Student Transitions & Family Programs

Student Success

Supporting Students throughout their Collegiate Transitions

Student Transitions & Family Programs supports new students through their transition into the Washington University community and throughout their undergraduate studies to assure they build and sustain their academic and personal goals. More information can be found on the new students website.

Student Transitions & Family Programs also supports the families of all undergraduate students through programs and events such as Parent & Family Orientation, Parent & Family Weekend, and the Family Webinar Series. More information can be found on the parents and families website.

The office 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 Experience

    The First-Year Experience immerses students into the WashU and St. Louis communities through Bear Beginnings, first-year traditions, and faculty connections.

  • Sophomore Experience

    The semester-long Sophomore Experience is designed to help students transition into their second year of college through academic workshops, career exploration, and excursions into St. Louis.

  • Transfer Experience

    The Transfer Experience starts with Bear Beginnings and continues throughout transfer students’ first years at WashU to welcome them to WashU and St. Louis.

  • Exchange Experience

    Whether they join us for a semester or an academic year, the Exchange Experience provides students with unique experiences to connect with WashU and St. Louis.

  • Student facing away from camera in t-shirt that reads Welcome Home

    Student Transition Leadership Positions

    Student transition leaders support first-year, sophomore, transfer, and exchange students in the transition into WashU community, and during their time at WashU

Viewing: Student Transitions & Family Programs

Filter by:

Filter by:

Clear Filters

  • Category

    • Community Living
    • Student Involvement

      • Select topics:

      Narrow by student type:

      Narrow by content type:

    • Student Success
    • Other
Clear Filters
Close Filter Menu
View All Resources

2SA Peer Mentor Program

Second-Year Student Associates (2SAs) are upper-division student leaders that focus on engaging with and supporting sophomore students with their academic and social activities at WashU.

First 40

New students participate in a wide-ranging series of social and cultural events during the first forty days of classes.

First Day

Each year, WashU students celebrate the start of the fall semester by posing for a photo with a ‘First Day’ sign.   First Day is Monday, August 28, 2023!

First Year Finale

A celebration to allow students to reflect on their first year experiences and recognize outstanding members of the university community.

Halfway to Graduation Celebration

A party to commemorate the sophomore class reaching the halfway-mark of their undergraduate journeys, this serves as the final event of the Sophomore Experience.

Student Executive Board

The Student Transitions & Family Programs' Executive Board helps to create, plan and implement programs that aid new students.

Student Transition Leadership Positions

Student transition leaders support first-year, sophomore, transfer, and exchange students in the transition into WashU community, and during their time at WashU

Transfer & Exchange Student Mentor Program

Transfer & Exchange Student Mentors (TXSMs) are upper-division student leaders who assist new students with their academic, social, and personal transition to Washington University.