WakeParents & Families
E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement
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Congratulations to The Graylyn Estate, which was the named #4 Best Boutique Hotel by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
It’s August, and we can’t wait to have all our Deacs back with us! As we begin the new academic year, we always like to remind families of a few key points in our How We Communicate website.
How to Opt In to Campus Safety Alerts: The first section of the website outlines how families can opt in to campus safety alerts via the WakeSafe app.
Knowing How/When You Will Hear from Wake Forest: As you scroll down the website, you will see the types of circumstances that might prompt Wake Forest administrators to communicate directly with parents and families.
Understanding How We Partner with Families: This shares our best collective wisdom on how you can best be engaged with your student’s education.
Updates from the Family Weekend committee (Sept. 27-29)
- There are some newly scheduled events we want to make you aware of:
- Daily Deac Live with Betsy Chapman: Join us on Friday afternoon for a special live session.
- Urban Legend Tours: There is limited availability on Saturday. You can reserve your spot when you arrive on campus to check in, so don’t miss out!
- Crafting at WakerSpace: Enjoy creative crafting opportunities for those not attending the game.
- Don’t forget, Family Weekend registration is still open! Secure your spots and get ready for an unforgettable weekend.
- Great seats for the Family Weekend football game September 28 against Louisiana are still available! This includes premium seating options in our Flow Lexus Club, Touchdown Club, and East Side Club. To purchase Family Weekend premium or season tickets options, please call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336.758.3322 ext 1.
As we begin the 24-25 academic year, we remain grateful for the engagement and support of parents and families. You are our best partners in ensuring our students’ success! Let’s make it a great year together.
Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)
Executive Director of Family Communications
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Upcoming Dates & Deadlines*
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August 16 or 17
Move-in for new students confirmed to participate in Pre-Orientation programs (note: move-in date will be assigned based on the specific program)
August 17
Reception for Parents and Families here for Pre-Orientation move in, 4 p.m. Sutton Center; RSVP requested. Dress is casual. Brief remarks at 4:30 p.m.
August 21
Move-in for new students not doing Pre-Orientation programs
Fall 2024 Meal Plans begin. Find out more about dining on campus
August 22-24
Move in for continuing students (i.e., ’25, ’26, ’27)
August 25
Deadline to purchase optional tuition insurance
August 26
First Day of Classes*
September 15
Deadline for Student Health Insurance enrollment/waiver (or else your student will be automatically billed for our student plan)
* See the Academic Services calendar, which lists these and other key academic dates; additionally see Residence Life and Housing’s opening and closing dates for our residential communities.
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A message from the Parents’ Council chairs
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 Welcome, Wake Forest families, to the first issue of the Wake Parents & Families e-newsletter for the 2024-25 academic year. We are Karin and Charles Goldstuck (P ’23, P ’25), and we have the privilege of serving as chairs of this year’s Parents’ Council. Our daughter Katherine graduated in 2023, and Olivia will be graduating this coming spring.
The Parents’ Council is an advisory council of approximately 200 families who meet on campus twice a year to receive updates from University leadership and offer input on campus life. We also act as ambassadors for the parent constituency; see the list of this year’s members. You are encouraged to reach out to any of us with your questions, concerns, or comments.
We want to extend a special welcome to the parents of our Class of 2028 students. We hope you have already discovered what a welcoming community Wake Forest is and how the University values and embraces the parent constituency. We know you will find this monthly e-newsletter to be filled with helpful information for both you and your student. Please know that there are many valuable resources at Wake Forest to help you and your students navigate this important journey, and we encourage you to take advantage of them.
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For families of students admitted to the Class of 2028
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Welcome, P’28s (families of newly-admitted students in the Class of 2028)!
From the Office of Academic Advising:
- First Year Students completed their course registration in Workday in July. Students will have the opportunity to adjust their schedule, as course availability allows, after they have met with their assigned lower division academic adviser on August 23 during New Deac Week.
- Students can visit the New Student website regarding deadlines and instructions that will help prepare for their transition to Wake Forest.
From the Office of Alumni Engagement:
- Alumni families: join us for our Wake Alumni Family Welcome Lunch on Wednesday, August 21 from noon-2 p.m. We’re excited to celebrate our Wake Alumni Families and their incoming students at this casual drop-in lunch. Register here.
From the Center for Global Programs and Studies (GPS):
- Welcome lunch for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and families — August 22: Does your child find it challenging to answer the question “Where are you from?” Are they a U.S. citizen who grew up abroad, moved around the world due to a parent’s career, or were raised within a multicultural or immigrant family? If yes, the Center for Global Programs & Studies (GPS) invites them (and you!) to a casual drop-in lunch with other first-year students who can relate on Thursday, August 22 from 12-1:30 p.m. during New Deac Week.
GPS aims to connect TCKs with peers in order to find camaraderie while adjusting to the academic, social, and cultural aspects of WFU. Have your student submit this form to get connected and RSVP for the lunch. Contact Sandra Lisle McMullen at mcmullsl@wfu.edu or +1.336.758.4889 with any questions.
From CLASS (Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success):
- Join us for our Open House on Thursday, August 22 from 2-3:30 p.m. in the CLASS office located in Reynolda Hall Suite 118. The CLASS team is excited to meet you, answer any questions, and welcome you and your students to campus. The CLASS mission is to provide opportunities for all students to achieve academic success!
From the Office of Sustainability:
- Emerging campus leaders are invited to join The Office of Sustainability this fall! The Sustainability Leadership Group (SLG), is now open for applications. This group’s mission is to develop a diverse group of first-year students into impactful leaders who work together to spread a culture of sustainability throughout the first-year class at Wake Forest and beyond. Students in any year can find more ways to get involved through our new Sustainability Ambassadors, the Campus Garden, and more. To learn more, The Office of Sustainability invites students to join us for these upcoming events:
- Students can join our mailing list and follow us on social media (@sustainableWFU) to learn about additional opportunities, events, and volunteer hours. For a comprehensive look at just how much sustainability plays a role at Wake Forest, check out our website.
From the Office of Civic & Community Engagement:
- Is your new student interested in making a difference while at Wake Forest but doesn’t know where to start? The Virtual Tutoring Program out of the OCCE is the perfect place to start! Each year, WFU students are matched with local K-12 families for a free, one-hour virtual tutoring session once per week, beginning in September 2024.
From Deacon Health:
- Deacon Health is an on-campus, primary care clinic serving Wake Forest University students. Our board-certified providers can perform an array of services, including primary care visits, care for acute illnesses and minor injuries. Students also have access to immunizations, X-Ray, pharmacy, and laboratory services at our facility.
- Reminder that all new students must upload immunization records and complete the health information immunization form that can be found on our website.
- Deacon Health hours are Monday-Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An on-call nurse is available after hours to assist with current healthcare concerns.
- Please follow us on Instagram.
From The University Counseling Center:
- The University Counseling Center (UCC) is comprised of generalist mental health professionals (licensed clinical mental health counselors, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers) who provide short-term clinical assessment, consultation, and counseling/ psychotherapy for Wake Forest University students on the Reynolda Campus.
- The UCC is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After 5:00 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and during university closures, crisis assistance is available anytime and from anywhere, by calling us at 336.758.5273.
- All initial appointments for the academic year are on a scheduled on a same-day basis. Students are encouraged to call the UCC on the day they would like to be seen in order to schedule a same day appointment. Students are then able to schedule follow up visits with a clinician.
- Please also join us for our Fall 2024 Open House on Thursday, August 22 from 2:00- 3:30 p.m. in 117 Reynolda Hall to meet our clinicians and learn more about our services!
- Please follow our Instagram: @wfucounselingcenter
From Faculty Fellows:
- Faculty Fellows are dedicated faculty members affiliated with each first-year residence hall, and are always up for answering any questions, teaching your students a thing or two and helping your student have a little fun while they make themselves at home. Not only are they great listeners, they’re living, breathing examples of the extraordinary level of student-faculty engagement that your student will find in all areas of the Forest. They’re here to help... and they can’t wait to meet your students. Encourage your student to click on their residence hall button on the South Forest website and see their Faculty Fellows.
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Academics
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From Provost Michele Gillespie:
As we embark on a new academic year, the energy across our campus is palpable. This season of new beginnings is an exciting time for our entire community as our students begin to engage with their studies, pursue their passions, and prepare for the future. The role that you, as parents and families, play in supporting your students is invaluable, and I want to extend my gratitude for the encouragement you provide throughout their academic journeys.
This fall, we are delighted to welcome 47 new permanent, full-time faculty members to Wake Forest University. These talented teacher-scholars will contribute to the academic excellence that defines our institution. On August 14, we hosted our annual New Faculty Orientation, where we introduced them to our community and the values we hold dear, including freedom of expression and academic freedom. Each of these new faculty will be key contributors to our rich intellectual community and provide a transformative education for your children.
I am also proud to highlight the achievements of just a few of our distinguished faculty. Julie Wayne, Professor and David C. Darnell Presidential Chair in Principled Leadership at the School of Business, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Rosabeth Moss Kanter Award for Excellence in Work-Family Research. Her groundbreaking research on the invisible family load has earned her international attention and accolades, and we are immensely proud of her intellectual contributions.
Additionally, I would like to congratulate Katy Harriger, Professor in the Department of Politics and International Affairs, for receiving the American Political Science Association Distinguished Teaching Award. This national recognition from her peers, one of the most prestigious awards in her discipline, celebrates her legendary career as an extraordinary teacher-scholar.
Our Provost’s Office is also experiencing exciting changes. We welcomed our inaugural Associate Provost of Faculty Affairs, Stacie Petter, the Peter C. Brockway Chair of Strategic Management, on July 1st. In the coming weeks, we look forward to welcoming Kim McAllister as our new Vice Provost for Research, Scholarly Inquiry & Creative Activity on September 1st. She joins us from UC Davis, where she directed the Neuroscience Institute On that same date, Dr. Mary Muchane will join us as the inaugural Assistant Provost for Faculty Development.
These appointments and recognitions are a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering academic excellence at Wake Forest. As we look ahead, I am confident that this academic year will be one of exciting growth, achievement, and continued success for our entire community, but especially for our students.
From the Office of Academic Advising (OAA):
- Important dates for all students
- Classes begin for all students on August 26.
- The deadline to add a first half-of-term course is August 30.
- The last day to add a full-term course is September 9.
- The last day to drop a first half-of-term course is September 11.
- Classes will be held on Labor Day, but the Office of Academic Advising, along with other University offices, will be closed.
- The last day to drop a full-term course is September 30.
- Continuing students who still have incompletes in Spring courses will be required to submit all work to their instructor by September 24.
From CLASS (Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success)
- Follow @wfu.class on Instagram for updates on workshops, events, and more information on academic resources to help students find academic success. When you suggest your Deacs go to a workshop or meet with an academic coach, they often listen to you! It is common for students to say, “I came because mom asked me to, and I’m so glad I am here!”
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Events
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From the Office of Alumni Engagement:
- Registration for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, September 13-15, is now open! The weekend promises to be a memorable one filled with nostalgia, camaraderie and fun for alumni of all ages and their families. Undergraduate classes ending in 4 and 9, as well as law and graduate business alumni, will celebrate reunions at their respective events. Homecoming information.
From Wake Forest Executive Education:
- Join us for a professional development short course this fall. Our world-class faculty will empower you to move your career and organization forward to meet the challenges of evolving markets and industries. Visit the open enrollment programs website for a list of programs currently accepting registrations and choose from topics in leadership, analytics, healthcare innovation, healthcare finance, project management, and executive presentations. Reach out to execedinfo@wfu.edu for more information.
See the Events Calendar.
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Resources
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From Deacon Dining:
- Looking forward to welcoming your Deacs to our table! You can find meal plan info, allergen info, and more on our dining website.
- Dining questions? Contact us dining@wfu.edu
- Encourage your Deacs to Save The Date: Welcome Home Event: August 28 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. They can meet the team and get free food and lots of giveaways!
From Deacon Health:
- Deacon Health hours are Monday-Wednesday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An on-call nurse is available after hours to assist with current healthcare concerns.
From the Office of Civic & Community Engagement:
- Is your Demon Deacon studying abroad during election season? They can still cast their ballot.
- Voter Registration: US citizens who are overseas must be registered to vote. Citizens can either be registered before they leave the country or while they are abroad. To register to vote, overseas voters must reach out to their local board of elections for guidance.
- Casting a Ballot
- The Federal Post Card Application is the system through which overseas voters request an absentee ballot. Applicants will fill out their information, print the form, and send it to their local election office where they have voting residency. An absentee ballot will then be mailed to them approximately 45 days before the November general election. Make sure ballots are completed fully (following any state guidelines) and mail back as soon as possible. Deadlines for ballots to count vary state by state.
- For more on voting while abroad check out Resources for Overseas Voters.
- Questions? Reach out to the Office of Civic and Community Engagement at communityengagement@wfu.edu.
From the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI):
- The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) works with students, staff, faculty, and senior leadership to create and sustain a sense of belonging and inclusivity throughout our campus and institution. As students you will most likely engage with the programming offered by the Intercultural Center, the LGBTQ+ Center, and the Women’s Center, as well as professional development opportunities from ODI. The ODI team considers its primary objective to provide every member of our campus community with a wide range of engagement and learning opportunities, as well as support and affirmation for all who learn, live, and work at Wake Forest.
- To learn more about “who” we are and where we are located, please visit About Us on the ODI website. And to learn more about “what you can do” to help build a sense of belonging on campus, please visit RIDE website. “R.I.D.E.” stands for Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity, and the R.I.D.E. framework is our institutional guide for Inclusive Excellence.
- Follow our offices on Instagram:
From the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD):
- As the new academic year begins, we are excited to welcome your students back to campus. This is a crucial time for them to reconnect with the resources and opportunities available to support their academic and professional success, including internships, jobs, and graduate school.
- The fall semester will feature key events, including the Fall Career Fair on Tuesday, September 18. Encourage your student to register here. The Diversity Always Matters event is on Wednesday, September 17. Your student can register here. Both events offer valuable networking opportunities for students, regardless of their year.
- We encourage you to explore the various resources and events that can help your student thrive by visiting the OPCD Parents and Families website.
From Human Resources / Student Employment:
- Incoming and returning students are encouraged to review the current student employment offerings on campus. On-campus jobs help students gain transferable skills, build their résumé, and develop connections that go beyond the university. There are a variety of work study and other opportunities, with new positions being added regularly.
From Residence Life and Housing:
- We can’t wait to welcome you and your Deac to campus this month! In this month’s newsletter , we run through some final reminders for our upcoming opening dates and point you in the direction of helpful information hubs for your use in the coming year.
From Student Financial Services:
- Wake Forest offers an elective tuition insurance plan through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. that will help minimize financial loss if a student suffers a serious illness or accident and must withdraw before the end of a semester. Please see the Tuition Insurance page of our website for more information on how the Dewar Tuition Insurance assures up to a 75% tuition refund throughout the term. The last day to apply for this plan is August 25.
- Have your students set up their payment elections with Direct Deposit! Wake Forest encourages students to utilize direct deposit as doing so provides students with a convenient and secure way to access their funds faster.
From Transportation and Parking Services:
- How can my student get around campus and the community? Wake Forest is a compact, walkable, and bikeable campus with a robust shuttle system and car-sharing service. The vast majority of first-year students do not bring a car with them to campus. Check out the many transportation options available to students on the Transportation: Guide to Getting Around website.
- All permits will now be virtual. You will no longer be required to have a physical permit. For more information please visit our License Plate Recognition website.
- Anyone enrolled in any class or program at Wake Forest University, including study-abroad programs who wish to park a vehicle in a university parking lot at any time of day or night, including after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, on weekends, and during academic breaks, must register that vehicle with WFU Transportation and Parking Services.
From Mail Services:
- First-year students can find their PO Box number by logging into Workday and looking under their primary institutional address.
From University Marketing and Communications:
- We have had a name change! Communications and External Relations is now known as University Marketing and Communications.
- Did you know you can subscribe to Photostories and get notice when a new one is published? Subscribe today and see past photostories you may have missed.
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Athletics
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From Athletics:
- Great seats for the Family Weekend (Sept. 27-29) football game against Louisiana are still available! This includes premium seating options in the Flow Lexus Club, Touchdown Club, and East Side Club. To purchase Family Weekend premium or season tickets options, please call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336.758.3322 ext 1 or complete this form to be contacted.
- Purchase tickets in the seating bowl for the Family Weekend football game (Sept. 28 against Louisiana).
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Parents & Families Page
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Parents and Families Page is your portal to news and information specifically for Wake Forest families.
The Daily Deac is our blog for parents and families. It’s a great way to get a snapshot of life at Wake Forest, plus news, tips, and advice on supporting your student. Subscribe to the Daily Deac here
Any emails that are sent to all students, faculty, and staff are archived on the Family News website.
See our Who to Contact for... page if you need to contact a particular department, or our After Hours Help page. If you have an urgent need to reach someone at the University because you have an urgent concern that cannot wait until the next business day, please see our After Hours Help page.
Contact the Office of Family Engagement at parents@wfu.edu or 336.758.4237.
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Wake Forest University
The Office of Family Engagement
1834 Wake Forest Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27109
1.800.752.8568
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