This Week in AU Orientation

Greetings Eagle Families!

Got questions about your student’s journey at AU? Stop by our Family Zoom Room to talk with our Orientation Leaders (OLs) about everything from academics, clubs and more! The first session will be on Thursday, July 20 from noon – 1 p.m. EST. Can’t make Thursday? We’ll host a second session on Friday, August 4 from noon – 1 p.m. EST. To join either session, click "Join Event Online" on the day and time of the Zoom.

We have one more New Eagle Essentials session on Saturday, July 22 from 9 - noon. You can register using the following form.

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

Q: How do new students get help with time management and organization?
A:The support resources offered by the Academic Support and Access Center are great tools to help students with time management and organization. Whether it’s meeting with an academic coach, or downloading planners and calendars from their resource library, ASAC has what your student needs to stay on top of their work! Hot Tip: Once our Eagles get their syllabi, they can plot out all major assignments and exams on one large calendar. Being able to see what’s due immediately AND in the weeks ahead can help them plan accordingly!

Q: How available are professors and advisors to students?
A: All faculty are expected to keep office hours. Office hours are a block of time in the week dedicated to meeting with students. This is a great space for students to raise questions about the course material or just get to know their professor better. If your student is interested in a particular field, office hours are a great way for them to learn more about it! For advising, students should have access to their advisor's booking link to schedule an appointment.

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/student-affairs/families.

New Student Checklist: Dates and Deadlines

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

Consider whether tuition insurance is right for your family.
Important: If your student has not yet submitted their One Card photo by July 15, make sure they do so.
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 Week end is October 13-15.

REVIEW THE CHECKLIST

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 former 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:

"Encourage your student to get involved with clubs and activities on campus." - Tracey Zerwig Ford, P ‘24

There will be numerous ways to get involved on campus. Students can use Engage to learn more about all of our student organizations and activities. We also hold a student involvement fair early in the semester for students to interact with these organizations and ask questions. Students can also visit our Getting Involved website to learn about the different types of student involvement!

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!

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.

Fall Move-In

Student Billing

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.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS

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