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December 2025 Parent & Family Newsletter

Winter Break Reminders for Families

The holiday season is here, and soon many of our Deacs will be making their way home. As we approach Winter Break, we want to share helpful reminders to support you and your student as they prepare for time away from campus and look ahead to the Spring 2026 semester.

Preparing for Break

Please encourage your student to check their Wake Forest email regularly. We’ve sent instructions outlining best practices for preparing their room before leaving for an extended break, including our helpful “3 P’s”:

  • Pack what they need for the break and for a smooth return
  • Plan ahead for travel and January move-in
  • Protect their space and belongings before departure

Students must depart campus by 2 p.m. on December 14.
 Students approved for Winter Break Housing have already received their housing assignment and information about on-campus resources available during the break.

University & Office Closures

  • The University and Residence Life and Housing will close at 3 p.m. on Friday, December 19
  • We will reopen at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, January 5

Spring 2026 Move-In & Semester Start

Please share the following dates with your Deac as they prepare for their return in January:

Tuesday, January 6

  • 10 a.m.–1 p.m. – Sorority Recruitment Actives Move-In
  • 1:30–4 p.m. – Potential New Members Move-In

Friday, January 9

  • 9 a.m.–4 p.m. – Move-In for students returning to campus for the first time this academic year

Saturday, January 10

  • 9 a.m. – Move-In for all returning students, including those moving onto campus for the first time this academic year

Monday, January 12

  • First day of Spring 2026 classes

For additional key dates, please visit the University’s 2026 Academic Calendar.

Looking Ahead: 2026–27 Housing Selection

Housing Applications for the 2026–27 academic year will open January 21, with housing selection taking place in April. More details will be shared directly with students in the spring, along with opportunities to attend Housing Selection information sessions.

During winter break, families can support their Deac by encouraging them to think through questions such as:

  • Where would I prefer to live next year?
  • What are realistic expectations based on my housing credits?
  • Who do I want to live with—and is living with a best friend the best fit?
  • Am I considering applying to be an RA?
  • If I’m interested in studying abroad, when might that work best?

Our 2026–27 Housing Selection schedule for current students is available here, and our 2026–2027 planning dates can be found here.

Resident Adviser Position for 2026–27

If your student is seeking a meaningful leadership opportunity, we hope they will consider applying to be a Resident Adviser. RAs play an important role in creating supportive residential communities and receive:

  • A $5,700 stipend for the ten-month position
  • A single room at a discounted rate

Students can learn more and apply through their Housing Portal. Applications are due January 14, 2026.

We hope your Deac finishes the semester strong and enjoys a well-deserved and restful break. We look forward to welcoming them back to campus in January for a new semester filled with new experiences and opportunities.

Wishing your family a warm and joyful holiday season. Go Deacs!