Parents & Families E-Newsletter
November 2025

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WakeParents & Families

E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement


Your students will be celebrating Pitsgiving is this Thursday, Nov. 20.

Last week, the campus community received an Update on the Presidential Search. We encourage all parents and families to participate in the online survey to share your thoughts and lend your insights about the search for our 15th president.

November marks the start of the holiday season. Thanksgiving is up first, with a focus on gratitude, family, and food. May your tables and hearts be full, and your house be warm and joyful. On Dec. 7, Wake Forest will host one of its signature holiday traditions, the Lovefeast.

The Wake Forest Lovefeast started in 1965. The service consists of a meal of a sweetened bun and creamed coffee, which dieners (German for “servers”) serve to participants. During the meal, music from the Wake Forest Concert Choir, Handbell Choir, Flute Choir, and the Messiah Moravian Church Band fills the air. During the service of song and scripture reading, everyone receives a handmade beeswax candle decorated with a red paper frill. A warm glow fills the chapel as the candles are lit while worshipers sing the final hymns.

You can watch the Lovefeast via a livestream on Dec. 7, or view a recording afterward.

Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!

Go Deacs!


Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)
Executive Director of Family Communications

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines*

Nov. 26-28*
Thanksgiving Break (no classes Weds.-Fri.)

Dec. 1
Spring 2026 tuition due;
See jobaid for Third Party Payers to pay tuition

Dec. 5*
LDOC (Last day of classes)

Dec. 8-13*
Final exams

Dec. 14
Residential communities close at 2 p.m. for Winter Break

Jan. 6
Sorority recruitment early arrivals (students should follow instructions sent to them later this fall by Residence Life and Housing)

Jan. 9
Move-in for students moving on to campus for the first time this academic year (e.g., students who were abroad in the fall); move-in is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Jan. 10
Residential communities open at 9 a.m. for all students to return

Jan. 12
FDOC (First Day of classes)

* See the Academic Services calendar , which lists these and other key academic dates.

See Residence Life and Housing’s opening and closing dates for our residential communities.

Academics

From CLASS (Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success):

  • Is your student overwhelmed by upcoming finals? CLASS can provide guidance for time management and finals study preparation through Academic Coaching. Students can sign up on the CLASS website.
  • CLASS Peer Tutoring continues through Friday, Dec. 5.

From the School of Professional Studies:

  • Wake to What’s Next: Two New Programs Launching This Spring &— Wake Forest School of Professional Studies (SPS) is thrilled to share the start of two new 100% online graduate programs this spring to better serve professionals and their organizations:
    • Master of IT Management. The need for skilled IT professionals who can both manage technology and align it with business strategy has never been greater. This program prepares students to meet this demand with a curriculum that blends executive-level business acumen and broad technical knowledge. Learn more.
    • Master of Public Policy and Data Analytics. Developed by industry experts, this online program is uniquely designed to equip professionals for a high-impact career in public policy. The curriculum emphasizes data visualization and storytelling to propel students to think critically beyond the numbers while blending hands-on learning with leadership and communication training. Learn more.
    • Enroll today & start in the spring — fee-free! When you apply for the Spring 2026 semester, we’ll waive your $50 application fee. Explore all of our programs, and request more information.

From Military Science:

  • If your student is looking for a unique addition to their Wake Forest experience or they want to expand their understanding of the military, encourage them to try out a Military Science course this spring. MIL 122: Foundations of Leadership and MIL 101: Leadership Lab are open to all students and there is no obligation to serve in the military by taking these courses.
  • Also, if your student is pre-med or pre-law, encourage them to contact us at ROTC@wfu.edu to learn more about how the Army can support their educational goals.

From Undergraduate Summer Session:

  • Mark your calendars! By November 24, we’ll roll out a completely updated Summer Session website, giving you all the details to consider the exciting benefits our courses offer your student.
  • Registration for Summer 2026 opens March 16, so you have months to carefully review our course list and select classes that meet every unique need. Please contact us with any questions that arise as you and your student prepare for a productive summer ahead.

Campus Life

Campus Recreation

  • Is your Deac staying on-campus for Thanksgiving? Tell them to join us at the Wellbeing Center for a Thanksgiving lunch buffet at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27. No registration is necessary.
  • Is your student looking for winter break plans? Our Outdoor Pursuits program has a number of trips this winter!
    • Cumberland Island Backpacking Skills Course (Jan. 6-10): Cumberland Island is known for its stunning white sand beaches, rich history, and the wild horses that roam freely along the shore.
    • Red Rock Climbing Trip (Jan. 4-10) (Skill Requirement: Belaying experience and interest in lead climbing): Experience four incredible days of climbing and a day exploring Zion National Park!
    • Ski Big Sky (Jan. 5-10): Hit the slopes with OP for an unforgettable ski and snowboard adventure at Big Sky, Montana — one of the premier mountain destinations in the country!

University Counseling Center (UCC)

  • The University Counseling Center in collaboration with the Office of Wellbeing and our Student Mental Health Ambassadors recognize November as Brovember. The aim of Brovember is to reduce stigma and start the conversation around men’s mental health. Follow @wfucounselingcenter on social media for information about events happening throughout the month.
  • The University Counseling Center (UCC) offers voluntary, short-term clinical assessment, consultation, and counseling/psychotherapy for Wake Forest students on the Reynolda Campus in a confidential setting.

Deacon Health

  • Remind your Deacs to stay healthy as the holidays approach: As the weather gets colder and we spend more time inside, it is important our students take action to stay healthy. To prevent bringing fall illnesses home to loved ones at Thanksgiving, Deacon Health encourages students to: wash hands frequently with soap and warm water; cover coughs/sneezes; avoid close contact with people who are ill; get flu and/or COVID vaccines. If your student gets sick, they can follow guidance for upper respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses; see how to navigate urgent care clinics.

Housing and Dining

Office of Civic & Community Engagement

  • Students can make a meaningful impact in the community by volunteering with Wake Forest Campus Kitchen for TurkeyPalooza from Nov. 16-22. During this weeklong event, volunteers help prepare and deliver over 600 scratch-made Thanksgiving meals to local families in need. No cooking experience is required — students can sign up for a shift that fits their schedule on GivePulse and help spread warmth, care, and holiday cheer throughout the Winston-Salem community.
  • Students can celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy by volunteering for the annual MLK Read-In on Jan. 23-24. Serving as “Reading Buddies” for K-5 students, volunteers help foster a love of reading, celebrate diversity, and make a meaningful impact in young lives. This program is a collaboration between Wake Forest, Winston-Salem State University, and HandsOn NWNC, offering students a rewarding way to give back while on campus. Students can sign up to volunteer.
  • Is your student looking to make a difference this holiday season? With support from the Office of Civic & Community Engagement, Student Government, Alpha Phi Omega, Volunteer Service Corps, and PHASE are leading a collective effort benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank, students can support local families by donating via the Virtual Food Drive, sponsoring or filling a donation box with their student organization with non-perishable items, or direct service with Second Harvest Food Bank. Every hour, item, and dollar helps bring food, care, and hope to neighbors in need.
  • Is your Deac looking for a meaningful way to spend the summer in Winston-Salem? The Wake Forest AmeriCorps program, based in the Office of Civic & Community Engagement, is recruiting up to 24 students to serve 300 hours between June 1-July 31, 2026. Participants will work with local clinics, schools, and nonprofits to strengthen community health, promote literacy, and reduce food insecurity—all while earning a living stipend and gaining professional experience. Priority applications are due Dec. 1, with additional applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Students can learn more and apply today.

Office of Student Engagement

  • Encourage your Deacon to take part in one of Wake Forest’s most cherished traditions — Lighting of the Quad On Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m., students will gather on Hearn Plaza to celebrate the holiday season with music, lights, and community spirit. As the Quad sparkles with hundreds of lights, it’s a joyful reminder of the warmth and connection that define our campus.This year’s celebration also honors the spirit of Pro Humanitate through a giving initiative benefiting Kimberly Park Elementary, a nearby Title I school. Together, the Wake Forest community is helping support local students and educators while spreading light and hope throughout Winston-Salem.
  • Remind your Deac to take a well-deserved study break before finals and head to Late Night Breakfast at The Pit on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 10 p.m. to midnight. This beloved Wake Forest tradition brings students together for a night of comfort food, laughter, and community as faculty and staff serve up pancakes, eggs, bacon, and all the breakfast favorites. It’s a fun, relaxed way for students to unwind, reconnect with friends, and feel supported before diving into exams — a reminder that they’ve got this, and that their Wake Forest family is cheering them on.

Personal and Career Development

  • With the semester wrapping up, here’s how you can help your student maintain momentum. Encourage them to actively use Handshake (75,000+ opportunities!) and focus on three key actions: 1) updating Career Preferences, 2) applying Search Filters, and 3) following Key Organizations.
  • Please remind them to schedule a career coaching check-in and follow up on networking connections before the Winter Break. Over Thanksgiving, you can also support them by initiating casual conversations about their favorite classes or new interests, and by sharing insights from your own career path, while ensuring they have crucial time to rest.
  • Find more valuable tips and resources on the OPCD Parents Page.

Transportation and Parking

  • Is your student is heading home for Thanksgiving and Winter Break? Transportation and Parking Services offers convenient airport shuttle services during designated break times. Shuttles run to and from Greensboro (GSO) and Charlotte (CLT) airports, making travel reliable and stress-free. Be sure to book in advance and review our schedules for departure times.
  • Thanksgiving Break Airport Shuttle Registration: Monday, Oct. 27-Friday, Nov. 21.
  • If a reservation is needed outside our airport shuttle schedule, a reservation can be made through Black Tie Transportation, a private car service. Students can also book Ubers, etc.
  • To help your student plan ahead for Thanksgiving break, information on parking and shuttle schedules is now available. Review our Thanksgiving Parking and Shuttle Information Announcement.

Events and Athletics

Wake the Arts

  • Fall Faculty & Guest Artist Dance Concert
    Artistic Director Nina Lucas Rice
    Nov. 20-22 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 23 at 2 p.m.

    The Fall Faculty & Guest Artist Concert will feature modern, jazz, contemporary and classical ballet choreography by our dance faculty and renowned guest choreographers, under the direction of Nina Lucas Rice. This fall faculty choreographers include Chris Martin, Tina Yarborough Liggins, Christina Soriano, Nina Lucas Rice, Chelsea Hilding, Sam Shapiro, and Enrique Rosario. Past guest artists have included: Heather Malloy artistic director of Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance; Broadway dancers Matthew Loehr and Mark Price to name a few.
  • Free Screening of Documentary “Theirs Is the Kingdom”
    Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. a/perture cinema

    Theirs is the Kingdom is a 60-minute documentary film that follows the rare creation of a contemporary fresco mural inside the sanctuary of a small church in Asheville, NC. This is a painting not of the rich and powerful, but of people battling homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. From first sketch to final unveiling, the viewer witnesses the difficulties of this ancient artistic technique while also meeting an ensemble cast of rich, complex characters. Join Director Chris Zaluski for a post-screening discussion.

Hanes Art Gallery:

  • The Darkness: Recent works by Molly Kaderka and Rudy Shepherd
    Hanes Gallery of Art, through Dec. 12

    The Darkness is an exhibition of recent works by Wake Forest studio art faculty Rudy Shepherd and Molly Kaderka. This two-person exhibition brings together drawing, painting, sculpture, and performance, offering a dialogue between the artists individual artistic practices. The exhibition also marks the grand reopening of Hanes Art Gallery following a summer of renovations. The exhibition is on display through December 12 at Hanes Art Gallery.

Wake Forest Executive Education:

  • Wake Forest Executive Education has launched a new lineup of open-enrollment courses for Spring 2026! Designed for professionals at every level, our programs help participants strengthen leadership, strategy, and communication skills that drive meaningful results. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming programs and dates and join our mailing list to be the first to know when new courses open for registration.

Athletics

  • Wake Forest Football Senior Night: Don’t miss the final home game of the 2025 football season, as Wake Forest faces Delaware on Nov. 22. Bojangles’ 4 Packs, that include 4 tickets, a parking pass and a $20 Bojangles Gift Card are just $54 and can be purchased at GoDeacs.com or by calling the ticket office at 336-758-3322.
  • Men’s and Women’s Basketball Season Tickets are still available and can be purchased at visit GoDeacs.com or by calling the ticket office at 336-758-3322.

See the Events Calendar.

Financial Matters

Student Financial Services

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Wake Forest University
The Office of Family Engagement
1834 Wake Forest Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
1.800.752.8568