Lots of news today
In this Issue:
- My first fall in the Forest: message from President Rodriguez
- First five retailers announced for The Grounds
- Safety and Security at Wake Forest
- Workday’s look is changing September 19
- World Cultural Festival is coming September 24
- Updates from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement
We’re almost to the end of the week, and I know our students will be eager for the weekend to arrive. We are still dealing with low 90s weather today and tomorrow, but once we hit Tuesday, the projected high temps remain in the 70s until October 1st. Let’s hope that the forecast doesn’t change. Cooler days and nights would be nice.
We have a variety of news to share today. Read on!
My first fall in the Forest: message from President Rodriguez
The campus community got an email from President Rodriguez this morning about his first fall in the Forest. Here is a taste:
“From my very first day on campus, I have been deeply moved by how genuinely friendly and welcoming this community is. People here don’t simply pass one another with a quick wave. They stop. They ask questions. They get to know one another.
That may sound like a small thing, but I don’t think it is. It’s rare and meaningful.
Relationships are the foundation for everything else that happens here. They create the trust and curiosity that allow people to learn from one another, challenge one another and imagine what might be possible together.
And people here are aiming high.
Everyone I meet seems to care deeply about Wake Forest — and to believe that we can do even more together.”
Read President Rodriguez’s full message.
First five retailers announced for The Grounds
We got some big news yesterday about the first round of retailers for The Grounds:
“We’re excited to announce the first wave of retailers at Phase I of The Grounds:
- The Jimmy, an expanded Mediterranean / Italian concept from renowned NC-based restauranteur Jim Noble
- The Fieldhouse Tavern, a new, food-forward sports bar from Winston-Salem restaurateurs Tom and Brandon Brock
- Bagels & Co. a flavorful bagel concept with a large college town footprint
- TREMBLE, the second NC location of a fast-growing, high-intensity reformer Pilates franchise
- Allegacy Financial, offering an innovative multipurpose location for the longtime Winston-Salem credit union and Wake Forest University partner.
Read more about our founding retailers here.”
I can imagine a lot of students will be excited at the idea of living at Creekside at the Grounds and being within a very short walking distance to Reformer Pilates classes and great food options!
Safety and Security at Wake Forest
This morning, students, faculty, and staff received a message from Regina Lawson, Chief of University Police. It read in part:
“September is National Preparedness Month. At Wake Forest, the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority. In partnership with University Marketing and Communications (UMC), University Police (UPD) will provide timely information on what to do during an emergency through the University’s communication systems. The Safety and Security team also leads efforts to enhance classroom safety, encourage safe habits and build strong connections across campus. Below is an outline for how you will be notified in the event of an emergency and how you can stay engaged in ongoing safety initiatives.”
Read Chief Lawson’s full message.
Workday’s look is changing September 19
On Saturday, September 19, Workday is rolling out a refreshed look globally. Parents and families with access will notice updates to the homepage and navigation menu, but core tasks like paying tuition will work the same way. Once you log in, click “Menu” in the upper-left corner to see your options.
Note that the new look will be a little different for student users vs. parents and families. Students can find additional information in their WFU Should Know email, which goes out every Thursday afternoon.
World Cultural Festival is coming September 24
The World Cultural Festival is the Intercultural Center’s biggest event in the Fall, and it is always a great evening. They will have food vendors, giveaways, and performances representing many cultures around the world.
Deacs will want to be part of the World Cultural Festival next Thursday (September 24) from 5-7 p.m. on Davis Field. It promises to be a great time for all!
Updates from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement
My colleagues in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Engagement asked me to share the following with the Daily Deacdom:
Interested in Being Part of Something New at Wake Forest?
Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity is hosting a Meet & Greet on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the University Activity Space.
If you’re interested in helping build a new fraternity experience at WFU, this is your opportunity to meet members of Phi Gamma Delta, learn more about the organization, ask questions, and hear about what it means to be part of establishing a new chapter on campus.
We hope to see you there!
Interested in NPHC at Wake Forest?
Interested in learning more about the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) at Wake Forest University? Join us for Meet the Greeks on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM in ZSR Auditorium.
Come meet members of the seven NPHC organizations represented at Wake Forest, learn more about their history, values, programs, and membership experiences, and discover what each organization has to offer.
Whether you are exploring membership or simply want to learn more about NPHC, we hope to see you there!
Panhellenic Recruitment Registration is Open!
Wake Forest Panhellenic Recruitment registration is now open for Spring 2027. Students interested in participating in Primary Recruitment must complete registration by November 15, 2026, at 11:59 PM.
Registration is completed through Campus Director. As part of the registration process, students will need to submit:
- A headshot
- A video introduction
- Fraternity & Sorority Grade Release
Students who register for recruitment will be automatically enrolled in the required Hazing Prevention Modules on November 16, 2026. All modules must be completed by January 5, 2027 to participate in recruitment.
Primary Recruitment: January 6–10, 2027.
That was a lot to pack in to one day, friends. Hope you have a great evening!