This Week in AU Orientation

Greetings Eagle Families!

Fall semester is in full swing. Our Quad is filled with students spread out to study or socialize in the last days of summer sun. Clubs are hosting meetings and study groups are gathering in the library. First Year Advisors report that our new Eagles are bringing great energy into their AU Experience (AUx) classes, eagerly connecting with each other, and engaging with class content.

We use the AUx class time to help students to explore campus resources as they develop their own goals and strategies for success at AU. This week, we’ll be talking about academic wellness. This is a great conversation for you to continue with your own student. What kind of positive habits are they shaping now? What strategies are they testing as they learn to manage their own schedules and choices? Ask them what kinds of resources they've discussed in AUx to help them be successful. The adjustment to college academics can be challenging for all students, often in unexpected ways. How can these challenges help your student to practice strategies to help them grow this semester?

Over the next month we'll begin to phase out this Orientation Weekly newsletter. By now, you should be receiving our Family Update and you can expect to find it in your inbox every other week. In the meantime, you are always welcome to reach out to us any time at [email protected].

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

Our Fall Job and Internship Fair is September 27 from 1 - 4p.m. While first year students cannot yet intern for credit, this is a great opportunity to explore! The Career Center also hosts a series of prep events the week of the fair, including workshops on resumes, elevator pitches and preparing for the fair. Students login to Handshake for details and to register.
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.
Residence Halls close at noon on December 17. Students returning to the same room in the spring semester do not need to move.
January 16, 2024 is the first day of spring classes.

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:

"New families should attend Family Weekend and stay involved in AU parent webinars, sports events, and other activities." - Shanta Gyan, P ‘25

Family Weekend is a great way to reconnect with your student! During your time here, let your student show you their world – where they hang out, eat, study, etc. Seeing the campus through their lens can teach you a lot about your Eagle! Sports events are a great way to show your spirit as part of the Eagle Family! We have multiple sporting events listed on our Family Weekend schedule. Our Family Webinar Series kicks off this week and there is still time to register!

Family Webinar 9/21 - Student Engagement

Graphic of six zoom screens with people in them, all on a computer screen.

AU is committed to the holistic development, support, and engagement of students. We work to provide transformational co-curricular experiences that are reflective of the University’s mission to foster intellectual curiosity, build community, and empower lives of purpose, service, and leadership. We center students and their experiences at the core of our work, and endeavor to help them find their place at AU; to belong, thrive, grow, and graduate. This session will cover the many ways students can get engaged and involved on campus, and the offices that support them in exploring interests and creating opportunities to make the most of campus life at AU!

Join us Thursday, September 21 at 7pm (ET).

We recommend that you visit our website about Student Engagement as this will be our focus for this session.

Finding Clubs, Organizations and Things to Do

There are so many ways for students to meet new people and get involved this semester. We know that our new Eagles can feel awkward about meeting people at first, so our Orientation Leaders have been organizing low-key group excursions to discover DC. Your student can sign up for these trips and countless other student activities and events in Engage, the same platform we used all summer for orientation.

Getting Involved

Family Weekend

We look forward to welcoming you to campus for Family Weekend 2023! We will host a range of in-person events this fall for you and your student between October 13-15. We’ll also have exciting opportunities to connect online throughout the week. Wherever you are this fall, we welcome you to join us!

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If any information is incorrect, please update it online by clicking the button.

American University
4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20016

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