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We want to take a moment to acknowledge and reflect on recent racial incidents in the U.S. involving black Americans. As fellow GW students and student leaders, we reject any and all forms of racism and are committed to educating one another and elevating the voices of the Black community.
As an Orientation team, we promise to dedicate our time and energy into listening and learning and to engage in thoughtful change. We will be advocates for our students. Our efforts are focused on creating an inclusive, diverse, empathetic, and engaged student community.
Below you will find additional resources to share with your students:
Be well and continue to Raise High,
Alex, Asher, Foon and the 2020 Orientation Team
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We know many of your students are closing out their high school career over the next few weeks. We hope you and your family are staying safe and finding creative ways to celebrate your student during this exciting and important life milestone!
Here's what you can expect in this edition of Next Stop, GW...
- A Message from the 2020-21 Student Association President
- An Introduction to Student and Academic Support Resources
- Disability Support Services Reminder
- Student Spotlight: Nikki Vivekanandan
- Transition Talks: Recommended Summer Reading and Online Resources
A couple of reminders to share with your student:
- Housing Application closes on Monday, June 8
- Remind your student to register for First-Year Orientation in their admitted student portal (located in Next Steps)
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Please see the message below shared with students from the Student Association President.
My name is Howard Brookins and I'll be serving as your Student Association President for the 2020-21 academic school year.
I understand the hurt and pain many of you must be feeling and experiencing as we continue to send thoughts and prayers to the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Ahmaud Arbery. The GW community needs to know more than ever to stick together and I want it to be known that the Student Association is here for you. I encourage you to continue to make your voices heard regarding issues of bigotry and remember that it is through unity that we shall make strides toward change.
I can't wait to welcome you to your new home at GW and I am eager to learn more about you, your unique stories, and diverse experiences.
Best,
Howard
What is the Student Association?
The mission of the Student Association (SA) is to further the interests and promote the welfare of all students at GW. Responsibilities of the SA are defined in four ways: advocate, allocate, advertise, and assist.
Students can learn more about what the SA does and how it works, how to get involved, and more!
Stay connected with the SA on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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At GW, we aim to create a community that cares for one another. The CARE Network was created to provide a pathway through which students who may need additional support can be identified and referred to the most appropriate services. If you discover that your student is having trouble adjusting to the college transition (academics, making friends, living away from home, etc.), please submit an online CARE Report to be connected with a staff member who will work with them one-on-one. You will hear more about this important resource in an upcoming edition. We’re all in this together!
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Student Success Coaching Program
The Office for Student Success’ Student Success Coaching Program provides student-to-coach 1:1 sessions to help students build the needed foundation for a successful semester and beyond. Students are connected with a success coach to:
- Develop personal and professional goals
- Implement effective time management strategies
- Establish healthy study & learning habits
- Cultivate self-advocacy skills
- Build campus support systems
Academic Commons
Academic Commons is a one-stop shop for academic resources, services, and questions. Students can receive personalized help from student navigators who will connect them with the appropriate resources for their specific need.
The transition from high school to college can sometimes be difficult. Below you will find tips to share with your student to get them started on the right track:
Campus Libraries
GW has five libraries. Most new undergraduate students will use either the Gelman Library on the Foggy Bottom campus and Eckles Library on the Mount Vernon campus. Both offer a safe, comfortable place to study and are open to all GW students. Library resources are available 24-hours online. GW also offers a Top Textbooks program, so student's don’t have to buy their books, but instead, borrow them.
Technology
Get an overview of GW technology, including suggestions for what students need, how to get started, common academic software, and how they get help. All GW students can download the following software for FREE:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
- Symantec anti-virus software
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- Alternative Text Materials
- Assistive Technology
- Classroom Accessibility
- Housing Accessibility
- Interpreting and Captioning Services
- Note-taking Assistance
- Test Proctoring Services
In the email that your student received, we provided instructions on the documentation process needed to apply for an accommodation. Visit the DSS website for additional information. Feel free to email dss@gwu.edu if you have additional questions.
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Meet Nikki Vivekanandan, Class of 2021Hometown: Columbus, OH
Major: Nutrition Science (Milken Institute School of Public Health)
Nikki is the Vice President of Communications for Capital Peers, a student organization that works to promote health and wellness resources on campus. Capital Peers' goal is to make students aware of all services from medical to recreation! There are so many components that contribute to wellness and many ways to maximize your health at GW!
Words of advice: Students should take an LSPA (Lifestyle, Sport, Physical Activity) course! It's a great way not only to stay active, but to pick up a new hobby and learn more about themselves in the process.
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Recommended Summer Reading and Online ResourcesThere are many great resources that can aid in the college transition. Please take a look at a few of our recommendations below:
The full list, including descriptions of the books and resources, can be viewed on our website.
Leah Small
Sr. Program Associate
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