Happy FDOC!
Dear Students,
Happy FDOC! As we kick off the fall 2025 semester, I’m thrilled to extend a warm greeting to our new students and those who are returning. For the Class of 2026, the start of this academic year feels particularly special because we started our Wake Forest journeys together! I have been a bit nostalgic seeing many of you take your last first day of school pictures, and I imagine the start of this year may feel bittersweet. Class of 2029 and new transfer students, you are beginning an exciting experience filled with opportunities to learn, explore, and build connections. Whether you recently joined our community, are returning as a second or third-year, are one of the nearly 800 students abroad, or you are reflecting on your last year in college, I am so glad you are a student here.
Much like the start of a calendar year, a new academic year offers a chance to try on new behaviors, start fresh, set goals, and stretch yourself. While college is often touted as “the best four years of your life,” many of you can attest that it can also be the most challenging. At Wake Forest, challenge comes with support. Through initiatives like We Are Wake, engagement in student organizations, and a thriving residential community, we cultivate an environment where all matter, belong and thrive. We view the campus as a classroom, filled with opportunities to be curious and to live in the questions. Valuable resources, such as the Office of Academic Advising, Center for Learning, Access and Student Success (CLASS), and supports, such as the Eure McPherson Fund and textbook assistance, are some of the ways we are here to support your success in every dimension.
As vice president, I want your student experience to be transformative. One of the ways that I remain focused on your needs is through the Campus Life Advisory Council (CLAC). CLAC is a group of students who I meet with monthly to discuss issues that are important to the overall student experience. We are currently recruiting first-year students! If you are interested, please submit your application by September 1.
As you settle in, I hope to connect with you at one of the many events offered this week! I enjoyed seeing many of you at today’s Milkshake Monday. Tomorrow, the Division of Campus Life will host a cookout on Manchester. On Wednesday, we will kick off the third season of my podcast, Kidd You Not, with Wake Forest Head Football Coach, Jake Dickert. We will also gather that evening for Wake the Demons, a pep rally in the heart of campus. Thursday, we’ll cheer on men’s and women’s soccer, and Friday evening, we will rally together for our first football game against Kennesaw State. First-year students, remember to wear your We Are Wake T-shirts to participate in your first Wake Forest tradition, the Deacon Dash!
Enjoy this academic year, and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Go Deacs!
Shea Kidd Brown
Vice President for Campus Life