About Fall Welcome 2025
Arts & Sciences programming for first-year students will occur during Bear Beginnings: Fall Welcome which takes place on Monday, August 18 - Wednesday, August 20. 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 17 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 18: 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 and Gloria M. Goldstein Professor of Holocaust Studies 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 am and 11:00 am. For your specific session time, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: What's Your WashU IQ? Introduction to the IQ Curriculum
Learn the ins and outs of the Arts & Sciences IQ curriculum, including how you can make the most of our diverse course offerings as you begin your Arts & Sciences journey. For your specific session location, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Four-Year Group Advising Meeting
Meet with your four-year advisor in this group session to review important academic information to start the semester and connect with your advisor. For your specific session location, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.
Tuesday, August 19: 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 department and program open houses to explore areas of study in Arts & Sciences. You should plan to visit two or three open houses, but you are welcome to attend as many as you would like. At the open houses, you'll be able to meet department and program faculty and staff, learn more about requirements and academic student organizations, and ask questions about courses. For locations and details, browse the full list of department open houses.
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Arts & Sciences Faculty Presentations
Members of the Arts & Sciences faculty will present on areas of their research interest and expertise. These talks showcase a range of ideas and ongoing research in Arts & Sciences and are a great introduction to the breadth and depth of the work of our faculty. 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.: Session 1
- 3:00 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.: Session 2
- 4:00 p.m. – 4:50 p.m.: Session 3
Wednesday, August 20: Get to Know Your Resources
10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.: Arts & Sciences Academic Support
Learn more about the academic resources that are available to support your journey at WashU and the importance of getting connected to those resources early. For your specific session location, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Arts & Sciences Learning and Engagement Beyond the Classroom
Hear from students and staff about opportunities to deepen your intellectual experience in Arts & Sciences with undergraduate research, study abroad, community-engaged learning, fellowships and scholarships, internships, and more. For your specific session location, please refer to your personalized schedule in an email from the College of Arts & Sciences.
Transfer Students
Please refer to the schedule for Transfer and Exchange Student Welcome.
