For those new on campus (or even upperclassmen that have never bothered to learn), the dozens of acronyms thrown around at Washington University can be daunting. But fear not! Student Life has compiled a short guide to the most popular shortened acronyms so you can pass as a pro irl.

AC (Athletic Center): Also referred to as Sumers or the Rec Center, this space is open to student and faculty for all athletic activities.  It contains a track, a pool, and lots of basketball courts for anyone looking for a fun pickup game.  

BD (Bear’s Den): the main freshman dining hall.  It has a coffee spot, cafeteria options, and you’re bound to see at least six people you know every time you walk in the building. 

Related: 

• Paws: Fully called Paws and Go, ‘Paws’ is an extended-hours snack spot for students looking for a grab-and-go option. It’s located in the back of BD.

CDI (Center for Diversity and Inclusion):  The Center for Diversity and Inclusion supports and advocates for undergraduate, graduate and professional students from underrepresented and/or marginalized populations, creates collaborative partnerships with campus and community partners and promotes dialogue and social change among all students.

DUC (Danforth University Center): the main student center center on the Danforth Campus.  The downstairs area has food options and seating, and the building also has a lot of office spaces like the Harvey Media Suite and the Career Center. 

Related: 

• Tisch: Tisch Commons is the main space within the DUC, used commonly as a meeting space for a lunch time stop

 CS40 (College of the South 40): The Congress of the South 40 acts as the programming body for students living on the South 40. 

EST (Emergency Support Team): The Washington University Emergency Support Team is a student-run volunteer first responder emergency medical service for the Danforth campus, active 24/7 during the school year.

PLTL (Peer-Led Team Learning):

PLTL supplements large lecture courses through study groups of 8-10 students led by a peer leader. PLTL groups are available for Calculus I, II, & III, General Chemistry I & II, Introductory General Chemistry I & II and Physics I & II.

RA (Residential Advisor): Your Residential Advisor lives on your floor and serves as a resource and a mentor to help facilitate a safe and positive environment on your floor. 

RSVP (Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center):

The RSVP Center supports students who have experienced relationship and sexual violence through counseling and other resources. It also facilitates prevention education and programming.

RCD (Residential College Director): A professional staff member in charge of your Residential College who addresses any issues and manages the day-to-day operations of your Res college.

SARAH (Sexual Assault and Rape Anonymous Helpline):

SARAH is a 24/7 student-run confidential helpline that offers counseling on topics including sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner and sexual violence, relationships, mental health and sexual health.

STFP (Student Transitions & Family Programs): supports new students through their transition into the Washington University community to assure they build and sustain their academic and personal goals.

SU (Student Union):

As WU’s student government body, SU allocates the student activity fee, advocates for student needs and develops initiatives and programs. SU is made up of an executive board, a treasury and a senate.

UAA (University Athletic Association):

The UAA is WU’s athletic conference in Division III for every sport except for football, which is a member of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Once nicknamed the “nerdy nine”, the UAA is currently comprised of Brandeis, Carnegie Mellon, Case Western, Emory, NYU, UChicago and University of Rochester.  

WILD (Walk In Lay Down): a concert that the Student Programming Board executes that has historically been free to all students.  Former artists have included Lizzo, Mac Miller, The Black Eyed Peas, Chuck Berry, and U2.

WUSA (Washington University Student Associate): WUSAs are upperclass student leaders who assist new students with their transition to WU. They serve as orientation leaders during Bear Beginnings and then as peer mentors for the student’s entire first year.

WUGO (Washington University Group Organizer): Also known as Presence, this website contains a list of events happening all year long. It can also be used to explore and even join student clubs, groups, and organizations.