This Week in AU Orientation

This week for new families - August 2

Greetings Eagle Families,

By the end of this month, your Eagle leaves your nest for ours. And whether this is your first college send-off or you're an old pro, it can be an emotional time for the whole family. Our advice? Reserve time for unhurried moments together instead of stressing about "dorm decor." Really, the only thing your student can't get here in DC is ... you.

If you missed our first offering of Parent and Family Transitions, join us Wednesday, August 3 from 7 – 9 p.m. ET (register here). We'll be joined by Fanta Aw, Vice President for Undergraduate Enrollment, Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence as we talk through what you can expect as your Eagle adjusts to campus life this fall. You can also view a recording of last week's webinar Beginning to Build Critical "Adulting" Skills, you'll find the recording here.

Many of you told us that your student feels anxious about asking for help. Your Eagle's Orientation Leader is an excellent place to start and get practice. As peers, they know just how it feels to be new at AU! OLs are available through lots of channels across time zones and they are eager to help.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] with any question, any time.

Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle!
The New Student and Family Programs Team

Did you know we have a website with curated content just for our AU parents and families? You'll find quick links to campus services and offices, a planning calendar with key dates and deadlines, travel tips and a listing of our favorite hotels, a collection of our recorded webinars and so much more! Visit us at www.american.edu/ocl/families.

New Student Checklist: Dates and Deadlines

You can help your student keep track of deadlines and tasks like these:

Your student should have already uploaded a photo for the AUID (One Card) and their immunization records, including proof of Covid-19 vaccine and booster.
Pack your student with their "1-9" acceptable documents. If your student hopes to get a paid job on (or off) campus, they'll need them!
Students are automatically charged for health insurance unless your student requests a waiver.
Start reading this year's Writer as Witness selection: Laila Lalami's Conditional Citizens: Who Belongs in America? available at a discounted rate through the Campus Store.
Consider whether tuition insurance is right for your family.
Start thinking about finding local ATMs, banks, pharmacies and specialized medical providers as needed. Use the "20016" zip code to search the internet for services closest to campus.
Save the date: Family Week end is October 7-9. Book your hotel at the discounted AU rate.

Last minute financial aid questions? Every AU student has an assigned financial aid counselor available to assist.

REVIEW THE CHECKLIST

Student Billing

Your student's bill is posted in their Eagle Services account. We sent an email notice to all students and their proxies on July 5 for the bill due August 1. In order for families and other sponsors to view or pay the bill, your student must set up proxy access (instructions are here). To view the entire bill as a proxy, please make sure you log in and select your student’s name (as opposed to your own name).

The default view is "Make a Payment." Click on "Student Finance," then "Account Activity," to view an itemized version of the bill. You’ll find a simple list of tuition and fees, instructions to view an itemized version of the student bill and payment options on the student accounts website.

Student accounts

Covid-19 vaccination and Booster

All AU students who will participate in classes or other activities on campus must be vaccinated against Covid-19 unless they have received a university-authorized exemption. We recently sent a reminder to all new students, you'll find a copy here to review with your Eagle.

Students need to upload their own documents themselves into their health portal. General immunization records were due 7/15, Covid-19 records were due by 8/1. You can find the details and instructions to help your student at our link below.

covid-19 vaccination details

fall Move-in webinar: 8/2

Wondering what to expect at move-in? Join us for our Move-in Webinar, August 2, 7 - 8 p.m. ET. (register here).

Most families will help their students to do just a little unpacking and explore the hall and campus before some last-minute shopping and a snack or meal before saying goodbye. Students arriving on 8/24 or 8/25 will have activities in the evening. While we will not be offering formal programming for families during move-in, we will welcome you to join us for coffee, tea and ... tissues with AU administrators. Your student can already see many of our welcome events in Engage.

Other urgent housing questions? Encourage your student to email [email protected] or live chat Monday - Friday, 1 - 4 p.m. ET.

fall MOve-in

New eagle essentials videos

New Eagle Essentials videos are now available so you can visit content from key campus partners - any time! These offer very brief introductions to our campus offices and services. We highly recommend you visit our family website or a curated list of web links to help you find the information you need, when you need it.

view orientation videos

Is tuition insurance right for your family?

American University has partnered with GradGuard(TM) by Allianz Global Assistance to provide Tuition Insurance for students. Allianz Global Assistance is a private insurance program offering tuition insurance that acts as an extension to American University's published refund policy. Tuition Insurance helps minimize financial losses should a student suffer serious illness or an accident that results in withdrawal from the university before the end of the semester.

Explore tuition insurance

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