Hello!
We hope you were able to take a few days last week to rejuvenate and relax during the Thanksgiving Break. Campus was quieter than usual, but now things are starting to pick-up again as everyone prepares for the end of the semester.
This week, we were able to treat a group of first-year students to an #OnlyatGW moment – front row seats to the National Tree Lighting Ceremony dress rehearsal! We are also letting you in on a little known Washington secret: event organizers recorded the dress rehearsal for TV, so if you and your family are planning on tuning in to watch the ceremony in December when it airs on CBS, be on the lookout for some Buff and Blue gear in the crowd!
While you will have to wait a little bit to partake in your first #OnlyatGW moment, there's one thing you won't need to wait on when you come to campus in January… grabbing breakfast or lunch at the iconic GW Deli. If you are like many other GW students you will soon have your own go-to order at GW Deli, a locally owned convenience store in the heart of campus. It doesn't look like much on the outside, but step inside, take a bite, and you'll know what all the buzz is about. Watch the GW Deli documentary for yourself, and plan your first trip (and breakfast sandwich order) accordingly.
We are officially 45 days away from New Student Orientation! Are you getting excited yet to become a Revolutionary?!?! We hope you are as excited, as we're excited to meet you.
As we kick-off December, we encourage you to continue to work on the new student checklist found in your admitted student portal. To help you focus on the key items to complete, we've included a few items after our intro.
If you have questions about any of your pre-arrival tasks, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Raise High!
Laci, Charlotte, Kraemer, Steven and Dani
GW's Division for Student Affairs Orientation and Class Year Programs Staff
REGISTER for Spring 2024 New Student Orientation by Wednesday, Dec. 21.
- In-person orientation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 14.
COMPLETE your Pre-Orientation Online Module.
- These sections will help you prepare for your first-year group advising webinar that takes place before class registration.
REGISTER for Your Spring 2024 Classes.
- Registration began Thursday, Nov. 16. If you have not done so, we recommend speaking with your academic advisor and schedule a time to register for classes.
- To prepare, watch the How to Register and Plan Ahead videos.
REGISTER for On-Campus Housing or Request an Exemption to Live Off-Campus
First- and second-year students are required to live on-campus in a GW residence hall unless, in a limited number of circumstances, a student meets specific criteria to receive an exemption to live off-campus. Third- and fourth-year students are encouraged but not required to live in on-campus housing. If you would like to request on-campus housing, please register. If you want to live off-campus please fill out the exemption form in the portal and your request will automatically be granted. (Read: Living on GW's Campus: An Overview)
- Use your GW UserID to complete the housing forms required in the Campus Living eServices portal.
- For those who already registered for on-campus housing, you will receive an update about your housing assignment from Campus Living & Residential Education in mid-December.
- Students who will be living in the residence halls will be able to move-in starting Friday, Jan. 12.
SUBMIT Your Photo To Set-Up Your GWorld Card by Thursday, Dec. 15.
We need your photo submission by this deadline so that your GWorld card can be generated and be ready to pick-up when you arrive in January. (Read: GWorld Photo Upload Instructions)
- If you are moving into a residence hall, you will receive your GWorld card at check-in.
- If you are commuting to campus, go to the GWorld office to pick-up your card anytime after Jan. 5.
UPLOAD mandatory immunization forms to the Student Health Center medical portal using your GW UserID. If you are under the age of 26 you are required to provide proof of required immunizations by Jan. 4, 2024. See website for details.
Reminders & New Tasks to Complete in December
Tuition, Room & Board Invoices
If you registered for classes by Nov. 21, the Student Accounts Office sent your spring 2024 invoice for your tuition & fees and room & board (if applicable) on Nov. 22. If not, you will receive an invoice after you complete your spring 2024 class registration. (Review: How to Understand Your eBill)
- Payment is due by the first day of classes (Jan. 16) unless you sign-up for a payment plan.
- Discuss the invoice with a parent/family member who has permission to access your Student Account eBill and make payments on your behalf. You are the only one who can grant Authorized User access to your Student Account.
Review GW's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Coverage
All undergraduate students must have medical health insurance coverage while enrolled at GW. Students are automatically enrolled in the GW Student Health Insurance Plan provided by Aetna Student Health. If you are still covered by a parent's or guardian's employer coverage and want to continue using their health insurance plan instead of the GW Insurance Plan, you must waive out of GW's Student Health Insurance each year you are enrolled at GW. The waiver period for the spring semester for new students is Dec. 1, 2023 - Feb. 1, 2024. In December, you will receive an email from Aetna with instructions on how to waive/opt out for spring 2024. (Read: Your Health and Wellbeing at GW)
Mandatory Training for New Students
All new students are required to complete three online trainings: AlcoholEdu for College Students, Title IX Fundamentals for New Students, and Diversity, and Equity & Inclusion Educational Module. In addition to the self-paced online Title IX Training, there is an additional live virtual session that all students must register for and complete in January. You will receive additional information the week of Dec. 4 and instructions on how to complete these trainings.
Campus News & Updates
Have You Met…Natalie Coppola?
GW Dining's registered dietitian is passionate about counseling students on nutrition. She helps students who may have allergies or specific dietary needs navigate the campus dining scene. Learn about her role, some of her favorites (TV shows, vacation spots and sports teams) and what she likes about working at GW. WATCH
Visit the Dietary Support page of the GW Dining website to learn more about scheduling a meeting with Natalie.
GW Dining's Newest Food Venues, District Market, Chaat House & Absurd Bird are Open!
Earlier this semester, GW Dining opened the Indian-inspired Chaat House and Absurd Bird, serving rotisserie style chicken and other chicken dishes (as you might have guessed), opened in the University Student Center, giving our community two new quick-service locations to choose from when eating on-campus in addition to the all-you-care to eat dining halls in Thurston Hall, Shenkman Hall and West Hall.
Use your block- or unlimited-meal plan at Chaat House and Absurd Bird and purchase a Meal Deal with one of your swipes. A meal deal includes an entree and drink, and a side (ie: Naan).
Another addition to GW Dining's on-campus food scene–The Market at District House–also opened this semester. Guess where? The Market opened in the lower level of…District House!
Visit this grocery-style market for fresh produce, cheeses, pasta, rice and other grocery staples. Use your Dining Dollars or cash/credit to purchase items à la carte, or choose a Market Bundle Deal.
Basketball Anyone? GO GW REVS!
Get ready when you arrive on campus to experience the excitement of collegiate basketball at the Charles E. Smith Center. Admission is FREE for students. Enter through Gate 5, conveniently located across from &pizza, with your GWorld card, and you're all set to cheer on the Buff & Blue. Mark your calendar to attend your first men's game on Monday, Jan. 15 game at 2 pm against A-10 and D.C. area rival, the George Mason Patriots. The first home game for the women's team for the spring semester is on Saturday, Jan. 20.
