Commencement update

You’re probably wondering how updated guidance might affect Washington University’s Commencement ceremonies, which are planned for this month for the Classes of 2020 and 2021. We are making the following updates to the protocols that we had originally put in place for these events.

Changes to surveillance testing

Starting Monday, walk-in testing will be available to any Washington University student who is concerned that they may have been exposed to COVID-19.

A Plea for Your Help

Among some members of our student community, we are seeing some very, very troubling signs when it comes to COVID-19.

Plans for Commencement

We are so pleased to write to you today to let you know that, as long as conditions in the region remain favorable, we will be able to proceed with holding in-person ceremonies for both of your classes.

Welcome back to undergraduate students

We are writing to you today as most of you are preparing to return to St. Louis for the start of the spring semester on Monday, January 25.

Thanksgiving Break Updates

For many of us, Thanksgiving is a time to get together with our loved ones and give thanks for the many good things in our lives, even in these difficult times. This year will need to be different in order for us to keep our families and community safe.

Reminder about Thanksgiving Travel

For those of you who are on campus or in St. Louis, we strongly recommend you to stay here and spend the Thanksgiving holiday with us. Limiting travel outside of the region is an important way to keep our community safe and reduce the potential for transmission of COVID-19.

Sign-up Required: Your Regular Fall COVID-19 Surveillance Testing Instructions

To students: As outlined in our August 31 announcement regarding COVID-19 testing, after the initial round of testing at the start of the semester, all undergraduate students living in the St. Louis region will be required to complete a university-provided COVID-19 test every two weeks for the duration of the fall semester. This surveillance testing will begin on September 28.

COVID-19 reminders and testing updates

With many students set to begin returning to St. Louis this week, we are writing to share some important reminders and several updates related to our plans for COVID-19 testing.

Message to new students and families

Dear new Washington University students and families, As we have shared previously, we are so thrilled that you have chosen Washington University and we want to again extend our welcome to you, as our newest members of the Bear Family!  Without a doubt, your first year at WashU will be historic and memorable. You will […]

Message to returning students and families

Dear returning upper-division students and families, I hope all of you are safe and well. We have heard from many of you this summer – we very much appreciate the many ideas and suggestions, and the words of encouragement from so many, as we strive to face together the big challenges before us this fall. […]

Fall planning update (to new students)

In order for us to have a successful fall semester, all of us will need to work together. As part of the college experience, WashU students have always spent their first fall semester making new friends, exploring the campus, learning new ideas and experiencing the many events and activities provided. These things will still happen this fall, but in order for us to have a successful semester life on campus will be different.