Some 1,740 students from across America and the globe moved into the South 40 area of campus last week. New students say they are eager both to help St. Louis face its challenges and to explore all it has to offer.

The Class of 2018, along with new transfer and exchange students, came together for the first time at Convocation, held Thursday in the Field House. An annual orientation event, Convocation is an opportunity for administrators, faculty and current students to formally welcome new students and their families into the WUSTL community.

You do get a second chance to make a first impression, as any given day is full of firsts. That’s the finding of a new study on forming impressions led by Robyn A. LeBoeuf, PhD, associate professor of marketing at Olin Business School.

A new School of Medicine study suggests uric acid may play a role in causing metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors that increases the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. The work also demonstrates the importance of the intestine in removing uric acid from the body, opening the door to potential therapies for preventing or treating type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Monday, Aug. 25

Fall semester classes begin

2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26

‘Navigating Academic Medicine’ retreat

Event details

Noon Wednesday, Aug. 27

Staff gathering on Ferguson turmoil

Event details

7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28

‘Race, Place and Violence’ university dialogue

Event details

Might the gut explain colic?

E.A. Quinn, PhD, assistant professor of physical anthropology, writes about colic in her blog “Biomarkers & Milk.”

A moment of reflection today

Join us in a moment of reflection as we lower the university’s flag and ring the bells at Graham Chapel at 10 a.m. today in recognition of the tragic events in Ferguson and the challenges we face as a region.

Free classes offered at South 40 Fitness Center

Faculty and staff can see if the South 40 Fitness Center is a good fit for them as the school year gets underway. Try out any class — including some offered during lunchtime — for free from today until Sept. 7. You can also learn more about buying a membership or passes to group fitness options.