Parents & Families E-Newsletter
September 2025

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WakeParents & Families

E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement


We hope to see you for Family Weekend, Sept. 26-28!

The fall semester is in full swing, and there is a lot of news to share, so we will get right to it.

We announced some big news yesterday: undergraduate students from North Carolina whose families make less than $200,000 per year will attend tuition-free, beginning in the fall of 2026. For students with an annual family income less than $100,000, financial aid will cover the cost of standard living expenses in addition to the full cost of tuition. Students from families earning between $200,000 and $300,000 will be eligible for financial aid covering 50% of tuition.

Called the North Carolina Gateway to Wake Forest University, the initiative aims to create more opportunities for talented, high-achieving North Carolina students to attend Wake Forest regardless of family income. Learn more.

Our Family Weekend Committee wanted to share the following Family Weekend announcements:

  • Check in will be in the Benson University Center starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 26. This is where families can pick up their registration packets and t-shirts (pre-purchased or bought on site, while supplies last).
  • The pre-order period for purchasing Family Weekend T-shirts has closed. If you are still interested in purchasing a T-shirt, please inquire at check-in when you arrive. Note that the deadline for requesting a refund has passed.
  • Download the Family Weekend 2025 Guidebook app for the most up-to-date schedule, as well as a wealth of other information (see how to find the schedule in Guidebook.)
  • The Schedule of Events has been updated in Guidebook with several new events which may be of interest to families, including departmental open houses, tours of Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Scholars in Capitalism pizza dinner, Club Sports games, and more. Please note that unless it is explicitly stated that tickets are required for an event, all tours, open houses, presentations, and performances will be open to attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Seats at the 12 noon brunch on Sunday are still available for those who wish to register. The earlier brunch seatings are sold out.
  • Where to eat? There are “Taste of the Triad” deals, where families get discounts from local restaurants with their Family Weekend credential, or see family recommendations for local restaurants.
  • Families with Family Weekend credentials can show those to access the Wellbeing Center during Family Weekend.
  • Family Weekend credentials can be purchased here. Credentials are $50 for four if purchased by Sept. 21. After the 21st, families may register on-site at check in for $75, and those who need additional credentials can purchase those for $15 each.
  • Kick off time for WFU vs. GA Tech has been set for 12 noon. Whether driving or taking the campus shuttle to the stadium area, we encourage families to start their journey early. This page at GoDeacs.com will guide you for all things related to Game Day!
  • Note that we follow a Clear bag policy for entry into the stadium. Please review prior to arrival.
  • What do we need to know about the Student Tailgate Area? The student tailgate area opens 3 hours before kickoff for Family Weekend (kickoff is 12 noon). Family Weekend participants are welcome to join students at that time if they have a Family Weekend credential and a game ticket. Those without Family Weekend credentials but with a valid ticket may join the students at when gates open for the game (90 minutes before kickoff). Free food will be available on a limited basis during the Student Tailgate, and beer and wine will be available for purchase with a valid identification. You may not bring in food or drink to the Student Tailgate Area.
  • What do we need to know about general tailgating (i.e., tailgates hosted by student organizations)? Check with your student directly to find out if their organization is hosting a tailgate. Many organizations will host their own tailgates in the parking lots.
  • What do we need to know about parking on campus, and parking/shuttles to the football game on Saturday? On Friday, families can park in visitor and general lots as noted on the Reynolda Campus Parking Map. After 5 p.m. Friday, and on Saturdays and Sundays, most campus lots are available for families. Parking on gameday at the football stadium is $40. There will also be free shuttles to/from campus leaving from Lot P behind Wait Chapel. Shuttles start four hours prior to kickoff. Should you choose to use a rideshare option, request to be dropped off on Shorefair Drive behind the Tennis Center for the tailgate.

We can’t wait to have you with us for Family Weekend. Go Deacs!


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

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines*

Sept. 21
Last day to preregister for Family Weekend at the discount rate of $50 (you can register onsite on Sept. 26-27 for $75)

Sept. 26-28
Family Weekend

Sept. 29*
last day to drop fall term courses

Oct. 13-14*
Fall Break (note: this year the break dates are Monday-Tuesday)

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

* 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 President Wente:

  • President Wente highlights the academic excellence of our faculty in her Walk with Wente series. In the new episode, she walks and talks with Dr. Ken Kishida, Boswell Presidential Chair of Neuroscience and Society, Wells Fargo Faculty Scholar, about how the brain works and his research focused on big questions about consciousness and choice. They discuss his collaborations with both neurosurgeons and humanities faculty... and his love for the movie The Matrix.

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

  • Is your student feeling overwhelmed with the academic workload? The CLASS office provides Academic Coaching and Peer Tutoring opportunities for increasing student success. Students can sign up for individualized Academic Coaching through the CLASS Student Portal. Peer Tutoring is available in most academic areas, including many lower division classes.
  • Encourage your student to stop by the CLASS table outside the Pit on Sept. 23 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. CLASS will have goody bags with snacks, supplies, and resources to help students prepare for midterms! Plus a chance to win a CLASS Plush Owl Study Buddy!
  • Families and students are welcome to stop by the CLASS Open House during Family weekend on Friday, Sept. 26 from 1-3 p.m. in Reynolda Hall. We look forward to meeting you!
  • Academic Resources Awareness Week will be Oct. 6-10. This is a great time to learn about academic success resources during midterm season!

From the School of Professional Studies:

  • Families, you can do more than cheer on your student as they pursue their degree — you can further your own education alongside them. The Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) offers graduate-level online education while holding true to Wake Forest’s standards of small classes, practitioner professors, and a vibrant professional community. With graduate degrees, professional certifications, and non-credit workshops available across industries, there’s something for every stage of the professional journey.
  • The Wake Forest SPS student body includes newly-graduated individuals who are balancing their first job with continuing education, as well as seasoned professionals looking to advance their careers or make a pivot. Experience the innovative and market-relevant curriculum of Wake Forest SPS, and learn more about our current program offerings.

From Wake Forest in Charlotte:

Campus Life

Campus Recreation

  • The Club Sports fall season is in full swing! Check out our Club Sports Calendar for game schedules, tryouts and live streams!

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.
  • September is National Suicide Prevention Month. This month the UCC is partnering with the Office of Wellbeing, Safe Office, and We Are Wake to host pop up resource tabling events and promote suicide prevention awareness. If your student is struggling and needs some support, the University Counseling Center is here to help. Please visit our website for information on how your student can schedule an appointment or visit our Suicide Prevention website for more information.

Deacon Health

  • As students get back into the swing of things, we at Deacon Health want to remind your students that taking care of their health is key to academic success.
  • Please encourage your students to follow these simple tips to help them stay well this semester:
    • Consider getting a free flu shot at our mobile clinics Oct. 2, 6, 8, and 21.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your elbow.
    • Wash your hands frequently. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public places.
    • Get plenty of rest. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to help your body and mind recharge.
    • Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is essential for your energy levels and concentration.

By following these healthy habits, your students can better focus on their studies and have a successful semester.

Housing and Dining

  • It’s the start of fall in The Forest! We hope your student has begun to feel settled at home, whether it’s their first time in The Forest or they’re returning once again. This month, we have links to residential reminders your student receives at the start of each semester, tips for supporting your students as they navigate roommate dynamics, and suggestions for P’29s with new Deacs. Learn more by reading our September 2025 Parent and Family Newsletter.

Office of Civic & Community Engagement

  • Encourage your Deac to register for Hit The Bricks! On Thursday, Sept. 25, Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff will come together for Hit the Bricks, a beloved campus tradition supporting the fight against cancer. Throughout the day, participants run and walk laps around the Quad to raise money for the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund. Encourage your Deac to be part of this meaningful event by forming a team with friends, registering, and joining the Wake Forest community in honoring this tradition. Registration is $25, includes a t-shirt, and directly supports cancer research.
  • Empowering your Deac through OCCE Workshops: These interactive sessions are designed to strengthen leadership, service, and civic skills. These workshops not only help students make a real impact, but also allow them to connect with civically minded peers and become more engaged in the Winston-Salem community.
  • Deacs Make a Difference
    • Is your Deac looking for a meaningful way to get involved? The Virtual Tutoring Program is a perfect place to start. Each year, students are matched with local K-12 families to provide free, one-hour online tutoring sessions once a week. This program gives students a chance to give back, gain valuable experience, and make a positive impact in the Winston-Salem community — all while building connections beyond campus.
    • How students find volunteer opportunities: Does your Deac have a passion for service or need volunteer hours for a course? Wake Forest makes it easy for students to get involved through GivePulse, our volunteer management platform. Students can explore local service opportunities, sign up for projects that match their interests, and track their impact in the community.

Office of Wellbeing

Personal and Career Development

  • With the new semester underway, now’s the perfect time for your student to explore opportunities for next summer and beyond. From internships to graduate school to full-time careers, the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD) is ready to guide them. Employers are actively engaging with students both online and on campus, and we have many exciting events planned, including various career information sessions, and a new program for first-year and sophomore students interested in investment banking and financial services — Oct. 18 and Nov 1. Discover more information and helpful resources on our Parent/Families website.

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 Fall 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. Registration is open through Oct. 3, so be sure to book in advance and review our schedule for departure times.
    • 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:

  • For families arriving for Family Weekend on Sept. 25, we encourage you to attend the Secrest Artists Series concert with the Soweto Gospel Choir. The choir will perform a program of South African freedom songs, traditional spirituals and some classics. Their inspirational concert will also feature the spirited music of Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and more. Families can purchase tickets here. Students can register for a free ticket.

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

  • There has been some great news coming out about Wake Forest’s presence in Charlotte, NC. Here is one story of interest: Wake Forest–Notre Dame matchup to highlight university’s deep Charlotte ties.
  • Homecoming tickets are now on sale! For inquiries or to purchase Homecoming tickets or season tickets options, please call the Wake Forest Ticket Office at 336.758.3322 ext 1.
  • Everyone is excited about Family Weekend, which will be held Sept. 26-28. Tickets for the Family Weekend football game (Sept. 27 against GA Tech) are still on sale!
    • NOTE: Students can get a free ticket to sit in the students’ football section with the Screamin’ Demon Rewards App (ticket claims open at noon the Monday before the game: Sept. 22 at noon ET). If your student wants to sit with you, you will need to purchase a ticket for your student.
    • For inquiries or 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. The below premium options sell out quickly:
    • Suite Package – Limited Availability
    • TD Club Packag – Limited Availability
    • Pollard Club Package – Limited Availability

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.
  • Wake Forest encourages students to sign up for Direct Deposit, as doing so provides students with a convenient and secure way to access their funds faster.

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