This Week in AU Orientation

Greetings Eagle Families!

It’s finally here! This week your Eagle joins our flock and builds their new nest. As you cross off the final “to-dos” on your list, remember this: move-in can be an emotional and stressful day for some. You should definitely expect it to be a hot and humid day for everyone! So, let's keep things simple. All you need to do is help your student to get to campus. We'll greet you at the gate and guide you from there.

In the meantime, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] with any question, any time.

Here's a question you asked, and how we answered it:

Q: How can my student find more details about Eagle Summit?
A: Students need to login to their Canvas course – each student has been placed in an online course for Orientation, and they will find information about their Orientation Leader (OL) and Eagle Summit! Their OL will lead them through this required in-person Orientation. Eagle Summit is held on Wednesday, 8/23 and Thursday, 8/24 – students are only required to attend one date. The date of their Eagle Summit is assigned in advance and depends on a couple of factors including their move-in date if they live on campus and/or any special cohorts. It’s best for students to check in with their OL for details regarding their specific Eagle Summit date. This is a full day event – breakfast through dinner – for students only.

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:

Student bills were due August 1, they get finalized in early July as your student registers for a full-time courseload. Reach out to AU Central if you have questions.

Pack your student with their I-9 acceptable documents. If your student hopes to get a paid job on (or off campus), they'll need them!
Start reading this year's Writer as Witness selection: Isaac J. Bailey's Why Didn't We Riot? A Black Man in Trumpland available at a discounted rate through the Campus Store.
Textbooks can be ordered through the Campus Store. Don't worry if an instructor hasn't posted them yet! Many students wait until they review the syllabus (in Canvas or in class) before purchasing materials.
Consider whether tuition insurance is right for your family, the deadline is September 11.
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 close to campus.
Save the date: Family Weekend is October 13-15.

Last minute financial aid questions? Every AU student has an assigned financial aid counselor available to assist!

REVIEW THE CHECKLIST

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:

"Allow your child to have their own experiences. Allow them to be challenged and to figure things out. It's called adulting!" - Mary Berg, P ‘26

Sometimes as a parent/supporter, you may intentionally or unintentionally impose your version of the college experience on your student. Sometimes that comes from wanting them to have the experiences you had/didn’t have, or even the assumption that they should participate in experiences you recommend because you’re paying for their education. However, a part of adult life is charting your own path. Allow your Eagle to do the same. Another part of adulthood is resolving challenges. You may get the call this week or next that something isn’t working for your student. Instead of fixing the issue for them, ask how you can support them in finding a resolution.

Check out our "Building Critical "Adulting" Skills Before They Leave: It's More Than Just Doing Laundry" webinar!

Send Your Eagle a Shout-Out

#AUWelcome #AU2027 against a blue background.

Surprise your student with a virtual shout-out! When you use #AUWelcome or #AU2027 on your X (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.

All-American Welcome

All-American Welcome is a time for your student to meet new friends, build community, explore involvement opportunities, and enjoy events and activities as we welcome our new and returning students to campus. With more than 70 events and activities each fall, there’s a great variety of fun in-person events to help our Eagles meet each other, learn their way around campus and explore DC.

We do not offer formal programming for families and friends during welcome, but we will encourage you to visit us in the Mary Graydon Center to explore our resource fair on August 22 and 23. Then join us near check-in for tea, coffee and tissues with administrators.

All-American Welcome

In Case You Missed It: Fall Move-In Details

Cars in front of a residence hall with staff unloading them

Check out the recording of Everything You Need to Know About Move-In for more details about what you can expect when you arrive on campus, and tips to make it a smooth process for everyone.

Don’t forget – you can find details about fridge rentals, packing lists, and even furniture dimensions on the housing website. Other urgent housing questions? Encourage your student to email [email protected] or live chat Monday – Friday, 1-4 p.m. ET.

Fall Move-In

AU Sponsored Health Insurance: Waive or Enroll

An eagle plush getting a shot from the nurse.

If your student chooses to participate in the AU sponsored health insurance plan, the charge will remain on your student's account. The next step is to create an account with Aetna at Academic HeatlhPlans (American.myahpcare.com). Once your student has created their account, they will have access to their insurance cards within 1-2 business days. The Aetna plan covers students from August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024.

If you are requesting to waive the AU sponsored health insurance and have the charge removed from your student’s account, please help your student to follow the instructions online before the deadline of September 11, 2023.

If no action is taken to waive or enroll, students that are charged will be automatically enrolled after the September 11, 2023 waiver deadline.

HEALTH INSURANCE DETAILS

Is Tuition Insurance Right for Your Family?

American University has partnered with GradGuard(TM) by Allianz Global Assistance to provide Tuition Insurance for students. Allianz Global Assistance is a private insurance program offering tuition insurance that acts as an extension to American University's published refund policy. Tuition Insurance helps minimize financial losses should a student suffer serious illness or an accident that results in withdrawal from the university before the end of the semester. Enroll by September 11 for fall semester coverage.

LEARN MORE

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