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
VIEW THE 2024-2025 ACADEMIC CALENDAR (PDF)
January
- Jan 1: Deadline for Spring Semester payment in full or proof of satisfactory arrangements
- Jan 2: Offices re-open
- Jan 20: MLK day - offices closed
- Jan 22: First day of Spring semester classes
February
- Feb 7: Coast to Coast Toasts
- Feb 21: George Washington's Birthday Convocation
March
- Mar 10-14: Spring break - no classes
- Mar 26: Spring Advising Day - no classes
- Mar 26-27: Shore Strong
April
- April 11-13: Spring Migration
May
- May 2: Last Day of Spring semester classes
- May 5-9: Final Exams
- May 18: Commencement
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)
Applications for next summer are due Feb. 15, 2025.
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.
May
- May 20: First day of Summer Session 1 classes
- May 22: Last Day to Drop/Add, Request Audit
June
- June 11: Last Day to Withdraw Summer Session 1 Classes
- June 19: Emancipation Day - no classes/offices closed
- June 23: First day of Summer Intensive
- June 23-25: Flock Together — summer advising days for new students
- June 27: Last day of Summer Session 1 classes
July
- July 4: Independence Day - no classes/offices closed
August
- August 1: Last day of Summer Intensive
- August 18: Move-In Day for Fall Semester
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.
Parent Engagement
The Washington College Parent Engagement Chairs foster the relationship between the parents of Washington College students and the institution through communication and events like Homecoming Weekend.
The Manoses, who reside in Howard County, Maryland, are parents of Cate Manos ‘25 (a biology premed major, captain of the women's lacrosse team, and a George’s
General). Both Andrew Manos '94 and Bethany Wilson Manos '93 played lacrosse while
at Washington College. Andrew works in cybersecurity and technology, and Bethany is
a social worker at a kidney dialysis center.
Alicia and Stuart Matthai P’25 reside in Baltimore with their son, John Hay, and black lab, Millie. Alicia owns Haymaker Promotions, a brand marketing company, and Stuart is with Oracle.
To learn more about how to support your student's experience with your voice, network, or philanthropically, get in touch! We would love to connect with you. Email alumni_officeFREEwashcoll to get the conversation started!
Families in the Washington College Community
We always love to see parents and families alongside alumni and community members at campus events. See Photos from Homecoming Weekend 2024 here or check out other recent events below. Parents and family members can collaborate with the College in many ways! Learn more about 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. Contact Julie Vallecillo, Director of Parent & Family Engagement, at jvallecillo2FREEwashcoll!
More Alumni & Family Events
2024 Riverside Picnic
May 18, 2024The annual Riverside picnic, held at the Hodson Boat House, on the picturesque Chester River, included classic picnic food, homemade ice cream and river tours on the 46-foot research vessel, Callinectes.
Class of 2024 Alumni Toast
May 18, 2024The Alumni Toast to the Class of 2024 with Parents, honored Legacy Graduates and was hosted by the Alumni Engagement committee, held on the Owings Library Terrace.
Class of 1974 Crab Feast
May 17, 2024For their 50th reunion, the Class of 1974 enjoyed a traditional Maryland crab feast! Those celebrating their 55th, 60th, and 65th also received special recognition ('69, '64, and '59 grads).