Author: Deb Parker

The Gephardt Institute for Public Service is coordinating a university-wide voter registration campaign Tuesday, Sept. 18. On that day, the institute will conduct Missouri voter registration and provide information on absentee ballot registration.

First-day-of-school pictures — showing smiling little kids carrying brand-new backpacks — are an annual tradition for many families. Fortunately, for family members of WUSTL students, staff members are keeping the tradition alive. Part of  “First 40” programming, staff members take students’ photos and hand out free school supplies. Right, junior Jeannette Mundy is one of many upperclassmen who still observe the tradition.

New freshman Angela Lee wears a crown to signify her Brookings Residential College mascot, the “kings,” during Convocation Aug. 23. Incoming students sit with fellow members of their residential colleges during the annual orientation event, which formally welcomes new students and their parents into the WUSTL community. Festivities include a torchlight procession into Brookings Quadrangle for Ted Drewes.

The football team opens its 116th season of college football Friday, Aug. 31, at home against No. 1-ranked University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. at Francis Field.

Aug. 23 was move-in day on the South 40 for incoming students. To get things started, a caped Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton led upperclass student volunteers and university staff members in an early-morning pep rally, which included singing the “Go Bananas” song. From there, everyone rapidly disbursed to welcome the more than 1,700 new students — providing directions, carrying belongings and passing out chocolate chip cookies. 

As the country enters the final phase of an intense political season, the 2012 Assembly Series will feature individuals who bring passion and knowledge concerning issues that affect the way people think and potentially how they will vote. Wes Moore, author of The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates, opens the series.

More than 1,000 Washington University in St. Louis students, faculty and staff are taking part in Service First Saturday, Sept. 1. This community service event, held annually on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, is an opportunity for new students to volunteer with area public schools.

WUSTL is set to stream 62 live athletic events through Stretch Internet during the fall and winter seasons, starting with football, volleyball and soccer events next week. Stretch Internet is the official web-streaming provider for the university’s Department of Athletics. Live webcasting will kick off Friday, Aug. 31, with the No. 2-ranked volleyball team hosting Fontbonne University at 5 p.m. and the No. 9-ranked women’s soccer team taking on Alma College at 5 p.m.

More than 1,700 new students move onto campus starting at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 23. Five full days of orientation, better known as Bear Beginnings, take place Aug. 23-Monday, Aug. 27.

At WUSTL, orientation extends much longer than the five-day Bear Beginnings welcome. Through the WUSA (Washington University Student Associate) program, all incoming students are paired with upperclass peer mentors for the entire first year. The WUSA program is viewed as a model program nationally. Right, a WUSA gets ready for move-in day with the WUSA cheer.