Your Orientation Experience
Students Admitted for the Fall Semester
GW's New Student Orientation experience is comprised of three mandatory parts:
- Pre-arrival Engagement (May - August)
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Starting in early May, students and their families will receive consistent communication about next steps, opportunities, and what to expect from Orientation, as well as online modules to complete. Students also will also engage online with current and other new students through small group meetings.
- Pre-Orientation Online Module
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The Pre-Orientation Online Module, otherwise known as The POOM, is an online module to help students prepare for their transition to GW in a variety of areas. The POOM opens in April, and students are highly encouraged to complete it as early as possible!
- Orientation Week
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After students move in, Orientation Week consists of co-curricular programs, academic sessions, campus traditions, social activities, and opportunities to explore campus and the city.
Learn more about each component of GW's Orientation Program:
2023 Orientation Theme & Common Learning Curriculum
This year’s orientation theme is Empowering Community: GW Strong! This theme highlights and celebrates all of the people, traditions, support systems and opportunities that make the GW community an amazing place to learn, grow, and thrive. From the first day of orientation to graduation day on the National Mall, GW students are empowered to craft their own GW story, while positively contributing to the collective GW legacy.
As the newest member of our community, incoming students will explore what it means to be an active participant in shaping the community that is GW Strong through our NSO guiding principles; curiosity, critical thinking, exploration, empathy, and community. These principles will be discussed throughout the orientation experience to help students center important attitudes and skills that will help them transition to college and GW. During Orientation Week, each session and event will be connected to at least one of these principles.