WakeParents & Families
E-newsletter from the Office of Family Engagement
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New Student move in is just around the corner!
It’s a new academic year at Wake Forest, with our new president, Dr. Peter Rodriguez. And we can’t wait to have all our students on campus in just a few days!
Here are a few last minute items to bring to families’ attention:
- New students in the Class of 2030 are beginning to move in for Pre-Orientation programs August 13th and 14th, and the rest of the incoming class arrives on Tuesday the 18th. If you are a parent of a new student, please be sure to read our Move-In Guide to help you prep for move-in day.
- Continuing students (i.e., sophomores, juniors, and seniors) will begin arriving on campus Friday the 21st. Information about continuing student move-in is available on the Office of Residence Life and Housing’s move-in page.
- The fall semester begins on Monday, August 24.
At the start of each semester, we encourage families to review our How We Communicate website, which includes how families can opt in to campus safety notifications, so you are aware of when and how you will hear from Wake Forest, as well as best ways to support your student.
Wishing all families a smooth move-in and a great fall semester for their Deacs!
Betsy Chapman, Ph.D. (’92, MA ’94)
Executive Director of Family Communications
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Upcoming Dates & Deadlines*
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August 14
Move-In for ’30 students and transfer students accepted to all other Pre-Orientation programs
August 18
Move-In for ’30 students and transfer students who are not doing Pre-Orientation programs
August 18-19
Family Orientation activities for P’30 families
August 21-22
Continuing Student Move-In (i.e., sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
August 23
Last day to purchase optional tuition insurance
August 24*
First Day of Classes
September 2
Family Weekend Refund & T-Shirt Deadline: This is the final day to request a registration refund or purchase an official Family Weekend t-shirt.
September 15
Deadline to enroll or waive Student Health Insurance
September 25
Pre-Registration Closes: Pre-registration will officially close at the end of the day. Any registrations after September 25 must be processed on-site upon arrival and will be $75.
* 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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Incoming Families of New Students
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Move-In details:
Family Orientation (August 18-19):
Reception for Third Culture Students (and families)
- Does your student find it challenging to answer the question “Where are you from?” Are they a U.S. citizen 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 yes, the Center for Global Programs & Studies (GPS) invites them — and you! — to have lunch on Wednesday, August 19 during New Deac Week with other students who share similar life experiences. GPS aims to connect Third Culture Kids (TCKs) with peers to find camaraderie while adjusting to life at Wake Forest.
- Questions? Contact Sandra Lisle McMullen at mcmullsl@wfu.edu or +1.336.758.4889.
Action items for students:
- Immunization requirement reminder: As of August 6, our records show that there are still around 40 incoming first-year or transfer students with incomplete immunization documentation..
- An incomplete health file results in an automatic account hold—which strictly prevents your student from moving into their residence hall, participating in Pre-Orientation activities, or attending classes — we need your partnership to ensure your student is fully cleared.
- Please have your new student follow the instructions in this message to verify their immunization compliance status. Many students assume they completed this process correctly, but an item may be missing a signature, a vaccine series might be incomplete, or a document may not have uploaded successfully. We do not want them to wait until move-in day to see they are noncompliant.
- From the University Bookstore:
- Encourage your student to rent/buy all their textbooks and course materials from the University Bookstore.
- By entering their Student ID, students will ensure they receive the correct edition (if students are sourcing materials on their own, they may not get the correct edition, as academic textbooks often have multiple editions to choose from).
- From WakeWare:
- From the Office of Leadership Engagement:
- CliftonStrengths Assessment — Your student has received an invitation from Gallup Access to complete their CliftonStrengths assessment, a tool that helps them identify their natural talents and prepare for leadership opportunities on campus. Their results will be discussed during New Deac Week to support their transition and connection within the Wake Forest community. Please encourage your student to complete the assessment before Move-In. It’s one more tool that positions them for success from day one. Learn more about CliftonStrengths.
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Academics
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- Changes to how students apply to study abroad
- Students received an email about a new process for applying to semester-long study abroad programs: students will submit the Single Application in December for semester study abroad programs the following academic year (fall or spring), either as individual or group applications, ranking up to five programs. Global Programs and Studies will evaluate applications using a standard rubric and place students in programs, prioritizing their top choice.
- This process was created after extensive analysis by students, faculty, staff, and administrators in 2025-26 and will: allow students who wish to apply with friends to do so in a group application (up to 4 person groups for fall semester abroad programs; up to 10 people groups for spring semester abroad programs); make the process easier for students to apply (e.g., eliminating multiple applications, eliminating waitlists, etc.); create a more balanced distribution of students studying abroad in the fall and spring semesters; and have incentives for students who choose spring semester abroad programs.
- Two-semester course on AI Fluency open to undergraduates
- Many families are asking how Wake Forest is helping students navigate artificial intelligence. This fall, the university is launching the AI Impact Clinic, a paired two-course sequence (AI Impact Clinic I in the fall and AI Impact Clinic II in the spring, each 1.5 credits and pass/fail, open to undergraduates of every major, with no prior experience required).
- Part of Wake Forest’s university-wide AI for Human Flourishing initiative, it teaches students to use AI tools thoughtfully and responsibly by building not just technical skill but the judgment to know when to rely on these tools and when not to. In the spring course, students join teams tackling real projects for local Winston-Salem organizations, gaining hands-on experience they can carry into interviews and careers. If your student is curious, we’d love for them to take a look. Learn more at the AI Impact Clinic website.
From CLASS (Center for Learning, Access, and Student Success):
- If your student has a history of accommodations in high school, please make sure they have connected with the CLASS Office regarding academic accommodations. Students must complete an intake meeting with a CLASS Staff Member before accommodations are approved and can be implemented. See our website for more information.
- Parents and Families are invited to our Open House on Move-In Day, Tuesday, August 18th from 1-3 p.m. in Reynolda 118. Staff will be available to answer brief questions and discuss CLASS Services.
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Campus Life
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Campus Employment: Learn and Earn in the Forest
- Did you know that all Wake Forest students, including international students and those without federal work-study, can work on campus? On-campus jobs build resumés, transferable skills, and WFU connections (all while capped at 20 hours per week).
- If your student is interested in working on campus this fall, here are their next steps:
- Pack Original I-9 Documents: Federal law requires original, unexpired physical documents (no copies/photos) on campus to verify employment eligibility. A list of acceptable documents is available on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-9 website.
- Find a Job: Students can log in with their WFU ID to browse the WFU job board, reach out to departments, or join the Student Talent Pool. (International students should check the Learn and Earn webpage.)
- Connect: Encourage them to meet Melanie Hylton, Student Employment Manager, at the Campus Services and Information Fair from 3 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 27 at the Sutton Center or Arrive and Thrive from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 8 at Manchester Plaza.
- For more information, encourage your student to visit the Learn and Earn webpage or contact Melanie at askhr@wfu.edu.
Counseling
- The University Counseling Center is open and available to students Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On weekdays after 5:00 p.m., on weekends and holidays, and during university closures, crisis assistance is available anytime and from anywhere, by calling us at 336.758.5273.
- As we approach the fall semester, this is a reminder that ALL initial appointments for the academic year are on a scheduled on a same-day basis. Students are encouraged to call our office on the day they would like to be seen in order to schedule their first appointment. Students will then be able to schedule follow up visits.
- Visit our website for more information about our services including same-day appointments, individual counseling, group counseling, and case management and referral support.
- Please follow our Instagram for more information and content!
Personal and Career Development
- Help your student get ahead this fall: (1) Encourage them to power up their Handshake profile now, then (2) attend the Fall Career Fair on Wednesday, September 16 (noon-4 p.m., Sutton Center) to meet employer representatives, many of whom are Wake Forest alumni. (3) Remind them to check Handshake regularly (and set up saved searches) for on-campus and virtual sessions all semester and to apply early, as application deadlines are shortening. (3) If your student is interested in accounting, consulting, or finance, recruiting begins early in their sophomore year.
- For more information, see our Parents & Family webpage.
Executive Education
- Did you know Wake Forest offers non-credit professional development for working professionals? Our Executive Education unit provides non-credit, short-format courses in leadership, AI, finance, and project management, open to any working professional. Sharpen your career skills right alongside your student with Wake Forest this fall; our courses run from single-day workshops to multi-week certificates in Charlotte, Winston-Salem, and online.
Office of Leadership Engagement
- As your student prepares to begin the fall semester, we welcome them to kick-start the year by elevating their leadership skills through LeaderShape: Living in Possibility, a one-day immersive leadership experience on campus on August 23 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The experience is designed to help students expand their thinking, strengthen their leadership, and explore how they can create meaningful change in the communities they care about. Please encourage your student to apply to take advantage of this opportunity to begin the semester with purpose, connection, and possibility. Spaces are limited.
Student Health Insurance Program
Transportation and Parking
- How can my student get around campus and the community? Wake Forest offers a compact, walkable, and bike-friendly campus, ensuring your student can easily get where they need to go without a vehicle. With our reliable Wake Line shuttle system and convenient car-sharing services, most first-year students find no need to bring a vehicle to campus. Explore all the transportation options on our Transportation: Guide to Getting Around website.
- Parking Permits and Vehicle Registration. All parking permits are now virtual, so your student will no longer need a physical permit. Any student enrolled in a WFU class or program must register their vehicle with Transportation and Parking Services if they plan to park on campus. Students with active parking permits may park in general lots only until Sunday, August 23rd. All students should be parked in their assigned lots by 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 24th. You can find details about registration, permit types, costs, and our license plate recognition system on our Student Parking Information website.
- 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 on Zipcar if your student joins by November 30, 2026. Find a Zipcar on campus or join by visiting our Zipcar website.
Mail Services
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Events and Athletics
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Fall Student Involvement Fair and The Link for student organizations:
- On Thursday Aug. 27, the Office of Student Engagement will be hosting the Fall Student Involvement Fair on Poteat Field, from 3-6 p.m. Students will get the opportunity to hear from our 150+ registered student organizations, student led initiatives, and Fraternity and Sorority Engagement organizations.
- Whether your student is searching for a community through a religious or spiritual organization, social fraternity or sorority, or a service organization, the Involvement Fair is an opportunity to see what is available at Wake. Help your Deacon find their place by encouraging them to attend the Involvement Fair!
- To prepare for the Involvement Fair, encourage your student to use the Link to search organizations they want to visit at the fair. The fair can be overwhelming, so having a list of 3-5 student organizations that they want to seek out can help them have a plan on the day of.
- The Link — The Link is Wake Forest’s student organization hub. All organizations on campus have a page on the Link, allowing students to see campus-wide event calendars, search organizations and events by interest, and more! If your student isn't sure about how to find community, the Link is a great place to start.
Family Weekend 2026 Updates & Reminders
- Family Weekend 2026 is right around the corner (October 2-4)! If you haven’t secured your spot yet, now is the time to register See the Family Weekend website.
- For families who have already registered, we have added several new events to the lineup — head over to See the Family Weekend Website to check out the updated schedule.
Important Dates & Updates:
- Wednesday, September 2 (Refund & T-Shirt Deadline): This is the final day to request a registration refund or purchase an official Family Weekend t-shirt.
- Sunday, September 25 (Pre-Registration Closes): Pre-registration will officially close at the end of the day. Any registrations after September 25 must be processed on-site upon arrival and will be $75.
- Sunday Brunch Availability: Spots are currently still available for all three Sunday Brunch seatings! Come join us for some delicious brunch food before you head out of town.
- New Tours & Reception: Check out our new tour offerings, and don’t miss the Family Weekend Reception — a great new opportunity to mingle with Campus Life leadership and enjoy light bites and refreshments before heading to the Night of Student Entertainment!
- If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to our team at families@wfu.edu. We can’t wait to see you on campus this fall!
Athletics
See the Events Calendar.
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Financial Matters
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Student Financial Services (SFS)
- The Fall 2026 billing deadline was on 8/1. Make sure to check the Student Financials for Third Party page on Workday for any past due balances, as they may prevent your student from changing their course schedule and scheduling their move in time.
- We encourage your students to sign up for Direct Deposit! Wake Forest recommends utilizing direct deposit, as doing so provides students with a convenient and secure way to access student account refunds faster.
- Each student must choose to stay enrolled in or waive the Student Blue Insurance (Health Insurance Premium) before September 15th. Please visit our Student Health Insurance website for additional information and instructions.
- Prepare for the unexpected and protect your investment in education by enrolling in the elective insurance program through GradGuard. This robust tuition insurance plan helps minimize the financial loss if a student must withdraw due to illness, accident, mental health, death of a payer, or the loss of employment of a payer. Please see the Tuition Insurance page of our website for more information on how the GradGuard Tuition Insurance assures up to a 100% tuition refund throughout the term. You must enroll in elective tuition insurance by August 23.
Student Financial Aid
- Students whose financial aid notifications include eligibility for Federal Student Loans should accept or decline these loans in their Financial Aid Portal, and if accepting a loan also complete the Master Promissory Note and Federal Loan Entrance Counseling requirements.
- Student Financial Aid (SFA) is ready to assist with financial aid questions; contact us at finaid@wfu.edu or 336.758.5154. For student billing questions, please contact Student Financial Services (SFS) at sfs@wfu.edu or 336.758.5234.
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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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