It's hard to believe, but by the end of this month, your Eagle will be in class. We have been busy finalizing details for our All-American Welcome week, readying our halls for move-in, planning coursework, re-stocking the campus store and ... getting excited!

Families, instead of offering formal presentations for you during the hectic (and hot) move-in days, we bring you content throughout the year in our webinar series. During move-in most families spend two or three hours helping their student to get their belongings to their room, shopping for last-minute items, enjoying a snack or lunch together and saying goodbye. As early as 8/20, students can pick up their ID card and UPass in the Mary Graydon Center. If you are on campus on 8/22 or 8/23, you're welcome to explore the Resource Fair and join us for complimentary coffee, tea and ... tissues. You'll find our information desk and all the details in Mary Graydon Center throughout move-in.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

8/1: Fall bill was due, contact AU Central if you have questions

8/22 - 8/31: All-American Welcome

8/22 - 8/23: On-campus move-in for first-year and new transfer students

8/24 - 8/27: On-campus move-in for upperclass students

8/28: First day of classes

9/4: Labor Day; no classes, university offices closed

9/11: Last day to add a fall course, last day to drop a course with a 100% refund

9/11: Last day to request a health insurance waiver

10/13: Fall break (one day); no classes, university offices remain open, halls remain open

10/13 - 10/15: Family Weekend

Celebrate AU is our annual event hosted by President Burwell which kicks off the new academic year. It’s a chance for all members of the AU community to interact outside of the classroom. Your student has received an invitation and can join us on the quad from 2 – 4 p.m. on Monday, August 28. There will be food, music, lawn games, and an appearance by our beloved Clawed Z. Eagle! Encourage your student to snap a first-day selfie on the quad during the event using the hashtag #AUWelcome on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram!

Calling all first-year and transfer Eagle Families! Surprise your student with a virtual shout-out! When you use #AUWelcome or #AU2027 on your X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram posts, your messages will display on our big screens during our Opening Convocation the morning of August 25. Please submit your post before 8:00 p.m. on August 24 (ET) to be sure yours is included. 

Flock Talk is a new series where we feature advice from our Eagle Families! What are some things you’ve learned along the way as you supported your student(s) through college? What has your Eagle taught you? What are some things you never thought to ask as a parent, family member or supporter? Do you have general advice to share? Share your wisdom below to be featured in a future Family Update Newsletter!

For the last six years, President Sylvia M. Burwell has partnered with the AU community to advance groundbreaking research and scholarship; enhance student thriving; foster an environment of inclusion, diversity, dignity, and respect; champion innovative sustainability practices; and make lasting impacts throughout DC, across the country, and around the globe. On August 8, 2023, Sylvia announced that she will complete her time as president of American University in June 2024.

With just weeks to go until the fall 2023 semester, AU campus leaders gathered on August 2 for important discussions on student well-being in and out of the classroom. The summit came against a backdrop of challenges facing today’s students, from the academic and social aftermath of the pandemic to an unsettling political landscape.

American University’s College of Arts and Sciences launched a new undergraduate certificate in Disability, Health, and Bodies. The interdisciplinary certificate spans American studies, public health, psychology, philosophy, religion, advocacy, politics, and law. It critically examines the social, cultural, historical, and political dimensions of disabled people and those with other physical and mental differences. Students are encouraged to challenge stereotypes and advocate for a more inclusive society.

In May, students in American University's Chamber Singers ensemble packed their bags and flew halfway across the world to travel across Czechia (also known as the Czech Republic), Slovakia, and Hungary. Through their travels, the ensemble became an attraction in and of itself—members performed in seven ticketed concerts in churches, concert halls, and historic buildings in different cities. “Each space had its own unique sound, so our group was able to style its artistry uniquely each night,” said Luke Stowell (CAS ‘24).