We are now more than halfway through the semester. It’s a lovely time of year in Washington, DC, as the fall colors reach their peak. Although the weather is becoming chillier, there are still many sunny days, and we are fortunate to be surrounded by places to explore both on campus and in nearby areas of the city as we embrace the changing season. It is also a time of transition for AU as an institution, which is always learning and growing, and for students, who are constantly learning, growing, and building a new sense of themselves and the world around them. At our core, we are all Changemakers for a Changing World – grounded in the present, preparing for the future, and focusing in so many ways on tackling the critical issues of our times. Our faculty are actively engaged with their students in research with impact and staff are serving their fields through leadership roles. In this season of change, I am so grateful for my AU community and for our families, who are our partners in helping students to thrive and find purpose on this journey. Have a happy fall!

The new FAFSA is open and students must fill out the FAFSA annually to be considered for need-based aid.

10/31 Last day for students to apply for fall graduation

11/23 Tuesday classes cancelled; Friday classes meet instead

11/24 - 11/28 Thanksgiving holiday; no classes, university offices closed on Thursday and Friday

12/10 Fall classes end

12/11 - 12/12 Fall study days

12/13 - 12/18 Fall final exams. The final exam schedule is now posted. Please consult with your student before finalizing end of semester travel.

12/19 Residence halls close (graduating seniors may remain until 12/20)

12/19 Fall Commencement 

Whether your Eagle is new to AU or is approaching graduation, we are here for you. Our family webinar series seeks to introduce you to our staff and resources while we focus on ways in which parents and champions can work in partnership with us to best support students on their journey.

Join us on October 26 for "Navigating Academics" as we meet the Undergraduate Education and Academic Student Services team to discuss how we help students map their academic journey. 

You can find the recording of our last session, "College during COVID: Student Engagement," and other recent webinars at the link below.

Anticipating higher demand for its services this semester, the Counseling Center added staff and expanded emergency services and more robust wellness options.

Neil Cavuto, SOC/MA ’82, was early in his news career when he enrolled at American University in “a quest to understand Washington better.” He believed the school’s location in the nation’s capital would accelerate his insight.

American University’s Center for Israel Studies (CIS) has received a gift of $1.5 million from Helen and Daniel Sonenshine to endow a permanent faculty position devoted to Israel and Jewish Studies as part of American University's Change Can't Wait fundraising campaign