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Parent Connector

A place for parents and loved ones to keep up to date with the happenings within the college.

Empowering your student

Welcome to our university family

On behalf of the entire university community, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and your first-time freshman student as they begin their journey with us.

We understand that sending your child off to college can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. As parents, you have spent years preparing your child for this moment, and we are honored that you have chosen WVU to be a part of their academic and personal growth.

Our goal as a university and college is to provide a safe and supportive, but also engaging and rigorous environment where your child can explore their passions, gain new experiences, and develop the skills necessary to succeed in their future careers and personal lives. We have dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to helping our students reach their full potential, both academically and personally.

While they will face challenges and opportunities along the way, we are confident that with your support and our guidance, they will thrive during their time here. We encourage you to stay engaged in your child's college experience. The goal of this parent newsletter is to be a resource for you during this first year. We will provide you with important dates, information on resources, and share talking points and conversation starters. We will also highlight major events and spotlight the incredible achievements of our students. I also want you to know that you can always reach out to me with any question or concern.

We are thrilled to welcome you and your first-time freshman to our university family and look forward to working with you and your child over the coming years.

Sincerely,

Zach Thayer
Director: Office of Student Success
College of Applied Human Sciences
West Virginia University
zothayer@mail.wvu.edu

Highlights

Highlights and empowering topics to consider this month.

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar with these important dates.

  • August
    14-16
    Move-In
  • August
    20

    First day of classes

  • August
    26
    Last day of add/drop for 16-week courses
  • August
    30
    First WVU home football game

Picture of the month

Sights and views from our Instagram account (@WVUCAHS).

A group of students enthusiastically rehearse or perform with arms raised in a classroom or workshop setting. They stand in a semi-circle, smiling and engaged in the activity. Bulletin boards with artwork are visible in the background.
Students in CDFS 416: Trauma, Resiliency, and Children shared visual interpretations of trauma and resilience using photography, mixed media, and other creative forms.

Resouce Spotlight

Check out one of the many resources available to you and your student.

Appreciative Advising

The College of Applied Human Sciences has embraced Appreciative Advising and Instruction as a foundation to our approach to student success. Appreciative advising and instruction are innovative approaches that utilize an appreciative framework and focus on the strengths and positive attributes of students, rather than their weaknesses and deficits.

View more resources

Conversation Starters

Engaging topics to discuss with your student.

Talk to your student about their plan for the summer

Though your student may be used to summer only being for vacation (and taking a break is important!) it is also a great opportunity to begin to get real-world experience through jobs or internships or to get ahead on classes. Regardless of what your student decides to do encourage them to make intentional use of the summer months.

View more starters

Stay Connected

Get notified monthly with updates and information from the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences.

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Student STories


              A student presents his fresh diploma to family in the crowd

Students from the College of Applied Human Sciences are ready to lead, teach and serve

Friday, May 09, 2025

The College of Applied Human Sciences will celebrate commencement on Sunday, May 18, at 9 a.m. at the WVU Coliseum. Here is a look at several graduates from the College who will earn their degrees this weekend.

Read More: Students from the College of Applied Human Sciences are ready to lead, teach and serve

              Sandra Ayivor stands in formal attire in front of a photograph in an office.

'Victory starts in the mind': The mantra behind Sandra Ayivor’s milestones

Friday, May 09, 2025

Before the sun could rise over the market stalls in Ghana, a young Sandra Ayivor was already on her feet—completing her house chores, setting up tables, organizing wares, and helping her “auntie” prepare for the day’s sales. Then, with barely a pause, she made the long walk to school. There was no complaint. No thought of another way. It was just what needed to be done.

Read More: 'Victory starts in the mind': The mantra behind Sandra Ayivor’s milestones

              John Mizerak stands with arms crossed in a WVU tailgate area, wearing a camouflage West Virginia hoodie, a “Mountaineer Maniacs” hat, and a headset.

Mizerak taps Into WVU network to launch his education and career in sports

Thursday, May 08, 2025

A conversation with a West Virginia University alumnus helped John Mizerak realize he didn’t have to leave sports behind after high school. The Mechanicsburg, Pa., native came to Morgantown to become a Mountaineer and major in sport management. Over three years with WVU Athletics Marketing, he worked his way up to a student assistant role, helping shape game-day experiences across multiple sports. After graduation, he will pursue his MBA at Western Kentucky University and serve as the marketing graduate assistant for women’s soccer and softball.

Read More: Mizerak taps Into WVU network to launch his education and career in sports

              Hope Wright plays the piccolo during a performance, wearing a full uniform with a tall feathered plume on her hat and a focused expression.

Band and books: Wright reflects on her WVU experience

Tuesday, May 06, 2025

Hope Wright, an elementary education major from Franklin Park, Pa., was inspired by a teacher at an early age and knew she wanted to be a similar role model to others. At West Virginia University, she balanced her academics with her love of music as a member of "The Pride of West Virginia." Wright’s hands-on experience in area schools helped her grow into the kind of teacher she once looked up to and strengthened her goal of returning to teach in her hometown.

Read More: Band and books: Wright reflects on her WVU experience

View more stories on the CAHS Media Hub