Student volunteers, staff ‘go bananas’ to help newest residents
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.
A WUSA welcome: Yearlong peer mentors make transition easier for incoming students
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.