We are WashU.
One of WashU’s most enduring characteristics is our warm and welcoming community. For years, Washington University in St. Louis has been known colloquially as “WashU.” In 2023, the Board of Trustees approved the use of “WashU” for branding purposes.
When to use WashU
For communications to internal and external audiences, use WashU. For clarity you can include the full university name as a postscript — in the footer of a web page, the back of a printed document, or elsewhere. WashU is correctly written with a capital W and capital U with no space between Wash and U and without periods.
When to use Washington University in St. Louis
For instances where the highest level of formality is appropriate, the full name may be used throughout. Diplomas, certificates, professorship installations and obituaries are examples where this may be preferred. Some news items, press releases or journal articles may benefit from using the full name on first reference for clarity, followed by WashU in subsequent references.
Other expressions
Washington University, Washington U, WUSTL, WU and other derivations should never be used.