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 Read
As you embark on this new journey, we are excited to soon share this year’s orientation theme with you! The 2023 theme and common read will offer a framework for every new student to begin their college experience with a necessary perspective to successfully transition into the GW community.
Daniel Pink, the author of 2022's Common Read, The Power of Regret, gave a Keynote Address to new students as a part of Orientation Week. View Daniel Pink's Keynote Address and Discussion.