Taylor STARS is a cohort program which supports students throughout their time on campus. Taylor STARS provides students who are the first in their family to attend college or who are from limited resourced socioeconomic backgrounds with resources and community before, during, and beyond their time at Washington University in St. Louis so that they may excel and access all of the opportunities that WashU has to offer.
- Cultural Wealth
- High Impact Educational Practices
- Equity Index
- Framework for Success
The Taylor STARS program offers many valuable resources to students. These include (but are not limited to):
- A peer mentorship program for first-year students
- A free textbook lending library
- A multitude of social, academic, and professional development programs
- Strong, supportive community
Joining Taylor STARS
Taylor STARS is an opt-in program. Students who receive a welcome notification must secure their position and match with a peer mentor by completing the Taylor STARS personal interest form. No further action is required after completion of the form.
The Taylor STARS Program orientation will begin at the end of Bear Beginnings week as it appears in the Office of Student Transitions and Family and Family Programs schedule. Incoming First Year Taylor STARS move in using the date provided by Residential Life in their Student Portal.
Over the Summer
The Taylor Family Center for Student Success be in touch via communications to both students and parents. We will send outreach to students WUSTL email addresses once those are set-up.
Please make sure to check your personal and WUSTL email at least once a week. Communication from our office will include tips for a smooth transition to campus, as well as forms that we will need students to complete.
For any students or family members who have questions about the Taylor STARS Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out! We are more than happy to answer whatever questions arise as you prepare for WashU via email, a phone call, or in-person visit if you find yourself on campus!
During the Academic Year
The Taylor Family Center for Student Success offers a number of social, academic, and professional development programs for Taylor STARS participants. Many of these programs are opt-in or informal. With that said, there are a handful of events that every first-year Taylor STARS is expected to participate in:
- Orientation Program
- Regular meetings with your Aspirational Peer Mentor
- Monthly Meetings
- Engagement in the intentional and intensive academic support networks made available through the Office
Students should expect to contribute between 1-2 hours per week to the Taylor STARS community. Consistency and commitment by students helps to ensure that our programming is high-quality and responsive to student need.