While there are many things that you may be worried about coming into college, learning WashU’s commonly used acronyms should not be one of them. Below is a guide to some of the most important acronyms to know as you enter your first year at WashU. With this early introduction, you will be able to better understand the language of WashU to allow you to take advantage of the plethora of services, events, and programs the University has to offer as soon as you arrive on campus.

BD (Bear’s Den) 

The Bear’s Den dining hall is located on the South 40, offering a variety of dining options and serving as a popular space among first-years and sophomores. In addition to the dining hall, the lobby is also home to the Cherry Tree cafe and the Paws & Go “convenience store,” which is often simply called Paws. Pro tip: Taking the stairs near Risa Commons brings you to the South 40 gym, located just above BD.

CCPS (Center for Counseling & Psychological Services)

The Center for Counseling & Psychological Services is a service for students on and off campus that offers confidential therapeutic services to help support student mental health. CCPS offers counseling, confidential “Let’s Talk” sessions, 24/7 services through TimelyCare, crisis response, and more.

CDI (Center for Diversity & Inclusion)

The Center for Diversity & Inclusion is made up of four offices that are combined into one department: Cross-Cultural Connections, the Office for International Student Engagement, the Office for Religious, Spiritual & Ethical Life, and Spectrum. These offices are located on the first floor of the DUC (see below). They aim to foster belonging for all and are great resources for any student looking for support.

CS40 (Congress of the South 40)

The Congress of the South 40 is a student-led organization sponsored by Residential Life. CS40 provides programming for students to help foster community and make new friends. Some favorites include Bear Beginnings orientation week events, specifically the Movie on the Swamp, and the Residential Community Olympics in the spring semester.

DUC (Danforth University Center)

The Danforth University Center is a building on the Danforth Campus that houses dining options, including the DUC (pronounced duck) dining hall, Ibby’s (a sit-down restaurant that takes meal points), and Cafe Bergson (popularly called Berg). In the DUC, you will also find Tisch Commons (an event space on the main floor), Campus Life offices (found on the main floor), study rooms available to book, and the Fun Room on the second floor (a lounge space with pool and foosball tables, TVs, and weekly popcorn available to students). Scholar Programs, Student Life (StudLife) and Student Union (see below) also have offices on the second and third floors of the DUC. 

EST (Emergency Support Team)

The Emergency Support Team is a student-run volunteer organization that offers urgent medical assistance on campus 24/7. EST also provides CPR, Active Bystander Training, and Stop the Bleed courses. You can reach EST by calling 314-935-5555.

FYP (First-Year Programs)

The First-Year Programs offered by the College of Arts & Sciences include Ampersand programs, First-Year Seminars, First-Year Opportunities, and Beyond Boundaries courses. These courses are exclusively offered to first-years and are an excellent way to explore interdisciplinary topics outside of your major and fulfill general graduation requirements.

PLTL (Peer-Led Team Learning)

Peer-Led Team Learning is a tutoring program available to students taking Calculus I, II, and III, General Chemistry I and II, Principles of General Chemistry I and II, and Physics I and II. It is a program facilitated by an upperclassman Peer Leader which encourages cooperation between students in order to succeed in entry level science and mathematics classes.

RPM (Residential Peer Mentoring)

Residential Peer Mentoring is another tutoring service offered to students in Calculus and General Chemistry classes. RPM sessions are offered on the South 40 and are available to all WashU students looking for additional help in these courses.

RSVP (Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention)

The Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Center offers 24/7 confidential counseling and emergency support, as well as informational services to help foster a safe and inclusive campus via trainings and programming. The RSVP center puts on a play called “The Date,” which is a sexual violence prevention program required for all incoming students.

SARAH (Sexual Assault & Rape Anonymous Helpline)

The Sexual Assault & Rape Anonymous Helpline is a free, anonymous, student-run confidential helpline that offers support to the WashU community in matters such as sexual assault, sexual harassment, and mental and sexual health. Call 314-935-8080 to speak with their trained peer counselors.

SPB (Social Programming Board)

The Social Programming Board is an entity of SU (see below) that plans and executes entertaining and educational activities for the student body. SPB’s most notable events include WILD (see below) and countless speaker events across disciplines.

SU (Student Union)

The Student Union is WashU’s student government. SU is composed of an Executive Board, Senate, Treasury, and Election Commission, all aiming to advocate for the student body. They also work to allocate funds to campus clubs and organizations. Their office can be found on the second floor of the DUC.

WUPD (Washington University Police Department)

The Washington University Police Department is the team of law enforcement officials on WashU’s campus. They are on duty 24/7 and have countless resources for students. To contact, call 314-935-5555 if on campus.

WUSA (WashU Student Associate)

The WashU Student Associate program is a mentorship program in which student leaders welcome and support first-years during the transition to college. You will receive a WUSA who will help support you through your orientation week and the rest of your first year.