Questions & Answers

Click on the appropriate link below to jump to that portion of the Questions & Answers section

For New Students
Academics and Calendar (Breaks)
Career Development
Computing
Dining
Events
Financial
Greek Life
Healthcare and Related Services
Housing and Campus Life
Mail Services and Deliveries
Miscellaneous
Parking
Safety/University Police/Notifications of Events and Emergencies
Transportation and Travel

For New Students

I am a parent or family member of a new student (Class of 2016). Where should I look for information I need?
The New Students web site is live as of May 1, 2012. This page will be your first stop for news and information related to your student’s enrollment at Wake Forest. Both you and your student should check this site frequently, as information will be updated periodically.

What should I know about the course selection process for my first-year student?
There is an overview of academics for the first-year student, along with typical schedule and an explanation of our Basic and Divisional requirements.

My child has been accepted at Wake Forest; when will he find out his roommate’s name?
The New Students website Housing section will provide information on housing, class registration and more. Students are usually notified of their roommate in late July.

Is there a way to locate other incoming new students from our area?
New Student Receptions for new students and their parents are held in various cities across the country during the summer. For the Class of 2016, reception dates and locations will be available in late May/early June 2012 and will be updated throughout the summer.

When is new student orientation?
Residence Halls open for new students on Friday, August 24, 2012 and Orientation activities will begin on Saturday, August 25, 2012. See the full Orientation schedule, and please note that the Orientation schedule for parents is shorter than it is for students. Orientation is mandatory for all new students. Please note that there are several optional “pre-orientation” programs for students who want to come to campus earlier (usually a few days or a week before move in). There are special programs such as “wilderness to Wake”, community volunteering, faith based programs and more. The schedule for orientation and information about pre-orientation programs will be updated continually throughout the summer.

Is there a tuition insurance program in case my student has medical or emotional issues that would cause him to need to withdraw?
An unexpected withdrawal due to sickness or injury can mean significant financial consequences for families. Wake Forest offers an elective tuition insurance plan through A.W.G. Dewar, Inc. that will help minimize financial loss if a student suffers a serious illness or accident and must withdraw before the end of a semester. Parents should strongly consider this option, as there are some unfortunate cases each year where a student must withdraw for an unexpected illness or accident midsemester.

What immunizations will my child need?
Wake Forest and North Carolina State law require certain immunizations for students. You may wish to review this year’s list of required immunizations with your physician.

Academics

What are the requirements to be on the Dean’s List?
The Dean’s List is issued after the end of the fall and spring semesters. It includes all full-time, degree-seeking students in the College and the Schools of Business who have a grade point average of 3.4 or better for a full-time course load in the semester and who have earned no grade below C during the semester.

Are tutoring services available?
The Learning Assistance Center provides one-on-one and group tutoring services. Students who want tutoring services should go to the Learning Assistance Center (117 Reynolda Hall) to fill out forms about his/her tutoring needs. The peer tutors hired in the Learning Assistance Center must have at least a 3.0 GPA overall, have made an A or B in the class they are tutoring, and have a strong recommendation from their professor. Availability varies from semester to semester, and tutoring is not available in all courses. However, tutors are generally available for courses that satisfy divisional requirements, including sciences and foreign language. Many academic departments also keep a list of tutors that students can enlist for assistance.

Do AP (Advanced Placement) and/or IB (International Baccalaureate) courses completed in high school count for Wake Forest credit?
Depending on the score of the test, a student may get credit. See the 2011-12 AP Credit and IB Credit links for more information.

When are semester breaks and holidays?
The academic calendar provides information on breaks and recesses. Before students or parents purchase tickets for plane travel around University holidays, students should consult their professors about their course schedule and exam times. The spring 2012 academic calendar is available here.

How can I know when to purchase my student’s airplane tickets to come home for breaks?
Before you make any plane reservations for your student, your student must consult the syllabus for each of his/her classes and discuss the class/exam schedule with the professor. While families can use the academic calendar as a general guideline of when school is out of session, some professors will schedule exams or assignments on the last day of class before break, and some professors have attendance requirements that only allow a certain number of missed classes, and your student is responsible for knowing the specific requirements for his/her classes. Also, your student must be sure of his/her final exam schedule. Exam schedules will be posted on the Registrar’s exam schedule page when they are finalized.

What is FERPA and how does it affect parent access to grades?
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) as amended is a federal law which is designed to protect the privacy of and limit access to the educational records of students. This means that institutions generally must withhold such information from parents and others who believe their relationship with the student entitles them to have the information. Wake Forest is able to release information if we have on file a signed FERPA release form. If the student has not signed a FERPA release form, the University generally cannot release the information unless it has proof of the student’s status as a dependent under the Internal Revenue Code for the period covered. FERPA forms must be turned in to the Registrar’s Office.

If my student has signed the FERPA form, how am I notified of grades?
If the student signs FERPA, both mid-term and final grades are mailed via US mail either home or to the address the student provided on their form. In addition, students have the ability to look up their grades in WIN (the Wake Forest Information Network), so they can tell you as soon as they log in. There is no online mechanism for parents to access student grades (unless your student chooses to share his WIN login ID and password with you).

What should my student do if he has issues with registration/his schedule (such as not having enough hours to be considered a full time student?)
The best option for students who are having trouble getting their schedules resolved is to work with the Office of Academic Advising (OAA), which is located in 125 Reynolda Hall. They can either walk in to make an appointment or they can call 336-758-3320. The OAA has a staff of professional academic counselors that can look at students’ schedules and make some recommendations and discuss options.

What if I have questions about my child’s academic performance?
If you should have questions or concerns about how your student is doing at Wake Forest, contact the Office of Academic Advising at 336.758.3320 or . It is best not to contact faculty members, as it is important that the faculty-student relationship be built directly by those individuals. In addition, faculty will not know whether the FERPA (Family Educational Right to Privacy Act) forms have been signed, allowing them to communicate.

My student has received a very poor grade in a course. What options are available to him?
The Undergraduate Bulletin talks about repetition of courses (on page 30 of the 2011-12 bulletin): ”A student may repeat at Wake Forest a Wake Forest course for which he or she has received a grade of C- or lower. In this case, all grades received will be shown on the transcript, but the course may be counted only one time for credit. If a student fails a course previously passed, the hours originally earned will not be lost. For purposes of determining the cumulative grade point average, a course will be considered as attempted only once, and the grade points assigned will reflect the highest grade received. These provisions do not apply to any course for which the student has received the grade of F in consequence of an honor violation.”

One strategy for retaking a course previously failed is to consider doing so in one of Wake Forest’s summer school sessions. During summer school, a student can focus on just that one class, with presumably fewer distractions. Many students find summer school to be an ideal time to take courses they know will be difficult for them, because they can devote their full time to that class and will not have the same amount of extracurricular options as they would during spring or fall semester.

Does Wake Forest offer summer school, and what should we know about it?
Yes, Wake Forest offers a Summer Session. There are many different reasons that students might consider taking classes over the summer. Read more about Summer Session on campus. In addition, it is possible for students to take some classes at approved colleges and universities closer to home; see the Registrar’s site for more details.

Who should I contact to notify of a family emergency that affects my student?
To report a serious illness, family emergency or other matters that might affect your student’s wellbeing or academic progress, contact the Office of Academic Advising at 336.758.3320 or .

If my student is ill with mononucleosis (“mono”), what should he or she do?
The Student Health Service provided the following information/recommendations about mono.

Who should my student notify if he/she is delayed getting to campus following an official University break (like winter break, spring break, etc.)
If your student is having travel difficulties (for example due to winter storms and flight delays) and will not be back on campus for classes, students should contact their professors directly to let them know of their delay. Students should also contact the Office of Academic Advising at and alert their RA (Resident Adviser).

What are Basic Requirements?
All students must complete five required basic courses (unless exempted through procedures established by the departments concerned): a First Year Seminar, a Writing Seminar, two required health courses and a literature course taught in a foreign language. The Undergraduate Bulletin provides a full list of Basic and Divisional Requirements (see pp. 61-62). In each academic department’s section of the Undergraduate Bulletin, courses that satisfy Divisional Requirements are marked with a (D) at the end of the course description. Here is an overview of academics, along with typical schedule and an explanation of our Basic and Divisional requirements.

What are Divisional Requirements?
Students must complete coursework in five basic divisions of human knowledge: Humanities (Religion, History, Philosophy), Literature (in English, or foreign literature in translation), Fine Arts (Art, Music, Theatre and Dance), Social Sciences (Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Education, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology), and Math and Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and Mathematics). Students do not have to take classes from every department within a division; they have the ability to choose among departments. The Undergraduate Bulletin provides a full list of Basic and Divisional Requirements (see pp. 61-62). In each academic department’s section of the Undergraduate Bulletin, courses that satisfy Divisional Requirements are marked with a (D) at the end of the course description. Here is an overview of academics, along with typical schedule and an explanation of our Basic and Divisional requirements.

What are academic advisers?
Every new student is assigned upon arrival to an academic adviser (usually a faculty member), an academic counselor, and a student adviser. Majors are declared in the second semester of the sophomore year, at which point a new academic adviser is assigned in the department(s) of the major(s). Before every registration period, a face-to-face meeting with the academic adviser is required, with the exception of the summer prior to enrollment, when first-year students will register for some courses online.

Why does Wake Forest assign initial academic advisers without regard to students’ initial expression of potential interest in a major?
There are a number of benefits of not assigning new students to advisers in a proposed major. New students need to be encouraged to keep an open mind, to explore MANY options, and to consider the possibilities inherent in combining multiple interests. For many students, choice of major is something that will evolve rapidly during the first months in school. A good connection with someone outside a main projected interest provides an important educational function in stimulating conversations across individuals with multiple learning styles, modes of thinking, and values.

That said, many students wish to connect early on with representatives from multiple possible majors and minors, and we want to encourage this! In addition, we encourage students to always be on the lookout for ways to develop a full constellation of potential advisers and mentors.

The lower division adviser should be thought of as a starting point for reaching out to other advisers as may be needed. In addition, students’ academic counselor in the Office of Academic Advising will always be ready to provide some good leads and recommendations on additional contacts, both before and after the major declaration occurs in spring of the sophomore year.

When do students declare a major?
Majors are declared in the second semester of the sophomore year, at which point a new academic adviser is assigned in the department(s) of the major(s).

What are First Year Seminars?
First Year Seminars, which enroll 15-19 first year students per section, are taught by faculty from all academic divisions and ranks. First Year Seminars typically include intense intellectual interchange in a setting where all students participate. These seminars include discussion and debate on issues and examination of opposing viewpoints that will hone students’ critical thinking skills and written and oral arguments.

Career Development

How do students learn about career opportunities?
A major function of the Office of Personal and Career Development is to guide students as they explore majors and careers, prepare resumes and interview strategies and search for internships and jobs. By registering with the office through the DeaconSource system, students are regularly informed about career and internship opportunities as well as the numerous educational and networking events held each semester.

How can students explore possible majors and career paths?
Before students begin making decisions about majors and career paths, they need to assess their interests, values, personality type and skills. The self-assessment instrument, Focus2, enables students to understand these important qualities as well as identify possible majors and career paths that best align with their self-assessment. This assessment also provides students with information on job duties, average salary, and the employment outlook for each occupation. Students may call the Office of Personal and Career Development at 336.785.5902 or stop by the office located on the 2^nd floor of Reynolda to gain access to Focus2.

What should my student be doing to help his/her career search?
The Career Development web site has the most highly recommended action steps for each year in college. Parents can refer to the schedule for each year (first year, sophomore year, junior year, and senior year) and also encourage their students to engage with the office staff and its many resources and events. The web site includes valuable online resources and personal assessments available such as DeaconSource and Focus2. Additionally, students can schedule one-on-one career counseling appointments to develop a personalized action plan.

How can I get involved? What if there are opportunities in my organization?
Parents can provide career advice and support to students by joining the LinkedIn Career Connectors Group. If you are interested in hiring students for internships or full-time jobs, see the Daily Deac parents blog interview with Lori Sykes of our Employer Development team for more information or contact Mike Crespi at 336.758.5814 with internship and job leads.

Computing

Does Wake Forest provide students with computers?
New and transfer students entering Wake Forest in the summer or fall of 2011 will be issued a Lenovo ThinkPad. In the beginning of their third year, students exchange the ThinkPad for a new model. Students return the University-owned ThinkPad to the University upon graduation.

How do students print their documents?
Printing via the Pharos Uniprint system is available in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library, the Benson Copy Center, the Professional Center Library and in the Schools of Business. Users can print from a Windows or Mac for 8¢ per page. Undergraduates receive 50 free pages per semester. Instructions and installers can be found here. The College Bookstore sells the recommended printer-an HP Deskjet 3050 All-in-One, connector cables, printer cartridges and paper. For more information, contact the College Bookstore at 336.758.5145.

Is insurance available for my student’s ThinkPad?
Wake Forest offers an optional ThinkPad Protection to cover accidental spills, drops or other damage. The ThinkPad Protection costs $80. Without the protection, students will pay up to a $500 deductible per incident for damages to the computer.

What backup systems are in place for student data?
The security and care of the data on your ThinkPad is the student’s responsibility. Files and data can be lost through viruses, accidental deletion, hardware failure, or theft of the computer. Backups will reduce the impact of such occurrences. In addition, if your student brings the ThinkPad to The Bridge for repairs, his/her data must be backed up prior to service. Options to consider for securing your data can be found here.

Dining

I am a new parent or family member. What do I need to know about dining plans?
In May 2012, please visit the Dining section of the New Students web site for more information.

Where can I find out information about the Meal Plan, Deacon Dollars, and Food Dollars?
The Deacon OneCard web site has detailed descriptions of these programs.

Are dining locations open during Spring Break 2012?
Campus remains open during Spring Break, however there will be changes to the normal dining schedule and some locations may be closed during the break. If your student is staying on campus for Spring Break, please be sure he or she consults the Spring Break Dining Services schedule flyer to be aware of operating hours and to plan accordingly.

Is there a cake order and delivery service for students’ birthdays and other occasions?
Campus Cakes is a student-run entrepreneurial venture that provides cakes for special occasions; read more about Campus Cakes. The Campus Dining office also provides a variety of gift baskets and cakes.

What local restaurants are recommended?
For Family Weekend 2010, Student Union included in parents’ packets a list of restaurants recommended by students (view here). The student entrepreneurial venture mySavu.com also has a dining section (with discounts given for WF students); you may also wish to consult the Winston-Salem Visitors Bureau for dining suggestions.

Events

When is Family Weekend? How can I purchase tickets to Family Weekend events and the football game?
Fall Family Weekend 2012 will be held September 28-30. Families can purchase Family Weekend event tickets and football tickets by visiting the Student Union web site beginning in summer 2012. Student Union provides all Family Weekend programming; they will work with the Parent Programs office in summer 2012 and the Parents’ Page will provide online links to their web site and registration for events.

How do I get athletic tickets?
The Wake Forest Ticket Office offers online ticket purchasing.

When is Commencement?
Commencement 2012 is Monday, May 21. The Commencement web site provides information on all the events. Parents can order tickets online (when registration is available in the spring). Please make note of the checklist for parents and checklist for students as well as the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for Commencement weekend.

Financial

When is tuition billed/due?
The tuition schedule is available on the Student Financial Services’ billing page.

How are parents notified when tuition is due?
Wake Forest uses an electronic online billing system called DEAC (Deacon Electronic Account Center).

Each month, an e-bill notification is e-mailed to students at their Wake Forest University e-mail address. An e-mail notification is also sent at the same time to valid e-mail addresses for each authorized payer that has been granted access to DEAC by their student.

If you are not receiving email reminders for e-bills, it is most likely because your student has not yet granted access to you for their DEAC account. Once your student grants access, you will receive an email reminder about e-bill at the e-mail address that your student enters for you.

NOTE: Because students do not always check their email as regularly as their parents do, it can be easy for students to miss the e-bill email – and if they miss it (and you as a parent don’t know that tuition is due), they can be blocked from class registration or other important processes because tuition and fees have not been paid by the due date. To avoid those kinds of issues, students should authorize a payer on DEAC.

What does my student need to do to grant me access to the DEAC online payment system?
Please visit the DEAC web site for detailed instructions.

What forms of payment are accepted?
Please visit the billing and payment web site for more information.

Can I mail a payment instead?
Yes. Payment and address information can be found on the billing web page - click on the ‘checks’ link.

Can I wire transfer my payment?
Yes. The instructions for wire transfer can be found on the billing web page – click on the ‘wire transfers’ link

What options do I have for a credit balance on the student account?
1. Credits can remain on the account to pay for future charges.

2. Credits can be transferred to the Deacon OneCard by calling 336-758-5234 or emailing to use for many on-campus purchases including books.

3. Credits can be refunded by completing a refund request form.

What is the difference in the meal plan, the food dollars, and Deacon Dollars?
The Deacon OneCard web site has a description of the various options. Deacon Dollars are a declining balance fund that can be used for both food and non-food purchases at most campus locations. Deacon Dollars are equivalent to U.S. dollars. A student cannot withdraw Deacon Dollars for cash (it is not like an ATM card in that respect).

What if my student loses his/her Deacon One Card?
The Deacon One Card site has a listing of replacement costs.

What ATMs are offered on campus?
There is a branch of Wachovia Bank (which will be Wells Fargo as of late October 2011) on campus located in Davis Residence Hall (on the main Quad/Hearn Plaza). There is a fee for using another bank’s debit card at the ATM (as of May 2011 it was $3 per use).

Can a student buy things on campus with a credit/debit card, or do they have to use Deacon Dollars?
Students can purchase things at the College Bookstore using Deacon Dollars, or MasterCard, VISA or American Express. Many other sites on campus also take debit/credit cards (in addition to Deacon Dollars).

Who can help me with a financial aid question?
The Student Financial Aid Web site has detailed information, an FAQ and staff e-mail and telephone numbers.

How do I add Deacon Dollars to a Deacon OneCard?
The Deacon OneCard web site has a description of how to add Deacon Dollars.

Greek Life

Where can I find recruitment (aka rush) information for Spring 2013?
Visit the Greek Life web site.

When does recruitment (aka rush) take place?
Men’s Recruitment Fall 2012: (Upperclassmen)

Tuesday, September 4, Rush Assembly (5 pm, Pugh Auditorium)

Wednesday, September 5–11, Informal Rush Events

Thursday, September 13, Bid Distribution

Men’s Recruitment Spring 2013: (First-Year and Upperclassmen)

January 15, IFC Rush Assembly (5 pm, Pugh Auditorium)

January 16-17, IFC Formal Rush Events

January 18-23, Informal Rush Events

January 24, Men’s Rush Bid Acceptance

Women’s Recruitment Fall 2012: (Upperclassmen)

September 18, Upper-class Informal Open House (4:30 pm, Pugh Auditorium)

September 19-24, Informal Recruitment Events

September 25, Bid Distribution

Women’s Recruitment Spring 2013: (First-Year and Upperclassmen). Read a description and FAQ of spring recruitment.

October 9, Spring Recruitment Information Session, Go Greek! (5 pm, Pugh Auditorium)

October 16, Spring Recruitment Open House, (5 pm, Benson 401)

November 9, Recruitment Applications Due

January 7th, residence halls open at 9 am for active sorority members ONLY to return to prepare for recruitment

January 8, return to campus for women participating in the recruitment process (potential new members)

January 8-13, Formal Recruitment

January 13, Bid Day

What percent of Wake Forest students are Greek?
In the fall semester (when first year students are not eligible and many juniors are abroad), it’s about 30% Greek on campus for both men and women. In the spring semester (when first year students have been through recruitment and many juniors are back from abroad), it’s about 45% Greek on campus for both men and women. For women overall, it’s about 33% Greek in the fall semester and 51% in the spring. For men overall, it’s about 28% Greek in the fall semester and 37% in the spring.

Do Greek students have their own fraternity/sorority houses?
Only one Greek organization has a University-recognized off-campus house. Most Greek organizations have housing blocks within existing residence halls. All but two fraternities and one sorority have dedicated lounge space (usually attached to their housing block). Having Greeks and independent students live in the same residence halls is an enhancement to our close campus community – people share the same spaces and form bonds even when they aren’t in the same organization.

How many sororities are on campus?
There are 11 total: 8 Panhellenic, 1 multicultural sorority, and 2 National Pan-Hellenic Council (historically African American sororities). Wake Forest is in the process of expanding the Panhellenic community, and will be welcoming Kappa Alpha Theta back to campus immediately following the spring 2013 recruitment process. Although the NPHC is small in membership, they almost always represent a third of our community in committees and general representation at Greek wide events.

How many fraternities are currently on campus?
There are 15 total: 13 IFC and 2 National Pan-Hellenic Council (historically African American fraternities). Although the NPHC is small in membership, they almost always represent a third of our community in committees and general representation at Greek wide events.

How do Greek students’ grades compare to the rest of the student body?
The All-Sorority GPA average (3.28) is typically higher than the All-Women GPA average (3.22) on campus. The All-Fraternity GPA average is just below (3.08) the All-Men GPA average (3.09) on campus.

Healthcare and Related Services

What health care services are provided on campus?
Many services are offered at the Student Health Service and are covered by the Student Health fee. There is a charge for medications, laboratory tests, observation care, and some supplies and services.

Is Student Health Service open during school breaks (such as fall break, spring break, etc.)?
Student Health Service posts its schedule on its web page before most breaks. For Spring Break 2012, the schedule is also available in the Parents News section of the Parents’ Page.

What vaccinations are required for students?
The Student Health Service page lists required vaccinations as well as optional-but-recommended vaccinations.

Are influenza and other vaccinations available?
The Student Health Service offered a flu vaccine clinic for students on October 11, 2011.

If my student is ill with mononucleosis (“mono”), what should he or she do?
The Student Health Service provided the following information/recommendations about mono.

Is health insurance required for my student?
Wake Forest, like almost all private colleges and universities, will require health insurance for all full-time students. Students must either enroll in the new program or request to waive enrollment if they carry insurance meeting the minimum criteria set by Wake Forest. Students will be automatically enrolled into the Student Blue insurance program unless they complete the insurance waiver by August 23, 2010.

Will I be able to access information about my student’s visit to the Student Health Center?
Medical information and records are strictly confidential. Information or records are not released to University officials, friends or family members without the student’s permission. In addition, information will not be shared with therapists or physicians who are not involved in the student’s immediate care without the student’s permission. Students who wish to have information released to other parties should complete a release of information form at the time of each office visit or service.

What should my student know about alcohol?
There are two Wake Forest websites called Party Smart and STAMP (Substance Misuse Prevention Program) that offers students information about both legal issues and health issues such as how to deal with an intoxicated friend as well as ways to tell if someone is struggling with alcohol and anonymous self-assessment tools. Wake Forest has also purchased the Parent Handbook for Talking with Your Child about Alcohol; to access it, you will need to email Christina Rush, Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator, at and ask for the username and password. There is also a website called MyStudentBody.com which empowers families with strategies and tools for supporting student health. MyStudentBody’s parent-based intervention has interactive lessons that teach parents strategies for ensuring a healthy transition to college life. Video dialogues show families some tools for communicating about sensitive topics like binge drinking, prescription drug abuse, and more. Please email for the WFU password. If you are concerned about your student’s drinking or drug use, STAMP offers confidential on-campus evaluations and brief motivational treatments as well as serves as a liaison to community providers.

Who do I contact if I am concerned about my child’s mental health?
The University Counseling Center is available for students who would like individual counseling, group support or career counseling. If you believe your child would benefit from counseling, encourage him or her to seek help.

Who do I contact for information on disability services?
The Learning Assistance Center provides support for students with disabilities.

Housing and Campus Life

Is on campus housing guaranteed for students for all four years?
Wake Forest is one of the few universities in the country that guarantees housing for eight semesters (for students in good standing). Starting with the class enrolling in August 2011, students will be required to live on campus for three years in campus housing unless they live with their parent or guardian in the Winston-Salem area.

Can first-year (freshmen) students choose their own roommate?
We do not have a process whereby first-year students select their own roommates or building preferences. We use the information each student provides on their housing agreement (the lifestyle questions) to make matches based on those. Once students are matched on those questions, we then make a building assignment for the pair. We believe this gives our students a unique opportunity to get to know others that they may not otherwise engage with, but share an array of commonalities with from a lifestyle/value perspective. We have found this method to be extremely effective.

What if my first year student has a conflict with his/her roommate or wants to change rooms?
If there is a roommate conflict, the first step for the student would be to talk to his/her roommate and try to work it out. Each first year student is encouraged to complete a roommate agreement worksheet, where both roommates sit down to talk about setting rules for the room. Encourage your student to cover all sorts of issues – can I borrow your clothes? can I eat your food? what time is quiet time/study time? what time is lights out? what will our policy be about members of the opposite sex in our room? By jointly setting those expectations – and renegotiating when there are issues – students can solve a lot of their issues on their own. A student can also involve his/her RA as a mediator if that is easier, or if the student wants additional support. A student can talk to his/her RA about a potential room switch – that can happen if there are others who also want to switch (and there is availability). Stress to your student to work with the RA early if the student needs support.

What is Yet-to-be-Assigned Status?
In Fall 2011 room selection, as in past years, some rising upperclass students were not able to select a room—either because we do not currently have space or they do not have a roommate to fill the room to capacity.

In these cases, students may sign up for the Yet-to-be-Assigned (YTBA) process. These students then go through a similar on-line process on July 15^th, when they will choose their room for the fall. Through the YTBA process, students will also have the ability to view potential roommates before selecting a room.

We conduct this process during the summer to allow rooms to open up due to changes in students’ housing plans. The housing guarantee and the two-year residency requirement remain in effect. All students who are required to/ guaranteed to live on-campus will be housed.

What is open during the 2012 Spring Break?
Residence Halls will be open during 2012 Spring break for students who are not returning home. The Residence Life and Housing web site has some tips for students staying on campus (select the Spring Break section of the page). Dining services are limited on campus, so students should review the posted hours and plan accordingly to dine off campus or have food in their rooms/shared kitchens.

What should my student do before leaving for Winter Break 2011?
Please see Residence Life and Housing’s information on closing the residence halls for Winter Break. Also make note of the parking information for Winter Break.

Are there options for my student to ship his/her belongings home for summer 2012, or to store them in Winston-Salem?
Residence Life and Housing has a Student Moving Flyer that shows options for shipping items home or storing them over the summer. There will also be a Deacon Moving Day on May 3, 2012 to assist students; please see the Deacon Moving Day Flyer

If a student chooses to move off campus, what does he/she have to do?
Consult the University’s off campus housing page for information and requirements.

What size are the mattresses in the residence halls?
All of the residence hall mattresses at Wake Forest are made to fit “extra long” twin sheet sets, which can be purchased at many retailers.

Can students choose to bring a loft to elevate their beds?
Only lofts rented from the university’s official vendor will be approved for residence halls. It is recommended that new students speak with their roommate before renting a loft. More information for first-year students considering lofts can be found here.

What type of laundry facilities are available?
Laundry machines are located in each residence hall and are available 24 hours a day. The cost is included in the room rent. Students can access these machines using their ID card. In addition, Wake Wash, a student-run entrepreneurial venture, provides a door-to-door laundry and dry cleaning service to on-campus students.

Is there a linen service on campus to provide students with clean sheets and towels? There is no formal linen service. However, Wake Wash, a student-run entrepreneurial venture, provides a door-to-door laundry and dry cleaning service to on-campus students.

Is there cable TV on campus?
The on-campus housing package includes select HDTV channels and 75 cable television stations as part of the campus cable TV network. You must bring your own television. A Digital QUAM high-definition receiver or QUAM tuner and compatible television are required to view the HDTV channels.

Is there telephone service on campus?
Many Wake Forest students come to campus with cell phones for personal use. However, all residence hall rooms are equipped with a land-line telephone jack connection. Students can bring their own phone and can request to have local telephone service and voice mail activated in their room. Activation of this service will provide local dial service for the campus and the Winston-Salem community, call waiting, caller ID and voicemail. Long-distance telephone service is not provided. Cordless phones (2.4 Ghz and 5.0 Ghz) interfere with the campus wireless network and are not allowed on campus. Questions concerning telephone services should be directed to the Information Systems Service Desk.

What is the Healthy Living Community?
The Healthy Living Community is for students who desire a healthy living environment in which residents agree to maintain a substance–free environment and promote a healthy student lifestyle. With the support of Residence Life and Housing, residents in the Healthy Living Community are empowered to collaborate with hall staff members and other residents to promote student health and wellness in the building and across campus.

What is Wake Forest doing to ensure that campus life is vibrant?
The fall 2010 report ”Living Our Values: Strengthening Residential Life and Campus Vibrancy” is available online. “We propose action plans and recommendations that encompass four broad facets of student life and our University’s mission: preserving the health and safety of our students, creating an engaged and inclusive community, emphasizing the primacy of the academic endeavor, and encouraging our students to live lives of meaning and worth.”

Mail Services and Deliveries

How do I mail a letter to my student?
Letters and magazines should be addressed as:

Student Name
Campus Box _______ (XXXX = your student’s Campus Box #)
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC 27109

How do I mail a UPS or FedEx package to my student?
Address UPS or FedEx packages as follows:

Student Name
Campus Box XXXX (XXXX = your student’s Campus Box #)
1834 Wake Forest Road
Winston Salem, NC 27109

How can my student get his/her mail forwarded during the summer of 2012?
Mail Services put a flyer in each student’s post office box during the week of 4/20/12 with instructions on how to have the mail forwarded for the summer. If your student did not see the flyer in his or her post office box, ask the student to see one of the mail services staff at the post office for assistance.

How can I send flowers to my student’s residence hall?
All student floral deliveries must go through the Wake Forest Post Office on campus (because residence halls are locked to non-students). When a delivery is made to the Post Office, the Post Office will email the student alerting him/her to the fact that they have a floral arrangement to pick up. When parents order from a florist, they must provide the following address:

Student’s Name
Student Name
Campus Box XXXX (XXXX = your student’s PO Box #)
1834 Wake Forest Road
Winston Salem, NC 27109

The student run mysavu.com web site (which offers discounts to local businesses for WFU students) has a listing of some florists online. Parents can also search for local florists on the Internet.

Miscellaneous

Is there a cake order and delivery service for students’ birthdays and other occasions?
Campus Cakes is a student-run entrepreneurial venture that provides cakes for special occasions; read more about Campus Cakes. The Campus Dining office also provides a variety of gift baskets and cakes.

How can I order the 2012 Howler yearbook for my student?
Parents can order and pay for the 2012 Howler yearbook at www.campusfees.com. The yearbook is $101.50 which includes shipping and tax. Orders can also be made by phone at 877-441-7001. After going to the website, here are the quick steps to order. 1) Click on Yearbooks in the left hand column. 2) Select State. 3) Select City. 4) Select WFU. 5) Click Yearbooks. 6) Order the 2012 yearbook .

What if my student loses his/her Deacon One Card?
The Deacon One Card site has a listing of replacement costs.

Parking

Do parents need a gate pass to get on campus?
Campus gates are open from 6:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. each day. After 10:00 p.m., visitors/guests must be registered in advance by a student/employee. This process must be followed each night the guest is visiting.

Is there a campus shuttle (so that my student is not walking alone at night?)
The on-campus shuttle operates from 7:40 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. weekdays and 7:30 p.m. – 2:30 a.m. weekends. There is a defined route between the first year student parking lot and the central campus. There are also shuttles between campus and popular apartment complexes, and a separate shuttle downtown. Shuttle bus information and schedules can be found online.

Where can I park?
Visitors may park in Lots N, C, F and all General Lots. Parking is permitted in designated student, faculty and staff parking lots only between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. on any weekday and all day on weekends, unless otherwise designated as a “24-hour Reserved Faculty/Staff” space or lot. See the online Campus Parking Regulations PDF.

Where can I find the Parking Rules and Regulations?
Parking Rules and Regulations can be found on the Parking and Transportation website.

Will I get a citation if I park in a faculty lot?
If a visitor parks in a faculty lot on a weekday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., he/she will receive a citation. Visitor parking is only permitted in designated Student, Faculty and Staff parking lots between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m. weekdays and all day on weekends, unless otherwise designated as a “24-hour Reserved Faculty/Staff” space or lot.

I received a citation. Can I Appeal it?
Yes. Citation appeals are submitted online. The citation number and vehicle plate number are required to appeal on-line and citations must be appealed within 14-days of the issue date.

Safety/University Police/Notifications of Events and Emergencies

How safe is campus?
We have a robust police department and campus is generally very safe. However, there is no campus or city that can be guaranteed absolutely safe. We ask our students to exercise good personal judgment and to be safe, as many issues can be prevented through good practices. In addition, University Police helps ensure campus safety through a variety of ways:

We use vehicle, foot, and bike patrol operations. These patrols help in crime prevention and public relations; due to our close campus community, students, faculty and staff recognize campus officers and seek aid when needed.
Key card access buildings – such as residence halls – are locked 24 hours a day. Students have access to enter all residence halls between 7 a.m. and midnight through the use of their ID cards. However, only residents of that particular building/suite have access between midnight and 7 a.m. There is a call box outside each residence hall for guests to use to call residents and gain access.
Blue light call boxes are placed throughout campus including parking lots and trails. Emergency and courtesy phone boxes are located on the outside of buildings and our residence halls are card access controlled.
A nighttime shuttle service runs on a regular schedule. Students may request a campus police escort during hours when the shuttle is not in operation.
University police assigns a Resource Officer to each residence hall and campus building as a liaison to students, faculty and staff in each building.

What is the campus crime rate?
Crime statistics are listed online.

How safe is Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem crime statistics are available online.

What general safety information should my student know?
Parents and students alike should visit the Wake Ready web site, which covers safety issues. Students should make wise decisions about their personal safety – keep their rooms locked, do not leave valuables unattended, use the buddy system. There are some general safety guidelines and recommendations here.

How do campus safety notifications work?
Wake Alert is the University’s emergency notification program, providing students, faculty and staff with information and advisories via a number of communication channels, including the Wake Alert website, text messaging, an outdoor warning system, campus cable TV, e-mail, voice mail and a recorded message on the Wake Forest Weather Line. Parents can check the main Wake Forest web site in the event of an emergency, as emergencies are posted on the main web page and will link to the Wake Alert web site. Additional information about how Wake Alert works is available online.

What should my student know about building evacuations or how to stay safe in an emergency situation?
Prior to the start of school each year, we recommend that students and parents review the Wake Ready’s web site’s sections on building evacuations, what to do if told to “shelter in place” and how to stay safe abroad. Periodically reviewing these pages will help students be prepared in the event of an emergency.

How can we be notified of an emergency and find out if our child is safe in case of an emergency?
Only students, faculty and staff are included in Wake Alert text and email notifications because it is imperative that the message go out as quickly as possible. If you add additional populations to the text/cell distribution list (such as parents, often both parents have cell phones), it runs the risk of slowing down the notification process to our students who need to receive the message immediately. Parents can check the main Wake Forest web site in the event of an emergency, as emergencies are posted on the main web page and will link to the Wake Alert web site. The fastest way to check on the safety of your student is to contact him or her by cell phone or email. Additional information about how Wake Alert works is available online.

What does Wake Forest do if there is a perceived threat to security?
In the event of a perceived threat to security, Wake Forest will quickly assess the situation, then begin alerting the campus and providing instructions and resource information. University Police works with Winston-Salem Police to provide manpower for patrols and investigations. University Police is comprised of professionally trained police officers, security officers, communications officers, and support staff.

How will my student be notified if classes will be delayed or cancelled due to a weather-related event?
There are multiple channels for students to find out if classes will be delayed or cancelled. Wake Forest will use the Wake Alert system, and will also email students and provide information to local media.

I have not heard from my son/daughter and I am concerned – what should I do?
In these situations, we can ask our Residence Life and Housing Staff to check on the student. You can contact University Police at 336-758-5911 and give the officer your student’s full name and residence hall room, University Police will contact Residence Life. Residence Life staff will instruct the student to contact you as soon as possible.

Can a student report a suspected crime anonymously?
Silent Witness can be used to submit any information a student has regarding a suspicious person, any suspicious activity, or a crime that has occurred on or off campus.

Is the University Police a real police department?
Yes. The Department is comprised of professionally trained police officers, security officers, communications officers, and support staff. All sworn officers of the department completed the mandated, annual In-Service Training as required by the North Carolina Department of Justice Training and Standards. They possess full investigative and arrest authority on any property owned by the University and any contiguous streets or highways.

What are the police department hours of operation?
University Police is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year via the Police Communications line 336-758-5911.

Do the WFU police arrest students? Sworn officers do have the ability to arrest students (as well as faculty, staff or visitors). An arrest could be made for such actions that endanger themselves or others.

What happens to a student who consumes alcohol underage? The legal drinking age in North Carolina is 21. The University’s alcohol policies are outlined in the Student Handbook. There is an alternative judicial process for medical situations; for specifics see the handbook.

Transportation and Travel

Can new students bring cars to campus?
Yes. First-year students park in a designated lot off campus; shuttle service is provided. Students who choose not to have cars on campus may enroll in the Zipcar program. Any Wake Forest student who is at least 18 years old is eligible to join the Zipcar car sharing program. Zipcars are an ideal solution for students who choose not bring a vehicle to campus. Zipcar’s cutting edge technology allows students to reserve online, or on their mobile device, 24/7. Low hourly and daily rates include gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day.

Will my child need a car to get around campus?
No. Wake Forest is a walking campus and all academic buildings and residence halls are easily reached on foot. A free shuttle service is provided on a regular schedule. There is also a free shuttle service to downtown Winston-Salem on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Students may also enroll in the Zipcar program. Any Wake Forest student who is at least 18 years old is eligible to join the Zipcar car sharing program. Zipcar’s cutting edge technology allows students to reserve online, or on their mobile device, 24/7. Low hourly and daily rates include gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day.

How can I ship my student’s car to campus?
Please call 336.758.PARK (7275) if you have questions about shipping a car to campus.

What are the gatehouse hours of operation? Security officers staff the West and East gate houses from 10:00 p.m.until 6:00 a.m. Their duties include: checking all vehicles that attempt to enter campus and making sure they have a valid Wake Forest registration. Gate Officers issue campus citations to students who do not have proper registration on their vehicle; keep log books of visitors who enter campus after 10:00 p.m.; and report all suspicious activities observed while on post. After 10:00 p.m., visitors/guests must be registered in advance by a student/employee. This process must be followed each night the guest is visiting.

Is there a “ride board” for students seeking rides home during breaks?
As of May 2012, the University is investigating the possibility of creating an online ride board. As plans progress, information will be updated here.

Where can I find out which airport(s) to use and to see driving directions?
The Visiting Campus page has airport information as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates. Parents and families should be aware that the closest airport is Greensboro (Piedmont Triad International). While you may sometimes get better airfare deals by flying your student into Charlotte or Raleigh, you must factor in the price of ground transportation 80+ miles away from campus; sometimes it is most economical overall to fly into Greensboro if you need to provide ground transportation for your student.

Is there an airport shuttle service?
Shuttle service to major regional airports is available. Holiday travel shuttles operate on a regular schedule.

Is there any other car service available for students?
ABC Door 2 Door Transportation provides local car service and transportation to regional airports. Contact ABC Door 2 Door Transportation for more information or a quote at 336.721.9921/336.473.3892 or .

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