New Student Orientation Schedule 2026
All times are listed in central standard
At a Glance Schedule 2026
Click on an event to see full description.
Tuesday, August 18th
| 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | International Student Orientation |
| 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Buder Student Orientation |
| 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. | Part-Time Students Virtual Orientation |
Wednesday, August 19th
| 8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Check in | Goldfarb Commons | |
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Dean’s Welcome | Required | Brown 100 |
| 9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Introduction to Your Degree Program (MSW and MSP) | Required | Various Locations |
| 11:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Social Policy and Social Work Policies, Professionalism, & Ethics | Required | Brown 100 |
| 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Lunch & Learn with the Current Students | Required | Goldfarb Commons |
| 2:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Introduction to Concentrations and Specializations Sessions Session One: 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Session Two: 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Session Three: 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | Required | Various Locations |
| 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Chill Zone | Optional | Goldfarb Commons |
Thursday, August 20th
| 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | MSW Students Check in (pick up Meal Card for Lunch) | Goldfarb Commons | |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | MSP Students Check in (pick up Meal Card for Lunch) | Goldfarb Commons | |
| 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Advising Session (MSW and Advanced Standing) | Required | Brown 100 |
| 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Practicum Education: Tips and Tools Session | Required | Various Locations |
| 12:30 p.m. –2:30 p.m. | Lunch on Your Own | ||
| 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Brown School Tours | Optional | |
| 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. | Letter to Your Future Self Activity | Optional | |
| 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Convocation and Celebration | Required | Brown 100 |
Wednesday, August 19th
Check-In
8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Goldfarb Commons Area
Goldfarb Commons Area Upon arrival, incoming students will check in at the tables in Goldfarb Commons which is inside Goldfarb Hall.
Dean’s Welcome
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Brown 100
Please join Dean Dorian Traube, Dean of the Brown School; Dr. Tyler De Shon, Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management; and Da’Shaun Scott, Director for Academic Affairs and Advising, for an official welcome to the Brown School community and the kickoff of New Student Orientation.
Introduction to Your Degree Program
9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Various Locations
Join associate deans, assistant deans, and faculty and staff who will review expectations and information needed to successfully complete your Brown School degree, answering any questions you have about your degree program.
Sessions tailored to each Brown School degree program will be offered in the following locations:
| Brown School degree program | Location |
|---|---|
| MSW | Brown 100 |
| MSP | Goldfarb 135 |
Brown School Social Policy and Social Work Policies, Professionalism, and Ethics
11:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Brown 100
- Introduction to the Code of Ethics and the Student Handbook
- Understand the academic and professional integrity policies
- Explore the role of effective communication in and out of the classroom
- Learn the different support resources we have for graduate students
Lunch & Learn with Current Students
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Various Locations
Incoming Brown School students are invited to a catered lunch with some of our current students in the Goldfarb Commons. Food will be catered by the School Catering Services (Sodexo), featuring sandwiches and salad with gluten free and vegan options.
First year students will have the option to be broken up into different rooms hosted by a second-year student.
You may bring your own lunch and keep in the community fridge in Goldfarb Commons where there are microwaves to heat up your food.
Introduction to Concentrations and Specializations
2:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Various Locations
These curriculum breakout sessions will be hosted by MSW faculty. You will learn in depth about the concentrations and specializations offered in the MSW degree programs. During Session One, please go to the room that aligns with your intended concentration. If you are interested in learning more about another concentration, you can attend the other concentration session during Session Two.
MSW Concentrations
Session One: 2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Session Two: 3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
(Session Two is a repeated presentation of Session One)
| MSW Concentrations | Locations |
|---|---|
| American Indian and Alaska Native – Manasseh Begay | Goldfarb 132 Conference Room |
| Children, Youth, and Families – Brett Drake | Goldfarb 124 |
| Health – Wendy Auslander | Goldfarb 135 |
| Mental Health – Ryan Lindsay | Brown 100 |
| Social and Economic Development – Domestic – Molly Metzger | Goldfarb 33 |
| Social Impact Leadership – Barry Rosenberg | Goldfarb 37 |
| Social and Economic Development – International – Brad Tucker and Tammy Orahood | Goldfarb 39 |
MSW Specializations
Session Three: 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
(Session Three is MSW Specializations)
| MSW Specializations | Locations |
|---|---|
| Management – Barry Rosenberg | Goldfarb 37 |
| Older Adults and Aging Societies – Vanesssa Fabbre | Goldfarb 132 |
| Policy -Anna Shabsin | Goldfarb 135 |
| Research – Brett Drake | Goldfarb 124 |
| Sexual Health and Education – Joshua Rusow | Goldfarb 33 |
| Social Entrepreneurship – Heather Cameron (Barry Rosenberg will be presenting on Heather’s behalf) | Goldfarb 37 |
| System Dynamics – Ellis Ballard | Goldfarb 39 |
| Violence and Injury Prevention – Melissa Jonson-Reid | Goldfarb 246 Conference Room |
Chill Zone
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Goldfarb Commons Area
If you don’t have a second concentration you’d like to learn more about during session two, feel free to head over to the Chill Zone in Goldfarb Commons. It’s a relaxed space to unwind, grab a snack, and hang out until Session Three begins.
Thursday, August 20th
Check-In
(Pick up Bear Bucks Lunch Card)
MSW Students Check in: 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
MSP Students Check in: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Goldfarb Commons
Upon arrival, incoming students will check in at the Goldfarb Commons. Students must check in during this time to receive their meal card for lunch.
Advising Session
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Brown 100
During this session, students will meet with academic advising staff to learn about degree requirements, course registration, academic policies, and available support resources. Advisors will provide guidance on navigating the curriculum, understanding program expectations, and utilizing university systems and tools. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions and gain information to support a successful transition to the Brown School and their academic program.
Practicum Education: Tips and Tools Session
(MSW and Advanced Standing MSW and MSP)
11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Various Locations
| Students | Location |
|---|---|
| MSW Students | Brown 100 |
| Advanced Standing MSW Students | Goldfarb 124 |
| MSP Students | Goldfarb 135 |
This session will introduce students to the Brown School’s practicum education office and the role they play in students’ academic and professional development. Students will learn about practicum requirements, timelines, placement processes, and available resources to support a successful field experience. Practicum Education staff will share practical tips, tools, and strategies for preparing for placements, navigating the practicum search process, and maximizing learning opportunities throughout the practicum experience. Students will also have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with members of the Practicum Education team.
Lunch on Your Own
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Various Locations
At check–in you were given a pre-loaded Bear Bucks meal card with $15 to use at any of the open campus dining locations. Groups led by current Brown School students will be walking to the various dining locations on campus from Brown 100 starting at 12:15 p.m.
We encourage you to bring a water bottle, as there are several water fountains around campus and in Brown School buildings. See information on dining including hours of operation, menus, and more here.
You may bring your own lunch and keep in the community fridge in Goldfarb Commons where there are microwaves to heat up your food. Students are not required to stay on campus during lunch.
Brown School Tours
2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Meet in Goldfarb 37
This is an opportunity for new students to tour the Brown School and learn where classes and departments are located. If you are interested in a tour of the entire WashU campus, please visit here for more information.
Letter to Your Future Self Activity
2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Meet in Goldfarb 37
Take a moment to reflect on the goals, aspirations, and intentions you have as you begin your journey at the Brown School. During this informal activity, students will write a letter to their future selves, capturing their hopes, challenges they anticipate, and the impact they hope to make throughout the semester. The letters will be collected and mailed back to students at the conclusion of their first semester, providing an opportunity to reflect on their growth, accomplishments, and experiences since arriving at the Brown School.
Convocation and Celebration
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Brown 100
Earlier: Moving Upstream to Create Lasting Change
Throughout her career, Professor Trish Kohl has been guided by a simple question: What if we didn’t wait? Drawing on lessons from research, practice, and community partnerships, this lecture explores how moving upstream—before problems become crises—can create lasting change for children, families, and communities.
Following the convocation, students are invited to join a celebratory reception in the Goldfarb Commons to connect with fellow incoming students, current students, faculty, and staff. This gathering provides an opportunity to build relationships, engage with members of the Brown School community, and celebrate the beginning of your academic journey. Light refreshments will be served.