Blaze the Tra1l

Living-Learning Community 

The GW First-Generation Living-Learning Community is a residential experience developed to support our first-generation college students and assist them with their transition from high school into college life at GW. An enhanced sense of belonging and academic success is promoted through connected events throughout the campus, connecting students with relevant campus resources, increased faculty and staff interaction, and intentional programming efforts that include cultural enrichment experiences, social interactions, and educational activities. First-Generation First-Year Students are encouraged to apply through the housing application. If you have any questions about Blaze the Tra1l, please get in touch with us at [email protected]

 

First-Year Housing Registration Timeline

Housing registration for incoming first-year students will begin on May 16, 2023, concluding on June 6, 2023.  To learn more, please review the information below:

Important Dates
  • May 16, 2023, 1:00 PM EDT - Registration for housing and the LLC opens
  • June 6, 2023, 4:00 pm EDT - Registration for housing and the LLC closes
  • Week of June 19, 2023 - First-year housing assignments released throughout the day
Requirements
  • 1-on-1 touchpoint with First Gen Program Associate and/or Faculty Partner once per semester 
  • Participation in Founding Scholars Pre-orientation Program on Aug 17th and 18th
  • Participation in Faculty Partner-led activity (eg. discussion, outing, etc.) at least twice a semester
  • Success Workshops with the Office of Student Success at least once a month
    • Neighborhood Success Workshops take place in the Residence Halls on a weekly basis. The success coaches who lead the Success Workshops will share resources and educational tools that will help first-gen students academically.
  • District Connections with Orientation and Class Year Programs at least once per semester
    • At a free cost, participants will get to know one another as well as connect to the cultural and intellectual diversity that Washington, D.C., has to offer.
Housing Location and Cost
How to Apply
  • First-year students gain access to their Campus Living eServices Portal on May 16th, 2023, at 1:00 pm EDT and may begin to register for housing
    • Students will register for both housing and apply to be a part of the LLC
    • Housing is not determined on a first-come, first-served basis based on when a student registers for housing
    • First-year students may apply for an exemption to CLRE's residency requirement to live off-campus. 
Housing Assignments

First-year housing assignments and LLC assignments are released throughout the day on June 20, 2023


Faculty Partner / Guide

The Living-Learning Community (LLC) Faculty Partner program gives faculty members the opportunity to connect and support students outside of the classroom. If you are interested, please apply!

Position Term

The position is from August 2023 to May 2024

Qualifications

Must be a full-time faculty member at GW

Academic Year Requirements
  • Work with the DSA Coordinator to develop learning outcomes and programming for the LLC
  • Host two programs per month, one within the residence hall and one with the greater GW and DC community, completing associated administrative tasks
  • Send a weekly student email highlighting LLC-related activities or opportunities
  • Meet monthly with the DSA staff in Campus Living and Residential Education (CLRE) and Student Support
  • Attend a monthly Faculty Luncheon
  • Notify CLRE and DSA of the need for changes to learning outcomes, community structure, and related issues
  • Host a welcome program within the first week of the Fall semester/student move-in
  • Notify CLRE and the residential hall's Community Coordinator of any LLC participant behavioral concerns
Compensation

Faculty members will receive an annual $10,000 stipend for serving as a faculty partner