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Family Weekend

Thank you for joining us at 2023 Family Weekend!

Save the date: our Family Weekend 2024 is September 27-29

We loved seeing all our Eagle families and students together at Family Weekend! Celebrations and events were held across campus. Check out the highlights in this video.

Sine Institute 5-Year Anniversary Event: Reimagining the American Dream

AU's Sine Institute of Policy & Politics has assembled an amazing panel of prominent and influential leaders to celebrate the Institute's 5-year history and explore findings from their Reimagining the American Dream: Views from Young Americans poll

  • Due to late breaking world news events, Jen Psaki will not be able to join us as planned this evening. In her place, Kate Bedingfield, While House Communications Director for the Biden White House will be moderating the discussion. 
  • Layla Zaidane, President and CEO of Millennial Action Project
  • Terence Samuel, Editor and Chief of USA Today and 2023 Sine Fellow
  • Stephen Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and former administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration

Missed the event? You can watch the recording here!

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Capitol Building with full moon

DC Tourism

Find great ways to explore DC through the official tourism site of Washington, DC.

DC Tourism

President's Welcome

President's Welcome: Family Weekend

Join President Sylvia Burwell and Vice President of Student Affairs Raymond Ou in this recording of the President's Welcome at Family Weekend 2023.

Family Weekend 2023
Date Time Session Name Location Session Description Sponsors
Self-Guided Top of the Town: Tenleytown Heritage Trail Tenleytown Take a leisurely walk through a neighborhood rooted in deep family ties that also boasts unique contributions to DC and national history. Tenleytown Heritage Trail
Self-Guided Campus Fitness Trail Main Campus The trail showcases our campus and highlights unique achievements of our campus, faculty, students, and alumni. Follow the map, or blaze your own trail, as you explore and discover American University. Scan the QR to access the full 2 mile loop or our 1 mile alternative. AU RecFit
Family Perk Families Dine for $9.99 Terrace Dining Room Families and guests dine for $9.99 in the Terrace Dining Room during Family Weekend (10/13-10/15). Explore the menus for TDR's various stations - there's something for everyone! Pay as you enter. Terrace Dining
Family Perk AU Fitness Center Pass Jacobs and Cassell Fitness Centers Families and guests who register for Family Weekend are invited to use our rec facilties during the weekend for free! Registration details coming soon. AU RecFit
10/10: 7 - 8:00 PM Fall Family Welcome ONLINE As we start the new academic year and your Eagle settles in to classes, the campus and the city, we know that you'll have new questions and concerns. We'll use this time together to introduce you to Raymond Ou, our new Vice President of Student Affairs and re-introduce you to some of the key resources that help to support your student during this transition. Zoom Link
10/11: 6:30 PM Katherine Miller presents her book At the Table: The Chef's Guide to Advocacy SIS Founder's Room If you're arriving early - join us! The Sine Institute is thrilled to host 2020 Sine Fellow Katherine Miller for a book event highlighting “At The Table: The Chef’s Guide to Advocacy.” Katherine’s new book looks at her work turning chefs into advocates for causes including hunger relief efforts, support for local farmers, fighting food waste, confronting racism and sexism in the industry, and much more. Katherine will be in conversation with Karen Finney, an American political consultant and spokesperson for the Clinton 2016 presidential campaign. Register for the Katherine Miller event here
10/12: 8:45 AM - 12:10 PM Gender & Race in STEM Symposium Butler Board Room, 6th Floor Butler Pavilion Families who are arriving early are warmly welcomed to attend AU's inaugural Gender & Race in STEM Symposium. This community-building event will feature a career panel of a cross-sectional group of scholars and practitioners in STEM sharing their experiences and research, informal networking opportunities, and moderated table discussions to give STEM faculty and students an opportunity to share, celebrate, and expand upon their diverse work and expertise. Registration is requested, but walk-ins are welcomed for any portion of the event that your schedule allows. Gender & Race in STEM Symposium Registration
10/12 : 7:00 - 8:00 PM How Book Bans Impact K-12 Students ONLINE The School of Education invites all families and the community to a virtual event “How Book Bans Impact K-12 Students” with experts who will weigh in on the history of banned books, what is happening politically today, and the potential impact on students in the future. There will be a Q&A at the end of the event. Register here
10/12: 7:00 PM Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets Capital One Arena (downtown) Check out DC's own Washington Wizards basketball stars against the Charlotte Hornets. This is not an AU event, please purchase your own tickets directly from nba.com/wizards. Washington Wizards
10/13: 8:30 AM Catholic Mass Kay Spiritual Life Center Chapel Join the AU Catholic community for mass. AUCatholic
10/13: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Family Weekend Check-in Mary Graydon Center Rms 126-128 Check-in and check out details for the weekend! We ask all in-person Family Weekend guests to register in advance. Family Weekend
10/13: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Campus Store Family Weekend Hours
10/13: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fall Exhibitions at the American University Museum Katzen Arts Center at American University Visit five new fall exhibitions at the American University Museum at The Katzen Arts Center, plus the continuation of Lost Europe: On the Edge of Memories. AU Museum
10/13: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM School of Internation Service: Is Mexico's Democracy Dying: AMLO and the Future of the "Fourth Transformation" School of International Service, Room 120 The Department of Foreign Policy & Global Security, the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies, and the Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson Center welcomes Dr. Denise Dresser, a Mexican political analyst, columnist, academic and activist. Her work has centered on Mexican democratization, corruption, the construction of citizenship and political economy issues from a comparative perspective. She is a professor of political science at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), where she has taught comparative politics, political economy, and Mexican politics since 1991. Dr. Dresser will give a public lecture about the future of Mexican democracy followed by an audience Q&A.
10/13: 12:00 PM (noon) Campus Store Grand Opening Campus Store, the Tunnel below Butler Pavilion Join us as we officially celebrate the grand opening of our Campus Store in its new location! AU Campus Store
10/13: 1:00 PM So You Want to Go to Law School? Be a Legal Eagle! Ceremonial Classroom, Yuma NTO1 (Terrace Level) at 4300 Nebraska Avenue NW Do you have a student who is thinking of pursuing law school? Then come check out the academic and experiential opportunities offered by the Washington College of Law. The three-building law campus is located about a half mile from the AU main campus and one block from the Tenleytown/AU Metro Station. Join WCL Dean Roger Fairfax, Admissions Counselor Alex Richmond, and third-year law student Sarah Shaklan to hear about the law school admissions process and the many advantages of studying law in the Nation’s capital. Washington College of Law
10/13: 1:00 - 2:00 PM Making the Most of Your College Years Kogod Room 118 For students and families alike. Join Professor Ronald Hill to learn his top 10 tips for a successful college experience.
10/13: 1:30 PM Muslim Jum'ah Prayers Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge Join us in the Muslim Prayer Room in the Lower Level. Kay Spiritual Life Center
10/13: 2:00 - 3:30 PM Self Defense Class for Families Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building, Public Safety Training Rm, Terrace Level This class will provide information, tactics, and considerations which may be useful for various types of dangerous encounters. No experience necessary, dress comfortably. AU Police Department
10/13: 2:00 - 5:00 PM Passport to the Archives Bender Library, 3rd Fl Room 320 Take a trip through the University Library Archives Special Collections and complete your passport by finding the cat, the chopsticks, and eight other images hiding in our collections and win some Library swag! After completing your passport make some magnets and buttons using images from our Japanese woodblock print collection! University Library
10/13: 2:30 PM Campus Tour Meet at Info Desk Mary Graydon Center at 2:15 PM Tour the campus with an AU Ambassador.
10/13: 2:30 - 3:30 PM Getting to Equitable Development, DC-Style: From U Street to the Waterfront Kerwin Hall T02 Washington, DC is a city of neighborhoods and many of them are going through dynamic change. This presentation will cover the factors driving the revitalization of the city, and how certain redevelopment dynamics are putting displacement pressure on some low-income residents. By assessing three DC neighborhoods, we will explore DC’s redevelopment challenges and opportunities. This lecture will highlight how the city in a number of different ways is attempting to promote equitable development that benefits and uplifts all city residents. SPA Metropolitan Policy Center
10/13: 3:00 PM Campus Tour Meet at Info Desk Mary Graydon Center at 2:45 PM Tour the campus with an AU Ambassador.
10/13: 3:00 PM Arboretum/Sustainability Tour Meet at Info Desk Mary Graydon Center at 2:45 PM AU's Arboretum & Gardens are some of the most noteworthy features on campus. Enjoy a guided stroll through campus that highlights some of our sustainable and award-winning practices. Tours generally last one hour on accessible pathways.
10/13: 3:00 - 4:00 PM Chemistry of Cooking Teaching/Cooking Demo Hall of Science Room 204 Professor Matt Harting's "Chemistry of Cooking" class is one of AU's most popular. Come and experiment for yourself! Space is limited, and entry will be allowed on a first-come basis, so be sure to come early! Chemistry of Cooking
10/13: 3:00 - 4:00 PM Is the Truth Out There?: A Post Truth Media Landscape Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater, McKinley 201 When objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to the emotion and personal beliefs, what do we do in a Post Truth era? Please join School of Communication Professors Laura Waters Hinson (Film and Media Arts), Aram Sinnreich (Communication Studies), John Watson (Journalism) and moderator Rick Davis (AU Alum) for a lively discussion with a light reception to follow. Registration requested. RSVP for this event
10/13: 4:00 - 4:30 PM School of Communication Open House McKinley (outside 201) An opportunity for families of students in the School of Communication to meet the Dean, faculty and SOC staff. School of Communication
10/13: 4:00 - 5:30 PM School of Education Open House and Welcome Spring Valley Building, Room 401, 4801 Massachusetts Ave. NW, parking available School of Education undergraduates and their families are invited to join faculty and staff for an open house and welcome reception. RSVP requested. RSVP here with School of Education
10/13: 4:00 - 5:30 PM School of Public Affairs Open House Kerwin Hall An opportunity for families of students in the School of Public Affairs to meet the Dean, faculty and SPA staff. School of Public Affairs
10/13: 4:00 - 6:00 PM Family Mix and Mingle Mary Graydon Center, Rooms 126-128 Relax and mingle with other families and campus administrators over mocktails and lite reception fare. Division of Student Affairs
10/13: 5:30 - 7:30 PM Farm to Table Dinner - SOLD OUT Katzen Arts Center at American University All tickets for this event have been purchased. SOLD OUT
10/13: 6:00 PM Family Shabbat and Dinner Kay Spiritual Life Center/McDowell Formal Lounge Jewish families are invited to join for services beginning at 6 pm in Kay Spiritual Life Center followed by dinner at 7:30 pm in McDowell Formal Lounge. Register here with AU Hillel
10/13: 7:00 PM [SOLD OUT] Flo Rida in Concert Bender Arena Through the generous support of Kogod School of Business alum Gary Veloric and his family, we invite you to an exclusive, AU-only concert featuring Flo Rida and Hayes Warner. Tickets required - free for students, $20 for guests. Purchase through eventbrite
10/13: 7:30 PM Mrs. Doubtfire (Touring) The National Theatre DC (downtown) You loved the movie, take the family to see Mrs. Doubtfire, the musical at The National Theatre. This is not an AU event, please purchase your own tickets directly from thenationaldc.com The National Theatre
10/13: 7:30 PM Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Capital One Arena (downtown) Calling all hockey fans! Here's your chance to catch the Capitals in action. This is not an AU event, please purchase your own tickets directly from nhl.com/capitals Washington Capitals
10/14: 9:00 - 10:30 AM Family Weekend Check-in Bender Arena Lobby Check-in and check out details for the weekend! We ask all in-person Family Weekend guests to register in advance.
10/14: 9:30 - 11:00 AM President's Welcome Bender Arena As part of Family Weekend, this event provides an opportunity for President Burwell to speak to AU families, alumni, and students. Doors open at 9:30 AM with breakfast bites and beverages. The formal program begins at 10:00 AM. Campus representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. This session will be recorded. New Student and Family Programs
10/14: 10:00 - 5:00 PM Campus Store Family Weekend Hours
10/14: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Forest Hike from AU to Fletcher's Cove & Picnic on the Potomac Starting Point: SIS Entrance, by Davenport Lounge Join Biology professor Rebecca Hazen for a hike from AU to Fletcher's Cove through arms of the National Forest and enjoy snacks on the banks of the Potomac. Wear comfortable clothing. Restrooms and vending are at Fletcher's Cove. Younger siblings are welcome if they are comfortable with long hikes. Department of Biology, CAS
10/14: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fall Exhibitions at the American University Museum Katzen Arts Center at American University Visit five new fall exhibitions at the American University Museum at The Katzen Arts Center, plus the continuation of Lost Europe: On the Edge of Memories. AU Museum
10/14: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM School of International Service Open House SIS Atrium An opportunity for families of students in the School of International Service to meet the Dean, faculty and SIS staff.
10/14: 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Kogod Open House Kogod School of Business An opportunity for families of students in the Kogod School of Business to meet the Dean, faculty, and KSB staff. Kogod School of Business
10/14: 12:00 - 2:00 PM Fall Family Festival Eric A. Friedheim Quadrangle Celebrate the AU community that elevates, inspires, and leads change every day. Join us for lunch, live music, games and family fun.
10/14: 12:30 - 2:00 PM Annular Eclipse Viewing Party Kay Spiritual Life Center Labyrinth How do you organize an eclipse party? You planet. Sponsored by AU Physics and the NASA DC Space Grant. A limited number of glasses will be provided! AU Physics
10/14: 1:00 PM Men's Soccer vs. Colgate Reeves Field Cheer on AU Men's Soccer. Free for AU students with ID. Purchase adult tickets ($8) or youth/senior tickets ($5) in advance at AUEagles.com/Tickets or at the gate. AU Eagles Tickets
10/14: 1:00 - 3:00 PM Multicultural Alumni Reunion (MCAR) Celebrate! Katzen Arts Center at American University This event is open to families as well as alumni. Join us as we celebrate our differences while connecting through our sameness through music and the fine arts. We will recognize AU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence and steadfast interest to promote a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable Eagle community. To purchase tickets for this event ($20) please visit the link. MCAR events
10/14: 5:00 PM Gospel Choir Kay Spiritual Life Center A no-miss campus tradition. Join us for a joyful performance and prepare to be moved. Gospel Choir
10/14: 5:00 PM D.C. United v. Medeama SC Audi Field (downtown) DC United soccer takes on Medeama SC at the stellar Audi Field. This is not an AU event, please purchase your own tickets directly. DC United
10/14: 7:00 PM Reimagining the American Dream: A conversation moderated by Jen Psaki Bender Arena We celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Sine Institute of Policy & Politics in conversation with Jen Psaki (political analyst and former White House press secretary) and a dynamic slate of thought leaders and influencers. This event is co-sponsored by AU's Kennedy Political Union. We'll share our lineup of distinguished panelists soon! No tickets required. Detailed list of speakers coming soon!
10/15: 10:00 - 11:30 AM A Cappella Showcase & Farewell Amphitheatre Enjoy coffee, light breakfast and listen to the sounds of AU’s student a cappella groups during this Family Weekend grand finale! Division of Student Affairs
10/15: 10:00 - 4:00 PM Campus Store Family Weekend Hours
10/15: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fall Exhibitions at the American University Museum Katzen Arts Center at American University Visit five new fall exhibitions at the American University Museum at The Katzen Arts Center, plus the continuation of Lost Europe: On the Edge of Memories. AU Museum
10/15: 12:00 PM Catholic Mass Kay Spiritual Life Center Join the AU Catholic Community for mass. AU Catholic
10/15: 1:00 PM Women's Volleyball vs. Colgate Bender Arena Cheer on AU Women's Volleyball. FREE for ALL FANS! AU Eagles
10/15: 3:00 - 6:00 PM Multicultural Alumni Reunion (MCAR) Sunday Funday BBQ Outdoor Plaza, East Campus Join the Multicultural Alumni Reunion (MCAR) for a family-friendly cookout. Food, music, games and more. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for children and free for current AU students. Advanced registration is required, tickets are limited. MCAR events
10/15: 5:00 PM Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage Audi Field (downtown) If you're still in town, catch fan appreciation night and cheer on Washington Spirit, DC's women's soccer team. This is not an AU event, please purchase tickets directly at washingtonspirit.com. Washington Spirit
10/15: 6:00 PM Food for Thought Kay Spiritual Life Center Consider what's important to you and why over a simple, vegetarian meal to reflect commitment to inclusion and the environment. Following the meal is an open and ecumenical service in the Chapel led by University Chaplain, Rev. O and offered in partnership with the Baltimore-Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church. All persons of any beliefs are welcome to participate in this time of contemplative reflection. Kay Spiritual Life Center