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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.

Washington University Libraries staff members are offering a series of free workshops to help introduce students, faculty and staff to Twitter. Each of the four sessions will be held in Olin Library’s Arc (Level A) at 3 p.m. on Thursday afternoons throughout the fall semester with topics ranging from Twitter 101, an introductory class, to more advanced workshops on specific uses of the popular social media platform.

Twenty-five WUSTL middle- and senior-level managers have been named to the 2012-13 Professional Leadership Academy & Network (PLAN), a yearlong professional development program. PLAN is intended to cultivate future WUSTL leaders who can contribute to university-wide initiatives and projects. (Right) PLAN participant Danielle Bristow, director of WUSTL’s First Year Center programs, talks to Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton during an Aug. 22 reception.

New, books, new professors, new classmates and new decor all signal the start of a new school year. New photographic displays in the Simon Hall alcoves by the main stairway feature news and updates on three Olin Business School initiatives for the 2012-2013 academic year.

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. 

Jose Sanchez (right), a senior at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, worked in the Laboratory for Magnetic Resonance this summer under the direction of Mark S. Conradi, PhD, professor of physics in Arts & Sciences. Sanchez participated in the Summer Research Early Identification Program, which encourages students from groups traditionally underrepresented in the sciences, social sciences and humanities to consider research careers in academia, business or the public sector.

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.

Washington University’s main move-in day in the South 40 residence halls for new students is Thursday, Aug. 23. Some 1,700 new students (freshmen, transfer and exchange) are arriving for the 2012-13 academic year that begins Aug. 28. Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton will lead university staff members and upperclass student volunteers in a 7:30 a.m. pep rally as they prepare to welcome the new students and assist with move in throughout the day.

The university is increasing composting opportunities on the Danforth Campus through pilot programs with schools and departments. Beginning in August, visitors to Brown Hall and Goldfarb Hall of the Brown School, Anheuser-Busch Hall of the School of Law, and Facilities’ office Millbrook Building will have an opportunity to compost some of their waste.