Parents & Families E-Newsletter
October 2025

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WakeParents & Families

E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement


Visit the Presidential Search website at search.president.wfu.edu.

On October 1, Dr. Susan R. Wente announced that she will step down as Wake Forest University’s president on June 30, 2026. She has served as Wake Forest’s 14th president and a Distinguished University Professor of Biology and Biochemistry since July 2021.

“With a sense of gratitude and optimism, I write today to share a personal decision,” Wente wrote in a message to the community. “After considerable reflection, I have decided to conclude my presidency on June 30, 2026, at the end of my fifth year.”

Read the full news story and share a message with Dr. Wente.

Trustees Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt and Curt Farmer, co-chairs of the Presidential Search Committee, sent this message to the campus community as well as alumni, parents, and families. Visit the Presidential Search website and add your voice to the conversation by completing the Presidential Search Survey.

We are grateful for President Wente’s leadership and significant accomplishments, and look forward to the next chapter in the life of our University.

Go Deacs!


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

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines*

Oct. 20*
Lower division and major/minor advising begins

Oct. 24-26
Homecoming weekend

Oct. 27*
Last day to withdraw from fall course sections

Nov. 4-7*
Registration for Spring 2026 courses

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

Dec. 1
Spring 2026 tuition due

Dec. 5*
LDOC (Last day of classes)

Dec. 8-13*
Final exams

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

* 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):

  • Do Grades Have Your Student “Spooked”? Have your student stop by the Pit Patio on Tuesday, Oct. 28 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to talk with CLASS Student Outreach Assistants and CLASS Academic Coaches. CLASS will have strategies on prepping for a successful second half of the semester for students to take. Spooky Treats and Merch will be available!

From the School of Professional Studies:

  • Spring Registration is officially open for SPS courses! Open electives are new this semester. Returning students should check their Sept. 23rd email for course recommendations and new students should request course recommendations from their Student Success Manager.
  • Wake360 held at the Wake Forest University Charlotte Center, will take place Oct. 24-25. Learn more about the event from one of our Wake360 ambassadors.

Campus Life

Campus Recreation

  • 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!
  • Campus Recreation launched a Flickr account with photos of your Deacs across all of our programs! From Club Sports to Outdoor Pursuits trips, take a look - you may just stumble across your student!

Center for Global Programs & Studies

  • On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the Center for Global Programs & Studies will host the annual Night Market! Students are invited to join the festivities on Manchester Plaza from 5-7 p.m. for this eclectic offering of free international food, activities and vendors to create an atmosphere reminiscent of markets around the world. The Night Market celebrates International Education Week (IEW) and the immense value of cultural and academic exchange around the world.

University Counseling Center (UCC)

  • 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. All initial appointments for the academic year are 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.
  • October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Awareness Month. For both families and students, knowing the signs/symptoms and risk factors for mental health diagnoses can help with the early identification and treatment. Visit the UCC’s Resource webpage for more information and links to both national and campus resources.

Deacon Health

  • The final mobile flu shot clinic will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the Benson University Center, 2nd Floor Rotunda (near Chick-fil-a). Shots are free and no appointment is required.

Housing

  • With Fall Break marking the halfway point of the semester for our students, we encourage our students to start thinking and preparing for upcoming breaks in addition to looking ahead to Spring 2026. In this month’s newsletter, we’ll cover all the need-to-knows for important dates ahead, including Spring Intent. Read more here.

Office of Civic & Community Engagement

  • Thank You for Supporting Hit the Bricks! We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the generosity of our Wake Forest community and families like yours, Hit the Bricks 2025 raised a record-breaking $348,719 for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund! Your support helps fund critical cancer research and makes a real difference in the lives of patients and families. Thank you for helping us continue this important tradition.
  • Invite your student to take part in Deacon Dialogue, a discussion series that brings students together for meaningful conversations about today’s most pressing issues — from leadership in a divided political climate to community health and the future of our food systems. Each session provides an opportunity to listen, reflect, and share perspectives with others across campus, all while enjoying dinner and dialogue in a welcoming setting.
    • Tues., Oct. 21, 6-7 p.m. (Hopkins Hall): How Do We Achieve Healthy Communities?
    • Wed., Nov. 19, 6-7 p.m. (Campus Kitchen/SJI Lounge): Land of Plenty — How Should We Ensure People Have the Food They Need?
  • Project Pumpkin, a beloved Wake Forest tradition, brings together campus and local families each October for trick-or-treating, games, and fall fun on the Quad. You can help support this event and the community by purchasing a boardwalk-themed Project Pumpkin T-shirt — all proceeds benefit the Wake Forest Freedom School, a free summer literacy and enrichment program for local children.

Personal and Career Development

  • We hope your student enjoyed their Fall Break. As the semester progresses, it’s vital to encourage their continued engagement in the internship and job search, as the job market is increasingly competitive. This is especially true for those aiming for highly competitive roles in investment banking and financial services, where the urgency is even greater.
  • For sophomores, the recruiting process for junior-year finance internships begins right now. To prepare for the intensive case interviews, we highly recommend registering for the two-day Finance Career Accelerator program. This is the best way to learn how to “ace the case” from industry experts — and it’s only available now. Interested students should review the OPCD’s financial services resources, connect with employers and alumni, get up to speed on the industry and jobs, and be applying for jobs.
  • For more information on this critical program and other timely news, please visit the OPCD parents web page. We’ve provided key recommendations and resources to help you guide your student towards success.

Transportation and Parking

  • Thinking about your students’ transportation needs on campus? Students can take advantage of Zipcar, a convenient car-sharing service available right on campus. Whether your student needs to run errands, get to an appointment, or take a quick weekend trip, Zipcar provides an affordable alternative to bringing a personal vehicle. Cars can be reserved by the hour or day, and rates include gas and insurance. The first year of membership is free on Zipcar if your student joins by November 15.
  • 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.
    • 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.

Events and Athletics

The Secrest Artists Series:

  • Christian McBride + Brad Mehldau: An unforgettable night of jazz! Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Brendle Recital Hall. This concert is sold out, but join the wait list. Don’t miss out on our other concerts this season. Go ahead and reserve your seats!

Hanes Art Gallery:

The School of Business:

  • School of Business Homecoming Reception (Oct. 24 from 3-4:30 p.m. in the Founders Living Room, Farrell Hall): School of Business alumni are invited for a drop-in reception to reconnect with faculty, staff and fellow alumni.

Wake Forest Executive Education:

Athletics

  • Football Tickets: Limited premium tickets remain for Homecoming vs SMU on Oct. 25 and Wake Forest vs. UNC on Nov. 15.
  • Flow Lexus Club: Premium club area on the West side and includes indoor access, upscale concessions, and a cushioned club seat in the outdoor club seating area.
  • Touchdown Club: Located in the North End Zone near the field, includes a ticket in the outdoor seating area in the end zone with access to Bridger Field House and all-inclusive food and beverage offerings.
  • Wake Forest Men’s Basketball Season Tickets and Non-Conference Games on Sale Now!
    • Season Tickets for all 18 Home Games Start at just $195
    • Can’t make all 18 Home Games? Flex Packages that include 10 tickets to use for any games of your choice are on sale for $195.
    • Conference Single Game Tickets on sale Oct. 31
    • Secure your tickets by going to GoDeacs.com/Tickets or calling the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336-758-DEAC(3322), ext. 2

See the Events Calendar.

Financial Matters

Student Financial Services

  • Have your Deacs be on the lookout for an email in the next couple of weeks if they haven’t provided their Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) to Wake Forest. We are required to provide all students a complete 1098-T Tuition Tax Form each tax year, and the IRS requires that the TIN/SSN be included on this form.
  • We will begin billing for the Spring 2025 semester on November 2. Make sure your student has added you as an Authorized Payer in Workday so you receive the appropriate notifications and are granted access and permission to discuss the details of the student account. If you are not set up as a third party user, your student can set add you as an authorized user on their account with these instructions.

Resources for Families

We want to make sure all families are aware of the many resources available online to help you:

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