About Fall Welcome 2024
Arts & Sciences programming for first-year students will occur during Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome which takes place on Monday, August 19 - Wednesday, August 21. We will introduce you to the people and groups who will be important to you over the next four years: the College Office, A&S faculty, and advisors. On Sunday, August 18 you will receive an email with event information and personalized links for your small group meetings. Please e-mail the College Office if you didn't receive these instructions or if you have any questions.
Monday, August 19: Get to Know the College
10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Starting Your Academic Journey: Deans’ Welcome with Dean Hu and Vice Dean McGlothlin
Join the Richard G. Engelsmann Dean of Arts & Sciences Feng Sheng Hu and Vice Dean of Undergraduate Affairs Erin McGlothlin to begin your academic journey in Arts & Sciences. Students will be split into two groups, with 45-minute presentations beginning at 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. For your specific session time, please refer to your personalized schedule.
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: What's Your WashU IQ? Introduction to the IQ Curriculum
Learn more about the options for completing your Arts & Sciences degree requirements and charting your educational path over the next four years. For your specific session location, refer to your personalized schedule.
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Four-Year Group Advising Meeting
Meet with your four-year advisor in this group session to review important academic information. For your specific session location, refer to your personalized schedule.
Tuesday, August 20: Get to Know the A&S Departments, Programs, and Faculty
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Arts & Sciences Department and Program Open Houses
Visit open houses to explore areas of study in Arts & Sciences. Learn more about departments and programs of interest and push yourself outside your comfort zone by exploring ones that are new to you. Visit as many as you would like, but plan to visit at least two or three. For locations and details, browse the full list of department open houses.
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Bear and Brookie at the College Office (optional)
Stop by the College Office (Cupples II, Room 104) to meet the WashU Comfort Dogs, Bear and Brookie, and see where you can find drop-in academic support throughout the year.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Arts & Sciences Faculty Presentations
Members of the Arts & Sciences faculty will present on areas of interest and expertise. They will provide a sneak peek of the classroom atmosphere and expose you to a range of ideas. Each session will include presentations from faculty in one of the three traditional disciplines: humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Select one spotlight to attend for each session. Find specific information about the faculty spotlights.
- 2:00 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.: Faculty Spotlight Talks in the Humanities
- 3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.: Faculty Spotlight Talks in the Natural Sciences and Math
- 4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.: Faculty Spotlight Talks in the Social Sciences
Wednesday, August 21: Get to Know Your Resources
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.: Arts & Sciences Academic Support
Learn more about the academic resources available to you and the importance of getting connected to those resources early. This is an opportunity to get advice from students, faculty, and staff on how to be a successful student. Following the Academic Support session, you can participate in an Academic Resources Quest for the chance to win Bear Bucks by visiting academic resources across campus.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Arts & Sciences Experiential Learning
Your academic journey in Arts & Sciences includes more than in-classroom experiences. Discover ways to go beyond the classroom through experiences like undergraduate research, study abroad, internships, and civic engagement.
Beginning at Noon on Wednesday, you'll have a chance to participate in an Academic Resources Quest for the chance to win Bear Bucks by visiting academic resources across campus. You must check in at all the listed locations by 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 25 to be entered into the Bear Bucks drawing. More information will be given during the Academic Support Session, and shared on this website.
Transfer Students
Please refer to the schedule for Transfer and Exchange Student Welcome.
