Student Life Archives

Welcome to Washington University. You begin your undergraduate careers at a time of profound institutional reflection and a discussion that-like much of what you will experience in the next four yearsñwill be both specific and abstract. This announcement, then, is a welcome both into a community of scholars and into an exciting conversation about the very nature and purpose of that community.

Since its founding the United States has always assumed an essential connection between the values and ambitions of a free society and the work of higher education. Throughout his presidency George Washington recognized this interdependency and urged the creation of a national university. Following his own tenure in the executive office, Thomas Jefferson devoted his remaining years to the creation of the University of Virginia as a model of higher education appropriate for a republic. For more than two centuries the special relationship between colleges and universities and democracy has been reaffirmed in a multitude of ways, and in periods of crisis and transition has been a subject of much consideration. Whether in calls for expanded efforts in science and technology during the Cold War or in the GI Bill’s dramatic expansion of educational access that followed World War II, the fates of freedom and the broadening implications of democracy have been regarded as inextricable from our conception and implementation of advanced teaching and learning.

In this opening decade of the 21st century, with new challenges in virtually every aspect of our lives, it is again time to renew the discussion of the University’s role in a free society. As a citizen of a particular city and a particular nation as well as a global community, how does it (or how do we) address and reconcile these often complicated and sometimes conflicted responsibilities and partnerships in a manner consistent with our educational mission?

Washington University’s Democracy and Citizenship Initiative will be a year-long effort (involving faculty, students, administrators, and staff) to better understand American higher education’s relationship to the values and ambitions of a free society and, more specifically, to examine the meaning of citizenship for Washington University in its relationship with the greater St. Louis community, the nation and the world. This will be a University-wide project, one involving self-reflection as we consider the particular nature of our institution and the responsibilities and opportunities we face. An important part of this exploration will be an ongoing consideration of our relationship with the city and locale that have helped sustain us for more than 150 years, as well as with the nation whose democratic ideals rely on a commitment to education. Universities face the double challenge of educating citizens and of being a citizen with responsibilities to the society of which we are so intrinsically a part. At the same time we are also an important link between these communities and the larger world-in teaching and scholarship but also through our institutional partnerships. The challenge of being part of such differing constituencies with obligations to each requires us to consider who we are as a university and how that identity influences each of these relationships.

During the 2008-09 academic year we will attempt-through committees and discussion groups, conferences and other events-to engage as much of the University community as possible and through this year-long conversation to identify the key issues that we face, while establishing an agenda for the years to come.

Washington University is not alone in recognizing this as a critical moment for American higher education; colleges and universities around the country have begun a variety of projects to consider the social and educational challenges of our time, to think anew about the nature of our academics and the missions we pursue. The meaning of the Liberal Arts, the interaction of science and society, the nature of institutional citizenship and many related subjects being discussed on campuses across America. For these considerations to be most helpful they must be specific to particular institutional circumstances and visions. The Initiative on Democracy and Citizenship imagines that the conversations to take place at Washington University in the coming academic year will be about Washington University, a reflection on our sense of purpose and our community and yet-with the very specificity such an approach requires-will contribute to a larger discussion concerning the future of higher education in a free society.

We welcome ideas and participants. Please feel free to e-mail.

Wayne Fields is a professor in the College of Arts & Sciences and can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

I am writing this article while sitting in my office listening to music and avoiding the work I have to do. I am an intern in the Office of Student Activities and one of my projects is to create a master list of co-curricular involvement opportunities for students on campus.

“Involvement” is a very broad idea, but it will define a significant portion of the experience you have here. Academic excellence is certainly the most important goal you should have as a Washington University student, but your tenure here should be summed up by more than your degree and the amount of tuition paid. Your experience should be a priceless era that you will be continually engaged in for years and years to come.

My advice is to let your exploration of Wash. U. be guided by two questions. What skills and abilities do you want to gain from your experience here? What impact do you want to leave on the campus community and the larger Wash. U. legacy? As you continue on over the next four years, keep asking those questions. The answers may change, and that’s okay.

When I first came to Wash. U., I knew I wanted to do more than just go to class, but I wasn’t sure what I was passionate about. In situations like this, some students tend to do nothing, and others, like myself, tend to do too much. I got over-involved very quickly. Within the first semester of my freshman year, I was the treasurer of a student group, a member of the Orientation Executive Board, the host and contributing editor of a television show, and a full-time student in my spare time.

The story of my freshman year is a testament to how easy it is for freshmen to get involved, but it is also an example of what can happen when you don’t intentionally guide your experience by asking the important questions. I was passionate about being a leader, so I led. I wasn’t necessarily passionate about what I was doing, so I led others and myself with no direction. I wish I would have taken my time to think carefully about what I wanted to get out of being involved on campus.

You may have been a leader in high school, and may assume that you should continue to do whatever activities you participated in. You may have been solely committed to your academic pursuits and may think that you won’t have time to study for college classes and do other things. Whether I’ve described you or not, throw all of your assumptions out of the window. Take a minute to discover what you’re passionate about and begin your journey as a Wash. U. student.

You may go on to become a student group leader, start a community service organization, conduct published research, become class president, a teaching assistant or something I haven’t listed. “Involvement” is a necessary component of being a Wash. U. student, but you should carefully pursue it so that both you and what you’re involved in benefit from the experience. Take a moment to find your passion, and everything from selecting a major to shaping your legacy will become a lot easier.

Jeff Nelson is a junior in Arts & Sciences and Student Union Vice President of Administration. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

Wash. U. forces you to take Writing 1 because the administration thinks you can’t write. The Orientation Executive Board gives you Choices to dissuade you from doing what you’ve probably been doing since your sophomore year in high school. Student Life commissions me to write you an advice column because they think you’re starving for the same advice you’ve been getting throughout your last year in high school.

What none of the well-meaning administration and students gives you is credit. Not to say some of you don’t need a little pointing in the “right” direction or that none of the advice you receive will be useful. Take it all in. From the laughable suggestion to get eight hours of sleep to the “don’t-date-anyone-freshman-year-or-else-your-social-life-will-be-doomed,” every bit of advice you’ll receive about what to and not to do freshman year has a basis in sound reasoning and good intentions. But, truth be told, there’s really no wrong way to do freshman year.

Now, the smart alecks amongst you may immediately say, “What if you fail first semester and have to transfer to another college? Isn’t that a wrong way to do your freshman year?”

Only if you assume failure is wrong. Wrong is a moral judgment. Failure is a mistake (or series of mistakes) that ends in an undesired result. So, if you fail, it doesn’t mean you’ve done wrong (depending on your moral philosophy), it simply means you’ve made a mistake(s). Can a mistake be wrong? Certainly. But even so, the majority of the mistakes you make freshman year probably won’t be wrong (again, depending on your moral philosophy).

Of course, this argument probably wouldn’t hold up with a dean or other official who could strip you of your scholarship, privileges on campus, etc. But within the realm of how you choose to live your first semester, this is a perfectly fine mindset. If you can accept your failures and the mistakes that led to them, then, in my estimate, you’re doing freshman year right.

Stewing over failures and mistakes and trying to avoid them will only waste time and experience: two of the most valuable things you’ll have throughout college. Don’t try and walk the straight line or spend all your time trying to be the “well-rounded student.” That’s what high school’s for.

You’re in college now. This doesn’t necessarily prove that you know what to think (or even how), but that coveted acceptance letter suggests that you definitely can. With that said, sift through every piece of advice you’ll receive and figure out what’s best for you. You may make a mistake, you may fail, but it will be your mistake and your failure.

If the mistakes you make and the things you fail are the sole results of someone else’s thoughts and beliefs, then (in my estimate) you’ve ventured into being wrong. As long as you’re the primary owner of your first year experience, you’re in the right (again, in my estimate).

Of course, all of my advice ill-disguised in a non-advice column is subjective. Feel free to tear everything I’ve said apart. Feel free to ignore me completely. Feel free to peruse a more useful advice column that tells you all the good places to eat, party, etc. It’s up to you.

Wandalyn Savala is a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences and can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

There are things you know going in, things you learn along the way, things people tell you that you’ll never believe and things you wish someone had told you to begin with. What follows is a list, in no particular order, of what some of those things are for me. I hope they serve you well.

1) Your freshman floor is where you live, not who you are.

This one is kind of hard for most freshmen to grasp-I’ll admit to having struggled with it myself for a while-but it’s also a really important thing to realize up front. You’ll make friends on your floor, and you’ll make friends off your floor; don’t limit yourself. It’s geography, not destiny (unless you lived on Fo2).

2) Speak in class, but only speak when you have relevant/intelligent things to say.

You’re graded on quality, not quantity, of participation.

3) A lot of your course books are in the library.

Especially if you’re taking lit classes with nine million books per semester, cross-reference your syllabus with the library listings before you hit the bookstore. If you’re going to be using a book for half the semester then it’s probably better to buy, but if it’s just one or two lectures, embrace the library (and post-its). You’ll save a ton.

4) Call your parents. Don’t drunk dial them.

5) B does not mean “bad”/ It’s okay to drop a class now and then.

Given that we’re all students at a top-20 university, I think it’s pretty safe to say that we’ve probably all been on the AP/IB/make-honor-role-or-perish track since we were three. However, once you get to college, you’ll find that the rules change somewhat. It’s not the end of the world (or of your GPA) if (God forbid) you get an A-, and it’s also not the end of the world if you have to withdraw from a class. So you couldn’t handle 21 credits (shock!), so what? Withdrawing from a class every semester will probably throw some red flags, but if it’s only once or twice, don’t sweat it.

6) Make use of on-campus resources.

I heart the Writing Center.

7) Make your own choices about alcohol.

For the most part, the idea that you’ll be subject to outrageous peer pressure is an urban legend. As long as you’re comfortable with your decision, and as long as you don’t criticize or pigeonhole your classmates for making their own decisions, it’s all good. Drink or don’t drink; just don’t judge.

8) Professors are people, too (but it’s still okay to be afraid of them).

Yes, they’re intimidating. They’re also (mostly) very nice people, whose job it is to teach you. Please, let them. Also, if you plan on med school/grad school/law school/etc; make sure to take full advantage of office hours for at least two or three of your classes. Professors can’t write you recommendations if they can’t remember you.

9) Have fun! After all, “it’s college!”

Good luck!

Sara Remedios is a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences and a staff columnist. She can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].

Rachel Yoon

As not to mislead you by the title of this article, please refrain from making assumptions that there are long-held traditions here at Wash. U. of connecting the aforementioned items. In fact, my first piece of advice to you is on behalf of your floormates: do not eat ramen noodles for breakfast. You can smell them from all the way down the hall and at 7 a.m. this is not exactly a tantalizing aroma. I speak from experience.

The title of this article, rather, is meant to evoke images of the stereotypical college experience (at least how I pictured it): diets consisting of ramen noodles and macaroni and cheese, wearing pajamas to class and attempting extravagant designs of body paint in order to cheer on the campus football team. I promise I am not trying to crush your pre-collegiate dreams, but I must warn you that this stereotype does not fit your future alma mater. There are great things in store for you, but you are more likely to find them in our unique (and sometimes a little quirky) campus culture rather than the layman’s image of college life. For example, though we have some great sports teams, you will probably find yourself cheering on some of our fabulous a cappella groups in Graham Chapel or enjoying a cultural show in Edison Theatre with the same enthusiasm others might divert to athletics. Your competitive side, however, will come out in full force during a water balloon and mud fight on the Swamp that takes place every April.

As far as food is concerned, I have yet to see anyone go hungry on this campus. The University will assure that you have a more than adequately sized meal plan, but if you do happen to run out of points, at least 50 percent of your classmates will be attempting to sell off their surplus supply. Late-night eater? Not to worry. Bear’s Den is open into the wee hours of the morning, and if you just can’t live without ramen noodles, you can use your meal points to stock up on the prized cuisine at Bear Mart. With a campus chock full of food options, fitness centers and even a dietetic consultant, a few wise choices will keep off the so-called “freshman 15.” So, if you would like to eat your ramen-noodle loving heart out, feel free. I prefer a grilled chicken salad with a smoothie from the DUC Cafe.

It is with a little pain in my heart that I pen/type this last bit of forewarning. People do not wear pajamas to class at Washington University. Perhaps it is due to the 10 minute walk that separates the dorms from the classrooms, or maybe we all are just too embarrassed to let our favorite professor see our fuzzy bunny PJ pants, but, alas, even for those early morning classes, it is a rare occurrence. After hearing story upon story from my admittedly “party school”-attending college comrades about rolling out of bed minutes before Intro to Psychology, I was a little disappointed with this discovery. If you find yourself needing to be amused by wardrobe selections, I know someone who wears shorts year-round and I could also direct you to a few professors who make some “interesting” wardrobe choices.

I don’t tell you all of this to disappoint you or give you a harsh kick of reality, but rather in the hopes of exciting you for the unique experiences that are in store. Wash. U. is a great place to be, and you will find yourself quite happy with the way your expectations pan out.and the ways in which things are totally different.

Finally, remember that all of this is just one person’s opinion. Though myself and my esteemed colleagues work hard to dole out bunches of advice to you all, don’t let anyone else’s opinions or ideas determine your college experience (except for maybe the great scholars of your chosen field). For now, try not to worry too much; it will all work out. I promise.

Tricia Wittig is a senior in the College of Arts & Sciences and can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

Congratulations, you’re about to start your college career at Washington University in St. Louis. You must be a smart kid. Don’t worry, you’ll forget that by the time you leave. No, the classes aren’t impossible. You might have to work a little harder, but you’ll still do well academically if that’s important to you. When you get to campus and you move into your dorms and your parents leave, look around. Every other kid here is about as smart as you. Maybe not in the same ways-maybe he’s a harder worker, maybe she has no common sense. But, everyone here is pretty intelligent. So, what does that make you?

Many of you have built your identities around being intelligent students with decent study skills. Over the next four years, you’re going to get the opportunity to discover other things about yourself. They might be extensions of what you already know-that you’re a jock, an actor, a charmer, a writer, a researcher, a politician. But for a great many of you, you’re going to discover new parts of your personality in this environment. So what can you do to make sure you get the most out of your college experience?

1) Take some risks. Now, I’m not saying you should make clearly idiotic mistakes: drinking copious amounts of alcohol with people you don’t know; trying to seduce your RA; not only skipping class, but also not copying notes, going to your professors’ office hours or doing any homework. But, try out for a play, even if you don’t know how. Talk to strangers. Flirt with that cute guy in Intro to Psych. Wash. U. may not be a huge school, but there are more than enough people and activities to fill your next four years, if you put yourself out there.

2) Go to Cornerstone. Suck it up; everyone goes at least once. If you are having trouble in a class, or if you anticipate having any trouble in a class, the mentoring, group study, or Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) sessions they have at Cornerstone will be invaluable. If you do really well in the class, sign up to be a mentor. Not only is it one of the best paying jobs on campus, it looks great on a resume. They also offer different seminars about time management and note taking, and while you might be scoffing to yourself-“Excuse me, I know how to take notes”- there will be many more activities pressing on your time now, and you might be inclined to cut academic corners.

3) Watch what you eat and go to the gym. If you go to the dining services’ Web site, you can look up the nutritional information of everything you eat. Those chicken tenders that you’re going to order at least twice a week? That’s right, they’ve got 800+ calories and hundreds of percentage points of your daily fat intake. You’ve heard about the Freshman 15. Go to the gym-even if you’ve never been inside a gym before. I promise, you’ll feel better afterward. Especially in the winter, when you unexpectedly find yourself with SAD.

4) A bit of practical advice: don’t buy extra meal points. At the end of the year, half your floor will have way too many, and you can mooch off them.

5) Schedule an appointment at the Career Center. You might not want to think about it yet, but you’ll have to leave Wash. U. in another four years, and you won’t want to go home and eat ramen in the basement.

6) The most important thing to remember as an incoming freshman? DON’T OVERLOAD YOURSELF. It’s a common impulse-you’ve been an overachiever your entire life, and you’re excited to have found so many activities and people to be passionate about. The thing is, semesters get harder as time goes on. What you think you’re juggling fine in September will start to bear down in late October, and come finals will be a crushing weight. Add on Murphy’s Law, and you will be more prone to getting the flu/panic attacks/hospitalized for some random reason. Schedule time to relax.

That’s it. Don’t come in with too many preconceptions about what you will find in college. Some of your expectations will come true, but you might be surprised with what sticks to you the most when you leave. The students and faculty here have been truly remarkable these last four years-don’t mess it up for us alums. Have fun, and good luck.

Pamela Ju graduated from the College of Arts & Sciences in 2008 and can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

Welcome to the Class of 2012! I am pleased that you have made the personal commitment to join the Washington University family. You arrive on the Danforth Campus as part of an exceptionally talented group of freshmen, representing a wide range of experiences, intellectual interests and perspectives. We feel very fortunate that you will consider Washington University your home for the next four years. We are one of the world’s premier undergraduate research universities in one of America’s great and historic cities-St. Louis.

Students are at the heart of every great university. You will have the opportunity here to learn from world-class faculty who will challenge the way you think about complex problems. During your time at Washington University, you will also have the opportunity to engage in important and challenging dialogue and address key research questions with those same faculty. It is in this exchange of ideas between students and professors where the greatest learning occurs.

Your education at Washington University begins in our classrooms, studios and laboratories, but it will extend to the many and varied opportunities that the campus offers for your social and emotional development. Most of you will call the “South 40” home during your first year. You will meet many new friends on your freshman floor, and you will also encounter people who are very different from you. This diversity is one of our greatest institutional strengths. I challenge each of you to be open to new ideas and different viewpoints and to learn from one another. This learning process is one of the great rewards of the residential college experience.

Each of you is beginning an important personal journey-it is up to you to chart your course and establish your own positive and lasting legacy. You will do this on the playing field-last year, Washington University athletes earned several individual and conference honors in addition to three NCAA Division III National Championships. You will participate in events surrounding the Vice Presidential Debate that will be held on our campus and watched by millions of people throughout the world on October 2nd. You will make an important difference in the lives of young children in St. Louis, through one-on-one tutoring or other service activities. You will be leaders in many of our outstanding student organizations-Thurtene, Dance Marathon, Diwali and Student Union, to name a few. These activities all represent an essential component of your education at Washington University.

The arrival of a new class is a significant and symbolic event for every great University. The Class of 2012 at Washington University brings hope and optimism to our University and this community. As a society, we face great challenges in areas such as energy, public health, urban education, and the economy. Overcoming these challenges can only be accomplished by the collective efforts of committed and thoughtful people like you-the skills, knowledge, and experience you will gain here at Washington University will help you to find personal success and expand the pool of talented individuals who will become the future leaders of this country.

Again, welcome to Washington University! You have my very best wishes for success in this community of learning and discovery.

Mark Wrighton is Chancellor of Washington University. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

I can tell you right now, this is not a “Dear Abby” column. I can’t tell you how to study for midterms or pull off great essays at the last minute. My suggestions will be about some fine eateries in the vicinity of Washington University in St. Louis (much more interesting than how to study for General Chemistry!).

Right off the bat, you will figure out that there are only so many times you can eat at Bear’s Den and realize that you need to eat something that does not have “Bon Appetit” all over it (no offense to the wonderful catering service). That being said you will stagger to the Loop and see an oasis. I’m not gonna list every restaurant, but a few that fill your stomach yet don’t empty your wallet are Chipotle, Qdoba, St. Louis Bread Co., Fitz’s and other local delis and eateries. After you look past the Loop, the area near the medical school also has some good places to fill up your tank: India’s Rasoi (great buffet), Panera again, The Drunken Fish and other good delis. Finally, Downtown Clayton and Brentwood have stylish and higher scale restaurants for you and your friends to enjoy after a hard week of studying (or partying!). Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory, Macaroni Grill, Wasabi and other nice sit-down places.

If you don’t want to go out to eat, there are many choices for delivery. Many Asian restaurants deliver, and some trusty pizza places are Pizza Hut, Papa Johns, Racanelli’s, Pointers and Dominos (Jimmy John’s delivers subs). There might be some issues with getting them to deliver to your dorm, but believe me; the wait is usually worth it.

Going back on campus, there are many places to eat as well: The Danforth University Center, Subway, Whisper’s Café, Holmes Lounge and the Village. The Village usually has good food, and even though it might be far away for you freshmen, it is still worth it to go all the way across campus (the weekend brunch is especially delicious). The Danforth University Center will have several breakfast options and Subway and Holmes Lounge have good lunch menus. On the 40, there is Center Court (above Bear’s Den), which is a buffet-style cafeteria where you will most likely visit during your floor dinners. Last, but not least, one cannot forget Bear Mart, the mini grocery store that can save your life with frozen dinners, noodles and good ol’ junk food. Though, if you’re not careful, you might blow through your meal points too quickly or gain the “freshman 15.”

Going off campus is not too difficult with the wonderful Metro transportation system. The Metro trains take you to the local mall, the Galleria (where there are more restaurants), the medical school and the airport. The buses take you to the Loop, Schnucks and other places. You shouldn’t feel boxed in; there are many ways and places to explore St. Louis.

I hope this gives you a sneak peek of what there is to eat at Wash. U. However, there are good places to eat on and off campus, but it’s always great to go home and enjoy home cooked meals!

Aditya Sarvesh is a sophomore in the College of Arts & Sciences and can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].

Commencement at Washington University is a wonderful occasion. Joining together with family, friends, faculty and staff, it is a time for us to celebrate and recognize all the accomplishments of our outstanding graduates. On this important day, we reflect upon new and lasting friendships, impressive contributions from our many student organizations and the discovery of knowledge in our classrooms and laboratories. I applaud each of you for your commitment to your education and to Washington University. Our community is a better place because you were here.

Those graduating in 2008 leave behind great legacies in the history of Washington University. It is nearly impossible to justly acknowledge all the remarkable achievements of our students, but it is worthwhile to highlight a few. Our undergraduates have engaged in community service at record levels-setting a very high standard for fundraising through such activities as Relay For Life, Dance Marathon and Mr. Wash. U. On the playing field, our athletic teams have enjoyed unprecedented success, with our women’s volleyball team and men’s basketball team both winning national championships during this academic year. Our law students placed first in an International Law Moot Court Competition. This high standard for excellence is a value that has been ingrained into our culture by all of you-a value that will be passed along to generations of students who follow in your footsteps.

Your presence here has enriched our University. Working with our world-class faculty, you have assisted in the creation of new knowledge, developed new approaches to solving some of our most pressing problems and challenged the way we think about the world in which we live. Students are the heart of every great university, and the intellectual commitment you have demonstrated to your field of study has strengthened Washington University.

As you contemplate the bright future and the journey that lies ahead, I offer this simple challenge to each of you: Do your best to make our world a better place. While the future is bright, we live in a world that needs your compassion, your intellect and your work ethic. There is much to be done, and I know you will accomplish a great deal in your chosen profession. Generations of young people across the United States will benefit from the education they will receive from you. Patients will live longer and more productive lives because of the treatment you will provide. Our corporations will develop better strategies and operating systems because of your innovative ideas. Communities will be enhanced by the art, music and theater that you create or perform. You will generate new solutions to the problems of poverty, hunger and homelessness. The stakes are high, but I have the fullest confidence that all of you will do your best to make our world a better place.

I join with the faculty and staff of Washington University in offering our most sincere thanks for sharing a part of your lives with us. Please accept my personal best wishes for continued success. I look forward to hearing from you-our newest alumni-about your achievements.

Mark Wrighton is the chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis. He can be reached by e-mail at [email protected].