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

Greetings Eagle Families,

Let's be real, it's a bit weird to do the weekly grocery shopping these days, isn't it? 

There are many transitions for students and families alike in the first weeks of the fall semester. Your student is adjusting to new rooms, new roommates, meals that weren't prepared by you, and a schedule that can feel VERY different from their high school routines. At home, things will certainly feel different for you, too!

Expect that calls or texts with your student will change as well. They may be happily busy, or they may hint that they're missing you. It is entirely normal for them to experience a full range of swinging emotions!

Keep in mind that your student started the year with many supports already in place. Orientation Leaders (and their group chats) are still great resources. Your student is seeing their First Year Advisor every week in their AUx class. Resident Assistants are just down the hall and desk receptionists are on duty around the clock. Even if your student is reticent to walk into a club meeting, each class offers new opportunities to find a study buddy. Last weekend, our Orientation Leaders kicked off a series of group outings with new Eagles to explore some their favorite spots in DC - your student can sign up for these excursions and many other activities in Engage.

And for you, Eagle families, we will soon open registration for Family Weekend and our upcoming family webinars. In the meantime, you are always welcome to reach out to us any time at [email protected].

From our nest to yours,
New Student and Family Programs 

 
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.

 

Dates and Deadlines

Parent & Family resource calendar

9/12: Last day to add a fall course, last day to withdraw from a class with a 100% refund

9/12: Last day to enroll in tuition insurance (optional)

9/12: Last day to request a health insurance waiver

9/13: Last day to change student meal plans. Residential students can increase from the 175 meal block to the all-access plan through their myAU portal

10/7-10/9: Family Weekend

10/14: Fall break (one day); no classes, university offices remain open, halls remain open

11/22: Tuesday classes cancelled; Friday classes meet instead

11/23 - 11/27: Thanksgiving holiday; no classes, halls remain open, dining services modified, university offices closed Thursday and Friday

12/17: Last day of final exams

Family Weekend Preview Schedule

Family Weekend

We look forward to welcoming you to campus for Family Weekend 2022! We will host a range of in-person events this fall for you and your student between October 7-9. We'll also have exciting opportunities to connect online throughout the week. Whever you are this fall, we welcome you to join us!

Academic Support & Access 

students working on equations

In the coming weeks, your student will be getting feedback about their first assignments and assessments. For many students, this is a trully challenging experience. Each instructor will have different expectations and that, in itself, is a big adjustment! Ask your student what kinds of strategies they are using this fall and encourage them to take advantage of our Academic Support and Access Center (ASAC) resources. These include a writing center, supplemental instruction (for select classes that tend to be the most difficult for our undergrads), and peer tutoring. Academic coaching sessions help students identify strategies to tackle assignments, note-taking, and time management. 

Importantly, if your student's K-12 success involved an accommodations plan, this is not the time for them to abandon those supports! Talk with your student about requesting accommodations

Asac services

how to make friends in college

Class of 2026 at Eagle Summit

Let's be honest. It takes time to develop true friendships. Your Eagle might be missing the familiarity and security of their friend groups from home and getting anxious about building new networks at AU. As they scan social media, they may get the impression that "everyone else" has found their new best friend at college already. But the reality is that for many, the first semester is a whirl of meeting new people as social circles shift - a lot. So what kind of advice can a parent offer (that won't be met with eye-rolls)? We tend to think the folks at CollegeInfoGeek.com have solid suggestions worth sharing. 

read more

Covid-19 testing, isolation and more

Covid-19 Guide

We shared details with your student via email on August 11. Please take a few moments this week to review the guide with your student now so you'll be prepared if they, or a close contact, tests positive. You'll want to pay attention to our guidance about testing, mask requirements, isolation housing, absences, guest policies and more.

Covid-19 fall guide

 

  
 

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