Common terms used within the Division of Student Affairs

In addition to the university-wide Commencement Ceremony, students are recognized at smaller events planned as part of commencement. 


AVC

Associate Vice Chancellor or Assistant Vice Chancellor


BD

Bear’s Den


An on-campus, independent, not-for-profit merchandise store where the proceeds support the mission of the Women’s Society of WashU.


BLA

Bauer Leaders Academy


BSE

Beyond Sex Ed


Students join one or more industry-based communities to learn about career exploration and opportunities while engaging in virtual and in-person programs with career coaches, alumni and industry experts.


A premier recruiting event held once in fall and once in spring that connects employers with students.


CCE

Center for Career Engagement 


Center for Counseling & Psychological Services 


Cross-Cultural Connections


CDI

Center for Diversity & Inclusion


CFU

Refers to Central Fiscal Unit. The CFU manages university-wide financial operations, including the allocation of funds from the university’s eight schools.


A dedicated ceremony taking place in the spring to grant students their academic degrees and celebrate their success.


CS

Conference Services


Diversity, equity and inclusion


A ceremony taking place in December to recognize all student degree candidates. 


DR

Disability Resources


Events with games, music and food held throughout the year designed for high fun and low time commitment.


DUC

Danforth University Center


DxD

Dialogue Across Difference


The email marketing customer relationship management system (CRM) used by WashU for mass communication needs.


EST

Emergency Support Team


Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act


FH

Field House


A fun event to celebrate students finishing their first year at WashU.


FOF

Francis Olympic Field 


A food blog with Chancellor Martin and Dr. G that showcases local restaurants and the people behind them.


WashU’s career management platform where students find internships, jobs, and career-related opportunities. Students also schedule appointments with career coaches and discover CCE workshops, events, and career expos.


A campus-wide, multi-dimensional spectrum of programs and services that prioritize the 8 dimensions of health and well-being.


IM

Intramural Sports


Same-day, drop-in consultation with a CCPS counselor offered to students.


Leaders in Interpersonal Violence Education


Lunar New Year Festival 


Office of Military & Veteran Services


A free meal during reading week available to all students and served by faculty and staff.


Dedicated days during the orientation process where students move in to their campus residential communities.


Missouri Personalized Alcohol, Cannabis and Tobacco


A grass field located in the center of the Danforth campus that hosts a large variety of University activities.


National Association of Student Personnel Administrators


National Collegiate Athletic Association


North Coast Athletic Conference


Office for International Student Engagement 


Orientation begins in May with communications sent to incoming first-year students and continues until the first day of classes. This includes a week of events getting new students orientated and connected on campus.


Office of Student Conduct & Community Standards


Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs 


A dedicated weekend for parent and family visits.


PFO

Parent & Family Orientation


Free professional/success clothing and accessories for WashU students, with days to “shop” available during the academic year.


RA

Resident Advisor


RCD

Residential Community Director


Days without classes designated for studying before finals.


A structured, on-campus living environment, primarily for first-year students on the “South 40,” designed to blend housing with academic and social support.


An event held at the beginning of each academic year designed for new students and families to explore the wide range of support services available.


Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center


SA

Division of Student Affairs


Student Affairs Leadership Team


SAM

Student Affairs Managers


Student Affairs Marketing & Communications


Sexual Assault and Rape Anonymous Helpline


SBM

Stand By Me


Scholar-Champion

A student-athlete recognized for exceptional performance in both athletics and academics.


SHC

Student Health Center


Ten residential communities located at the southwest end of the Danforth Campus that serve as the home to first-year students and sophomores.


The primary home to club sports practices and competitions.


Student Transitions & Engagement


An activities fair, held in the fall and spring, with over 400 student groups and departments. Designed to help students dive into campus and find new hobbies and shared interests.


Common way to refer to the independent student run newspaper, Student Life.


SU

Student Union


Sumers Recreation Center (west end of campus) or Sumers Welcome Center (east end of campus)


A field in the center of the South 40 used for student hangouts and social events.


An event held at the beginning of the academic year for members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to perform in a small ensemble on the South 40.


TFCSS 

Taylor Family Center for Student Success 


A mandatory orientation program for all new incoming students that introduces the complexities of sexual assault, alcohol and consent. 


The nation’s oldest and largest student-run carnival.


A 24/7, virtual care service for full-time students to address common concerns that can be safely diagnosed and treated remotely.


UA

University Advancement or University Admissions


UAA

University Athletic Association


Online tool where students report their jobs, grad school acceptance, internships and career outcomes, plus browse industry job and internship trends.


Official online student and alumni community for networking and mentorship.


WBW

Well-being Wednesdays


Walk In Lay Down


Formerly referred to as Winter Welcome, this series of events assists new students who arrive on campus in the spring.


A winter celebration for the Division of Student Affairs staff.


Washington University Group Organizer


WashU Student Associate