The Sophomore Experience is a set of programs that support and implement the Sophomore Learning Outcomes (SOLO). SOLOs are designed to improve a student’s sophomore experience by connecting them to diverse people and communities and healthy initiatives, enhancing a sense of belonging and engagement, and supporting collegiate capital.
These programs and events are planned by Student Transitions & Engagement (STAE) and implemented by the Second-Year Student Associates (2SA – pronounced “TWO-suh”).
2SA Hours
2SA Hours are pop-up programs where sophomores:
- Take part in fun games and activities.
- Build community with their student leaders and other sophomores.
- Address academic and personal milestones.
Between exciting games and casual conversations, 2SAs will reflect with sophomores on their semester, discuss goals for the next semester and year, and make action plans for healthy study habits during exam season.
Look for more information in the monthly Sophomore Bear Bulletin newsletter emailed to you, and follow @washutransitions on Instagram!
In between board games and activities, 2SAs will reflect with sophomores on their semester, discuss goals for the next semester and year, and make plans for healthy study habits during exam season. Look for more information in the monthly Sophomore Bear Bulletin newsletter emailed to you, and follow @washutransitions on Instagram!
Fall 2024 Dates and Locations:
- November 10, Noon – 2:00 PM: DUC 248
- December 6, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Ursa’s Fireside
2SA Tea (Coffee and Conversations)
In these one-on-one conversations over a free coffee, tea, or other beverage, sophomores can meet with 2SAs to have a conversation, discuss academic or involvement issues with a peer mentor, and create action plans. 2SAs can refer sophomores to appropriate campus resources that can help address their concerns, as well. Sign up to meet with a 2SA and grab a drink on us!
Classroom Connections
Classroom Connections allows students to meet with their professors in a casual, small-group setting. Students can connect with and get to know faculty who teach larger class sections. All students in participating classes will receive an email invitation to sign up.
Participating students appreciate connecting with their professors in a relaxed, less intimidating environment. Professors appreciate chatting with students about more than their academic discipline.
Check your WashU email during the academic year for opportunities to sign up.
Sophomore traditions
STAE hosts several all-class traditions. These are designed to connect sophomore students to peers in their graduating class and to celebrate important milestones in their academic career.
| First Day: This event celebrates the first day of classes and provides students with school supplies and snacks to be successful on their first day, along with photos to commemorate the start of the academic year. First Day photos can be found on the Student Transitions & Engagement’s Flickr page. | |
| Symphony on the South 40: Members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra visit campus to perform in a small ensemble for students, faculty, staff, and community members on the South 40. The music department selects student musicians to showcase, as well. | |
| Halfway to Graduation: This event commemorates the sophomore class reaching the halfway-mark of their undergraduate journeys, this serves as the final event of the Sophomore Experience. This event supports the sophomore class by providing them with a fun, memorable event to bookend their first two years at WashU and to prepare them for their next two years. Free food, giveaways, and resource cards are provided to encourage students to make the most of their junior year. |
STAE partners with campus entities to highlight or incentivize engagement with programs and events already happening on campus that achieve the Sophomore Learning Outcomes. Students who complete two experiences in each of the below categories are eligible to receive a WashU Sweatshirt. Engagement will be tracked for December and in March.
(A) Supporting collegiate capital (Career Development and Leadership)
| Attend the major/minor fair | |
| Attend the Career fair | |
| Attend the on-campus employment fair |
(B) Enhancing a sense of belonging (Student Engagement & Belonging)
| Classroom connections/faculty program | |
| Sophomore in the Lou | |
| Clubs & Activity fair |
(C) Demonstrating values ( Equity, Diversity, & Inclusions and Healthy Excellence)
| CDI large events (advertised on WUGO) |
| Major/Minor Fair: October 16 (tentative) |
These events will also be an opportunity to work your way towards a free WashU sweatshirt through the Passport Program, so take advantage! More information can be found on Handshake.