Student Success Student Transitions & Family Programs

Sophomore Experience

The Sophomore Experience is a set of programs that support and implement the Sophomore Learning Outcomes (SOLO). SOLOs are designed to improve a student’s sophomore experience by connecting them to diverse people and communities and healthy initiatives, enhancing a sense of belonging and engagement, and supporting collegiate capital.

These programs and events are planned by the office of Student Transitions and Family Programs (STFP) and implemented by the Sophomore Student Associates (2SA – pronounced “TWO-suh”)

2SA Hours

2SA Hours are pop-up hours held bi-weekly, on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m., as a way for sophomores to build community with their student leaders as well as address academic and personal milestones. In between board games and activities, 2SAs will reflect with sophomores on their semester, discuss goals for the next semester and year, and make plans for healthy study habits during exam season. Look out for more information in the bear bulletins and follow washutransitions on Instagram!
  • Dates and Locations:
    • October 4: DUC Fun Room and Lopata House Multipurpose Room
    • October 18: Lopata House Multipurpose Room and Lien House Ursa’s Fireside
    • November 1: DUC Fun Room and Lopata House Multipurpose Room
    • November 15: DUC Fun Room and Lopata House Multipurpose Room

1:1 Coffee Conversations (2SA Tea)

2SAs offer to meet up with sophomores on a 1:1 basis to engage in conversation, offer coaching, and devise action plans. They help students workshop and think of ways to further engage with the sophomore class. 2SAs coordinate reach-outs to sophomore students to encourage them to engage with 1:1 conversation. Sign up to meet with a 2SA and grab a drink on us!

Sophomore in the Lou

Sophomore in the Lou is a series of small and medium-scale off-campus programs geared towards sophomore students to engage them in the St. Louis community and each other. They consist of three major events all of which are free, organized and led by the STFP office and 2SAs.

The events are:

Spacing is limited so make sure to click the links above (or in the bear bulletins) to sign up for Sophomore In the Lou excursions.

Classroom Connections

Classroom Connections is a chance for students to meet with their professors in a casual setting. Students have the opportunity to connect with faculty who teach larger classes in a small-group and get to know them outside the classroom. All students in the selected class receive an email invitation to sign up to meet with a faculty member and a small group of their classmates.

Professors and their respective courses will be released later this summer along with dates and times for small groups.

Look out for an email from transitions@wustl.edu on the Classroom Connection sessions being held and how to sign up.

Sophomore Traditions

STFP hosts several all-class traditions. These are designed to connect sophomore students to peers in their graduating class and to celebrate important milestones in their academic career. Include dates and times

  • First Day: This event celebrates the first day of classes and provides students with school supplies and snacks to be successful on their first day, along with photos to commemorate the start of the academic year. First Day photos can be found on the Student Transitions & Family Programs Flickr page.
  • Symphony on the South 40: Members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra visit campus to perform in a small ensemble for students, faculty, staff, and community members on the South 40. The music department selects student musicians to showcase, as well.
  • Halfway to Graduation: This event commemorates the sophomore class reaching the halfway-mark of their undergraduate journeys, this serves as the final event of the Sophomore Experience. This event supports the sophomore class by providing them with a fun, memorable event to bookend their first two years at WashU and to prepare them for their next two years. Free food, giveaways, and resource cards are provided to encourage students to make the most of their junior year.

Passport Program

STFP partners with campus entities to highlight or incentivize engagement with programs and events already happening on campus that achieve the Sophomore Learning Outcomes. Students who complete two experiences in each of the below categories are eligible to receive a WashU Sweatshirt. Engagement will be tracked for December and in March.

(A) Supporting collegiate capital (Career Development and Leadership)

    • Attend the major/minor fair
    • Attend the Career fair
    • Attend the on-campus employment fair

(B) Enhancing a sense of belonging (Student Engagement & Belonging)

  • Classroom connections/faculty program
  • Sophomore in the Lou
  • Clubs & Activity fair

(C) Demonstrating values ( Equity, Diversity, & Inclusions and Healthy Excellence)

  • CDI large events (advertised on WUGO)

Event Walkovers

Our 2SAs are hosting meet ups, for Sophomores, to walk to some major campus events for folks who want to head over together. See below for a list of locations and leave times:

  • All-Campus internship & Job Career Fair: September 21
    • Clocktower: 2:45 p.m.
    • Village Lawn: 2:45 p.m.
  • Major/Minor Fair: October 16 (tentative)

These events will also be an opportunity to work your way towards a free WashU sweatshirt through the Passport Program, so take advantage! More information can be found on Handshake.