment.”

• Establish a Budget. Use the Student Budget Planning Worksheet on our website and select Budget Worksheet to help plan some of your variable costs and get a clearer picture of the money you will need throughout the academic year.

• Consider your payment options. In addition to need-based financial assistance, Washington University offers simple, innovative payment options your family may want to consider.

• Use the Financial Planning Comparison Worksheet on our website to compare and consider what works best for you.

STUDENT ACCOUNTING Student Accounting generates billing information, receives payments, and maintains your student account. They are here to help you understand your invoice and payment options as well as disburse refunds and produce your 1098-T forms.

Student Accounting

ACCESS YOUR BILLING INFORMATION

PH O NE

Login to WebSTAC and select Billing & Bear Bucks. Select Pay/View My Bill to access your billing statement. Invite other payers to receive your monthly billing statement under Parent/Other User ID’s. All other information in WebSTAC will remain private. Students can view current transaction activity on WebSTAC under Billing & Bear Bucks/ Account Inquiry at any time.

H OUR S

8 AM–4:30 PM, Monday–Friday (314) 935-5274 (800) 758-0050 EM A IL

student.billing@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

financialservices.wustl.edu

Your first billing statement will be issued electronically in early July. Billing statements are generated on the last business day of the month. There are many methods of payment available. Visit our website at financialservices.wustl.edu/student-accounts to learn more.

washington university in st. louis | 79

BEAR BUCKS The Bear Bucks account is an optional cashless system for purchasing at select on-campus and off-campus services. Bear Bucks can be used for undergraduate residential laundry services, at select vending machines, for various printing services around campus, and at all campus dining locations.

Bear Bucks is accessed through your Washington University ID card; the same card that you will use for identification, building access, and your meal plan. Students can initially purchase Bear Bucks on their housing application. They can also open their account and manage it through GET (get.cbord.com/wuds). The GET link can also be found in WebSTAC or there is an app available on Google Play and Apple’s App Store. When a student logs into GET they can add Bear Bucks with a credit card or bill it to their student account. Up to $1,000 in Bear Bucks can be billed to a student account each semester. Other Bear Bucks facts: • Ninety-eight percent of all undergraduate students have a Bear Bucks account.

Bear Bucks is accepted at over 50 off-campus locations as well as the following places on campus: • Bear Cuts • Bear Necessities • Beary Sweet Shoppe

• Funds remain available until you leave the university.

• Campus Card Services

• Parents, guardians, or other relatives can quickly add additional funds with a credit card at get.cbord.com.

• Charles Knight Center Dining Room

BANKING OPTIONS

• CS40

While it may be easier to maintain a relationship with the bank you use at home, many students find that it’s convenient to have an account with a local bank. Bank of America has a full-service branch located right on campus on the second floor of Mallinckrodt Center (close to the Bunny). In addition, Bank of America ATMs are located on the South 40, the Village, and by Seigle Hall.

TIPS ON MANAGING YOUR MONEY • Record all checking account transactions as you make them.

• Reconcile your checking account at least once a month and check your online bank statement.

• Edison Theatre • Einstein Bros. Bagels • Habif Health & Wellness Center • Olin Library • Office for International Students and Scholars • Starbucks & Bauer Cafe • Student Union

• Establish a savings plan and try to set money aside for emergencies.

• Sumers Recreation Center

• Avoid unnecessary purchases, especially with credit cards.

• WU Campus Store

• For help, contact a Student Financial Services counselor.

• Wydown Water

A Note on Credit Cards

• Hitzeman Mail Services

A credit card can be convenient, but be sure to use it wisely. Carry only the minimum number of credit cards you actually need. Be aware of your credit account balance at all times, make your monthly payments on time, and make sure you have a plan to pay off your charges before making a purchase using credit. To prevent being a victim of credit card fraud, you must do all you can to guard yourself and your funds. Always check to make sure you know exactly where your credit cards are and consistently check the statements. In the event that your credit card is lost or stolen, immediately notify the credit card company.

• Harvey Media Center

80 | bear facts

• Wash-U-Wash

Visit card.wustl.edu/bear-bucks for a complete list of locations that accept Bear Bucks.

TECHNOLOGY ON CAMPUS

CELL PHONE SERVICE EXPECTATIONS

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY SERVICES

Four major cell phone providers have cell sites on or near Washington University’s Danforth Campus.

If you do not currently have a cell phone plan, we recommend making cell phone arrangements while on campus during Bear Beginnings.

(STS) STS supports Washington University residential students in addressing their technology needs. Services include virus removal, support for high speed internet connectivity (both wired and wireless), cable television, printing/3D printing, computer labs, etc. Our Student Technology Coordinators (STCs) serve within the residential colleges as the first point of contact of STS for student residents. Students interested in planning out future tech needs for students have the opportunity to join the STS-hosted Student Technology Advisory Committee (STAC).

STUDENT TECHNOLOGY COORDINATORS Each residential college has a Student Technology Coordinator (STC) who resides in the college and provides quick tech-related answers and/or solutions. This person is the liaison between STS and students and can provide you with updated information about current and future technology initiatives. We encourage you to get to know your STC as soon as you move in. Their complete contact information is available on our website as well as in your residential computer lab.

The advantages of local cell phone service include: • A local telephone number will make connecting with the university and local services easier and less expensive.

• A local carrier contact can answer specific questions about coverage and be responsive to issues while you are here.

• Pricing terms are available to students and staff and that may be advantageous to other plans. For those families that already have a cell phone plan, we recognize it may not be best for your circumstances to make additional local cell phone arrangements. We do, however, recommend you check with your current cellular service provider for details and commitments for their coverage within the university residential area.

PRINTING ON CAMPUS Students can print from anywhere by emailing documents as attachments to print@wustl.edu.

The document(s) will then be available to print from any print release station in the residential areas.

For submitting jobs to a residence hall lab printer, as well as to many other public printers on campus go to myprinting.wustl.edu. You do not need to worry about bringing a printer from home. Free 3D print services are also available at STS. For more information about printing, please visit sts.wustl.edu/services/printing.

Student Technology Services

ANGEL & PAUL HARVEY MEDIA CENTER

student.technology@wustl.edu

The Angel and Paul Harvey Media Center is a stateof-the-art media facility established to educate and empower the Washington University community to tell their stories through sight and sound technology. Visit the Harvey Media Center on the 3rd floor of the DUC to rent A/V and photography equipment, reserve studio space for recording, shooting video, audio mastering, and voiceover, or use Adobe Creative Suite on the iMacs in our Media Lab. For more info, visit mediacenter.wustl.edu.

sts.wustl.edu

LO C ATI O N & H OUR S

Gregg House, Lower Level (service desk, academic year) Sunday–Thursday: 12 PM–12 AM Friday and Saturday: 12 PM–6 PM PH O NE

(314) 935-8324 (TECH) (text) (314) 935-7100 (service desk) EM A IL

W EB S ITE

washington university in st. louis | 81

HELPFUL TECHNOLOGY TIPS AND INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS Technology and Copyright: Is copying ever right?

It is important to understand copyright laws apply to all intellectual works. We aren’t just talking about music and movies, but also software, photos, articles, and websites, for example. Only the copyright owner has the right to reproduce and distribute his or her work. Sharing copyrighted material without the owner’s permission is a violation of the law and can lead to serious legal sanctions. Washington University takes violations of copyright laws seriously, but it does so in the best interest of the students. Even if you don’t agree with the stance Washington University and other institutions have taken on this matter, it is in your best interest to refrain from engaging in this illegal activity. First of all, many of the methods used to share copyrighted material can cause serious problems to your computer, such as viruses and the installation of spyware software.

Secondly, a blemish such as a violation of the law on your permanent record is less than desirable.

If you are caught, you will be notified immediately and will have to speak with the appropriate authorities. File sharing is dangerous, both for your computer and yourself, and it simply isn’t worth it. For your sake and the sake of others, please find legal ways to acquire copyrighted material.

Check the Washington University IT, computer, and internet policies at wustl.edu/about/compliancepolicies/computers-internet-policies. For more information about copyright policies, visit library.wustl.edu/units/digital/copyright.

Microsoft Office for WashU Students All current degree-seeking students now have access to download the full Microsoft Office suite of applications for free through their Office 365 account. You can install Microsoft Office on up to five devices and may choose to install Windows and/or Mac OS versions. For detailed instructions on how to download and install Microsoft Office through Office 365, please review the installation instructions for Windows or Mac OS on email.wustl.edu/office-apps.

What to Bring With You This summer, remember to pack all the cables, cords, connections, manuals, and CDs for all the software installed on your machine. Remember to bring the information about your computer’s warranty (who to call) so you can get warranty service. STS cannot provide any hardware support for your machine (which could violate your warranty) but can assist you with getting connected to a vendor for help.

82 | bear facts

What if I Don’t Bring a Computer?

Labs equipped with a multi-purpose color printer/ scanner, and multiple iMac computers are located in each residential college (see the STS web page for a complete listing)and inside the Bear’s Den. On the Danforth Campus, each school has a computing center. Please see your school's website for schoolspecific tech info. Olin Library has computers and print stations as well as a limited number of laptops for short-term check out.

ONLINE LEADERSHIP Connect with your classmates, share your experiences, and establish yourself as a leader on campus and in the digital realm: • Respect your peers and community by remembering that your actions online have an impact beyond yourself.

• Consider the online privacy of others, and protect your own.

• Remember that once something is online, it’s permanent, and safeguard your reputation by managing your privacy settings.

• Exercise your right to free expression responsibly.

• Your voice has power. Use it to evoke positive change, thought, and innovation.

WASHU AT YOUR FINGERTIPS WUSTL MOBILE From finding your way around campus to viewing your grades, WUSTL Mobile provides you with convenient on-the-go information. Access the circulator schedule, course listings, dining menus, the directory, library information, maps, news, tech help, and WebSTAC. This app is compatible with iPhone and Android devices.

STAY IN TOUCH WITH #WASHU SOCIAL

Follow @WUSTL on Twitter

Find us on Facebook

Look for WUSTL Official on Instagram

Visit us on YouTube

Follow WUSTL_Official on Snapchat

UNIVERSITY STORES

BEAR NECESSITIES

WU CAMPUS STORE

Bear Necessities, located on the South 40, is a notfor-profit gift and convenience store operated by the Women’s Society of Washington University in St. Louis.

The Washington University Campus Store, located in Mallinckrodt Center, provides academic resources and services to the Washington University community. You can find everything you need at the WU Campus Store both in store and online at wubookstore.com!

Technology Department Located within the Campus Store, the Technology department carries an expanded selection of computer hardware, peripherals, accessories, and supplies.

Apple Service Center The Technology Department provides diagnostic service and repair to Apple laptops and desktops.

The Service Center does not repair iPads or iPhones.

Service Center hours are 10 AM–6 PM, Monday– Friday. It is located at the Technology Information Counter.

Software MS Office 365 is available for PC and Mac to students for free and can be downloaded through email.wustl.edu.

Apple As an Apple reseller, the Campus Store stocks the latest in Apple laptops and desktops at educational pricing (academic ID is required). Computers are available in-stock or configured to-order. iPad and iPad Pro are available at the Campus Store, and we are the place to go for all your Apple and iPhone accessories.

Dell and Microsoft Surface The Campus Store offers select Dell and Microsoft Surface configurations at educational discounts (academic ID is required) as a PC option on campus.

Conveniently located steps from your residence hall, the store specializes in WashU logo apparel, school supplies, and health and beauty products. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new WashU sweatshirt or need to grab a notebook, pen, or a toothbrush, Bear Necessities has what you’re looking for.

For parents and families, Bear Necessities offers fullservice support to help you celebrate your student’s special occasions from far away. For celebrations, the store has yummy custom-made birthday cakes as well as balloon bouquets for any occasion. Gifts can be ordered online, or call and talk to a personal shopper.

All proceeds fund student projects and scholarships.

Each year Bear Necessities supports four full scholarships and contributions to more than 30 WashU student projects through the Women’s Society of Washington University. Bear Necessities is not affiliated with the WU Campus Store.

WU Campus Store LO C ATI O N

Mallinckrodt Center, Danforth Campus PH O NE

(314) 935-5500 EM A IL

wustl@bkstr.edu W EB S ITE

wubookstore.com

Peripherals and Supplies

Bear Necessities

The Campus Store carries a complete selection of mice, keyboards, laptop sleeves, protective gear for tablets and phones, bags and locks, and data storage devices.

LO C ATI O N

Umrath House, South 40 PH O NE

(314) 935-5071 EM A IL

wubearnecessities@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

bearnecessities.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 83

84 | bear facts

CHAPTER FIVE

OUR NAMES, OUR STORIES washington university in st. louis | 85

OUR NAMES, OUR STORIES At Washington University, we strive to know all students by name and story. While some of us may share names, we all have our own unique story to tell. This section aims to share some of those stories with you. The university aspires to be a supportive, inclusive, and diverse community. To this end, we hold the following values for our campus.

SECTION CONTENTS

• • • • •

The WashU Bubble Starting School As...

Getting Connected Cultural Connections A New and Diverse Community

COMMUNITY VALUES STATEMENT FOR WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST. LOUIS We, as members of the Washington University community, strive to ENGAGE, LEARN, RESPECT, and INCLUDE to know each other by name and story.

ENGAGE

RESPECT

• We are valued members of the Washington University community.

• We act with kindness and empathy.

• We seek out different perspectives and experiences.

• We share our stories and listen to others.

LEARN • We hold the courage to speak up, take risks, and make mistakes.

• We challenge ourselves to think critically and reflect upon our actions and words.

• We discover and explore identity.

86 | bear facts

• We are responsible to our community and for our actions.

• We will forgive and be forgiven.

INCLUDE • We welcome differences as well as commonalities.

• We learn from others.

• We value others.

THE WASHU BUBBLE A WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH UNIVERSITY WITH THE FEEL OF A SMALL COLLEGE WashU might be a campus of 14,000 students (about 7,100 undergraduates), but our medium-size research university often feels like a smaller liberal arts college thanks to all of the opportunities you’ll have to get to know other students and faculty members. See what we mean:

Raven was the Residential College Director in William Greenleaf Elliot Residential College where Jackie and Grace lived during their first year

Raven Robinson

Grace Hass-Hill Kevin Wang

Sophia Tomatz

Performers in an all-male a cappella group

First–year and Sophomore Suitemates Attended an Immersive Experience together

Armaan Nallicheri

Karina Marin

Jackie Baik Members of Sophomore Honorary

Members of PreLaw Professional Fraternity

Members of Co-ed Latinx Fraternity

Athletes on the WashU Varsity Track Team

Elaine Kim Sorority Sisters Members of Professional Business Fraternity

Antonia Aguilar–Rosenthal

WashU International Relations Council

Simone Hanna

Evelyn Shao

Members of WashU’s Social Programming Board

Neil Agarwal

Dean Gore is Antonia's Four– Year Adviser

Summer McKenna

ROTC Cadets

First–year and Sophomore Floormates

Graham Webb Dean Nicole Gore

Jonan Sugarman

Lydia Nickels

washington university in st. louis | 87

STARTING SCHOOL AS...

Hey there! It’s the First Year Center Executive Board again. We each arrived at WashU with a diverse set of backgrounds and experiences, and we know the same is true for you as well. These experiences influenced our expectations about starting school at WashU. We wanted to share some of our reflections and the reflections of our peers with you as you prepare to arrive on campus. We hope these stories will help you frame your own expectations and alleviate some of the nervousness you may be feeling. Each of these stories was written by a student here at WashU. Enjoy!

A STUDENT FROM A SMALL TOWN Despite going to school in the same state as WashU all my life, no one from my high school had ever attended WashU; no one had ever applied to WashU. Attending a four-year university in general was atypical in my small Missouri town. Many of my peers had plans to join the military, attend community college, or head to the workforce.

Even my guidance counselors had little information about four-year universities and the college application process. Nevertheless, here I am two years later at one of the most prestigious schools in the country, three hours away from my small-town streets. The path from my hometown to WashU was ridden with obstacles and paved with hard work. The path from life in my hometown to life at WashU proved even more challenging at times. Yet, I stand as proof that you can forge ahead on both of these paths, even when the journey gets tough. Here’s how: As a member of a small community, you are no stranger to hard work for the betterment of yourself and those around you.

Perhaps the biggest adjustment from my rural high school to my suburban research university was the increase in academic rigor.

Before attending WashU, I had never taken an AP class or even a final exam. In the weeks leading up to Move-In Day, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep up with my peers due to my limited academic background. For the first few weeks of school, I didn’t keep up with my peers. To my surprise, it wasn’t my academic background that was holding me back, it was my own worry and self-doubt. WashU is full of academic resources that ensure that all students can receive the assistance that they need. For the first few weeks, I was afraid to ask for help, thinking that I had to prove myself without it. However, when I saw my roommate—a girl from a big city and prestigious public high school—leave for a tutoring session, I realized that every student was transitioning to college classes and rigor and did not hesitate to ask for help regardless of their academic background. Since my first semester, I have regularly consulted with campus academic resources, discovered what study methods work best for me, channeled my natural work ethic, and stayed well on course with my peers.

Your small-town roots make you a natural community-builder.

One of my biggest worries as a first-year student was making new friends in college. My best friends back home were individuals that I had known since elementary school; I considered them family. I couldn’t imagine how I could find that type of closeness with people that I had never met. Now, when I think about my best friends, over half of them are people that I did not know a year ago. College is an environment for relationship-building unlike any other. Back home, I thought my friends lived close because they lived within a five-minute drive from me. In college, my friends literally live five feet away. The closeness and community that I knew growing up is easily replicated in college—whether it takes shape through your first-year floor, a student group, a campus ministry, a study group, or even while 88 | bear facts

Starting School As...

•

A Student from a Small Town

•

A First-Generation Student

•

A Student from a Small High School

•

A Student with Dietary Restrictions

•

A Student on Financial Aid

•

A Student with a Learning Disability

•

A Spiritual Student

•

An LGBTQIA Student

•

A Multicultural Student

•

An International Student

•

A Student from the South

•

A Student from the West Coast

•

A Student from the East Coast

Visit firstyear.wustl.edu for additional student stories and insights. Other Starting School As stories include: •

A Pre-Health Student

•

A Non-Pre-Health Student

•

A Student from St. Louis

•

A Student from the Midwest

•

A Student from a CloseKnit Family

•

A Student from a Large High School

•

A Student from a Public School

•

A Student from an AllGirls High School

•

A Student the First Time Away from Home

•

An Only Child

•

The Youngest Child

waiting in line for stir-fry. And as community-oriented individuals, small town students are the best ones to help build those communities.

Your background makes you diverse—embrace it!

It is no secret that the majority of WashU students hail from cities and major suburbs. The rural student population is slim, but it is not unseen. Some of my best friends at WashU are other small-town students who have experienced many of the same transition obstacles as myself. We ensure that our voices are heard and our experiences are valued, whether that is by running for student government, facilitating dialogue about diversity within student groups, or simply sharing our experiences with friends. I have provided a sense of perspective to many other students by sharing my background, just as my perspective has been radically transformed from what has been shared with me by students of all backgrounds. College is about embracing all of who you are, including your unique, smalltown roots.

A FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT Even though nobody in my family attended college, there was always an unspoken expectation that I would go to college. My family immigrated to the United States just before I was born, so neither my parents nor my grandparents had a chance to pursue a degree. When I was accepted to WashU, it not only felt like my personal success, but the success of my family. I saw going to WashU as a way to bring honor to my family. I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me, but I was excited to take it on.

Calling my family and telling them about WashU made me realize how much they didn’t know about college life. Things that I was starting to become familiar with, like a syllabus or distribution requirements, were unknown to my family. At first, I didn’t know who to ask about issues I was having—my mom didn’t know how to help me with talking with professors nor did she know how to insert citations into my first Writing 1 paper. On the other hand, it felt like many of my friends already had the college thing figured out. Their parents were able to relay important personal experiences to them while I was still explaining to my family how housing, classes, Greek life, and financial aid worked.

Feeling this way was tough in the beginning, but now I often don’t even notice a difference between me and peers. I have taken full advantage of many resources as WashU, such as my four-year adviser, my RAs, the Writing Center, the Career Center, and Cornerstone (just to name a few) to gain the necessary support and information. The resources here are highly accessible and easy to use—making an appointment with my adviser or at the Career Center only takes a few clicks online. These resources provided support to stay on top of my schoolwork. I have someone to read over my essays, help me develop a four-year plan and craft resumes and cover letters, and keep me updated on campus and the community. The journey of college has been extremely fulfilling because I not only worked extra hard to be a successful college student, but also have brought a special kind of pride to my family.

A STUDENT FROM A SMALL HIGH SCHOOL I grew up in a high school where my graduating class was 42 people.

My school ran from kindergarten through 12th grade, so I’d known most of my friends since before we knew how to read. As I walked through the hallways of my high school, I knew not just everybody’s name, but their parents, their siblings, and a lot about their washington university in st. louis | 89

personality. Coming to a mid-sized college like WashU was terrifying at first—I couldn’t remember the last time I had to actively try to make friends and meet people. I was worried about not being able to find such a tight-knit community that existed at my high school. I was scared I wouldn’t have instant connections with my classmates and professors, but at the same time, felt excited about the opportunity to meet so many new and interesting people. I remember looking around at Convocation and feeling lost and scared at the sight of so many unfamiliar faces. Pretty soon, however, those strangers turned into people I wave to in the Underpass, members of study groups for Calculus, suitemates I stay up late watching movies with, and friends that I grab sandwiches with.

The transition to a larger community like WashU was definitely intimidating at first, but my anxieties wore off in the first few weeks. It was tough at first to not share any hilarious stories or inside jokes with people I had just met like I did with my high school friends, but I’m happy I was patient with my friendships. What was difficult was reaching out to friends first—a skill that didn’t need to be cultivated in a small high school. But as I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, introduced myself more often, and asked more people to grab dinner with me, I noticed that I recognized more people on campus and felt more at home. People that I studied with for Intro to Computer Science became friends that I got dinner in BD with. Floormates I met on the first day of school became people I went to my favorite concerts with. Academically, I made a point to sign up for at least one small class every semester and attend office hours in large lecture classes.

Sometimes, I can’t even imagine I went to a high school so small because of how many friends and professors I connect with daily.

My friends and I always joke that it’s impossible to not wave to someone you know if you step outside your room. Even coming from a tiny high school, I have found WashU to be the perfect size—small enough to feel like you are a valued, known member of the community, but large enough where you meet new people nearly every day.

A STUDENT WITH DIETARY RESTRICTIONS The summer after my first year at WashU, I began eating vegetarian. I wasn’t sure how it’d go or if it’d last, but I just wanted to try it. Oddly enough, I really enjoyed it! However, I soon became anxious about how going back to school would influence my recent lifestyle change, and whether or not I’d have enough vegetarian options at school to continue eating that way. During my first-year at school, my favorite meals were burgers, chicken tenders, and beef stir-fry, so I had no clue what kind of vegetarian options Dining Services offered.

And while I love salads, grilled cheeses, and peanut 90 | bear facts

butter and jelly sandwiches, I was really hoping that I wouldn’t end up eating those three things on a daily basis.

While talking to a vegan friend about these concerns, she suggested that I meet with the Director of University Nutrition at WashU, Connie Diekman. So, I emailed Connie with my name and my concerns to see if we could set up a meeting, and she was more than happy to meet with me. As Connie explained to me that day, WashU actually does a lot for students with dietary restrictions of all kinds, including students who have food allergies or eat vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or halal.

As I learned that day, Dining Services provides ingredients lists both online and on location for the many foods that they serve. In addition, students can access the GETFood service, which allows students to pre-order meals that can be specifically ordered to meet students’ dietary restrictions.

As I went through the semester, I began to realize that WashU Dining Services weren’t just accommodating my dietary restriction, they truly made it easy for me to eat good, vegetarian food at many places around campus without having to feel stressed or burdened. In Bear’s Den and the DUC, there are countless options so that I never have to be eating the same meals over and over again. And even at the smaller dining facilities, there are almost always options that fit my dietary restrictions as well. While I thought that eating within my dietary restriction at WashU would be challenging, it actually turned out to be even easier than meeting it was at home.

My experience with Connie and the entire Dining Services staff has been so pleasant, and I would encourage any student with concerns about their own dietary restriction to reach out to the dining services as well. Being fed well is crucial to having the energy and drive to push through a long day of class, clubs, and social activities, and no student should feel like they don’t have the nutrition they need to succeed. Lucky for the students of WashU, the school and WashU Dining Services does a great job to make sure that all students are taken care of and can find good food to eat no matter their dietary restriction.

A STUDENT ON FINANCIAL AID Coming into WashU, I knew that I was receiving generous financial aid, but I was nervous that my classmates could treat me differently. I grew up in an area and attended a high school that were mostly lower to middle class, and I had never interacted with the wealth that would be typical of a private institution. It was shocking at first to meet students much wealthier than me, but it doesn’t make much of a difference in day-to-day life. After a year and a half on campus, I can honestly say that the students at WashU could care less which students are receiving financial aid. There is a wide

spectrum of students receiving financial aid, so no person on campus can be labeled as a “financial aid student.” I have never felt pressured to disclose if I’m on financial aid or not, or what my family’s financial situation is.

WashU is still working on its socioeconomic diversity, but there are a variety of opportunities on campus to help students on financial aid feel included. Besides financial aid that the school offers, there are resources designed to help students with extra costs associated with college life. Recently, Student Union implemented an Opportunity Fund to offset fees for student group events. I have taken advantage of the TRiO program which offers a supplemental grant used for books and supplies. As a whole though, both WashU and St. Louis have many free attractions. Some of my fondest memories are heading to the Balloon Glow with my first-year floor and reading a book on Art Hill with a friend. Cultural performances like Diwali and Black Anthology provide subsidies for tickets.

There is no shortage of ways to have fun here at WashU, without having to be anxious about money.

Student Financial Services has been accommodating to my family’s changing situations.

If you have financial concerns, talk with your student financial aid adviser. Additionally, my package was generous enough to provide me with a work-study job to help cover my tuition. I was used to having a job at home, so I was really excited to work on campus. Most friends at home also had jobs, but this was not the case my first semester.

It was tough in the beginning to be working while many of my friends relaxed or did homework. Now, in my second year, a majority of my friends work jobs, and thinking about saving money is the norm.

Even though there are resources on campus, it is still hard to be more worried about money than many other students. When money is tight, I can’t afford to go out to eat on the Loop or other extras.

Finding an affinity of students who share similar situations and using campus resources has given me a community at WashU that is supportive of students on financial aid.

A STUDENT WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY Growing up with dyslexia, I was never personally responsible for making sure I got the accommodations I needed. My school and my parents took care of everything; I just needed to use the resources they put in place for me. In college, however, that all changed for me (and it likely will for you too). If you will be 18 or older when you come to WashU, your parents will not be able to secure accommodations for you. In college and beyond, you must take the initiative and be your own advocate. For me this was a big shift; no longer did everything just fall into my lap. I had to take responsibility so that I could receive the

resources that I needed to succeed. I was, of course, afraid that I would mess up and wouldn’t get the help and accommodations that I needed. Luckily, WashU has an amazing place called Cornerstone: The Learning Center, which houses Disability Resources. Cornerstone has a large full-time staff whose sole purpose is to help students succeed.

As soon as I went to Disability Resources, all my anxieties disappeared. They sat down with me, asked me what I needed to succeed, and then told me exactly what to do so I could receive the proper accommodations. I have never once felt ashamed of my learning disability or of the resources I receive.

Students and faculty alike have all been respectful of my needs and courteous of my accommodations.

Because of the hard work of the Cornerstone staff and the initiative that I took, I have been able to succeed at a higher level than I ever thought possible.

Finally, here are some tips if you think you may qualify for accommodations: >

Be proactive and don’t procrastinate. As soon as you know you are coming to WashU, contact Disability Resources (cornerstone.wustl.edu) so you can begin the process and everything can be set up by the time classes begin.

>

Follow deadlines. If you qualify for accommodations, you need to meet deadlines in order to receive them for classes or tests.

>

If you have a question or concern, speak up. This is the easiest way to make sure everything goes smoothly for you.

A SPIRITUAL STUDENT Growing up as a Muslim in an almost exclusively Christian town, I had learned to keep my religious affiliation to a minimum in fear of standing out too much from my peers. My family maintained a relatively traditional Islamic lifestyle which included things like refraining from alcohol and pork, taking Quran lessons, and going to the mosque for Sunday school. Staying in touch with my religion was easy when at home, but at school I made sure not to speak much about my religion except when asked questions whenever they came up in class or conversation. When the sound of the call to prayer rang loud on my mother’s phone during a cross-country meeting for students and parents, I remember feeling a rush of embarrassment as I knew that the sound was foreign to my teammates. And despite my closest friends knowing me well, I still felt uncomfortable disclosing the fact that as a Muslim, I prayed five times a day. These concerns were at the forefront of my worries before coming to college.

Although I knew that I’d be surrounded by people of all different religious backgrounds including my own, I was very apprehensive about what I would say to my roommate, for example, when I first had washington university in st. louis | 91

to lay out that prayer rug five times a day. However, upon arriving on move-in day, the multitude of students and staff present to welcome new students made me feel right at home. I immediately told my roommate about my praying habits and received not only acceptance by her but also a prior understanding of Islamic customs that I did not even need to explain.

In the first weeks of school, I began sharing more and more about how I practiced my religion. The more I shared about Islam, the more I learned about the religions of those around me on a level much deeper than anything I experienced in high school both in the classroom and with my peers. There is something truly unique about living on a campus as religiously diverse as WashU, where students are able to engage in not only conversation about religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism, but also have firsthand experiences by going to events such as Fast-a-thon hosted by the Muslim Student Association, or Friday evening Shabbat dinner at the Chabad House. WashU also offers various food options for specific diets such as Halal and Kosher options at nearly every dining facility, making the lives of students with religious dietary needs as convenient and comfortable as possible. WashU students are well aware of the fact that learning is a lifelong experience and there is no better way to foster a community of acceptance and kindness than through understanding the needs and behaviors of the people around them, including spiritual behaviors. For this reason, I am proud to say I am a Muslim student at WashU who can practice my religion openly and simultaneously be engaged in the beliefs and practices of others.

Religious and Spiritual Student Organizations For Washington University students who would like to participate in a faith community, there are many student religious groups, and several churches and synagogues are within walking distance from campus. The list of recognized student religious groups is maintained by the Washington University Interfaith Campus Ministries Association (IFCMA). For more information, please visit wustl.edu/currentstudents/religious-life.

AN LGBTQIA STUDENT I come from a conservative part of America. While I recognized I was gay for a long time, I shared it with no one for most of high school.

Only in my senior year did I come out to a few, trusted friends. I entered college apprehensive of my new peers and environment.

Hardly any of my friends knew the truth during my entire first year. I fretted that letting others know I was gay would change everything.

Near the end of my first year, one of my close friends came out. His announcement caught me by surprise, but didn’t change anything between us. I realized from that experience, and over the course of the year, that WashU was incredibly accepting. My sophomore year I resolved to come out to my friends. I told my closest friends and experienced only love and support after some initial surprise. Finally everyone knew and none of my relationships changed. The only difference was that I could live more openly and freely on campus. I wished I had come out sooner.

I’m still not out to my family. While I don’t expect anything bad to happen, it’s important to recognize everyone has a unique coming out process. Some people in your life will know before others. What works for me may not work for you. I’m a relatively private person so I’ll never post a big coming out announcement on social media or make a video about it. I told people in person or slipped mention of it into casual conversation. While that was enough for me, it may not be enough for others.

For those who struggle with coming out or just want to know about the queer community at WashU, we have some great LGBTQIA* resources. WashU Pride Alliance is the largest and hosts a variety of great events like Trans* Awareness Week, formals and dances, and guest speakers. Other groups include PLUS, Transcending Gender, SafeZones, and OPEN. I really recommend OPEN for those like me who are navigating coming out. It’s a small, confidential group of students going through the same thing that meets privately in a safe space on 92 | bear facts

LGBTQIA Student Organizations Connections*, Open, People Like Us (+PLUS), Pride Alliance, Safe Zones, Transcending Gender, WashU Ace & Aro

campus. It’s a great opportunity to share experiences and is facilitated by fellow students. But you don’t have to join an LGBTQIA group to find acceptance at WashU. In the clubs and classes you participate in everyday, you will find friendship, love, and acceptance. Faculty, staff, and students are incredibly supportive. LGBTQIA students still face challenges in the world, but the WashU community is a welcoming and amazing place to be yourself and gain acceptance! *LGBTQIA: Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Questioning Intersex Asexual

A MULTICULTURAL STUDENT I grew up in a home with a Greek mother and Spanish father while attending a French school. If you’re counting the number of cultures, that comes out to four. I grew up eating lamb and roast potatoes with fasolakia on Thanksgiving, eating a tortilla Española with a traditional paella on Christmas Eve, and doing the Galette des Rois for Mardis Gras. For Christmas, we decided to pay homage to the United States and make a turkey and stuffing, but this was the only holiday that resembled anything that my classmates were doing. I had cousins from all over the world, none of whom spoke the same native language, who always wanted to know what was going on in my life. We were all so close, and I was nervous that going to school away from my family was going to cause me to lose the ties I had to these cultures. Thankfully, WashU has a ton of cultural groups on campus, which are open to all students, that put on fantastic cultural shows and make a bunch of amazing food. I found myself feeling so much more comfortable with the community around me and found awesome people who were interested in learning more about our cultures and who shared the same interest in learning about, celebrating, and embracing many different cultures, as I do.

AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT The fear first dawned on me as I sat through the 14-hour flight to go to school. I would not be able to be home for another three months.

Not only scared of going into a new phase in life, I doubted if I could learn the American way, overcome the language barrier, and find my place in the school. With my attempts to hide my fears, origin, and homesickness, I found myself struggling more with my identity. I started to realize it is okay to not know about certain aspects of the culture or to make grammar mistakes when speaking. Often times, people are extremely friendly and will patiently explain. That’s how we learn.

While I worked through my lack of cultural knowledge and fear, I also learned to reconnect with my home. I called family often, shared stories about my hometown with my new friends, joined cultural groups, and found local cuisine on the Loop or bought snacks online.

After learning to embrace my identity as an international student, I was able to find myself making a second home here at WashU. Here is my advice to you: Do not be afraid to admit that you miss home and take all the time you need to adjust to the new environment. It takes great courage to adapt to a new culture, but know that you are not alone. You can always find a supportive community here that is more than happy to help you ease through the transition. Reach out if you need help adjusting. Stix International House, home of the Office for International Students and Scholars, can be a great resource.

They provide advising for students and have various programs to help international students meet one another and form friendships.

Multicultural Student Organizations: African Students Association, Ashoka, Asian American Association, Asian Multicultural Council, Asian Music Association, Association of Black Students, Association of Latin American Students, Black Anthology, Black PreLaw Association, Black Senior Alliance, Chinese Students Association, Diversity Affairs Council, Hawaii Club, Hong Kong Students Association, Japan Peer Network, Kendo Club, Korean International Student Society, Korean Students Association, Lunar New Year Festival, Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, Mariachi Cuicacalli, Mixed, National Black MBA Association, National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, National Society of Black Engineers, Native American Student Association, PL4Y, QUEENS, Russian Club, Samulnori, Sensasians, Singapore Students Association, Sisters of Color, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Sur Taal Laya, Taiwanese Students Organization, Thai Student Association, TRUTH: Teaching Racial Understanding Through Honesty, Vietnamese Students Association, WU Bhangra, WU Chaahat, WU Garba, WU RAAS, WU Sauce, YoWU

Even though there is no place like home, try to enjoy your time at WashU as much as you can. WashU offers a great opportunity to washington university in st. louis | 93

meet people from all over the world with diverse backgrounds. While navigating through a new community can be intimidating, try not to let your fear keep you from having a great college experience.

I challenge you to reach beyond your comfort zone, to meet new friends, to learn about new and different cultures, and to share your story.

A STUDENT FROM THE SOUTH Being from Arkansas, I was kind of nervous about going to school at a university like WashU that brings in students from so many places across the country. However, I found the majority of conversations that I’ve had with people about where I’m from have been really pleasant. Teaching my peers about what Arkansas is actually like has turned out to be a very rewarding experience, and one I’ve enjoyed a lot.

However, there was one big change and one that I did not expect when I first came to school. It gets so cold in St. Louis compared to where I’m from! Yes, we have snow every once in a while in Arkansas, but winter in St. Louis can be a bit rough if you aren’t prepared. Luckily, I went home for Thanksgiving Break right around when it started to cool down in St. Louis, and I came back prepared. Especially as someone who isn’t as used to the cold weather, there are a few must haves for the St. Louis winter months.

Make sure you bring a big jacket, a warm hat, and some warm shoes. I know the shoes sound kind of silly, but I had some friends back home who wear their sandals year-round. That would not fly in St. Louis.

In addition, I found it really useful to have a warm pair of gloves, some warm socks, and plenty of scarves. I don’t think I’d worn a scarf more than a handful of times before I came to school here, but when January rolls around, it’s hard to find me without one now.

Overall, coming to WashU as a student from the South has been a great experience. The cold and the questions were intimidating at first, but I’ve enjoyed WashU so much. Being a proud Arkansan is a central part of that.

A STUDENT FROM THE WEST COAST When I told my friends that I was going to WashU in St. Louis, they said “You’re going to school in the Midwest? What made you choose to go there?” It was a great question being from Los Angeles, where we have no seasons. Why St. Louis? I knew it was a special place when applying for colleges, but after spending the course of a year complete with all four seasons, I realized how unique this Midwestern city is.

St. Louis offers tons of great restaurants and cafés near campus on the Delmar Loop which reminded me somewhat of L.A. While some of the food choices are similar to what is available in L.A., I appreciate being surrounded by Midwestern food, especially BBQ. St. Louis has also exposed me to cuisines I have never even tried in L.A. St. Louis also has a wealth of cultural attractions, including the Missouri History Museum and Saint Louis Art Museum, which are both free. The Saint Louis Zoo is also free and they are all very close to each other in Forest Park. In comparison to L.A., St. Louis is much easier to get around, especially with the MetroLink. There are so many different activities to do in St. Louis special to the city, including the City Museum, the Missouri Botanical Garden, and Ted Drewes famous frozen custard.

St. Louis also has fall and winter seasons. It’s so special to experience seeing the leaves change color and snow fall outside your window, something I never got to experience at home. I love the seasons; they 94 | bear facts

excite me during the holidays and also clearly show the year is progressing. Winter is cold, especially for West Coasters who have lived in warm weather all of their lives, but it is magical to spend time ice skating or sledding. I can finally wear my winter clothes, which are typically stuffed in the back of my closet.

One of my favorite parts of living in St. Louis is the people. St. Louisans are incredibly friendly and open, a huge part of making this place feel like home. For example, even the Walgreens down the street from WashU is one the best shops I’ve ever been to because the workers truly care so much and are always so welcoming and helpful. On campus, staff are like family and have been very gracious and loving to the students. I have found genuine and caring people and smiling faces in the Midwest.

After my first year at WashU, I fell in love with the city. I’m glad I came from the West Coast to explore a whole new city and experience the Midwest.

A STUDENT FROM THE EAST COAST Before starting the college process, I had never heard of WashU. My school criteria were: not too big, not too small, and preferably near a city, so I thought I was going to end up somewhere in the northeast, which was comfortably similar to home.

In meetings with my college counselor we talked about countless schools up along the East Coast, but she also encouraged me to consider other regions. I knew I didn’t want to swelter in the heat, so the South was out, and I thought the West Coast would be too far, which left me with the Midwest.

Going to school in Washington, D.C., “Washington University” brought another university to mind, but once my college counselor mentioned WashU, I started hearing about it everywhere. Suddenly I noticed when a friend’s mom mentioned her brother-in-law worked at the WashU School of Medicine and when several students in the grade above me decided they would attend WashU the next year.

But St. Louis? The entirety of my knowledge of St. Louis consisted of “there’s a big arch there,” and I liked the fast-paced feel of the East Coast. Despite my reservations, my mom and I visited campus on a very hot and very humid summer day, and when I left I thought, “I think I might go here.” I didn’t love WashU yet and didn’t even know that much about it, but I felt like it was a place that would work for me.

itself to scenic stops in the Blue Ridge Mountains and Christmas shops in Santa Claus, Indiana. And then there’s St. Louis itself. I was right. St. Louis is definitely different than D.C. St. Louis isn’t huge, with thousands of people walking purposefully through the streets, but it’s definitely a city with pride and an identity all its own. As the semesters roll on, St. Louis and, importantly, WashU, have felt more and more like home, and with each class, excursion, or day spent relaxing in my room, I find more reasons I’m glad I chose to come here.

GETTING CONNECTED CENTER FOR DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is a community resource to learn about diversity, social justice, and identity. The center’s staff supports and advocates for students from traditionally underrepresented or marginalized populations and creates collaborative partnerships with campus and community members to promote dialogue and social change. The center is open for students to engage formally through attending programs, workshops, and trainings. The campus community is also welcome and encouraged to participate informally by spending time in the center or connecting with the staff, undergraduate interns, and graduate fellows.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion is located on the 3rd floor of the Danforth University Center in Suite 330.

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion PH O NE

(314) 935-7535 EM A IL

diversityandinclusion@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

diversityinclusion.wustl.edu

After the months of applications, I was excited when I finally decided on WashU, but all of my friends were staying on the East Coast, and every once in a while I would think “I’m going to live in Missouri” with the realization I did not know much about the region. Now with a fair few trips under my belt, I’ve realized the plane ride to St. Louis is a quick one, and the drive is just as enjoyable, lending washington university in st. louis | 95

BIAS REPORT AND SUPPORT SYSTEM

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Washington University values diversity, inclusion, and human dignity, and strives to foster an environment in which all community members are respected and able to take part in academic, co-curricular, and social activities. Unfortunately, though, there are times when an incident may occur that doesn’t fall in line with those values and expectations. The university developed a system through which students, faculty, staff, and community members who have experienced or witnessed incidents of bias, prejudice, or discrimination involving a student can report their experiences to the university’s Bias Report and Support System (BRSS) team.

Some of WashU’s greatest traditions are the campus-wide cultural shows held throughout the academic year. The four signature events include Diwali, Lunar New Year Festival, Black Anthology, and Carnaval. These performances are put on throughout the year by various student groups and often sell out Edison Theatre. They include skits, dances, and other performances by students.

Housed in the Center for Diversity & Inclusion, the BRSS promotes an inclusive community at Washington University by providing a central, streamlined process for reporting incidents of hate, bias, and/or discrimination involving students.

DIWALI Diwali is a major festival originating in the subcontinent of India. It is commonly known in the Hindu religion as the “Festival of Lights,” but is celebrated widely by a variety of cultures and religions around the world, such as Sikhism and Jainism. At Washington University, Diwali is one of the most widely anticipated and largest studentrun productions, drawing participants from various ethnic and religious backgrounds in order to make the show an integrated experience of cultures.

LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL

The BRSS team comprises trained Washington University faculty and staff who work to: •

Support students who have witnessed or been the target of bias-related incidents

•

Refer community members to campus partners, groups, or individuals who can provide ongoing support

•

Inform the community about the frequency and nature of bias incidents reported through the BRSS

Bias Report and Support System EM A IL

brss@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

brss.wustl.edu

96 | bear facts

The Lunar New Year Festival is an annual production celebrating the Lunar New Year and promoting awareness of East Asian culture through traditional and contemporary performances.

Interspersed throughout the show is a skit seeking to engage the community in a social justice issue affecting the Asian-American community, and fundraising throughout the year aims to give back to the surrounding community.

Completely student-run, this show brings together performances from various parts of East Asia for an exhilarating cultural celebration!

BLACK ANTHOLOGY Black Anthology was founded in 1989 to commemorate the history and progress of people of African descent. The production has evolved from a compilation of skits (an anthology) of wellknown poetry or theater to a fully scripted play that is student written, choreographed, and produced. The productions look at issues impacting Black identity.

CARNAVAL Carnaval is the annual Latin American cultural show organized by the Association of Latin American Students. The celebration is named after the grand festivals of music and dancing that occur throughout the world on the eve of Lent, with the most popular carnavales being the ones held each year in Brazil. Each year, the show’s skit touches on current events and topics affecting the Latinx population and features several dances that encompass the vast culture and art throughout Latin America.

A NEW AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY Aiden Blinn

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 As someone whose graduating class was 93 people, the first few days of college were overwhelming. I was floored by how seemingly large my new home was, and I found myself lost in a sea of new faces and new names that—despite my best efforts—I had trouble remembering. Eventually, I found my close friends and started feeling more at home in my residence hall and in my classes. During that initial adjustment period, in addition to exploring my academic and social interests, I learned a lot about what diversity means at a school like WashU. I learned that diversity takes many forms, some of which I had never considered until my first year of college. The factors that influence student diversity include students from different countries, cultures, identities, and backgrounds as well as academic interests, hobbies, life experiences, and more. Each student is the intersection of a multitude of factors, and WashU students cannot (and should not) be defined by only one or two identifiers.

Coming from an all-boys school in Texas, I was not sure how to relate to peers with backgrounds so different from my own. I was worried about coming across as ignorant or dismissive of identities that I had not yet encountered and did not understand.

For those of you who find yourself feeling this way in August, here is what I would recommend: be open. Be open to forming new friendships. Be open to identities and ways of thinking you might not have encountered in high school (or ever). Your peers will have so much to teach you about their perspectives and experiences, so make sure you are listening.

washington university in st. louis | 97

98 | bear facts

C H A P T ER S I X

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM washington university in st. louis | 99

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Create your story here. As a college student, academics are your first priority. Also important is how you choose to complement your learning with opportunities and experiences outside the classroom.

What are your current interests? What would you like to try? How and where do you want to leave your mark at WashU? You have many choices ahead of you. In this section, we have created a snapshot of many of the opportunities available to you. Whether your interests lie in student government, fraternity or sorority life, sports, religious organizations, or even Quidditch, WashU has something for you.

Your co-curricular life is just as important as your academic life. So again, we challenge you to create your story here and be remarkable!

FIRST YEAR CENTER The First Year Center supports new students through their transition into the Washington University community to ensure that they build and sustain their academic and personal goals. The Center brings together people, programs, and resources to provide an undergraduate experience of exceptional quality where all students are known by name and story and where they prepare themselves for lives of purpose and meaning.

100 | bear facts

SECTION CONTENTS

• First Year Center • A Day in the Life • A Backstage Pass to the First 40 Experience • Campus Life • When to Get Involved • Student Government • Civic and Community Engagement • Co-Curricular Activities • Sports on Campus • Arts on Campus • School Spirit and Traditions

WELCOME FROM LORI S. WHITE LORI S. WHITE, PhD

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs I am the lady who wears pink tennis shoes on campus and the self-appointed school spirit police to “call you out” if you’re wearing anything but WashU gear. Who am I? I am the vice chancellor for student affairs at Washington University. Please stop to introduce yourself and let me invite you to lunch.

As the vice chancellor for student affairs, my colleagues and I focus on the services and environment outside of the classroom. We are the folks who coordinate orientation, work in the Danforth University Center, the Sumers Recreation Center, and your residence halls. We are the ones to encourage your support of WashU’s spirit and traditions, including its 17 varsity sports and athletic teams. We’ll get you connected with leadership and other involvement opportunities, and we’ll make sure you are staying healthy, both physically and mentally, and are making good choices related to your personal and community behavior. We’ll provide a range of academic and advising support services and help you chart your post-graduation path.

I’m sure when your family and friends congratulated you on your acceptance to Washington University, you heard that college

would be the best years of your life. You have chosen to attend a top academic institution, one that will provide a range of opportunities and experiences and prepare you for a successful and satisfying future. I look forward to welcoming you personally, learning your name and unique story. I know you will have many “best years” and sincerely hope the time you spend at WashU is among them.

Go Bears!

JUNE AND JULY Bear Bulletin E-Newsletter The Bear Bulletin is an e-newsletter first-year students receive throughout their first year. The newsletters will focus on important dates, deadlines, on-campus events, and announcements from the First Year Center. Be sure to watch for the first edition of the Class of 2023 Bear Bulletin in early June 2019.

First Year Center PH O NE

(314) 935-5040 EM A IL

firstyearcenter@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

firstyear.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 101

A DAY IN THE LIFE Sarah Juang

Olin Business School Class of 2021 Beep beep! I hear my alarm clock start buzzing at 8:30 AM on a Tuesday morning. I see the sun peeking through my window blinds and I can tell the weather is going to be perfect. I open the blinds to see students slowly walking towards campus with their backpacks in T-shirts and shorts. It’s the middle of September and the St. Louis heat is still in full force. I grab my phone while still in bed to check my email, Instagram, and Facebook. I first reply to messages, check emails updates from professors about last night's homework, and lastly I read my daily digest on the most important news stories. I get out of bed and start getting ready by putting together my outfit and some light makeup.

By the time I am done, it is 9:28 AM and I go to get breakfast from Cherry Tree in BD1. I get a blueberry muffin and an iced coffee. I get a booth so I can run over my accounting notes for units 4 and 5 before my quiz at 10:00 AM. I check the time again to see that it is exactly 9:50 AM which means I have 10 min to make it to Simon 1132. I pack my stuff up and head to class. After class and my quiz, I walk over to Bauer hall3 with my friend Patrick to get snacks at Bauer cafe before we both go to Managerial Statistics. After Statistics, I head to Seigle Hall for my American Culture Studies class called “Reading Culture: The Visible and the Invisible.” This is one of my favorite classes since the professor provides interesting materials in the form of movies, music videos, paintings, and photographs that we analyze. When class finishes, I text my two suitemates to meet at the DUC4 for lunch at 2:35 PM. My suitemate Keishi already has a table in Tisch Commons 5 so I grab my comfort meal and sit with her. A few of our friends join us and we all talk

about what we have going on in the week. Seeing that it is now 3:24 PM, I say my goodbyes and head to Olin Library6 to meet with my friend Matt and my COSA7 Noa to finish our Marketing assignment due at midnight. It is almost 5:30 PM and I now realize I only have 30 minutes to eat before I go to my meeting for LIVE, an organization that seeks to engage and educate the WashU community in conversations about interpersonal violence. I go the South 408 to get the infamous chicken tikka masala from the BD World Fusion station and take it to go as I head to the meeting in Simon 17. The meeting ends at 6:47 PM so I head back to my room to finish up the rest of my homework. I finish my work around 10:46 PM and start getting ready for bed. After a quick shower and spending time with my suitemates, I finally get into bed at 11:53 PM. It's been a long day, goodnight!

Bear’s Den, known as BD, is the dining hall for the South 40. Within BD, there are several dining options: Cherry Tree Café, the Paws & Go market, and a large variety of food stations open at select hours throughout the day. Cherry Tree is a café located within BD where students can get coffee, tea, pastries, sandwiches, or hot meals throughout the day.// 2 Simon Hall is home to the Olin Business School and a great spot to study on campus. It features a library, classrooms, study rooms, open study spaces, an enclosed courtyard, and an Einstein Bros. Bagels. // 3Bauer Hall is one of the newer buildings on campus, and is home to many of the Olin Business School’s offices and classrooms as well as the oncampus Starbucks. // 4The Danforth University Center, which is commonly referred to as the DUC (pronounced “duck”), is a large eatery on campus, featuring many station-options, and a popular spot for students to study, socialize, or eat throughout the day. Many campus departments are located in the DUC, including Campus Life, the Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement, and the Career Center. // Ibby’s Campus Bistro is a restaurant within the DUC that offers students a fine dining experience; meal points are a form of accepted payment.// 5Tisch Commons is the main seating area in the Danforth University Center. Many students like to meet with friends and do work together at the large round tables. At night, Tisch Commons is often utilized for events, such as the First 40 events. // 6Olin Library is the main library on WashU’s campus and houses many spaces for both group and individual studying. // 7COSA stands for co-WUSA. WUSAs or Washington University Student Associates, are peer mentors designated to first-year floors to lead them through orientation and help them throughout their first year at WashU. // 8The South 40 or “The 40” is the 40-acre area of WashU’s campus directly south of the Danforth Campus and is home to a large number of WashU’s firstand second-year students.

1

102 | bear facts

AUGUST Bear Beginnings: New Student Fall Orientation This welcome week officially introduces Washington University to new students and their families. You will learn more about the academic opportunities in your school and the residential college experience, as well as participate in social activities with your classmates. See page 35 for more information.

Common Reading Program Each entering class reads a book sent to them over the summer. When you arrive at WashU, you will join intellectual, small-group discussions led by a faculty or staff member to discuss the book. See page 35 for more information.

SEPTEMBER–DECEMBER First 40 Through a series of targeted events, First 40 aims to assist first-year students in adapting to their new environment and building strong communities. Within your first 40 days at WashU, a multitude of events are available both on and off campus that appeal to a wide variety of interests. You will have the opportunity to connect with student groups, watch cultural performances, explore the St. Louis community, and much more. For a full calendar of First 40 events, visit wugo.wustl.edu.

Emerging Leaders Program New students can take part in the Emerging Leaders Program, an accelerated leadership development experience focusing on different areas of leadership development including values-based leadership, identity in leadership, and individual strengths development. In this program, you will learn how to strengthen your personal leadership style and skills. Working in small groups, you are paired with an upper-class peer mentor.

JANUARY–MARCH Summit on Leadership Development The Summit on Leadership Development (SOLD)is a free, daylong, regional conference sponsored by Washington University in St. Louis and several university partners in the greater Missouri/Illinois region. The experience allows participants to have critical conversations related to civic engagement, values-based leadership, identity development, and more! This experience is an incredible forum for WashU students to engage in community building outside of the university with student leaders from over 10 universities! Last year we had over 230 students attend SOLD!

APRIL First Year Finale First Year Finale is a celebration held at the end of the first year to encourage students to reflect on their first-year experiences and recognize outstanding members of the university community who contributed to their first-year success.

YEAR ROUND Faculty Lunch Program You have the opportunity to participate in a series of lunches and dinners throughout the year hosted by faculty who teach large introductory courses in fields such as chemistry, psychology, physics, history, math, and art history. Get to know a professor outside of the large student lecture hall.

washington university in st. louis | 103

104 | bear facts

A BACKSTAGE PASS TO THE FIRST 40 EXPERIENCE Allison Holleb

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 Your first 40 days at WashU will be filled with a whirlwind of emotions, faces, and experiences.

The things that you do during these days will help you find the types of opportunities and people that will make WashU feel like home. During these First 40 days, Campus Life, the Congress of the South 40, the First Year Center, and Student Union host unique and exciting events designed to help you find these opportunities. The First 40 events are arranged around themes, including civic and community engagement, academics, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, social life, and campus traditions. From dance and a cappella showcases, to kickball and corn hole tournaments, to cooking classes, the First 40 days are sure to feature programming for everyone. These unique and engaging events help you discover campus resources and opportunities, while providing things to do with your new classmates!

If the huge number of events on campus feels overwhelming, you can stay up to date on all of the First 40 happenings through the Washington University Group Organizer (WUGO). WUGO organizes each First 40 event by category and even lets you filter by searching for events with features such as free food! This website makes finding information about programming easy, and allows you to track your attendance at these events in order to gain points and be entered in a prize drawing.

WUGO will keep you informed about the countless fun and interesting events beyond your First 40 days on campus—the website maintains a calendar of happenings all year long, and you can also use WUGO to get information about WashU’s diverse assortment of student organizations.

First Day—One of the most anticipated First 40 events is First Day. On the morning of the first day of classes, university administrators, and student leaders gather at the underpass to hand out free snacks and school supplies to students and to wish them luck with the semester ahead. Students also line up to have their picture taken before going off to class. This is a great way to commemorate your time at WashU, and many students consider it tradition to go all four years! It’s also an opportunity to send your family that first day of school picture—this is a tradition that students and family members alike love!

First Friday and Fall Activities Fair—The first Friday of the semester features an entire day’s worth of programming to celebrate the completion of your

first week of classes! The day is filled with tons of free food and fun events—this past year featured food from 16 St. Louis restaurants in Edison Courtyard!

Other past activities have included everything from inflatables and rock climbing to donuts in the DUC. A highlight is the Fall Activities Fair, where over 450 organizations provide information on getting involved on campus.

Day on the Loop—First Week programming culminates with a trip to the Delmar Loop on the Sunday before Labor Day. Trolleys are available continuously from the South 40 to this lively and popular neighborhood—right in WashU’s backyard.

This event is a great way to get to know your new community while bonding with your classmates.

WashU students love to spend time enjoying St. Louis, and Day on the Loop serves as the perfect opportunity to get a head start on exploring!

Symphony on the South 40—Each year, the First Year Center hosts St. Louis Symphony musicians for an evening of world-class music right outside of the Bear’s Den. Students often attend the performance with their residential floors and WUSAs, along with the many faculty and staff who come to enjoy the performance. This event also features catered snacks and opportunities to win free tickets to attend additional St. Louis Symphony performances!

The First 40 days hold so many unique experiences and traditions. These days will serve as an amazing opportunity to engage with your new classmates, campus, and city, and to celebrate the official start of your four years here. Making the most of these moments will allow you to begin to feel at home in your new community here at WashU! washington university in st. louis | 105

GETTING INVOLVED You can find countless opportunities to quickly get involved in meaningful co-curricular experiences. Both staff and students are here to help you find the right connection for you.

Campus Life PH O NE

(314) 935-3443 W EB S ITE

CAMPUS LIFE Campus Life empowers students to discover and define themselves and their communities through advising, programs, and resources.

The Department of Campus Life is organized into four areas of focus, three of which include Leadership Development, Student Involvement, and Fraternity and Sorority Life.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT In addition to finding fun and interesting ways to spend your free time, we want to challenge you to understand what constitutes effective leadership. While you are here, you will learn how to apply that knowledge to your experiences. To support this effort, Campus Life invites you to participate in leadership development opportunities including Destination Q, Redefining Community Experience, and Emerging Leaders. For more information, please visit our website.

STUDENT INVOLVEMENT There are countless ways to get involved at WashU. Whether you are interested in engaging with any of the 450+ student groups, starting your own group, or supporting the initiatives of Student Union (governing undergraduate student body), Student Involvement provides you with the resources to find your community. Check out the Activities Fair held in the beginning of each semester to learn more about our current student groups, visit wugo.wustl.edu, or schedule an appointment with a Group Pathway to Success (GPS) advisor through our website.

FRATERNITY AND SORORITY LIFE WashU is home to IFC fraternities, Panhellenic sororities, and National Pan-Hellenic Council city-wide chapters (historically Black and African-American Greek letter organizations), and a Latinx co-ed fraternity, all of which help foster scholarship, service, and leadership. Nearly 35 percent of WashU students are involved in Greek letter organizations and, through their affiliation, make positive contributions to campus and the greater community. Fraternity/ sorority life students manage to juggle the demands of the classroom with the expectations of their chapters. If you think you would like to “Go Greek,� first-year students must wait until January for the recruitment/intake process to begin. There is limited recruitment/ intake for upperclass students in the fall. For a full list of chapters, visit our website.

106 | bear facts

campuslife.wustl.edu

SAVE THE DATE! THE ACTIVITIES FAIR IS FRIDAY, AUGUST 30.

WHEN TO GET INVOLVED AUGUST

Joining a student group provides an opportunity for students to get involved throughout the academic year. Some student groups hold elections and/or auditions, while others are open year-round. To help prepare you for the exciting year ahead, below is a timeline of what to expect and when. For more information regarding individual student group timelines, visit wugo.wustl.edu.

PERFORMANCE GROUPS like a cappella and improv groups host auditions during the first two weeks of school. Look for fliers around campus when you arrive for more information about auditions.

SEPTEMBER

CULTURAL SHOWS, including Diwali, Lunar New Year Festival, Black Anthology, and Carnaval, are events hosted by various student groups. These student-run shows often sell out and include skits, dances, and other performances by students. There are many ways to get involved, so be sure to look for these groups during the Activities Fair on Friday, August 30th to learn more about their shows and audition dates.

OCTOBER

STUDENT UNION (SU) is the governing undergraduate student body.

New students can get involved with SU from their first semester on campus as senators, treasurers, or on First-Year Class Council.

Elections for senators and treasurers happen each semester; class council is elected in September for the first-year class and then in March for subsequent years; find more information at su.wustl.edu.

NOVEMBER

CONGRESS OF THE SOUTH 40 (CS40) is the student organization responsible for advocacy and programming on the South 40. New students can get involved at the residential college-level by becoming a part of your college council or a Board Representative on various CS40 Committees. CS40 is responsible for many events including a fall speaker, WUStock, and much more.

DECEMBER

DANCE MARATHON (DM) is a major fundraiser on campus, raising money for Children’s Miracle Network of Greater St. Louis. You can register as a dancer and form teams with your floors or friends or you can show up on the day of to participate in this 12-hour dance party.

JANUARY

FRATERNITY/SORORITY LIFE INVOLVEMENT is an opportunity close to 35 percent of students at WashU choose. Students in the Class of 2023 may go through recruitment in the spring; transfer students may go through recruitment in the fall.

WUSAs are the students who guide you through your first year at WashU. By around this time of the year, you may realize that you also want to help new students transition to college (we think it’s the best role on campus). The WUSA application process happens early in the spring semester; firstyear.wustl.edu.

FEBRUARY

SU SPRING ELECTIONS are held for the upcoming year’s executive council, school councils, class councils, senate, and treasury. Election packets are available in February and ballots are cast during the first week of March. If you missed the opportunity to run for a position in the fall, you can always run in the spring!

MARCH

RELAY FOR LIFE is another major fundraiser on campus held on Francis Field each April to benefit the American Cancer Society.

Similar to Dance Marathon, you can register early to walk and raise money with a team, or arrive on the night of the event and participate in the Relay.

APRIL

MAY washington university in st. louis | 107

STUDENT GOVERNMENT STUDENT UNION Student Union is Washington University’s governing undergraduate student body. The mission of Student Union is to create a vibrant campus community by advocating for the needs and interests of undergraduate students, developing and implementing both innovative and traditional programs, and allocating the student activity fee for unique and engaging activities, programs, and initiatives. Visit su.wustl.edu for information. Student Union’s offices are located on the second floor of Danforth University Center.

CLASS COUNCILS are an executive entity of the Student Union at Washington University, charged with promoting class unity through programs designed specifically for their class. The programs work to fulfill the academic, social, and community building needs of each specific class. Class Councils are also the main link between the class and the different branches of Student Union.

SCHOOL COUNCILS All five undergraduate academic divisions (Architecture, Art, Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering) are represented by their own council. Each council offers programming specific to the school, acts as a channel of communication between students and its school administrators, and gives students a social outlet.

CONGRESS OF THE SOUTH 40 Congress of the South 40 (CS40) is the representative and programming body of the South 40. CS40 coordinates events like Fall Formal, WUStock, and Residential College Olympics (RCO). Interested in exploring St. Louis, attending social events, advocating for change?

We’ve got you covered with our variety of activities and Assembly Meetings. CS40 strives to create a supportive home through advocacy and programming that enable residents of the South 40 to leave as stronger, betterconnected members of our campus and community.

If you are interested in representing your fellow students, look out for us at Bear Beginnings to learn how to run for a position. Meanwhile, check us out at cs40.wustl.edu and like us on Facebook. Welcome to the South 40 and welcome home!

STUDENT ENTREPRENEURIAL PROGRAM (STEP) The Student Entrepreneurial Program (StEP) provides students the opportunity to own and operate their own businesses while serving the campus community with unique resources. Students can either buy into one of the 12 existing businesses or start something new. Funding is available for students who qualify. Students interested in learning more should contact Jessica Stanko, in the Skandalaris Center for Interdisciplinary Innovation & Entrepreneurship, stanko@wustl.edu.

Gregg Walkway (right), which connects the South 40 with Main Campus via the Underpass, serves as home to many StEP businesses.

You can also find Student Technology Services (STS), Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling, and Cornerstone: The Learning Center along this row of storefronts in the lower level of Gregg House.

108 | bear facts

First-Year Class Council elections are held during the first few weeks of school; be sure to look for more information when you arrive in August.

Bear Bites

bearbites40.com

bearbites40@gmail.com

Bears’ Bikes

bearsbikes.com

info@bearbikes.com

Bear Cuts

bearcuts.co

bearcuts20@gmail.com

Bear Discounts

beardiscounts.org

beardiscounts@gmail.com

Bear-y Sweet Shoppe

bear-ysweetshoppe.weebly.com

bear-ysweetshoppe@outlook. com

Off the Row

offtherow.com

sales@offtherow.com

SWAP: Sharing With A Purpose

swapstl.org

swapstl@gmail.com

University Trucking, Inc.

utrucking.com

info@utrucking.com

U-Shuttle

u-shuttle.com

ushuttles@gmail.com

Wash-U-Wash

WashUWash.com

support@WashUWash.com

Wydown Water

squareup.com/store/wydown-water

WydownWater@gmail.com

Weekend Wear Rentals

weekendwearrentals@gmail.com

CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Active civic and community involvement is a central part of WashU’s student culture. By engaging in the local community, you can explore and positively impact St. Louis, meet peers who share common interests, and develop the leadership skills necessary to lead change at the local, national, or international level. Many opportunities are available, from one-day projects and philanthropy events to community partnerships that involve a greater commitment and a deeper exploration of your role as an engaged citizen.

THE GEPHARDT INSTITUTE FOR CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement fosters a vibrant culture of civic engagement throughout Washington University that extends into the world to advance the collective good. Consider the Gephardt Institute as your resource for understanding and navigating the many ways you can engage with the St. Louis community and issues beyond our campus through service and other civic initiatives. Our programming provides dynamic, powerful experiences that will help you align civic and community engagement with your own interests and skills.

You can join one of 80 student-led service, social action, and political groups; explore Community-Engaged Courses that address community needs; support local K–12 students through our Each One Teach One tutoring program or through on-campus field trips; register to vote using wustl.turbovote.org; attend Meet the Leader discussions with alumni and other civic leaders; and learn about opportunities for nonprofit internships and civic leadership.

When you arrive on campus, find us at on-campus events such as our Civic and Community Engagement Fair to learn about the many programs and initiatives available to you. Later, you might identify funding or transportation needs while pursuing community-focused projects; the Civic Engagement Fund, Community Engagement Opportunity Fund, and CarShare Fund are available to support those expenses. Additionally, our Goldman Fellows and Civic Scholars Programs provide excellent opportunities to grow as a civic leader. You will begin hearing about these competitive programs in the spring.

The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement PH O NE

(314) 935-5599 W EB S ITE

gephardtinstitute.wustl.edu

Stay connected with service and engagement opportunities on campus and beyond through our e-newsletter. Sign up at gephardtinstitute.wustl.edu Learn about voter registration and engagement opportunities: washuvotes.wustl.edu

If you would like to get involved but are not sure how to begin, stop by during our weekly drop-in hours, Tuesdays from 3:00 to 5:00 PM in the Gephardt Institute Suite (Danforth University Center 150). We look forward to working together and helping turn your passion into action! washington university in st. louis | 109

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Katie Plotkin

Olin Business School Class of 2021 When you first step onto campus, getting involved and finding activities and groups to join can be overwhelming; however, you will quickly find that at WashU there is truly something for everyone.

Community Engagement and Leadership The Gephardt Institute for Civic and Community Engagement and Campus Y are the hubs for members of the Washington University community to get involved in outreach and community engagement throughout the city. Both of these programs allow members of the Washington University community to get involved with tutoring, sports coaching, mentorship, and more. Washington University encourages students to not only get involved on campus but also expand their interests to include the greater area around campus.

Academics Regardless of your career path, there are groups and clubs for nearly every pre-professional and academic sector at WashU. These groups allow students pursuing or interested in similar topics to meet outside of the classroom to get to know each other and expand their academic interests. For example, students interested in engineering can join WashU’s Racing Formula SAE Team, a group in which students work together to design, manufacture, and build a race car. Students with interests in business are able to participate in career groups, such as WashU’s Investment Fund, to get real-world experience in the field.

Art & Culture WashU also offers a wide range of artistic outlets for both students and the neighboring community.

Students can participate in programs on campus, but they can also get involved within St. Louis at many concert, play, and workshop venues across the city.

Throughout the year, students can participate in performing arts, literary arts, and visual arts. There are a variety of performances on campus, such as Lunar New Year Festival (LNYF) and Black Anthology as well as classes offered through the school. WashU also offers programs such as the Summer Writers program for those interested in literary arts. Additionally, Washington University supplies a wide array of collections and exhibitions for students to view and get involved with. The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, located right on campus, allows students to view galleries right in the heart of campus.

110 | bear facts

Athletics WashU is an NCAA Division III school with 23 NCAA Championship wins and 244 Conference Titles. These teams also receive support from Red Alert, WashU’s student-only fan group.

Students at WashU are also able to participate in sports through intramural (IM) sports and sports clubs. Intramural (IM) sports give students the unique opportunity to engage with their peers and compete in sports ranging from volleyball to dodgeball and many more. Participants do not need to have any prior experience and are free to form a team and sign up at the beginning of each season. Additionally, WashU sponsors 41 sports clubs that are completely studentrun and offer students the opportunity to compete in college with a much smaller time commitment than is necessary at the varsity level. Sports clubs often compete against other universities, but some groups are noncompetitive, such as karate and rock-climbing.

CAMPUS Y For more than 100 years, the student members of the Campus Y have been living out a rich tradition of community engagement. In partnership with the YMCA, one of St. Louis’s largest charities, the Campus Y creates opportunities that deeply impact our members and the wider St. Louis community. We have launched university projects such as lectures and the MLK Commemoration, and current Campus Y programs like The Writing Shelter and Einstein Explorers, all through volunteer student leadership. Our student space is in the Garden Level of Umrath Hall—enter in the archway between Bowles Plaza and Mudd Field. We are open to all members of the university community, and you are encouraged to come in for a snack, coffee, and conversation with passionate leaders that will help connect you to students and programs that match your interests.

Campus Y PH O NE

(314) 935-5010 W EB S ITE

campusY.wustl.edu facebook.com/wucampusy

SPORTS ON CAMPUS VARSITY ATHLETICS As a founding member of the University Athletic Association (UAA), Washington University competes in Division III of the NCAA. Bears Athletics have developed a very strong reputation both in our conference and nationally, winning 23 NCAA National Team Championships, 244 conference titles, and making 236 NCAA team appearances. Additionally, WashU annually finishes in the top five of the Learfield Director’s Cup, an award that ranks the best athletics programs in each NCAA and NAIA Division.

WashU’s student-only fan group, Red Alert, supports Washington University athletics by encouraging all students to come out to the games.

Membership in Red Alert is free and you can sign up at the beginning of the year or at most of the athletic events during the year. Along with receiving free pizza and prizes from Red Alert, you will be promoting school spirit and cheering on your fellow classmates. For more information and updates on athletics as well as team schedules, please visit WashU Athletics’ website washubears.com.

VARSITY AND CLUB SPORTS Baseball m Basketball mw Cross Country mw Football m Golf w Soccer mw Softball w Swimming & Diving mw Tennis mw Track & Field mw Volleyball w

INTRAMURAL SPORTS Intramural (IM) sports are a fun and engaging way to interact with the WashU community in a fair, safe, and organized recreational sports program that are geared to all skill levels. The Intramural Sports Program offers over 30 team, individual, and one-day special events throughout the academic year for all members of the Washington University community with almost 3,000 unique participants. You do not have to have prior experience or be an athlete to participate in IM sports. IM is not only a place to continue playing sports you love but also to try different sports for the first time. Participants may choose to play at a just-for-fun or highly competitive level with open, women’s, and coed leagues. Traditional sports such as flag football, volleyball, basketball, and softball are staples of the intramural calendar, while sports such as Ultimate Frisbee, bubble soccer, and bowling offer a wider range of events for participation. The Intramural Sports Program offers those not affiliated with a team a way to participate with the free agent list. For more information about participating in IM sports, visit rec.wustl.edu.

Additionally, the Intramural Sports program is always looking for students to work as referees in basketball, flag football, soccer, futsal, softball, and volleyball. Students do not have to have prior experience as a referee, just a love of sports and willingness to learn. Intramural officials work in a fun and social environment (while making some money) with a flexible work schedule, while also developing leadership, communication, and conflict management skills. For more information about officiating in IM sports, visit rec.wustl.edu. washington university in st. louis | 111

SPORTS CLUBS WashU sponsors 41 sports clubs that offer students the opportunity to participate in a sport or physical activity in an organized setting.

Sports clubs are completely student-run clubs that are all recognized members of Student Union. Sports clubs are a popular option for students interested in a sport that WashU does not offer at the varsity level, or for students who want to compete collegiately without the time commitment required of a varsity sport. Many sports clubs compete against other colleges and universities at the local, regional, and national level. Some sports clubs are noncompetitive, offering students an avenue to be involved in a recreational pursuit such as skiing, snowboarding, karate, or rock climbing. Aside from being an outlet for competition and fitness, sports clubs are also a great social outlet. Many sports clubs hold regular social gatherings and activities outside of their activity spaces. To find out more about joining or starting a sports club, visit rec.wustl.edu.

ARTS ON CAMPUS Washington University enjoys a vibrant array of public arts offerings available to community and campus audiences alike. Opportunities range from world-class professional performances and exhibitions to concerts, plays, art shows, and writing workshops that give students a chance to hone their talents, WashU is a leading resource for engaging and inspiring cultural opportunities in the St. Louis region and beyond.

PERFORMING ARTS Edison Theatre presents a season of varied and acclaimed professional performances each year. The Performing Arts Department in Arts & Sciences stages world-class performances and offers rigorous academics for anyone interested in theater and performance studies, dance, or drama. The Department of Music in Arts & Sciences also presents an extensive lineup of public concerts each year including student, faculty, and guest performances, in addition to opportunities for students to enrich their education through the study of music.

CLUB SPORTS Archery Badminton Baseball Basketball Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Climbing Crew Cycling Equestrian Fencing Field Hockey Figure Skating Golf Gymnastics Ice Hockey Lacrosse Okinawan Karate-Do Roller Hockey Rugby Running Sailing Ski & Snowboard Soccer Softball Squash Table Tennis Tae Kwon Do Tennis Triathlon Ultimate Frisbee Volleyball Water Polo Wrestling

VISUAL ARTS Washington University boasts a diverse array of opportunities for exploring the visual arts. From the outstanding collection and special exhibitions at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum to the numerous galleries and installation spaces around campus to rigorous and interdisciplinary academic offerings, anyone—whether casual visitor or dedicated artist—will find a host of excellent visual arts resources on campus.

LITERARY ARTS Washington University offers a number of opportunities for anyone interested in the literary arts to engage with instructors and other writers on campus. Anyone can apply to be part of the intensive and energetic Young Writers or Summer Writers programs. A number of academic departments on campus emphasize the literary arts, including the Department of English and the Center for the Humanities. Playwriting opportunities include the annual A.E. Hotchner Playwriting Competition and Festival sponsored by the Performing Arts Department; the student-sponsored Day O’ Shame, a 24-hour playwriting slam; and Thyrmetition, a competition sponsored

by Thyrsus, a student organization. Current students can also receive help and develop writing skills at the Writing Center.

112 | bear facts

Explore the Arts at Washington University 560 Music Center Assembly Series Department of Music Edison Theatre Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum Performing Arts Department arts.wustl.edu

SCHOOL SPIRIT AND TRADITIONS Logan Thoms

McKelvey Shool of Engineering Class of 2021 I remember my first week at Washington University. A sea of people lined up ready to be a giraffe, a whale, a crow, or part of some other group, but mostly proud and excited to be a bear. This may not make sense now, but by the end of your first day on campus you’ll be fully aware of what student spirit means on this campus.

Move-In Day and Convocation At first I thought my ResCollege was just a place to lay my head at night, but my first day walking up to my residence hall was a magical feeling. Friendly faces all around you cheering you on and all sorts of people trying to help put your stuff away. It really was an awesome experience. They make the very real premise of moving out on your own seem like a joyous occasion and a celebration, mostly because it is!

Then you head to Convocation. What is Convocation you may ask? Convocation is the official welcome for incoming students that is held annually. Think of your high school pep rally, and then multiply that by 100, including speeches from the chancellor and a senior student. ResCollege chants can be heard all throughout the Athletic Complex.

Football Tailgate The football tailgate has been a time-honored tradition here at WashU. The tailgate is an Athletics and Student Union event that is encompassed by an even bigger event known as “Game Day.” The day includes catered food, connections with WashU alumni, and hopefully a Bears win! The Bears did go 8-2 last year, so there’s a good possibility that you are in for an exciting day if you stop by Francis Field on GAME DAY!

RCO If you’re thinking Convocation would be the end of the ResCollege spirit junction, well then you would be wrong! There are many more university-wide events, as well as more ResCollege centralized events, waiting for you when you get to campus. My personal favorite was the Residential College Olympics, or RCO for short, an annual competition between the ResColleges. I had the honor of serving as RCO Captain for my ResCollege the year we won!

First Year Finale Alas, the year has come to an end. However, there is still one more event that you can partake in before you leave WashU with one year of schooling under your belt! This event is known as First Year Finale. First Year Finale is a celebration where people involved with the first-year experience can be nominated for, and win, awards for their contributions to the success of first-year students. Think of it like the Oscars for the WashU first-year experience. Along with the awards ceremony there is also catered food and a lovely banquet!

You’ll learn all about these great WashU traditions, and more, throughout your first year!

114 | bear facts

C H A P T ER S E V EN

EXPLORING ST. LOUIS washington university in st. louis | 115

EXPLORING ST. LOUIS Washington University in St. Louis... located in Missouri. How many people have you had to explain that to since you decided WashU was the place for you?

While some of your friends and family may be confused about our location, St. Louis is an exciting and energetic city with a wide array of attractions and opportunities.

It’s your chance to get to know this city on the river, which was once home to Scott Joplin, and to the grandfather of rock ’n’ roll, Chuck Berry, and hosted the 1904 World’s Fair and Olympics. Residents and visitors alike laud this city for its beautiful brick architecture, amazing hospitality, great restaurants, and low cost of living. Plus, with tons of concert venues, museums (many of which are free), a world-class zoo and botanical garden, and one of the nation’s biggest parks right at WashU’s doorstep, you won’t be short of off-campus activities to keep you busy.

The articles in this chapter will highlight just some of what St. Louis has to offer, explain how you can navigate the city, and introduce you to a few of our favorite neighborhoods. You’re going to be here for a few years; we encourage you to get out and explore your new home!

116 | bear facts

SECTION CONTENTS

• The St. Louis Experience • Things to See & Do in St. Louis • Map of St. Louis • Bucket List: 50 Things to Do • Transportation & Parking

THE ST. LOUIS EXPERIENCE Clarinda Tan

College of Arts & Sciences Class of 2021 I have lived in St. Louis my entire life, but coming to WashU made me realize that I had so much of the city left to explore. Many of the attractions in St. Louis are free, but those that are not are frequently provided for free by your class council or by organizations like Congress of the South 40.

St. Louis has locations that are perfect for everyone, whether you are a sports fan, foodie, or looking for the perfect photo-op. Here are some of my favorite things that St. Louis has to offer: Food St. Louis has its own delicacies like gooey butter cake and toasted ravioli (highly recommend trying both at least once), but it also has a diverse variety of cuisines. South Grand and Tower Grove have dozens of cuisines, including French, Persian, Filipino (my favorite is Guerrilla Street Food), and Ethiopian. The Hill is an Italian-American neighborhood with delicious pastas and delis. Olive Boulevard has many traditional Asian restaurants (my favorite is Shu Feng). If you’re looking for brunch, try City Coffeehouse and Crêperie or Half & Half.

Don’t forget to check out the many, many ice cream shops around the city. I highly recommend Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery for some unique flavors, Ices Plain and Fancy for some ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, and Crown Candy to see exactly why it was featured on the TV show, Man v. Food.

Forest Park Forest Park is right next to WashU, and you can walk, take a bike share, or take the WashU Circulator to get there. Inside Forest Park is the Saint Louis Zoo, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum, which are all free.

Just outside of the Saint Louis Art Museum is Art Hill, which is perfect for photos year-round and is also the best place to sled in the winter. Art Hill is also home to Art Hill Films, which provides food trucks and showcases a feature movie. Balloon Glow, where dozens of hot air balloons light up the night before the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, also happens on Art Hill! You can rent paddle boats, stand-up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks to use in the waterways that travel throughout the park as well. Lastly, Forest Park has its own ice-skating rink during the winter, which makes a perfect outing for you and a group of friends.

Sporting Events St. Louis is home to the Cardinals (Major League Baseball) and the Blues (National Hockey League).

Tickets to several games are often subsidized by student groups and there are also special student nights. One of my favorite memories since coming to WashU was attending a Cardinals vs. Cubs (Chicago’s Major League Baseball team and longstanding Cardinals rival) game with friends living on my first-year floor.

Holiday Lights There are so many holiday lights around during November and December! The Missouri Botanical Garden’s Garden Glow is subsidized by Congress of the South 40 and allows you to walk through the park full of over one million lights while enjoying s’mores and hot chocolate. Tilles Park’s Winter Wonderland allows you to walk through the park, rent a car through WashU’s Enterprise CarShare program to drive through the park, or even enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.

The Brewery Lights not only have beautiful lights that twinkle to the beats of the music played, but there is also an ice skating rink for you to enjoy with friends.

These are some of my favorite spots around the city, but you have your entire college career to discover your St. Louis favorites. I hope you discover even more gems around the city (and don’t hesitate to share them with me as well)!

washington university in st. louis | 117

ST. LOUIS St. Louis’s Forest Park is one of the country’s largest urban parks. At 1,371 acres, it is more than 50 percent larger than New York’s Central Park, and it includes a variety of (mostly free) attractions, including museums, a boathouse with paddle boats for rent, golf courses, tennis courts, and even an ice-skating rink. // While you’re in Forest Park, you can stop by The Muny. With 11,000 seats, it is the largest outdoor amphitheater in the country.

It stages seven different musicals each summer, and for every performance there are 1,500 free seats that are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. // In addition, Forest Park is home to the Saint Louis Zoo, a free zoo that houses 19,000 animals across 655 species, and the Saint Louis Art Museum, a free museum that contains more than 30,000 works of art, including three mummies from Ancient Egypt and original paintings by Matisse, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso, and Van Gogh. // In September, you can catch the Balloon Glow in Forest Park, an event that happens every year the night before the Great Forest Park Balloon Race.

At the Balloon Glow, all of the balloons that will 118 | bear facts

appear in the race are inflated and lit up by their burners. // If you head to midtown, don’t miss Pappy’s Smokehouse, which serves Memphisstyle barbecued brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and more. Pappy’s has been profiled in The Huffington Post and by the Travel Channel; just make sure you get there before they run out! // When going further downtown, be sure to visit Citygarden, an urban park and sculpture garden spread over two full city blocks. It includes fountains, pools, a restaurant, and beautiful trees and flowers right in the middle of downtown St. Louis. // From Citygarden, you will be able to see the Gateway Arch, St. Louis’s most recognizable landmark. The Arch is 630 feet tall, made of stainless steel, and positioned perfectly to provide views of the entire city of St. Louis, as well as the Mississippi River and nearby Illinois. // After your trip to the Arch, you can relax with a drink and some gooey butter cake from Park Avenue Coffee. Gooey butter cake is a special St. Louis treat that resulted from a baker’s mistake during the Great Depression, and a stay in St. Louis would not be complete without a stop at Park Avenue Coffee, where they have 76 different gooey butter cake flavors—everything from blueberry to

banana split to white chocolate raspberry. // Also downtown is City Museum, a surrealistic adultsize playground with enchanted caves, a 10-story slide, and a towering playground made of old airplane fuselages, metal tunnels, and catwalks.

The museum has been designated a “great public space” by the Project for Public Spaces. // For a completely different experience, head to the Cathedral Basilica, the 5,000-seat, 100-year-old mother church of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

The basilica includes a variety of burial crypts, an outdoor sculpture structure, and the world’s largest mosaic installation. // Near the basilica is the Fabulous Fox Theatre in midtown St. Louis.

A former movie palace originally built in the 1920s, the 4,500-seat theatre has been entirely renovated and now attracts some of St. Louis’s biggest shows, including musicals fresh off of Broadway, concerts, comedians, and dance companies. // For a taste of Italy, head to The Hill, a historically Italian-American neighborhood with a variety of fantastic Italian restaurants. This is also the best place to get toasted ravioli, a local dish of fried breaded ravioli and marinara dipping sauce. // Just minutes from The Hill, the Missouri Botanical

Garden is a 79-acre garden and botanical research center. Its many features include a Japanese strolling garden, a playground and fountain area, and a geodesic dome conservatory. // Staying in St. Louis over winter break? Keep a look out for the Loop Ice Carnival, an event that includes carnival games, performers, face painters, and 5k and 10k runs. There is also a variety of ice sculptures and ice-carving demonstrations. // Despite the cool temperature, St. Louis also has one of the nation’s largest Mardi Gras celebrations, which usually takes place in late February or early March. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, is a day of revelry before the beginning of Christian Lent and is celebrated with parades, music, and tons of beads. // Throughout the spring and summer, you can visit Ted Drewes, an iconic frozen custard chain in south St. Louis.

It’s most famous for the concrete, a custard blend so thick that you can stick a spoon in it and turn it upside down without the spoon falling out. // Finally, you can visit the Saint Louis Science Center, a collection of buildings that include a science museum and planetarium. It’s one of the largest science centers in the country. washington university in st. louis | 119

MAP OF ST. LOUIS Clayton 6 minutes by MetroLink Home to the Clayton business district, this area has some great restaurants and parks you’ll want to check out. It’s also a great place to take a walk!

Downtown St. Louis 17 minutes by MetroLink In Downtown St. Louis, you’ll find the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium (home of the 2011 World Champion Cardinals), and more.

Delmar Loop 20-minute walk from the Clock Tower “The Loop” has a host of restaurants and shops, including Thai and Middle Eastern food, as well as vintage clothing stores.

Central West End 10 minutes by MetroLink The Central West End has lots of restaurants and provides a great opportunity for you to get off campus. The Medical Campus is also here.

University City Delmar Loop

Clayton

Midtown

Forest Park

Downtown

Richmond Heights

mississippi Rive

Central West End

r

Brentwood

The Hill Tower Grove Park

Brentwood 10 minutes by MetroLink Brentwood is a shopping area that includes some essential stores you’ll want to visit, including Target, Trader Joe’s, and several great restaurants.

Forest Park 15-minute walk from the Clock Tower Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country and the majority of the activities inside are free! Check out the zoo, a WashU student favorite.

Soulard

Midtown 12 minutes by MetroLink Midtown is home to cultural landmarks like the Fabulous Fox Theatre and Powell Hall (home of the St. Louis Symphony).

DON’T FORGET Tower Grove Park

This neighborhood, south of Forest Park, is home to lots of cool restaurants, parks, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Soulard

Close to the river, this neighborhood is known for its historic farmer’s market.

Richmond Heights

This neighborhood includes several shopping centers (one just 10 minutes by foot from the South 40), and the Saint Louis Galleria, one of the area’s largest shopping malls.

120 | bear facts

STL BUCKET LIST: 50 THINGS TO DO St. Louis will be your new home for the next four years. We hope you’ll take time to explore and discover all this great city has to offer. Not sure where to start? The students in the First Year Center have compiled a bucket list of can’t-miss St. Louis noshes, experiences, and events.

1 Try to spot WashU’s campus from the top of the Arch.

2 Watch a show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.

3 Pet a stingray at the zoo.

4 Try some St. Louis-style pizza.

5 Learn about the Dred Scott case at the Old Courthouse.

6 Enter the whale’s mouth at the City Museum.

7 Have a picnic on Art Hill with friends.

8 Take a picture with the animatronic dinosaurs at the Science Center.

9 Cheer on the Cardinals at Busch Stadium.

10 Watch the St. Louis Symphony at Powell Hall.

11 Eat toasted ravioli at a restaurant on the Hill.

12 Count how many countries are represented in the six blocks of restaurants on South Grand.

13 See a show at the Pageant and sing along at the top of your lungs.

14 View the largest mosaic collection in the United States at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.

15 Sample donuts from as many donut shops as you can.

16 Learn about “The King of Ragtime” at the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site.

17 Read each of the stars in the walk of fame on Delmar.

18 Feed the goats at Grant’s Farm.

19 Visit three of the seven remaining standpipe water towers in the United States.

20 Play in the water at Citygarden.

21 Look for ghosts in the supposedly haunted Lemp Mansion.

22 Travel right outside St. Louis to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

23 Have a picnic while watching a free play at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis.

24 Challenge a friend to a game of chess at the World Chess Hall of Fame.

25 Try as many variations of the Gooey Butter Cake that you can find.

26 Explore all of the paths in Forest Park.

27 Head to the Saint Louis Art Museum and locate Vincent van Gogh’s “Stairway at Auvers.”

28 Stop and smell the flowers, or scented herb garden, at the Missouri Botanical Garden in the historic Shaw neighborhood.

29 Decide what your favorite BBQ restaurant is after trying the large variety available in St. Louis.

30 Learn all about the economy at the Inside the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

31 Discover the rich architectural history of the St. Louis Public Library’s Central Library.

32 Buy fresh produce at the farmer’s market in Soulard.

33 Visit Food Truck Friday in Tower Grove Park.

34 Locate Jupiter from the telescope at the Crow Observatory.

35 Take MetroLink to the Enterprise Center and cheer on the Blues.

36 View the work of local and international artists at the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis.

37 Sled down Art Hill in the snow.

38 Watch a musical at the Muny, the nation’s largest outdoor amphitheater.

39 Take a riverboat cruise to learn more about the city of St. Louis.

40 Try one of the iconic specials at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard.

41 Find “The Way” at Laumeier Sculpture Park.

42 Head to Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park when the temperatures drop.

43 See the inflated hot air balloons at the Forest Park Balloon Glow.

44 Explore the Katy Trail as far as you want—it goes all the way to Clinton, Missouri!

45 Take time to smell the flowers in the Jewel Box at Forest Park.

46 Explore the designated National Historic District Lafayette Park.

47 Find all of the turtles at the Turtle Playground right outside Forest Park.

48 Visit Castlewood State Park and find your inner peace with nature.

49 Check out as many St. Louis neighborhoods as you can and see what makes each of them unique.

50 Locate images of the 1904 Olympics being held on Francis Field in the Missouri History Museum. washington university in st. louis | 121

TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING NAVIGATING CAMPUS Shuttle service is provided for travel exclusively around the Danforth Campus. The Campus Circulator shuttle service operates on an approximately 20-minute frequency during regular hours and 10-minute frequency during peak hours, seven days a week from 7:40 AM to 4:00 AM, during the academic year. Schedules are adjusted during breaks and there is no service on major holidays.

There are four different MetroBus lines (#1, #2, #16, and Green line) that touch the Danforth Campus— three that run through the core of campus—that can take you to major shopping areas and area attractions. The Green Line MetroBus comes every 15 minutes and runs through the center of campus to the Delmar Loop area. There are also two MetroLink train stations that exit onto campus that provide quick, direct service.

Use the WUSTL Mobile app to track the real-time locations of the Campus Circulator and Green Line MetroBus as well as find a direct link to the Circulator’s website page that includes the schedules and other important details.

Bikes are also a great, quick way to get around campus. For your convenience, there are bike racks and several bike repair stations located across campus.

EXPLORING ST. LOUIS Metro Transit Wondering how you are going to explore St. Louis or get your shopping done without a car? Metro Transit St. Louis provides transportation around the St. Louis region by MetroBus or MetroLink light rail. It also offers special services for registered ADA-eligible customers. Washington University works with Metro Transit in order to coordinate the U-Pass program, which allows all full-time undergraduate students to use any St. Louis Metro Transit service for free. With the U-Pass, students have the ability to work, intern, volunteer, and explore all of the area’s cultural and entertainment venues. Ordering your U-Pass before arriving on campus in August will ensure that it is included in your move-in packet (see right). Questions may be directed to parktrans@wustl.edu or (314) 935.5601.

Biking Bikes are a great way to get around, and you don’t even need to bring your own bike to enjoy their benefits. Bears Bikes is located on the South 40 and offers bike rentals by the semester or year and bike storage, and many local stores offer affordable, used bikes. Dockless bikeshare is also available in St. Louis, allowing you to easily rent electric bikes by the minute through an app. All bikes must be parked at a bike rack.

If you bring your own bike, it’s mandatory to register it through Parking & Transportation Services. Registration is free and is used to prevent theft and facilitate the recovering of bikes. The Washington University Police Department (WUPD) offers secure Kryptonite bike U-locks for a low cost of $25. You can buy them during Bear Beginnings or throughout the rest of the year at the WUPD Office on the South 40. There are also several fix-it stations on campus, including one on the South 40, for simple repairs and maintenance.

Carshare All Washington University community members 18 and over with a valid driver’s license and credit card are eligible to participate in this discounted program. Once you enroll and receive your membership card, you may rent a car 24/7 through an app or online and pick it up from dedicated spaces on campus. You unlock the car with your membership card, and the keys are in the glovebox.

The rental costs are $5/hour, $20/overnight (6 PM–8 AM), and $60/day.

Easy U-Pass Ordering Instructions If possible, you will want to order your U-Pass before arriving on campus in August. Ordering early will ensure your U-Pass is included in your move-in packet.

Visit firstyear.wustl.edu for information about ordering your U-Pass. Questions may be directed to parktrans@ wustl.edu or (314) 935-5601.

122 | bear facts

TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WASHU AMTRAK—Amtrak runs trains through Gateway Station, a train and bus terminal in St. Louis. The terminal is very accessible from campus; it is only a 10-minute car ride or a 15-minute MetroLink trip from WashU. Trains run from St. Louis to a variety of Midwestern cities. It is particularly easy to get to Chicago, Kansas City, and Little Rock (as well as to places between St. Louis and those cities), and one-way or round-trip fares are available. You can purchase tickets or get more information at amtrak.com.

MEGABUS—Like Amtrak, Megabus stops in St. Louis at Gateway Station. It provides direct service from St. Louis to Chicago; Columbia, Missouri; Kansas City, Missouri; and Memphis, Tennessee although it is possible to continue on to a variety of other cities from those destinations. One-way and round-trip fares are available, and you can purchase tickets or get more information at megabus.com.

GREYHOUND—Greyhound also runs through Gateway Station. It provides direct service from St. Louis to Kansas City, Memphis, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Oklahoma City, although it is possible to continue on to other cities from those destinations. One-way and round-trip fares are available, and you can purchase tickets or get more information at greyhound.com.

PARKING SERVICES First-year and sophomore students are not allowed to have cars on campus. Junior and senior transfer students should check with Parking and Transportation about having a car on campus. Please visit our website to explore the transportation options offered by Parking & Transportation Services.

Parking Services LO C ATI O N & H OUR S

North Campus, 700 Rosedale Ave Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5 PM PH O NE

(314) 935-5601 EM A IL

parktrans@wustl.edu W EB S ITE

parking.wustl.edu

washington university in st. louis | 123

ABBREVIATIONS & OTHER ESSENTIAL WASHU EXPRESSIONS We tried to avoid using abbreviations and WashU lingo throughout Bear Facts, but once you’re on campus you’ll be hearing a lot of the following expressions.

40, The 560, The AC, The ACAC ArtSci B-School BD Circ CS40 DUC FYC GenChem Half & Half IFC IM IQ Main Campus Olin PAD PanHel PLTL RA RCD

The South 40, where all first-year students and many sophomores find their home. Occasionally abbreviated, but rarely heard, as S40.

560 Music Center, home to a concert hall, performance spaces, and practice rooms on The Loop.

The Athletic Complex, a set of buildings housing the Field House, Sumers Recreation Center, recreational courts, a weight room, cardio room, pool, squash courts, a spinning studio, and an ergometer room.

A Cappella Advisory Council, the group responsible for organizing a cappella auditions in the fall.

The College of Arts & Sciences, the largest of WashU’s five undergraduate programs.

Olin Business School.

Bear’s Den, the main eating area on the South 40 located in the basement of South 40 House.

The Circulator, a bus making trips around campus in 20-minute intervals.

Congress of the South 40, responsible for planning events for residents of the South 40.

Danforth University Center, a major hub of activity on Main Campus. (Sounds like: duck) First Year Center, responsible for connecting you with the people, programs, and resources you’ll need to make the most of your time at WashU. General Chemistry I (Chemistry 111A), one of WashU’s largest classes.

Half order of chicken, half order of fries, a favorite in Bear’s Den and the Village.

Interfraternity Council, the governing organization for fraternities on campus.

Intramural Sports, a fun way to compete against your peers (see page 111).

Integrated inQuiry, the core curriculum requirements for those in the College of Arts & Sciences.

Main Campus is generally distinguished from the two residential areas as the location where nearly all classes and administrative offices are.

When used alone, could either refer to Olin Library or Olin Business School. Use context clues.

Performing Arts Department, housed on the second floor of Mallinckrodt.

Panhellenic Council, the governing organization for sororities on campus.

Peer-led Team Learning, a collaborative way of conquering certain subjects. Offered by Cornerstone.

Resident Advisor, two of which are found on each first-year floor.

Residential College Director, the professional living in your ResCollege who is responsible for managing all day-to-day operations, working with RAs, and getting to know you and your peers.

Residential College Olympics, a competitive event held each spring by CS40 where all ResColleges (and RCO the North Side) compete in various activities held on the South 40.

ResCollege Residential College, a community of buildings, often housing both first-year and sophomore students.

Residence Hall, the place where you live on campus.

ResHall

ResLife RPM SAC SFS SLAM SoFoHo STC STS StudLife SU T/X Underpass WILD WUSA WUSTL WUGO

Residential Life.

Residential Peer Mentor, who provides academic support to your ResCollege in a particular area.

Student Admissions Committee, the student group responsible for conducting campus tours.

Student Financial Services, the office responsible for awarding financial aid packages and finding scholarships for which you can apply. SFS is located in North Brookings.

Saint Louis Art Museum, a large (free) art museum located steps away from campus in Forest Park.

South 40 House, housing sophomores, Bear’s Den, and ResLife.

Student Technology Coordinator, a go-to resource for technology support in your ResCollege.

Student Technology Services, located along the Gregg Walkway and offering tech support.

Student Life, the independent newspaper of WashU available Mondays and Thursdays.

Student Union, which serves as the voice of students in the university community.

Transfer/Exchange, students joining or visiting the WashU community from another school.

The Underpass, a pathway under Forsyth Boulevard connecting main campus with the South 40.

Walk In, Lay Down, a music festival held each semester on campus.

Washington University Student Associate, students responsible for making your transition to life at WashU as smooth as possible. (Sounds like WOO-sah) Washington University in St. Louis! Often called WashU or WUSTL. (Sounds like: WOO-still) Washington University Group Organizer, WashU’s online hub for student involvement

124 | bear facts

CONTACTING YOUR STUDENT Parent and family members! Use this page to keep track of your student’s contact information while at WashU. You can cut along the line on the left to keep this page in an easy-to-find location around your house or office.

NAME ROOM Residence House

Number

MAILING ADDRESS

See page 24 for more information

STREET

ST. LOUIS

MO 6 3 1

IMPORTANT CONTACTS First Year Center

firstyear.wustl.edu

(314) 935.5040

Residential Life (ResLife)

reslife.wustl.edu

(314) 935.5050

Dining Services

diningservices.wustl.edu

(314) 935.7098

Habif Health & Wellness Center

habif.wustl.edu

(314) 935.6666

Student Financial Services (SFS)

sfs.wustl.edu

(314) 935.5900

University Registrar

studentrecords.wustl.edu

(314) 935.5959

2019–2020 CALENDAR OVERVIEW FALL SEMESTER August 15

August 17 August 17–25 August 17–18 August 21

August 26 September 2 October 12–15 November 1–3 November 27– December 1 December 6 December 9–18

SPRING SEMESTER International First-Year Student Orientation arrival Move-In Day Bear Beginnings Parent & Family Orientation Transfer/Exchange Student Orientation begins First day of classes Labor Day (No classes) Fall Break (No classes) Parent & Family Weekend Thanksgiving Break (No classes) Last day of classes Reading period and final exams

January 13 January 20

March 8–14 April 24 April 27–May 6 May 15

First day of classes Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday—no classes Spring Break—no classes Last day of classes Reading and Exams Commencement

YOU’VE MADE IT TO THE END OF BEAR FACTS! We hope that this guide has helped you feel prepared for your arrival to campus in August and that you’re excited to see what’s in store over the next four years at WashU. Be sure to keep an eye out for messages from students you’ll meet when you get to campus. WUSAs and RAs will be in touch this summer and have started groups on Facebook for each first-year floor so you can start connecting with your future floormates. You can also join the Class of 2023 or WashU transfer student group on Facebook to meet more of your peers, get questions answered, and stay up-to-date on news from The First Year Center and other campus offices as you get ready for college. Always feel free to reach out directly to The First Year Center (by now you’ve seen our contact information everywhere).

We’re here to help make your first year of college great.

The page before is meant to be a reference for your family as you leave home for school. The scissors are there for a reason: feel free to cut out the page and fill it in with your contact information so that your family can stay in touch with you during the year.

Good luck and have a great summer. We can’t wait to meet you!

126 | bear facts

SEE YOU SOON! MOVE-IN DAY 2019 SATURDAY AUGUST 17

washington university in st. louis | 127

This book was created by THE FIRST YEAR CENTER Campus Box 1136 One Brookings Drive St. Louis, MO 63130-4899 firstyear.wustl.edu (314) 935.5040 128 | bear facts