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It’s almost time!

by Betsy Chapman

In this Issue:

  • New families: 166 new and transfer students are still vaccine non-compliant and will not be allowed to move in
  • New families: parking info for those who will be moving their student in at Pre-Orientation 8/13-14 and then will be returning to campus on 8/18
  • Changes to academic calendar: Labor Day off and Fall Break is now Mon.-Tues.
  • Still need a laptop? WakeWare is here for you

Today is the last Friday at home for incoming ’30 and transfer students doing Pre-Orientation programs. Which means a week from now, campus is going to start to come alive – and I can’t wait!

Whether your student is a new one or a senior, give them as much TLC and special treatment as you can between now and when they move in. Students will very soon be missing their homes, their pets, whatever regional cuisine and special foods they can get only at home – and yes, they will miss their families too (but at least they can talk to us). So spoil ’em while you can.

Here’s what I have to share as we close out the week.

New families: 166 new and transfer students are still vaccine non-compliant and will not be allowed to move in

If you are the parent of an incoming Class of 2030 student or a transfer student, take notice: 166 new students have not successfully completed their vaccine requirements (either vaccines themselves or documentation) which means they will not be allowed to move in.

Please have your new/transfer students check their Deacon Health Portal for any secure messages and to see their vaccine status. I would bet my bottom dollar that many of these students think they uploaded everything and these messages do not apply to them – but please err on the side of caution and ensure they check the Deacon Health Portal and secure messages. This is not something you want to find out on Move-In day.

New families: parking info for those who will be moving their student in at Pre-Orientation 8/13-14 and then will be returning to campus on 8/18

We had gotten some questions from new families about whether they need a separate parking pass between move-in for Pre-Orientation and general new student move-in. We’ve updated our Move-In Guide with new instructions (which I am sharing below)”

  • For families moving their student in for Pre-Orientation and then returning for Family Orientation Aug.18-19: 
    • Please save your move-in parking pass and display it on your dashboard when you return to campus.
    • Please be aware that your student must be present to let you into their room (and for students living in suite-style halls on the Quad, let you into their suite front door and their room). Students may not give their ID or key to anyone else, including their parents/family members. 
    • When you return on Aug. 18-19, follow your building-specific move-in route to drive to campus:
    • If you do NOT need to unload items at your student’s building (i.e., you moved them in fully Aug. 13-14), please let police know that as you enter campus so we can route you to parking as quickly as possible.

Please go through the Move-In Guide thoroughly before you come to campus, as there are some new processes this year, such as: students will need their Check-in QR code (available 30 minutes before check-in via the Move-In Status page). Students have specific check-in appointments to help with traffic flow. Students and families who arrive earlier their check-in time will be directed to wait in a dedicated parking zone until the student can download their QR code.

Changes to academic calendar: Labor Day off and Fall Break is now Mon.-Tues.

For our families with older students, there are a couple of changes to our academic calendar relative to breaks: this fall, students will now get Labor Day off (Sept. 7). Our fall break, which had traditionally been on Thursday-Friday, is now moving to a Monday-Tuesday model (Oct. 12-13).

You can see the Academic Services calendar for fall on the Registrar’s website. And a reminder, it is best if families do not purchase airline tickets for breaks or plan travel for their student until they get the syllabus for all their classes. Faculty members all set their own absence policies, and students are expected to be here when class is in session.

As you look to winter break, you’ll need talk to your about when they have final exams to know when to get them home. While you can see final exam dates on the Calendars page of the Registrar’s website, not every class has a final exam (some may do a final paper or project, etc.). So it is always best to work directly with your student after the semester begins if you need to plan travel.

Still need a laptop? WakeWare is here for you

My friends in IS asked me to remind all our families that if your student needs a laptop, WakeWare is here for you:

“The WakeWare program offers high-performance laptops that meet University minimum requirements and include four years of on-campus repair support at The Bridge IT Service Desk. Laptops are available for purchase online or at the Taylor Bookstore, with shipping and on campus pickup options available. Eligible students may receive a technology grant to cover the full cost of a standard model, with details accessible via the Financial Aid portal. For full specifications and SafeWare details, visit wakeware.wfu.edu or seek bookstore assistance.”

Whether you have/are an incoming first-year or transfer student, or an upperclass student who wants a laptop upgrade, WakeWare can be an ideal solution. I can’t stress enough how grateful I am that my own ’27 is in their WakeWare-equivalent program at their school: laptop help and loaners are available, and I am not troubleshooting problems late at night 🙂 It has been a great solution for my family.

Wishing you all a great weekend!

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