American University Alumni Relations Events and Resources for New Eagle Families
Orientation 2023

Greetings Eagle Families!

If you haven’t made it to New Eagle Essentials, this is your reminder that we have two more sessions on July 12 and July 22. You can register using the following form.

Here are some questions you asked, and how we answered them:

Q: Why can’t I see my student’s Merit Award on the bill?
A: Students need to log in and accept their financial aid package before it will appear on their bill.

Q: When should my student start buying textbooks?
A: While it is natural to assume that a student would need all their books prior to the start of the semester, it’s important to note that students can purchase their textbooks once they receive their syllabus in the first week of classes. If your Eagle is eager to dive in, they can visit Eagle Service. On their planner, they can click the titles of the courses they registered for. In the course description, the link titled “Bookstore Information” will take them to the Campus Store for purchase or rental options. If the materials aren't yet posted, check back later this summer!

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/student-affairs/families.

 

New Student Checklist: Dates and Deadlines

AU gate

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

  • Upload a photo for the AUID (One Card) by July 15 to avoid long lines at move-in.
  • Students must upload immunization records by July 15.
  • Consider whether tuition insurance is right for your family.
  • Student bills are due August 1, they get finalized in early July as your student registers for a full-time courseload.
  • We can accept student packages in the mailroom starting August 17
  • 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 13-15.

Family Webinar: Building Critical "Adulting" Skills 7/25

6 icons of faces on a computer screen mimicking a Zoom call or webinar.

We welcome AU Alumna and former AU professor, Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner, to help us consider the critical life skills that first-year students should master before leaving home- and tips to teach these skills! In this session, we’ll cover: taking care of 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.

Andrea Malkin Brenner, PhD is a college transition educator and author who speaks frequently with high school students and parents on the challenges related to college transitions. She draws on her 25 years of experience as a sociology professor at American University, as the creator and former director of the AUx program, and as the faculty director of our University College program. Andrea is the creator of the Talking College™ Card Deck discussion prompts for college-bound students and their parents and the 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 Just Doing Laundry - Tuesday, July 25, 7 - 8 p.m. EST

Flock Talk: Advice from Current Eagle Familes to New Eagle Families

Flock Talk is a new section where our current Eagle Families share advice just for you! Check out this week's advice:

 

"Create an open dialogue with your child and reserve judgement as they grow and change." - Cindy Fusco, P ‘25

Your Eagle will probably redefine themselves after they start college. Their academic goals, love interests, hobbies/activities and other interests could change, and what once worked in high school, no longer fits as they emerge into adulthood. As a parent/supporter, you may not agree with some of these changes. However, the work you put in to understand their perspective before jumping in with your own will help to soften any conflict. Most importantly, your Eagle needs to feel heard. Dialogue allows us to explore differences in order to find understanding, meaning, and points of connection. When we listen to understand, rather than listen to respond, we create a space where every voice and perspective is heard and valued.

Online Self-Paced Orientation for Families 

We are excited to feature our self-paced orientation, just for families! Here are the instructions: Select the option for Professional and Lifelong Learners: For learners without an @american.edu account. Login with the email address that we've sent you our newsletters. To set up your password, follow the "Forgot Password?" link and check your email for instructions from Canvas to reset your password. The orientation will give you an overview of AU’s academics, campus life, safety considerations, student responsibilities and resources specifically for families, all at your own pace. You’ll also be able to begin the course and return to finish or revisit content at any time!

Immunizations due 7/15

Clawed getting immunized

The District of Columbia Immunization Law requires that all students under age 26, no matter how many credit hours they are enrolled in, must provide proof of their immunizations on the AU Mandatory Immunization Form. All new students must also complete the Tuberculosis Screening Questionnaire. Students will be able to enter their immunizations online once they have registered for classes, so this is a good time to obtain current records. They must do so themselves, a family member can’t enter the information on their behalf. Immunization records are due by July 15.

Fall Move-In

Cars in front of a residence hall with staff unloading them

Your student has received their move-in timeslot through 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 or other optional room amenities, and floor plans and furniture measurements.

Thinking of mailing items to campus? We can accept packages after August 17. Learn about how to address mail, size restrictions and more on the mail services website.

Student Billing

Sunset over Kogod School of Business

Payment for the fall semester is due August 1. Your student must register for classes to generate a bill, which will be posted to the student’s Eagle Service Account. In order for families and other sponsors to view or pay the bill, your student must grant you proxy access. You’ll find a simple list of tuition and fees, instructions on how to view an itemized version of the student bill and payment options on the Student Accounts website.

 

  
 

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