WashU Rural Scholars Academy

Check-in

All students will check in with program staff between Noon and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, in Ursa’s Fireside (part of Lien House, #70 on on the campus map) at 6614 Shepley Drive, Clayton, MO.

Parents and students can park on the roof of the Shepley Garage (accessible via the Big Bend and Shepley intersection) free of charge.

Students flying to St. Louis will be greeted at the Lambert-St. Louis International airport by program staff and transported to campus

After checking in, student staff will escort students to their room before giving them time to move in and unpack.

Light snack and beverages will be provided in Ursa’s Fireside during move-in.

Required Forms

Please complete all required fields and press “Finish” once completed. You’ll be provided with a completed copy of these forms as well.

The Code of Conduct form must be completed by the student. All other forms must be completed by at least one parent/guardian and cannot be completed by the student.

The student must also complete all required fields of the Academy Details Form and press “Submit” once completed.

Academy Orientation

All students attending the WashU Rural Scholars Academy and at least one parent, guardian, and/or champion (i.e. school counselors, relatives, etc.) are required to attend Academy Orientation. The Academy Orientation will include important information related to student and community expectations, emergency preparedness, final day and move-out logistics, and more. There are three options for attending Academy Orientation.

1. Students who will be dropped off on Move-in Day should plan to attend one of the in-person Academy Orientation sessions with their parent, guardian or champion. In-person orientation sessions are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14.
2. Students bringing themselves to campus (via either plane or car) should plan to attend the virtual Academy Orientation on Tuesday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m. CST. Students should attend this virtual session with their parent, guardian, or champion.
   • Virtual Orientation Zoom Link– The meeting passcode is 758441.
3. Parents, guardians, or champions who cannot attend the virtual orientation and who are not coming to campus with their student for Move-In Day should expect to receive a phone call from our Deputy Director, Mandy Hart, the morning of Monday, July 15. This quick conversation, which will occur between 8:30 a.m. and Noon CST, will include a summary of the topics discussed during Academy Orientation. Students will attend an in-person orientation on Move-In Day, and their parents, guardians, or champions will be called on Monday, July 15.

Students and their parent, guardian, or champion, must have attended one of the orientation options listed above prior to Noon on Monday, July 15. If not, the student(s) in question will get sent home at the financial expense of their family. All students and families must understand our community expectations and know who to contact in case of emergencies to participate in the program.

Any questions about the orientation process should be directed to Dacoda Scarlett at dscarlett@wustl.edu.

Rural Scholars Academy Schedule 2024

Parking

If you are driving to campus, parking is available on the top floor of the Shepley Garage (#97 on the campus map). The Shepley Garage is accessible via the Big Bend and Shepley intersection.

No matter where you park, don’t forget to check in and pick up a validation ticket. You will need both the original parking ticket and validation ticket to avoid a fee when you exit the garage.

Please Note: There will be no cost to park in any yellow or visitor space after 5:00 p.m. or on weekends; however, visitors will still be required to pull a ticket. 

For more information, visit the Parking website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will travel grants be provided for participants?

Travel grants will be given to Missouri and Illinois students who live approximately 150 miles or more away and will cover a roundtrip visit between your home address and WashU. Shortly after your visit, a member of our Admissions team will process your reimbursement in accordance with the IRS standard mileage rate of 67 cents/mile. Once the event has concluded, the reimbursement will be processed.

Students living outside Missouri and Illinois will have airfare covered by WashU to and from campus. To book your travel, please contact TravelPlex by (314) 569-1900. TravelPlex is available Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. CST. A staff member will be happy to help you.

It is your responsibility to contact TravelPlex to book your travel. You must contact our travel agent and book your travel no later than Friday, May 31. A few important reminders:

• WashU will only pay for travel booked through our travel agent.
• Your travel grant covers the cost of roundtrip air travel for you between St. Louis Lambert International Airport and the major airport closest to your home.
• While we will cover the cost of your travel, you will be responsible for transportation to and from your home airport and any baggage fees the airline may charge.
• If a parent, guardian, and/or champion chooses to travel with their student to St. Louis prior to or after the WashU Rural Scholars Academy, they will need to provide their own travel.

Where will I be staying on campus? Will I be staying with a current student?

You will be staying in a single room in a suite with other WashU Rural Scholars Academy participants in on-campus housing. You and your suitemates will share a bathroom. Washington University upper division students employed by both Undergraduate Admissions and Summer Programs and Conference Services will be on-site overnight and available to assist students who need help.

What should I pack?

To help you plan for your week with us, we have compiled a short packing list to guide your packing decisions. Due to the short nature of your visit, we strongly encourage you to limit your packing to a carry-on size, if possible. The WashU Rural Scholars Academy is a fun, informative, and casual program. Remember to check the weather and pack accordingly.

You might want to bring some spending money if you plan to shop at the bookstore, Bear Necessities, etc.

Are minors required to administer their own medications during the program?

Yes, minors will need to administer their own medications during the program. Program staff will not be present to oversee the administering of medication.

Is the COVID-19 vaccination required?

The university is not requiring the COVID-19 vaccination for guests this summer but does highly encourage all guests, faculty, and staff to receive one.

Will laundry facilities be available?

Laundry facilities are located in each building and are free this summer.

Are parents/guardians able to attend?

While the WashU Rural Scholars Academy is intended for students to get to know WashU, connect with our community, and engage with their fellow attendees, families are invited back to campus for special programming on Saturday, July 20. This programming begins at 9:00 a.m. and lasts through lunch and move-out. Each student is allowed to have up to two guests attend this last day of programming.

If a parent/guardian chooses to stay the night in St. Louis prior to or after the WashU Rural Scholars Academy, they will need to provide their own accommodations.

Who will I be interacting with during the Academy?

Along with living and interacting with other Academy participants, you will be connecting and engaging with WashU students from rural communities similar to yours, faculty, and staff. A list of some of the people you will meet is below.

What if I am no longer able to attend?

If you registered for the WashU Rural Scholars Academy and are no longer able to attend, please contact our office by Monday, June 10 to cancel your visit. The earlier you let us know, the easier it will be for us to provide this opportunity to another student. We can work with you to provide alternate opportunities to learn more about WashU and connect with our community.

To cancel your visit, or if you have any questions, please contact us at:

visit@wustl.edu

(800) 638-0700 or (314) 935-6000
Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Central Time

Who should be contacted in an emergency?

Emergency contact numbers are below, feel free to save these in advance:

• Dacoda Scarlett, Associate Director for Rural Recruitment: 417-576-4993
• Phil Layfield, Assistant Director for Rural Recruitment: 801-718-5478
• Lia Garofolo, Assistant Director for Rural Recruitment: 859-462-6957
• WashU Police Department: 314-935-5555

Faculty

Lecture faculty

College advising workshops

Rural peer ambassadors