This Week in AU Orientation

Greetings Eagle Families!

We hope you enjoyed the Labor Day holiday weekend while your student explored their new nest. There is so much going on! Last week's involvement fairs highlighted just some of the ways students can get engaged. At AU, our groups recruit throughout the year. There are groups tabling at the Mary Graydon Center every day and every club can be found in Engage. Beyond clubs and volunteerism, AU offers countless ways for students to tap into their passions and get involved. For those who aren't quite ready to join a club, our Orientation Leaders are hosting on-campus meet-ups and off-campus excursions throughout September (details in Engage).

It is entirely normal for new Eagles (and their families) to experience a range of emotions during the first weeks of the semester. This week, we share a round-up of advice:

A current Eagle shares her advice for new students in Words of Wisdom,
CollegiateParent.com offers tips for Surviving the Early Weeks as a New College Parent, and
Check out Grown & Flown's How to Help your College Freshman When they're Homesick so your'e ready when you get the call.

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

Q: What if my student is still on a waitlist for a class?
A:Your student should be registered for full-time course load (at least 12 credits, but preferably between 14-16) while on a waitlist. That way, if they don’t get a spot, they’ll still have a full schedule of classes to take. Your Eagle needs to check their email regularly, so they don’t miss their registration window if a seat becomes available. Once they get the email, they’ll only have 24 hours to be able to register. If a seat doesn’t become available before the end of add/drop for your student’s waitlisted class, they can try again next semester!

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.

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, the deadline is September 11.
September 11 is also the last day to submit a Health Insurance Waiver of the 2023-24 annual charge. If your student has opted to enroll in the AU student health insurance plan, be sure that they've downloaded a copy of their insurance card!
Save the date: Family Weekend is October 13-15.
Schedule change on November 21: on this day, Friday classes meet instead of Tuesday classes. We always advise that you consult with your student about their class, co-curricular, and employment commitments before making nonrefundable travel plans.
Thanksgiving Holiday November 22 - 26: no classes, halls remain open.
Fall Final Examinations are December 11 - 16. Consult with your student before arranging travel.

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

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

"Your student should be meeting with their advisor if they have questions about their major/schedule." - Kim Campione, P ‘23

First Year Advisors are a great resources for students as they navigate the semester. They can be helpful during the add/drop period as your Eagle considers schedule changes, and later in the fall in preparation for spring 2024 registration. Encourage your Eagle to contact their advisor if they have any questions about their current schedule. First Year Advisors also teach the AUx course and offer office hours every week so your student can connect with them easily! Your Eagle can also explore the First Year Advising website for a wealth of tools and resources.

Bonus note: Students compare schedules/academic plans with their peers. It’s important to remember that no two academic journeys are the same, and what may work for one Eagle, may not for another!

Family Weekend

We enthusiastically welcome you to visit your student and our campus community in-person October 13-15, 2023. We will email you the registration link this week, but you can take a sneak peek at our schedule here. You can expect that our signature on-campus programs will be scheduled after noon on Friday, October 13 and before noon on Sunday, October 15. For your convenience, we also list area hotels, directions and other resources to help you plan your visit. You can also check out our special rates for families at the Airlie Hotel.

preview the schedule

Sending a Package?

Mail lockers with the phrase Challenge Accepted and the number 1 on them

Mail and packages are processed centrally for the university. This means that deliveries from Amazon, FedEx, UPS, etc. don’t go directly to the residence halls and once they have been received on campus, we need additional time to process them and notify your student that they are ready for pickup. You’ll find more details about package restrictions and how students are able to retrieve packages on our website. Mail and packages should be addressed as follows:

First and Last Name (no nicknames)
Building name, room number
4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20016

Mail and package FAQS

9/11 DEADLINE: Waive or Enroll in AU Sponsored Health Insurance

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

9/11 deadline: 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.

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