Parents & Families E-Newsletter
September 2024

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WakeParents & Families

E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement


We look forward to welcoming you for Family Weekend (Sept. 27-29).

Fall is in full swing and we have great news to share: last week, President Wente sent a message to the campus community outlining the latest steps in our planned academic and campus space improvements:

“As first announced in August 2023, Wake Forest has partnered with the City of Winston-Salem and the development team of Carter and Front Street Capital to explore options for 100 acres of University-owned property east of the Reynolda Campus and adjacent to Allegacy Stadium, Couch Ballpark and the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Today, the Carter/Front Street teams announced plans for what will be known as “The Grounds” — a transformative mixed-use development and community hub with retail, residential, commercial and dining options in addition to community gathering and green spaces."

Many families have asked us about how their students register to vote and/or vote in NC. Our Office of Civic and Community Engagement has made a comprehensive Voting in the 2024 Election website.

First-time and seasoned voters all need a plan before casting their ballot. Wake Forest University is happy to provide TurboVote — a digital tool that powers greater voter access and expands participation in elections — to its students. Our students need your support to create a plan to vote in 2024, here’s how you can help your Deac create a voting plan. Encourage your Deac to:

Parents and families, please note that Voter ID regulations have changed in the state of North Carolina. Voters must show a photo ID when casting their ballot. Thankfully, your Deacs’ Deacon OneCard is an acceptable form of ID at the polls.

Important note: Students voting absentee in North Carolina will need to include a photocopy of their NC State ID or driver’s license with their ballot.

Free copies (for voting purposes) are available at the Benson Copy Center or in the Office of Civic & Community Engagement (Benson 506). If your Deac is voting in their home state, please check your local board elections.

Last but certainly not least, we look forward to seeing you for Family Weekend at the end of the month! The Family Weekend website has helpful FAQ as well as the weekend’s schedule. I will be doing a Conversation with the Daily Deac on Friday, Sept 27 at 1:30 p.m. — please submit your questions!

Looking forward to seeing you all very soon! Go Deacs!


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

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines*

September 30*
Last day to drop a fall semester course

Oct. 1
Deadline for Undergraduate Seniors to apply for May Graduation

Oct. 15-16*
Midterm grades should be viewable

Oct. 17-18*
Fall Break

Oct. 21*
Lower division advising and major/minor advising period begins

Oct. 28*
Last day to withdraw from a fall term course

Nov. 5-8*
Registration for spring courses (students’ date is based on hours earned less AP/IB/Prior College Work)

* 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

Message from the Parents’ Council chairs Karin and Charles Goldstuck (P ’23, P ’25)

There’s nothing quite like a college campus in the fall. Here at Wake Forest, classes are in full swing, the sports teams are in action, and student organization rosters are filling up. By the time this newsletter reaches your inbox, Peyton Manning will have led off the first in the FacetoFace speaker series in front of a large audience packed with students.

On the horizon is the first of one of the cherished student traditions - Hit the Bricks. This is a campus-wide philanthropic event benefiting the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund and the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. It takes place on Thursday, September 26, the day before the official start of Family Weekend. If you find yourself on campus/in the area, you’ll want to check it out.

Speaking of Family Weekend, we hope many of you are making plans to attend. Please see the Family Weekend section below for more details.

And finally in case you missed it, you will want to read about “The Grounds,” a partnership with the City of Winston-Salem and the development team of Carter and Front Street Capital to develop University-owned property east of the Reynolda Campus and adjacent to the athletic complexes. This complements three years of careful planning and research that have positioned the University to launch the most significant renewal of the Reynolda Campus core academic spaces in the University relocated to Winston-Salem in 1956. Read more about it here.

Academics

From the Office of Academic Advising (OAA):

  • September 24 is the deadline for students with a Spring 2024 incomplete grade to submit completed work to their instructor.
  • September 30 is the last day to drop a full-term course. This is also the last day to change from a letter grade to pass/fail in an approved full-term course.
  • October 1 is the Major/Minor Fair. Please encourage your student to attend from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Benson Room 401.
  • Second Half-of-Term classes begin October 14.
  • Don’t forget! Academic Counselors are available Monday-Friday from 10 am- 4 pm for brief, walk-in appointments with students in 125 Reynolda Hall. If your student is hoping to schedule an academic planning appointment before the next round of registration in early November, please have them stop by or call 336-758-3320 to request an appointment. Our calendars fill with planning appointments very quickly, so please encourage your student to schedule an appointment sooner rather than later!

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

  • CLASS Peer Tutoring is up and running! We hope your students will take advantage of this excellent academic resource. Go to the CLASS website and click on “Academic Success” and then click on “Meet with a Tutor.” We’re adding more tutors everyday!
  • CLASS Academic Coaching is another great academic resource for students. On September 23rd from 3:30-5:30 p.m. students are invited to Tribble Courtyard to enjoy chicken wings and to learn from other students about time management tools that have been helpful to them. We’re excited to offer this opportunity for students to talk to students about what’s been helpful to them!

From Wake the Arts:

  • Inside WFU has an overview of some of the exciting arts events coming soon — and ways to stay up to date with the latest from Wake the Arts. The Wake the Arts Center’s opening reception will be held on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m. in Scales Lower Lobby. Faculty, staff and students can learn about the Center and the opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.

From The Office of the Provost:

  • At Wake Forest University, we actively foster a culture of respectful dialogue on some of the most pressing social, political, and religious issues of our time. Through thoughtfully curated events and initiatives, we provide platforms where diverse perspectives are heard and explored in a safe and inclusive environment. Please encourage your students to seek out these events, and participate in meaningful conversations that enrich understanding and promote lifelong learning and civic engagement.

Events

Family Weekend Information:
As Family Weekend approaches, we have a few announcements and reminders:

  • Kick off time for WFU vs. Louisiana has been set for 3:30 p.m. 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 at 12:30 pm for Family Weekend. 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 2 pm when gates open for the game. Family Weekend credentials can be purchased here. Credentials are $50 for four, and $15 per additional credential. 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.
  • The Schedule of Events is being updated with several new events which may be of interest to families. New events are still being added, so check back frequently as the weekend approaches.
    • There are several tours, open houses, and other experiences being offered throughout the weekend. 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.
  • Download the Family Weekend 2024 Guidebook app for the most up-to-date schedules, as well as a wealth of other information.
  • All of our brunch seatings are sold out. However, other options are available on campus and in town should your schedule allow. You can find a list of participating local restaurants here.
  • The online T-shirt sales for Family Weekend have closed. If you are still interested in purchasing a T-shirt, please inquire at check-in.
  • The deadline for requesting a refund has passed.

From Deacon Health:

  • Deacon Health is once again offering influenza vaccines on campus for students, free of charge. No appointment is necessary for mobile flu shot clinics. See dates.

From Wake Forest Executive Education:

From Wake the Arts:

  • The Arts are alive in every corner of campus, with new events happening every week. Whether you’re into hip-hop or abstract painting, poetry or puppetry, ballet or Balinese gamelan, we’ve got you covered. The Arts are for you. Encourage your students to get involved in the wonderful slate of programs being offered.

From The Center for Global Programs and Studies:

  • Third Culture Kids (TCKs) — Does your student find it challenging to answer the question “Where are you from?” Are they a U.S. citizen/Permanent Resident who grew up abroad, moved around the world due to a parent's career, or were raised within a multi-cultural or immigrant family? If so, the Center for Global Programs & Studies (GPS) hosts casual drop-in dinners throughout the academic year. To stay up-to-date on upcoming events students should follow @tckwfu on Instagram and sign up for the TCK GroupMe. Family members with questions may contact Sandra Lisle McMullen at mcmullsl@wfu.edu or +1.336.758.4889.

From the Intercultural Center:

  • Kicking off the semester strong, the Intercultural Center will observe Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month (LHM) from September 15-October 15. LHM is an opportunity to recognize the vast culture found in Latin America and celebrate the communities’ values, arts, music and cultures.
  • In celebration and recognition of this heritage month, the IC puts together a comprehensive calendar that details the many events put on by student organizations, academic departments, and campus offices.

From Z. Smith Reynolds Library:

  • Special Collections and Archives will be hosting an Open House for Family Weekend on September 27th, from 3-5 p.m. in the Special Collections Reading Room (ZSR 625). Stop by for free stickers, magnets, buttons, and historical knowledge!
  • ZSR Library will be hosting their first ever Silent Book Club on October 11, from 4-7:30 p.m. in the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room (ZSR 625). Hot drinks, fall snacks, and comfortable seating will be provided! Students can learn more or RSVP.
  • The annual Halloween Game Night will be held on October 25, from 7-9 p.m. The event will feature a costume contest (with prizes!), board games, video games, tarot readings, a movie screening, and other assorted Halloween tricks and treats! Students can RSVP here.

See the Events Calendar.

Resources

From the University Counseling Center:

  • September is National Suicide Prevention Month! Suicide prevention is a priority and mental health matters. If your student is struggling and needs some support, the University Counseling Center is here to help.
  • All initial appointments for the academic year are 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 follow our Instagram!

From From the Office of Wellbeing:

  • September is National Recovery Month — National Recovery Month (aka Recovery Month) is a national observance held every September since 1989 to promote and support the recovery community and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
  • The Office of Wellbeing has a space to support students with recovery: Deacs in Recovery is a supportive community for students to connect through similar experiences and efforts to stop or reduce their use of substances or other potentially harmful behaviors. We welcome students exploring both sobriety or reduced use. Our physical location on campus exists as a space to study, hold meetings, hangout, and get to know other students.

From Z. Smith Reynolds Library:

  • ZSR Library offers Personal Research Sessions for all students, faculty, and staff. Our research librarians are available to help at any stage of the research process — from formulating a research question to finding and citing sources. Students can find a research librarian and book a session.
  • ZSR Library is currently offering workshops in Zotero — a free, open-source works cited management software (i.e., it helps students manage sources and create bibliographies). Students can register for a workshop or watch online tutorials.
  • In addition to over 2 million volumes, students can check out many other resources including multimedia equipment, a growing wellness collection, and other accessories and peripherals.
  • Current multimedia resources, such as cameras, microphones, iPads, and more, can be viewed and requested here.
  • Wellness items, including cell phone lock boxes, coloring kits, standing desks, and white noise machines, can be checked out at ZSR.
  • Forgot your calculator? Need to draw something out on a whiteboard? Were you caught in the rain? Borrow a calculator, dry-erase markers, an umbrella, and more from our accessories and peripherals collection.

From the Office of Civic & Community Engagement:

  • Election 2024
    • Daily Voter Registration: Starting Monday, September 17, Deacs Decide will be set up outside the Pit during lunch (12-2 p.m.) to assist with student registration in North Carolina.
    • Is your Deac ready for the 2024 General Election? Do they have questions about registering to vote? Do they want to learn more about voting absentee? Encourage them to stop by the Tribble Courtyard on Tues., September 17 from 12-6 p.m. for National Voter Registration Day.
    • Do you want your Deac to receive information about the upcoming elections? Deacs Decide is happy to provide TurboVote — a digital tool that powers greater voter access and expands participation to its students. Through Turbovote, students can check their voter registration, sign up for election reminders, check their ballot and more!
    • Students with questions about voting in the 2024 General Elections are always welcome to stop by the Office of Civic & Community Engagement in Benson 506 during business hours. A member of our staff can help them with voter registration, absentee voting, and more.
  • Service Opportunities
    • Fall Day of Service — If your Deac is interested in volunteerism and service but doesn’t know where to start, have them explore opportunities with our 2024 Fall Day of Service! Students will be serving at various opportunities with different nonprofit agencies throughout Winston-Salem from 9 a.m.-12 noon.
    • The Campus Kitchen is a volunteer-led effort at WFU that collaborates with campus and community partners to provide hot meals and fresh produce to local social services agencies to food-insecure members of our community. Volunteers are always needed, and it’s an easy way for students to get involved and make a difference.
    • Does your Deac have a passion for service? Are they looking to find service opportunities for a course? GivePulse is WFU’s volunteer management platform, making it easy for students to search volunteer opportunities and track their impact in the community.
  • Encourage your Deac to register for Hit The Bricks! Each year, the Wake Forest community comes together in the fight against cancer, running and walking laps for the day. Students are encouraged to grab their friends, and start making their team! This year’s event will take place on Thursday, September 26. Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt. All proceeds go to the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund.
  • Students interested in becoming engaged community leaders are encouraged to attend OCCE Workshops throughout the Fall 2024 Semester. Explore various workshop opportunities for students on The Link.

From the Office of Personal and Career Development (OPCD):

From Human Resources / Student Employment:

  • Student Employees: Mentoring Tools to Maximize Your Experience — Is your Deac working a campus job this semester? It’s not just a paycheck. It’s also an opportunity for them to build real skills and connections that they can use in the future. In this workshop, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., from the Mentoring Resource Center will share the tools they need to maximize their student-employee experience. As a bonus, they'll give tips on turning that experience into accomplishment statements for resumes.

From Residence Life and Housing::

  • 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 home once again. This month we have links to residential reminders your student receives at the start of each semester, provide tips for supporting your students as they navigate roommate dynamics, and offer suggestions for #WFU28 for those of you with new Deacs. We also have a special link provided for #WFU28 Parents and Families!
  • To read more, check out our September 2024 Parent and Family Newsletter.

From Student Financial Services:

  • Have your Deacs be on the lookout for an email from Student Financial Services in the next couple of weeks if they haven’t uploaded their Tax Identification Number (TIN) or Social Security Number (SSN) to Workday. 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. Your students can do this by accessing the Student Financials page in Workday, navigating to the Payment Elections tab, and inputting their bank account information into the Student Refund Rule field.

From the Office of the Chaplain:

  • New chaplains announced: University Chaplain Rev. Chris Donald announced the hiring of three new chaplains: Akshay Gupta, Assistant Chaplain for Hindu Life and Religious Engagement; Imran Haq, Assistant Chaplain for Muslim Life; and Stephanie Marshall, Assistant Chaplain for Jewish Life.

From Deacon Dining:

  • Celebrating Community & Flavors: A Recap of Our Welcome Home Tour: Our Welcome Home Tour was a resounding success, offering students a unique opportunity to connect with our exceptional local partners. These vendors are the heart of the high-quality products that enhance your dining experience here on campus. The event was a fantastic way to showcase the delicious local flavors that we proudly feature at all our dining locations, while also fostering a strong sense of community.

    Students had the chance to meet the faces behind the products and sample a variety of both familiar and new foods. It was a wonderful experience that highlighted our commitment at Harvest Table to bringing you the best and freshest ingredients while strengthening connections between students and our community.

    We’re thrilled to continue serving you this year and can’t wait for you to experience all the exciting dining adventures we have in store. Here’s to a fantastic year of delicious meals and vibrant community connections!

Athletics

From Athletics:

  • Fewer than 1,000 seats for the Family Weekend (Sept. 27-29) football game 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 or complete this form to be contacted.

Parents & Families Page

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