WakeParents & Families
E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement
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Smith’s Cafe in ZSR is always a happening place
We are officially in the second half of the semester, now that Fall Break has concluded. And campus is abuzz with the success of our football team — ranked #21 this week in the AP poll. Go Deacs!
In less than two weeks, campus will be transformed into a Halloween carnival for local children: Project Pumpkin:
“Project Pumpkin is a signature Wake Forest philanthropy event that brings the campus and Winston-Salem communities together each fall. Since 1989, this student-led philanthropy event has welcomed 500+ local children to campus for an afternoon of trick-or-treating, entertainment, and educational activities hosted by 70+ student organizations. Project Pumpkin also raises funds to support WFU Freedom School, making it a celebration with an impact that lasts beyond the event.”
In academic news, spring courses will be available for your students to view in Workday starting October 19, which is also the start of our advising period. Spring course registration is the week of November 3-6. Students should check their Workday account and resolve any holds before registration.
There’s always so much going on in the Forest. Wishing your family a happy fall, and Go Deacs!
Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)
Executive Director of Family Communications
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Upcoming Dates & Deadlines*
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October 19
The Spring 2027 schedule of classes will be posted. Registration starts the week of November 2. Students should check their Workday account and resolve any holds by this time.
October 27
Last day to withdraw from fall term courses
October 27
Last day to withdraw from fall term courses with a grade of W
November 2
Spring semester billing begins
November 3-6
Spring course registration
November 19
Pitsgiving (our on-campus Thanksgiving feast)
November 25-29
Thanksgiving holiday
December 1
All tuition, fees, and charges are due
December 7
Classes end
December 9-15
Final Exams
December 13
Study Abroad Single Application due (for semester abroad Fall 2027 or Spring 2028)
December 16
Residential communities close at 2 p.m. for Winter Break (unless approved for Winter Break Housing)
* See the Academic Services calendar, which lists these and other key academic dates.
See Residence Life and Housing’s 2026-27 opening and closing dates for our residential communities.
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Academics
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Upcoming Academic Events
- The Major & Minor Fair will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 2 to 5 p.m. in Tribble Courtyard (rain site: Benson 401). The Major & Minor Fair is an opportunity for students to meet with faculty from various departments, explore major and minor options, learn about unique offerings from different departments, and discover ways to participate in undergraduate research.
- Spring courses will be published in Workday on Oct. 19: Students should be in touch with their academic advisor or major/minor advisor to schedule an advising appointment. Registration for Spring 2027 begins Nov. 3-6.
From CLASS (Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success):
- Academic Resources Awareness Week (ARAW) will be October 19-23. Wake Forest offers a multitude of academic resources to help students along their learning journey. Please encourage your student to come to an ARAW event and meet various academic support staff across campus. Each event that students attend enters them into a chance to win the CLASS sponsored Ultimate Study Experience, a private study room for your student and a few friends the weekend before finals week.
From Center for Global Programs and Studies:
- Do you have a student planning to study abroad in the 2027-28 academic year? Students will apply using the Single Application (due Dec. 13), where they can rank up to 5 programs.
- Students can apply:
- Individually
- In a group of up to four people (for the fall semester only)
- In a group of up to 10 people (for the spring semester only)
- To give themselves the best options for studying abroad, students should:
- Rank more than one program (you can rank up to five)
- Have at least one spring semester option*
- Identify programs that match your academic or cultural goals
- Stay open to different locations or experiences, not just the most popular ones
* IMPORTANT: If students only include fall semester programs and/or certain programs are very popular, it is possible they will not get placed at all. Having at least one spring semester program in your student’s top five choices will improve their chances of being placed.
- For programs that are more competitive or specialized, strong alignment between students’ interests, preparation (i.e., have they/their group taken classes in the language, do they teach courses in their major, etc.), and the program can make a difference.
- Note that there is a separate application process for Wake Forest’s domestic study away programs (i.e., Wake Washington and Wake Charlotte).
- See our Single Application overview, FAQ, and how students apply.
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Campus Life
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Counseling
- Let’s Talk is our newest counseling center program designed to engage students who may not otherwise come to counseling by providing informal, walk-in consultations with a mental health professional in collaboration with our campus partners.
- Let’s Talk is a non-clinical connection point with a mental health provider who can offer confidential consultation, resources, and referrals. This semester we are partnering with the LGBTQ+ Center, Women’s Center, Intercultural Center, School of Business, School of Law, and the Scholar’s Office to offer these drop-in hours.
- 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.
Office of Leadership Engagement
- The Ignite Emerging Leaders Program is a new leadership experience designed to empower students early in their Wake Forest journey to discover their leadership potential through self-reflection, exploration, and hands-on learning. Ignite participants will build confidence, strengthen communication and teamwork skills, and connect with a supportive community of peers committed to making a positive impact on campus and beyond. If your student is ready to Ignite their leadership experience, please encourage them to apply. Students can email the Office of Leadership Engagement at leadership@wfu.edu with any questions or to learn more.
- CliftonStrengths is an online talent assessment that helps individuals identify and understand their natural talents, providing a foundation for personal growth, leadership development, and future success. As Wake Forest students continue to grow as leaders, CliftonStrengths offers valuable insight and a shared language that helps them better understand themselves, collaborate effectively with others, and lead with confidence. By focusing on what they naturally do best, students can maximize their impact in the classroom, on campus, and beyond.
Has your student unlocked their strengths? Encourage them to email strengths@wfu.edu to receive an assessment code and begin their CliftonStrengths journey. Students can also schedule a one-on-one Strengths Coaching session to gain deeper insight into their results and learn how to apply their strengths to leadership, academics, and career success.
Personal and Career Development
Executive Education
Safety and Security
- The Wake Forest University Safety and Security Team reminds our campus community that safety is a shared responsibility. With Homecoming, fall activities, athletic events, and other campus programs happening throughout the month, we encourage students to remain aware of their surroundings and make safety-conscious decisions. Encourage these simple actions your student can take:
- Travel in Groups: Walk with friends, especially at night or when off campus.
- Secure Belongings: Lock residential doors and windows, and keep vehicles locked with valuables out of sight.
- Stay Aware: Keep your head up, remain mindful of your surroundings, and avoid distractions while walking.
- Trust Your Instincts: If a situation or person feels unsafe, remove yourself immediately and seek assistance.
- How families can help: parents and families play a crucial role by talking with their students about personal safety, emergency preparedness, and knowing campus resources. Having open conversations helps reinforce safe habits throughout the school year.
- Our priority is maintaining a safe and welcoming environment where students can learn, live, and thrive. If you ever see something concerning, please report it to Wake Forest Safety and Security right away.
Residence Life and 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 2027.
- In this month’s newsletter, we’ll cover all the need-to-knows for important dates ahead, including 2027-28 Academic Year housing information.
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 30.
- Is your student 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.
- If a reservation is needed outside our airport shuttle schedule (or to the Raleigh-Durham airport/RDU), a reservation can be made through Black Tie Transportation, a private car service. Students can also book Ubers, etc.
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Financial Matters
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Student Financial Services (SFS)
- 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 WFU. 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.
- Spring 2027 billing begins November 2. All tuition, fees, and charges are due December 1.
- Please ensure your student has added you as an Authorized Payer with appropriate permissions in Workday. This ensures you receive notifications and gives our office permission to discuss account details with you. If you are not yet set up as a third-party user with permissions, your student can add you by following these instructions.
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Resources for Families
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We want to make sure all families are aware of the many resources available online to help you:
- What if my student needs to notify the school of an emergency? The Office of Academic Advising has a website about emergencies and what students should do to notify OAA and their faculty in those cases. You as parents and family members can submit a referral to we.wfu.edu or 336.758.CARE (2273) if there has been a family emergency so that your student can receive caring outreach and get connected with support.
- The Parents and Families Page is your portal to news and information specifically for Wake Forest families.
- The Daily Deac is our blog for parents, family members, grandparents, or anyone who wants to receive it. 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. 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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