The First Year Center has developed programs and events to highlight campus services and to assist all new students with their transition into the Washington University community.
Included here are First Year Center programs and events as well as campus events of interest and importance to first year students.

Campus Connections Series
Weekly informational sessions that introduce students to various campus resources such as Academic Mentoring, Leadership Opportunities, Community Service, the Career Center, Greek life, and more.  Sessions take place on Tuesday evenings in Ursa's Stageside.  See your RA or WUSA for details and be sure to check Facebook for announcements.
Learn more about the Campus Connections Series
Emerging Leaders Program
An 8 week leadership development experience for freshman students
Learn more about Emerging Leaders
First 40
A series of on- and off-campus social and cultural events held during the first 40 days of the fall semester.
Learn more about The First 40
First Year Reading Program
A common reading experience in which a different book is provided to the incoming class each year; during Bear Beginnings and Winter Welcome.  Students will have an intellectual discussion in small groups led by a faculty or staff member; additional events are built around this book throughout the year.
Learn more about the First Year Reading Program
Freshman Finale
A celebration held at the end of the first year to allow students to reflect on their freshman experiences and recognize outstanding members of the University community who contributed to their first-year success.
Learn more about Freshman Finale
Home Plate
Local families are matched with students and provide home-cooked meals several times a year.
Learn more about Home Plate
Lunch by the Dozen
Students get to know faculty members in a series of relaxed, informal lunches or dinners hosted by the First Year Center.
Learn more about Lunch by the Dozen
Service by the Dozen
Faculty members will engage with small groups of students and participate in service opportunities both on and off-campus.
Learn more about Service by the Dozen
St. Louis by the Dozen
Faculty members take a small group of students off-campus to a favorite St. Louis locale where they will explore the area and grab a bite to eat.
Learn more about St. Louis by the Dozen
Important Dates

Spring 2013

 

January 10 - January 13
Winter Welcome for new students

Monday, January 14
First Day of Classes

Monday, January 21
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

March 10 - March 16
Spring Break

Tuesday, April 23
Freshman Finale

May 2 - May 8
Final Exams
 
Friday, May 17
Commencement

 

Fall 2013

 

Sunday, August 18
Pre-Orientation Move-In Day

Thursday, August 22
New Student Move-In Day
Bear Beginning Begins
7:30p.m.: Convocation

Tuesday, August 27
First Day of Classes

Monday, September 2
Labor Day - No Classes

Friday, October 18
Fall Break - No Classes

October 25 - October 27
Parent & Family Weekend

November 27 - December 1
Thanksgiving Break

December 12 - December 18
Final Exams