WakeParents & Families
E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement
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Happy New Year and the first big snow of the spring semester!
Happy New Year, Deac families! We hope you and your Deacs had a wonderful Winter Break. The spring semester has begun and we are overjoyed to have our students back on campus.
At the start of each semester, we want to remind you of a couple of important procedural items: First, if you have not downloaded the WakeSafe app and enabled notifications, please do so. The WakeSafe app is our way to send families campus safety alerts. You can find instructions on our How We Communicate website.
If you scroll down further on our How We Communicate website, you will see information about specific situations that would prompt the University to communicate with families, as well as how we seek to engage families in developmentally appropriate ways that allow for student autonomy and independence.
We also want to welcome our new P’29s whose students were admitted Early Decision. We are including you in this e-newsletter so you get an idea of things that are happening at Wake. However, all dates and deadlines included in this email are meant for current families (i.e., P’25s-P’28s) whose students are currently enrolled. Starting in May, we will begin communicating with our incoming P’29 families on a regular basis with information you need as your student gets ready to move to campus; until then, we have this Incoming Families website set up with some preliminary information for you.
It's a new year and the possibilities are endless. Let’s all have a great 2025 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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Jan. 20*
No Classes, Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
Jan. 22*
Last day to add spring term courses
Jan. 22
Spring Career Fair (may require WFU credentials to log in)
Jan. 30*
Last day to drop spring first half of term courses
Feb. 3*
Program of study declaration for students who have earned 40+ hours
* 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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Message from the Parents’ Council chairs Karin and Charles Goldstuck (P ’23, P ’25)
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 Happy New Year! Karin joins me in hoping you and your students enjoyed the winter break and that the year ahead will be one of happiness and good health for you and your family. As the spring semester gets underway, we welcome back to campus the students who studied abroad last semester and extend good wishes to those who are studying away semester. There is much to look forward to for the next several months. I encourage us as parents to be well informed about and encourage our students’ participation in the various academic offerings and resources, sporting and cultural events, and many other University sponsored activities and events.
Karin and Charles Goldstuck (P’23, P’25)
Chairs, Wake Forest Parents’ Council
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Academics
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From The Office of the Provost:
- Following a national search, Wake Forest has named Lauren Pressley as the next Dean of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, effective July 1. “Lauren Pressley’s return to Wake Forest as the next Dean of the Z. Smith Reynolds Library is an exciting moment for our University,” said President Wente. “Lauren’s visionary leadership, deep expertise, and passion for fostering inquiry and collaboration will position the library to play an even greater role in supporting the success of our students and faculty.” Pressley comes to Wake Forest from the University of Washington Libraries; her career has also included leadership positions at the University of Washington Tacoma Library, Virginia Tech University Libraries, and previously at our own Z. Smith Reynolds Library.
From The Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success:
- CLASS is offering a workshop to combat procrastination titled, “New Year, Same You: Tips for Tackling Procrastination” on January 22 at 6 p.m. in the Wellbeing Center Room A330. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend! This is part of the OWLS (Outreach Workshop Learning Series). Attending this workshop will enter your student to win a private study room for finals!
From Undergraduate Summer Session:
- The Summer Session website has all the information you need to consider how Summer Session might benefit your student. Registration for summer 2025 will open on March 17, leaving plenty of time for your student to review our course list and identify classes that will meet their needs. As your students consider our offerings, they can contact us with any questions that will help them prepare.
From Global Programs and Studies:
- We are excited to share that the Summer 2025 application for The Rusty Johnson Scholarship for Study or Internships in Africa is now open! The Rusty Johnson Scholarship program will provide full cost scholarships for undergraduate students to study or participate in internships in Africa during Summer 2025. Students must be accepted to and participate in an eligible abroad program and should submit a scholarship application by the priority deadline of February 15. A number of eligible programs offer internship opportunities across a variety of industries and professional areas.
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Events
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From the School of Business:
- Wake Forest families are invited to attend an information session relating to one of our most distinguished programs, The Summer Management Program (SMP). SMP is a business boot camp for non-business, undergraduate students, and students earn 8.0 credit hours (pass/fail) by attending this summer program. Join Professor Ben King on Tuesday, January 28 at 4 p.m. (EST) via Zoom to learn more about this outstanding program. (Please note that this meeting is for families only. We shall hold a separate information session for students. Contact Francie Powers at powersfv@wfu.edu with questions.)
- The CEO Playbook: Mastering Strategy and Innovation in a Complex World: January 24 from 9:30-11a.m. Join us for a conversation with AG Lafley, former CEO of Procter & Gamble, as we delve into how we as a business community can navigate the complexities of a fast-changing, uncertain world. All are welcome.
From Wake Forest Executive Education:
Join us for one of our upcoming professional development open enrollment programs:
From the Office of Civic & Community Engagement:
- The annual MLK Read-In is scheduled for Saturday, January 25, and we still need volunteers! Volunteers will serve as a ‘Reading Buddy’, where they’ll guide local K-5 children through various educational activities at the event. Students can register to become a volunteer today.
- The Kids’ Cooking Coalition is seeking enthusiastic volunteers to teach local children essential cooking skills and nutrition through fun, hands-on sessions. Volunteers commit 3 hours weekly on Wednesdays during a six-week spring program, with training included. If your Deacon enjoys working with kids and making a difference, please share this opportunity with them! Applications are due by Friday, January 17.
- Looking for a meaningful way for your student to build their resume this summer? The Summer Nonprofit Immersion Program (SNIP) offers undergraduate students full-time internships with Winston-Salem nonprofits during June and July. Applications will open later this month, but students can complete the SNIP Interest Form now to receive the application as soon as it’s available. For questions, contact Anna Donze (donzea@wfu.edu), Assistant Director of Community Engagement.
From ConsentCon:
- Consent is an essential element for healthy relationships and how to respect personal boundaries and the boundaries of others. Consent is important in many aspects of your student’s daily lives, not just in sexual relationships, and it is a vital part of clear and honest communication. Understanding consent helps your student understand their own boundaries and communicate those boundaries clearly with others, as well as respecting others’ boundaries.
- Please encourage your student to register for ConsentCon as a unique, interactive way to continue this important conversation!
From Wake the Arts:
- Secrest Series: Tonality, vocal ensemble — Founder and Artistic Director Alexander Lloyd Blake (Wake Forest ’10) created Tonality to connect people through song, using choral music to stimulate community conversations about important issues in the contemporary world. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, the 2024 GRAMMY-winning vocal ensemble will present their “America Will Be” program, a renewed vision for an inclusive America.
- Young, Gifted and Black exhibition comes to Wake Forest.
Jan. 23-March 29, Hanes Art Gallery
Artist Talk by Clifford Owens: Feb. 5, 5:30-6:30pm
Reception: Feb. 5, 6:30-8pm
Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art opens on January 23 and will highlight artists of African descent whose work explores identity, politics and art history. Join us on Wednesday, February 5, for a lecture by Clifford Owens followed by an opening reception!
See the Events Calendar.
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Resources
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From Student Financial Services:
- Payment for Spring semester tuition and fees was due on December 1. Please visit Workday to view your student's balance and submit an online payment if applicable.
- Have your students Sign up for 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.
- Each year by January 31, Wake Forest makes available an IRS Form 1098-T to all students who had qualified tuition and other related educational expenses billed to them during the previous calendar year. Current students can consent to receive this form electronically and provide proxy access for third parties to view online. For more information on Form 1098-T, please visit the Tax Information page.
- Students Financial Services is required to submit student Social Security numbers to the IRS with their 1098-Ts. Please have your student update their SSN in Workday if it is not up to date.
From the University Counseling Center:
- The UCC’s theme for January is Sense of Belonging & Connection! Please follow our Instagram! This month we will feature tips to help your student build connections while focusing on their mental wellness. We will also post about upcoming group therapy opportunities!
- The University Counseling Center continues to be a support to students who desire to talk to a professional about a multitude of things. We offer same-day scheduling during office hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and an after-hours counselor-on-call after 5 p.m. on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends.
From the Office of Wellbeing:
From the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD):
- January is a great time for students to jump-start their career preparation for internships or full-time jobs. They should refresh their resumes, set up job search agents, and update their career interests in Handshake to access tailored opportunities. Encourage your student to check out upcoming career events and schedule time with their career coach for personalized advice given their unique interests, experiences, and the recruiting timelines.
- There’s a lot happening, so don’t miss key events like the Spring Career Fair (January 22, 12-4 p.m.), the Government Careers Panel (January 21, 5 p.m.), and virtual sessions on Technology (January 27), Marketing (February 5), and Analytics (February 10). For students interested in financial services, there are hundreds of internship / job opportunities, information sessions and valuable resources on Handshake. Learn more.
From Residence Life and Housing:
- First and foremost, from all of us here in Residence Life and Housing, Happy New Year! We hope January is off to a fantastic start for you and your Deac. This month, we’re highlighting the 2025 Spring semester with important dates and info for students to pencil into their calendars, including Housing Selection for the 25-26 academic year and our 2025-2026 Important Dates. Read more in our January 2025 Newsletter.
From Transportation and Parking Services:
- Zipcars Available on Campus for Student Convenience. Did you know that Wake Forest University offers Zipcar rentals right on campus? Zipcars provide a flexible, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation option for students without a car. With hourly or daily rental options, students can easily run errands, attend appointments, or explore the surrounding area.
Signing up is simple, and memberships include gas, insurance, and 24/7 access to vehicles conveniently located on campus. Learn more about how Zipcar makes getting around easy and stress-free for your student!
Learn More About Zipcar at WFU.
From The Barn at Reynolda Village:
- The Barn at Reynolda Village has space available for graduation weekend celebrations on Sunday morning, May 18th and all day Monday, May 19th. Please visit our website for rental rates, catering information, and a virtual tour of the venue.
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Athletics
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From Athletics:
- Football Season Tickets are now on sale as we welcome new Head Football Coach Jake Dickert! Season Tickets in the Deacon Hill are available starting at $79! View season ticket inventory.
- Men’s Basketball Premium single game suites and floor seat options are also available. For any inquiries regarding suites of floor seats, please contact Zach Bingham by email binghaz@wfu.edu or by phone at 336.758.4021.
- Group tickets for Men’s Basketball are available starting at $12 for select games. Please contact the ticket office at 336.758.3322.
- Gear up for baseball season with the all new premium space, the DEACON DECK! Season tickets in the Deacon Deck include food and soft drinks, with access to a private bar for drinks down the right field line. For pricing and availability, please contact Zach Bingham by email binghaz@wfu.edu or by phone at 336.758.4021.
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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.
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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