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FDOC (First Day of Classes)

by Betsy Chapman

The First Day of Classes (FDOC) is officially here! This week marks the true beginning of your student’s academic and social integration at Wake Forest.

You can guide your student through these critical opening weeks by encouraging them to take active, courageous steps on campus:

  • Build intentional connections: Encourage your student to introduce themselves to hallmates, keep their room door propped open when inside, and make eye contact with peers as they walk across campus.

  • Connect with residential staff: Students should proactively meet their Resident Adviser (RA) and Community Director (CD). These staff members provide excellent peer support and plan community-building activities.

  • Explore the campus footprint: Familiarizing themselves with the layout of the Z. Smith Reynolds (ZSR) Library and discovering dining options beyond South Campus will help your student feel anchored quickly.

  • Get involved: Advise your student to use “The Link”—our online student organization portal—to preview student clubs and organizations ahead of the Fall Involvement Fair on August 27 from 3pm – 6pm on Poteat Field.

If you ever feel your student is experiencing severe transitional struggles beyond ordinary adjustment (which is expected!) – please reach out to our campus support teams at 336-758-CARE (2272) or submit a referral at we.wfu.edu. Real belonging is built slowly over weeks and months, not hours and days, so please give your student—and yourself—the grace of time as the true rhythms of campus life begin.

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support. You can also visit we.wfu.edu for resources.