American University Alumni Relations Events and Resources for New Eagle Families
orientation 2022

This week for new families - July 25

Greetings Eagle Families,

By now, your student is probably rolling their eyes at you as you "gently remind" them about packing for move-in. We get it. Packing feels concrete and tangible as we ready for a transition full of so many unknowns. This is a good time to shift the focus with your student. Find opportunities to talk about hopes and fears this fall - for all of you. How can you, this summer, demonstrate to your student that you trust them with their growing independence? How do you allow them to be imperfect and in need of help? We'll get some expert coaching on engaging in these kinds of converations with AU alumna and former AU professor Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD in our upcoming webinar: Beginning to Build Critical "Adulting" Skills Before They Leave: It's More than Learning to do Laundry, Thursday, July 28 from 7 - 8 p.m. ET (register here). 

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. 

By now, your student has heard from their Orientation Leader (OL). Our team of OLs is trained and eager to help your student to navigate life at AU - encourage your student to reach out with their questions and to join us for our online social and peer-led sessions throughout the summer. 

Recordings of our  New Eagle Essentials orientation sessions will be available this week on our Orientation 2022 playlist on YouTube. This is just the introduction. We are already planning this year's family webinar series - bringing you the content you need, when you need it. 

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

 
Family Resources

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

AU gate

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 (proof of Covid-19 vaccine and booster by August 1).
  • 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 Weekend 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.

more than learning to do laundry 
Family webinar 7/28

Talking College card decks displayed

Parents will finish this session with a complete list of the critical life skills first-year students should master before leaving home (and tips for teaching these skills). We'll cover: taking care of their physical and mental health; sharing a living space and communicating with peers across differences; understanding new responsibilities for personal safety, eating, and sleeping routines; budgeting and money management; taking advantage of campus resources; mastering professional communication; and handling stress without the “scaffolding” of home.

An AU alumna, Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner draws on her 25 years of experience on AU's campus as a sociology professor and creator of the American University Experience (AUx) program. Andrea is the creator of the Talking College™ Card Deck discussion prompts for college-bound students and their parents and co-author of How to College: What to Know Before You Go (and When You’re There),

Beginning to Build Critical "Adulting" Skills Before They Leave: It's More Than Learning to do Laundry - Thursday, July 28 from 7 - 8 p.m. ET

Student Billing: Fall bill due 8/1

Sunset on Kogod School of Business

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.

Covid-19 vaccination and Booster documentation

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 are due by 8/1. You can find the details and instructions to help your student at our link below.

New eagle essentials videos

This week we will be posting recordings of our Eagle Essentials orientation sessions. Check out (or revisit) 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. 

fall Move-in

Move-in day families unloading cars

By now, your student's assigned move-in timeslot is posted in their housing portal. Visit our move-in website to prepare for your big day! Explore our website for tips on what to bring (and what NOT to bring), ordering a microfridge, floor plans and furniture measurements and more.

Most families will help their students to do just a little unpacking and explore the hall and campus before a  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. We'll start sharing more details about the All-American Welcome schedule of activities for students on August 1. 

Save the date: Move-in Webinar, August 2, 7 - 8 p.m. ET. (register here)

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

 

  
 

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