Contact Us
Mary Graydon Center, Room 328 on a map
New Student and Family Programs 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016-8168 United States
American University Family Weekend 2024
Return to campus to experience performances, talks, tours, food, fun and more. Welcome all Eagle students, parents/families and alumni!
Register for Family Weekend
See the full schedule for Family Weekend 2024 below.
Visiting AU for Family Weekend? Check out these resources:
| Date Time | Session Name | Location | Description and Host | RSVP if applicable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 | ||||
| 9/27, 8:30 AM | Catholic Mass | Kay Spiritual Life Center | Join the AU Catholic community for mass. | |
| 9/27, 10:00AM - 4:00PM | Family Weekend Check-in | Mary Graydon Student Center, Rooms 126-128 | Check in for AU Family Weekend! Stop by to grab a program and enjoy coffee, snacks, and giveaways. | Family Weekend Check-in |
| 9/27, 10:30AM - 11:30AM | WAMU Tours | Meet at McKinley Hall at 10:00 a.m. for the shuttle | Tour WAMU 88.5, Washington, DC’s NPR station. Visit WAMU’s radio production studios, performance spaces, and work areas. Space is limited. Free shuttle transportation provided. | WAMU Tours |
| 9/27, 11:00AM - 4:00PM | AU Museum Open Hours | Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum | Visit AU's art museum during regular hours! Featuring three floors focusing on regional, national, and international contemporary art, the museum also plays a critical role in preparing AU students to pursue arts careers. Current exhibitions can be found here. | |
| 9/27, 11:30AM - 12:30PM | WAMU Tours | Meet at McKinley Hall at 11:00 a.m. for the shuttle | Tour WAMU 88.5, Washington, DC’s NPR station. Visit WAMU’s radio production studios, performance spaces, and work areas. Space is limited. Free shuttle transportation provided. | WAMU Tours |
| 9/27, 11:30AM - 12:30PM | Nest Network Meeting (current AU parents/families) | Mary Graydon Student Center Rooms 305-306 | Join in conversation with other AU parents and families to foster community, enhance engagement, represent the interests of AU families and support student success and the University, in partnership with New Student and Family Programs. | |
| 9/27, 1:00PM - 4:00PM | Family Art-Making at the Museum | Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum | Drop in and enjoy family-friendly art-making activities and learn more about how hands-on arts education at AU benefits our students across disciplines. | |
| 9/27, 1:00PM - 1:30PM | AU Museum Gallery Tour | Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum | Explore AU Museum's exhibitions with a guided gallery tour featuring local and international contemporary artists! | |
| 9/27, 1:00PM - 2:00PM | Sine Institute of Policy and Politics Distinguished Lecturer Series: Jason Kelly and Jamal Mashburn in Conversation | Constitution Hall, East Campus | Join us for an exclusive conversation between Bloomberg's Jason Kelly and Sine Distinguished Lecturer, NBA legend, and entrepreneur Jamal Mashburn. | |
| 9/27, 1:30PM- 2:30PM | Jummah Prayer | Kay Spiritual Life Center Lounge | Muslim families are welcome to join our weekly Friday prayers in the KSLC lounge across from the Muslim Prayer Room! | Jummah Prayer Registration |
| 9/27, 2:00PM - 2:30PM | AU Museum Gallery Tour | Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum | Explore AU Museum's exhibitions with a guided gallery tour featuring local and international contemporary artists! | |
| 9/27, 2:00PM - 3:30PM | Self-Defense Workshop | Don Myers Technology and Innovation Building, Public Safety Training Room, Terrace Level | This class will provide information, tactics, and considerations useful for various types of dangerous encounters. No experience necessary, dress comfortably. | Self-Defense Workshop |
| 9/27, 2:30PM - 4:30PM | MCAR Celebrate! Uplift. Connect. Empower. | Rain Location: Mary Graydon Student Center, Room 305-306 | Celebrate our differences while connecting through our sameness through music and the fine arts. Recognize AU’s commitment to Inclusive Excellence and steadfast interest to promote a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable Eagle community. This event will feature remarks from President Jonathan Alger and Dr. Nkenge Friday, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, and cultural performances from student groups. | MCAR Celebrate! Registration |
| 9/27, 3:00PM - 4:00PM | Arboretum/Sustainability Tour | Meet at Mary Graydon Student Center Info Desk (at 2:55 p.m.) | AU's Arboretum & Gardens are some of the most noteworthy features on campus. Enjoy a guided tour that highlights some of our sustainable and award-winning practices. Tours last one hour on accessible pathways. | |
| 9/27, 3:00PM - 4:00PM | Campus Tour | Meet at Mary Graydon Student Center Info Desk (at 2:45 p.m.) | Tour the campus with an AU student ambassador. | |
| 9/27, 3:00PM - 4:00PM | Faculty Lecture-Thomas Zeitzoff "No Option But Sabotage: The Past and the Future of the Radical Environmental Movement" | Kerwin Hall T1 | After 9/11, the radical environmental movement was labeled the number one domestic terror threat in the U.S. But within 10 years the movement had largely gone silent—why? This talk will help us understand what happened to the radical environmental movement and what the future holds. | Zeitzoff Talk |
| 9/27, 4:00PM - 5:30PM | College of Arts and Sciences Meet & Greet with the Deans | Hall of Science, Room 113 | Start your weekend with a warm welcome from the College deans! They can answer questions you might have, share their vision for undergraduate liberal arts and sciences at AU, and hear a little about your interests and what you hope to get out of the College experience. Sponsored by College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). | |
| 9/27, 4:00PM - 5:30PM | SIS Open House | SIS Atrium | An opportunity for families of students in the School of International Service to meet the SIS dean, faculty, staff, and alumni. Sponsored by School of International Service (SIS). | |
| 9/27, 4:30PM - 6:00PM | SOC Open House and Student Panel | Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater (MCK 201) | Join us for "What You Can Be at SOC," a panel to ask all the big questions from a few of our talented students at SOC! Hear firsthand how to land an internship, write for the Eagle, join a club, and participate in awesome experiential learning opportunities. Moderated by our new SOC Dean, Dr. Marnel Niles Goins, this panel will provide a roadmap of the unique opportunities on and off campus to make the most out of your college experience. The panel will be 30-45 minutes with time for audience questions, followed by a dessert reception and open house with Dr. Niles Goins and other members of the SOC faculty and staff to follow. Sponsored by the School of Communication. | SOC Open House |
| 9/27, 4:00PM - 5:30PM | SPA Open House | Kerwin Lobby | Visit with SPA faculty and staff and help us celebrate our 90th anniversary! Sponsored by School of Public Affairs (SPA). | |
| 9/27, 4:00PM - 5:30PM | Kogod Reception & Open House | Kogod Student Lounge | Join the Kogod community of faculty, staff, and students for a reception in the KSB Student Lounge. We encourage you to peruse the building, get to know your student's classmates and teachers, and enjoy delicious bites provided by Kogod MBA alumna Lisa Francis, owner and operator of The Federal Lunch. Sponsored by Kogod School of Business. | |
| 9/27, 4:00PM - 5:30PM | SOE Open House | Spring Valley Building, Room 401 | Please join two SOE faculty members as they share dynamic topics on stress and healing and the benefits of college in the 21st century. The presentations will be followed by a reception and open house to meet other students, families, and SOE faculty and staff. All are welcome! Sponsored by School of Education (SOE). | SOE Open House |
| 9/27, 6:00PM - 7:30PM | Airlie/AU Kitchen Farm to Table Dinner | Katzen Arts Center Rotunda | Airlie Berkshire Farm and AU Kitchen Present the Third Annual Farm to Table Dinner. Join us as our AU Kitchen Culinary team prepares a farm to table dinner using fresh produce and meat grown on AU’s Airlie Berkshire Farm in Warrenton, VA. A portion of the proceeds support The Market - AU’s Food Pantry. ($100/ticket) | Family Weekend Check-in |
| 9/27, 6:00PM - 8:30PM | Family Shabbat Service & Dinner | Kay Spiritual Life Center (service), McDowell Formal Lounge (dinner) | Jewish families are invited to join for services and dinner. Registration for dinner is requested through AU Hillel. | Family Shabbat |
| 9/27, 6:30PM - 8:00PM | Presidential Election 2024: Expecting the Unexpected | Kerwin Hall T1 | Join the School of Public Affairs and the Sine Institute for a discussion of the upcoming presidential election. Panelists—Sine executive director Amy Dacey and top journalists and strategists share their thoughts on the trends they see one month before this historic election, potential surprises on the horizon, and what’s the current state of play in key battleground states. SPA’s Women & Politics Institute executive director Betsy Fischer Martin moderates. | Election Panel 2024 |
| 9/27, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | Music on the Green! | Rain Location: Mary Graydon Student Center, Tavern | Enjoy live music on the Quad on a Friday fall evening! | |
| 9/27, 8:00PM - 9:30PM | OVERTURE | Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre | Overture welcomes to the stage AU’s newest actors from the dynamic class of 2028. This performance piece features dialogue, music, and movement that explores the passions, fears, triumphs, trials, and wonder of this stage of life. Overture is conceived and directed by faculty member Nancy Bannon and performed by the student company. Free for AU students with ID, $10 for alumni, staff, faculty, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older), $15 general public. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. | Overture Tickets |
| DC Art All Night | various locations in Washington, DC | Enjoy 'Art All Night' at various locations around the city! | Art All Night | |
| SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 | ||||
| 9/28, 8:30AM - 11:30AM | Family Weekend Check-in | Bender Arena Lobby | Check in for AU Family Weekend! Stop by to grab a program and enjoy coffee, snacks, and giveaways. | Family Weekend Check-in |
| 9/28, 9:45AM - 10:30AM | President's Welcome Breakfast | Bender Arena | Join us for a continental breakfast and mingle with campus representatives prior to the President's Welcome. | Family Weekend Check-in |
| 9/28, 10:30AM - 11:45AM | President's Welcome | Bender Arena | President Alger speaks to AU families, alumni, and students. Campus representatives will be on hand to answer family questions. | Family Weekend Check-in |
| 9/28, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | The Red and Blue Table Talk: Books & Brunch with the ARPC | SIS Founders Hall | Join the Anti Racist Policy Research Center with host Sara Kaplan Clarke, ARPC Executive Director, as we explore trends and shifts in DEIB in Higher Education with members of the AU Alumni community. | Books & Brunch with the ARPC |
| 9/28, 11:00AM - 3:00PM | Forest Hike from AU to Fletcher's Cove & Picnic on the Potomac | Starting point: School of International Service (SIS) entrance near Davenport Lounge | Join Biology Professor Rebecca Hazen for a hike to Fletcher's Cove through the National Forest and to the banks of the Potomac River. Wear comfortable clothing. Restrooms and vending are located at Fletcher's Cove. Younger siblings are welcome if they are accustomed to long hikes. Hosted by Department of Biology, CAS | Forest Hike Registration |
| 9/28, 11:00AM - 1:00PM | Passport to the Archives | Bender Library 3rd Floor | Passport to the Archives opens the vault from the American University Archives and Special collections, allowing families to explore treasures while racing each other to win swag by finding the images hidden in the collections. Students and their families can also make keepsake magnets using images from our Japanese Woodblock Print collection. | |
| 9/28, 11:00AM - 12:30PM | Meet the Faculty: "Bridging arts & sciences research into classroom and student experience" | Don Myers Technology & Innovation Building, Room 111 | Hear from arts and sciences faculty about how their research connects to course curricula and what students learn. Examples include "Swiftonomics" from an Economics professor; music and culture from a Cello professor; and more. | |
| 9/28, 11:00AM - 4:00PM | AU Museum Open Hours | Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum | Visit AU's art museum during regular hours! Featuring three floors focusing on regional, national, and international contemporary art, the museum also plays a critical role in preparing AU students to pursue arts careers. Current exhibitions can be found here. | |
| 9/28, 12:00PM - 2:00PM | AU Change Can't Wait Festival | Eric. Friedheim Quadrangle (rain site; Mary Graydon Student Center 1st floor) | Join the American University community to celebrate the impact of Change Can’t Wait: The Campaign for American University. This community event will celebrate how Change Can’t Wait has changed the way students thrive, faculty and staff advance discovery, and how we connect with our region and the world. Come and enjoy complimentary food and beverages, music, lawn games and other entertainment on the Quad. | Festival Registration |
| 9/28, 1:00PM - 2:15PM | SIS Expert Panel: Global Elections in a Charged-up World | SIS Founders Hall | This session focuses on trends in democratic controversies, populism, and disinformation. It builds on the SIS Global Elections Series & Tracker of the past year and mobilizes our faculty w expertise in democracy & democratic backsliding regionally, topically, and comparatively, for an edgy conversation that places the upcoming US presidential elections in global context. | |
| 9/28, 2:00PM - 2:45PM | Teaching Kitchen | Terrace Dining Room (TDR) | Enjoy a healthy and collaborative cooking experience with Executive Chef Robert Marquez. | Family Weekend Check-in |
| 9/28, 2:00PM - 3:30PM | OVERTURE | Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre | Overture welcomes to the stage AU’s newest actors from the dynamic class of 2028. This performance piece features dialogue, music, and movement that explores the passions, fears, triumphs, trials, and wonder of this stage of life. Overture is conceived and directed by faculty member Nancy Bannon and performed by the student company. Free for AU students with ID, $10 for alumni, staff, faculty, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older), $15 general public. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. | Overture Tickets |
| 9/28, 2:30PM - 3:30PM | SIS Trivia Bowl | SIS Founders Hall | Play for prizes—individually or as a team of up to six! Part 1: Global Policy, Culture, & Diplomacy. Part 2: SIS Trivia—history, people & places. | |
| 9/28, 3:00PM - 3:45PM | Teaching Kitchen | Terrace Dining Room (TDR) | Enjoy a healthy and collaborative cooking experience with Executive Chef Robert Marquez. | Family Weekend Check-in |
| 9/28, 5:00PM - 6:30PM | AU Gospel Choir Family Weekend Concert | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall | A no-miss campus tradition. Join us for a joyful performance and prepare to be moved! Tickets are $5 each (free for AU students). | Gospel Choir Concert Tickets |
| 9/28, 6:00PM - 10:00PM | Studio Art MFA Open Studios | Katzen Arts Center, Studios | Opportunity to meet our studio art MFAs and to see their artwork. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. | |
| 9/28, 8:00AM - 10:00PM | Group 93 Exhibition | Katzen Arts Center, Rotunda | Features visual arts group formed around former AU professor and AU alumni. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. | |
| 9/28, 6:00PM - 10:00PM | AU Museum-Extended Hours and Student Performances | Katzen Arts Center | AU Museum open for Art All Night in partnership with Tenleytown Main Street event. Student performances throughout the evening to be announced. Sponsored by the American University Museum. | |
| 9/28, 7:30PM - 8:30PM (doors open at 7 p.m.) | KPU Presents: Comedy Show with Roy Wood Jr. | Bender Arena | Join us for a free, stand-up comedy show hosted by the Kennedy Political Union (KPU) in collaboration with the Spirits and Traditions Board, AU Student Government, and the Center for Student Involvement, featuring special guest Roy Wood, Jr. Join us for a night of laughter and fun with one of the best in the business! Roy Wood Jr. is an accomplished comedian and Emmy-nominated producer. Roy Wood Jr. was a correspondent on The Daily Show and headlined the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to its highest ratings since 2017. He currently hosts the CNN show Have I Got New For You and his next one-hour special will be on Hulu in 2025. Seating is first-come, first-served and bag check is required upon entry. | |
| 9/28, 7:00PM - 11:00PM | The Formal Red Carpet: Mosaic Gala | SIS Atrium | Our signature formal celebration of the Multicultural Alumni Reunion weekend. Join with alumni in a red-carpet photo welcome, live entertainment, cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres, buffet reception, dancing, and celebration of community. Attire: Formal, Black tie optional. | MCAR Mosaic Gala |
| 9/28, 8:00PM - 9:30PM | OVERTURE | Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre | Overture welcomes to the stage AU’s newest actors from the dynamic class of 2028. This performance piece features dialogue, music, and movement that explores the passions, fears, triumphs, trials, and wonder of this stage of life. Overture is conceived and directed by faculty member Nancy Bannon and performed by the student company. Free for AU students with ID, $10 for alumni, staff, faculty, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older), $15 general public. Sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences. | Overture Tickets |
| SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 | ||||
| 9/29, 10:00AM - 11:30AM | Student Musical Showcase & Farewell | Rain Location: Mary Graydon Student Center, Tavern | Listen to the sounds of AU's student a cappella groups and the Singer-Songwriters Hub during this Family Weekend grand finale! Light breakfast and beverages provided. | |
| 9/29, 11:00AM - 2:00PM | The Greeks Return to the Yard: MCAR Multicultural Fraternity & Sorority Brunch, The Power and Influence of a Community of Changemakers | Constitution Hall, East Campus | The Greek community has demonstrated a level of influence and sincere commitment to uplifting the broader community since the foundings of their respective organizations. Join us as we celebrate excellence within the multicultural Greek community and their collective impact at American University and beyond. There will be a full brunch buffet, mimosa bar, fun games, interactive activities and giveaways! | MCAR Fraternity & Sorority Brunch |
| 9/29, 11:00AM - 4:00PM | AU Museum Open Hours | Katzen Arts Center, American University Museum | Visit AU's art museum during regular hours! Featuring three floors focusing on regional, national, and international contemporary art, the museum also plays a critical role in preparing AU students to pursue arts careers. Current exhibitions can be found here. | |
| 9/29, 12:00 PM | Family Weekend Mass and Brunch | Kay Spiritual Life Center | Join AU Catholic for brunch following Sunday Mass! | Mass and Brunch Registration |