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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
    15-17
    WVU Move-In
  • August
    20
    Academic Day
  • August
    20
    Fall Fest
  • August
    21
    First Day of Classes

Picture of the month

Sights and views from our Instagram account.

WVU student holding her diploma over her head at the 2024 Commencement ceremony.
Yep, you sure did!

Resouce Spotlight

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

YOU at WVU

The YOU at WVU app is an investment in our student’s success. The app helps students deal with issues before they become problems. Students expect personalized on-demand resources, and that is what the app delivers. You at WVU connects students to people and resources on campus that can help them achieve personal and academic success. Students will be introduced to the app during orientation, and it will be woven into their first-year seminar, and other courses.

View more resources

Conversation Starters

Engaging topics to discuss with your student.

Expectations

Have a conversation regarding your expectations when it comes to communication, money, grades, and visiting home. Coming to a solid understanding of expectations will enable you and your student to move forward on the same page.

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


              Graduating students observe commencement, one students hat says

Celebrating Success: 2024 CAHS Graduate Profiles

Thursday, May 09, 2024

The College of Applied Human Sciences will celebrate Commencement on Sunday, May 12, at 9 a.m. at the WVU Coliseum. Here is a look at several graduates from the College who will be earning their degree this weekend.

Read More: Celebrating Success: 2024 CAHS Graduate Profiles

              Paige Zalman holds two oversized checks.

Zalman wins 3MT hours after successful dissertation defense

Monday, April 15, 2024

When Paige Zalman went to sleep on the night of Tuesday, April 2, she was still a PhD candidate. By the time she went to sleep on Wednesday, April 3, not only was she now Dr. Paige Zalman after successfully defending her thesis, but she was also the winner of WVU’s 3-Minute Thesis competition, capping a day she likely won’t forget anytime soon.

Read More: Zalman wins 3MT hours after successful dissertation defense

              Makayla Riley headshot.

Internships help Riley get started in sport industry

Monday, March 04, 2024

Sports were an integral part of Makayla Riley’s life growing up in Landover, Md. Her father coached the youth football and basketball teams, and for her part, Riley participated in gymnastics and dance growing up. She also was the team manager for both the football and boy’s lacrosse teams.

Read More: Internships help Riley get started in sport industry

              Tyler Derkotch poses with his family in front of a WVU

Derkotch's desire to work with kids strengthens with experience

Thursday, February 22, 2024

After working summer camps with kids, Tyler Derkotch knew it was what he wanted to do for a living. At WVU, he found that the physical education and kinesiology program offered the kinds of hands-on learning he enjoyed in a field he was passionate about. Working at a daycare in Morgantown has only strengthened his conviction to work with children as a physical education teacher. 

Read More: Derkotch's desire to work with kids strengthens with experience

View more stories on the CAHS Media Hub