Hello students!
As we approach the mid-point of December, we hope you are staying warm wherever you are. Here in D.C., the temperature has dropped and winter coats are being worn as a way to stay toasty when walking to class. We even had our first touch of snow earlier this week. It was only dusting, but it was pretty.
Final exams start this week, and many students, staff, and faculty are working hard to end the semester on a high note. To help keep stress levels low, many GW offices plan events during this time to keep spirits up, let students make some new connections, and celebrate the successes of another semester! With plenty of fun events, free food, stress-relieving activities, the energy on campus stays high and positive throughout the finals season. We can't wait for you to be able to participate in similar activities in May and December!
To get a preview of what kind of activities happen on campus, check out Engage! This platform is used by Student Organizations and GW offices to post events that you can attend. Most of our 500 plus student orgs also have a page on Engage where you can learn more about the organization, find meeting information, and contact the current officers to learn about joining. You can check out the list of organizations and even search by different categories to start to find some that you may be interested in!
We realize that this may be a busy season for you and your family as you prepare for whatever holiday you celebrate and start preparing to come to campus next month. We do 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 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, Dani and Ayomide
GW's Division for Student Affairs Orientation, Class Year & Families Programs Staff
DEADLINE THIS WEEK: 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.
- 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.
DEADLINE NEXT WEEK: 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 by Saturday, January 13.
These sections help prepare you for class registration, GW resources for personal and academic support, dining, navigating campus and D.C., and much more.
REGISTER for Your Spring 2024 Classes
Registration opened on 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 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 on-campus.
- Use your GW UserID to complete the housing forms required in the Campus Living eServices portal. Email [email protected] with any questions about living in the residence halls.
- If you already registered for on-campus housing, you will receive your spring 2024 room assignment within the next week. Monitor your GW email for an update from Campus Living & Residential Education.
- Students who will be living in the residence halls will be able to move-in starting Friday, Jan. 12.
UPLOAD mandatory immunization forms by Jan. 4, 2024
- Submit your 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. See website for details.
PAY your invoice for Tuition, Fees, and Room & Board by the first day of classes – Jan. 16, 2024
You will receive an invoice after you complete your spring 2024 class registration.
- 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.
Complete Mandatory Trainings for New Students
All new undergraduate 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. Monitor your GW email for separate instructions and links to complete these online training modules.
- In addition to the self-paced online Title IX Training, there is an additional live virtual session that all students must register for by Jan. 10, 2024 and attend the week of Jan. 15, 2024.
We wanted to share a few highlights from around campus to get you excited about the activities and events that you may be able to participate in when you come to campus next spring:
Thanksgiving on the Vern
In November, staff at the Mount Vernon Campus hosted Thanksgiving on the Vern for students who stayed on-campus during the Thanksgiving break. Students enjoyed turkey, pie, and other Thanksgiving food staples, and got to take some to-go for later! You can learn more about events like this on Engage!
Final Lap
Open to all GW students, The Final Lap is designed to support student wellbeing prior to and during final exams. Final Lap happens the last two weeks of the semester and features support activities such as chair massages, snack breaks, therapy dogs, and much more!
