In collaboration with a number of other Washington University organizations, the First Year Center has used a feedback-driven approach to redesign the Bear Beginnings program for the 2020-2021 academic year.

Around a third of this year’s freshman class flocked to campus four days early last week, preempting move-in day via participation in one of Washington University’s 17 pre-orientation programs.
In general, pre-orientation programs occupy the dual role of introducing new students to each other and campus as well as recruiting them to join a campus group or organization. For freshmen in the Leading Wash. U. Style pre-orientation program, for instance, the four days before orientation are a time for both making new friends and receiving an immersive experience in the world of Student Union.