Information for Parents & Families
Our parents and families are a vital part of the Washington College community, and we welcome your involvement.
We encourage you to start here to find answers to questions you may have, to learn more about what's happening on campus and other ways to support your student's College experience.
Help your student track important deadlines, find resources, and apply for special opportunities by using the information below. If you need further information, to the right are links and contact information for campus offices that students and families frequently find they need.
What Families Need to Know
May
- May 26: First day of summer classes
- May 29: Last day for Drop/Add/Request Audit
June
- June 12: Last day to withdraw
- June 19: No Class — Emancipation Day
- June 22: Last Day of Reguar Session Summer Courses
- June 24: Summer Bridge Session Begins
- June 26: Last Day to Drop/Add or request Audit for Bridge Session
July
- July 3: No class — Independence Day observed
- July 10: Last day to withdraw
August
- August 1: Fall Tuition Payment Due
- August 10: Last Day of Summer Bridge Session Classes
Center for Career Development
The career center works with Washington students throughout their time at the College, with milestones every semester. Learn more at their website, or reach out to the contacts to the right.
(Learn about how you can get involved!)
Paid Internships
Washington College has a number of programs offering paid summer internships with nationally renowned partners. In addition to the Hodson Trust Internship Fund that provides support to students through the career center, each of the College's Centers of Excellence has an external internship program as well:
- Explore America Summer Internships (places students at nationally renowned nonprofit and governmental cultural institutions)
- CES Summer Internships (environmental focus)
- Light of Day Internship Fund (literary focus)
Research Funding
The Office of Student Achievement and Success maintains a list of funding sources for academically enriching experiences at Washington College, including money for independent and faculty-led research.
Sophie Kerr Prize
The Sophie Kerr Prize is awarded each year to the graduating senior demonstrating the best potential for future achievement in a literary endeavor. It remains the nation’s largest undergraduate writing prize, more than the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award combined. Learn more about the award and find guidelines on submitting for consideration.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad while at Washington College has far-reaching benefits for students, regardless of their programs of study. It expands world perspectives as it opens minds to different political, social, cultural, and economic traditions. Learn more and find current offerings on the webpage of the Global Education Office.
August
- August 1: Fall Tuition Payment Due
- New Student Orientation
- August 24: Fall Classes Begin
- August 27: Fall Convocation
September
- September 1: Last day to drop/add or request audit
- September 7: No Class - Labor Day
- September 14: Last day to request pass/fail
- September 25-27: Homecoming and Fall Family Weekend
October
- October 8-9: Fall Break - no classes
- October 16: Spring Registration opens for seniors
- October 23: Spring Registration opens for juniors
- October 28: Advising Day - no classes
- October 30: Spring Registration opens for sophomores
November
- November 13: Last day to withdraw
- November 25-27: No Classes - Thanksgiving Break
December
- December 4: Last day of fall semester classes
- December 7-11: Final exams
- December 23 - January 4: Winter Break - Offices Closed
Students are given the option to release three kinds of information to parents/families:
- Billing information
- Financial Aid information
- Academic records
To update FERPA access:
- Log into Self-Service
- At the top right of the screen, click on your username.
- Click on "Student Records Release (FERPA)"
- Click on "Add Person/Relationship.
Each member must be added individually, and their access can be tailored to the students' preference. Access can also be updated at anytime in Self-Service by simply changing the settings.
*** Please note that if access is not granted to anyone, College officials must act under the assumption that the student does not want these records to be released. ***
How do I pay bills?
Washington College has several payment options to choose from.
How do I opt out of health insurance?
If you are using your own health insurance, you are required to complete a new waiver for each academic year you attend Washington College.
How can my student choose or change their meal plan?
Students can update their meal plans on the Housing Portal. This is not available during the semester after the drop/add date.
How can my student contact their advisor?
Faculty advisors are accessible by email or for appointments during office hours listed on their profile pages.
How can my student utilize the health center?
Health & Counseling Services provides care for full-time students during the regular academic year. Students need to call 410-778-7261 to schedule an appointment.
How can my student buy a parking pass?
All students must register their vehicles with Public Safety by completing an online form. Learn more.
What is FERPA?
FERPA is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. Learn more.
What is the Birthday Ball and are there other annual traditions at Washington College?
The Birthday Ball is the biggest party of the year, in celebration of our patron George Washington, attended by Alumni, students, professors, staff and friends. For other events that are unique to Washington College, please visit Traditions at Washington College.
Parents and Families in the Washington College Community
We always love to see parents and families alongside alumni and community members at campus events. Parents and family members can collaborate with the College in many ways! Learn more about how you can support your student's experience with your voice, network, or philanthropically! We would love to connect with you and share how you can get involved by serving as extern or intern hosts, creating talent pipelines for Washington College students in your organization’s recruitment programs, participating in admissions events, parent panels, providing mentorship opportunities, and much more. Email alumni_officeFREEwashcoll for more information or to get involved!