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Inside this edition- A Message from Georgette Edmondson-Wright
- Enrollment Planning Update
- Student Resources
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Colleagues,
As our students adjust to learning and engaging remotely, they continue to seek support around the many areas of their lives that have been impacted by this significant disruption. We appreciate the flexibility you have demonstrated and the creative ways that you are adapting in the classroom and beyond to support students in their academic journey. In addition to implementing academic policy accommodations (including the option for most undergraduate courses to be taken as pass/no pass, and academic advisors easing holds on students who have not declared a major to ensure that they are focusing on immediate needs), the university is also looking to build in more leniency on administrative and financial barriers that impact a student's ability to progress. We have been working with the Office of the Provost, the schools, and partners across campus on some of these initiatives.
The Office for Student Success (OSS) will be working with campus partners to expand outreach to continuing students who do not register for fall, and students who are otherwise at risk of not returning. Our team for Academic Success and Retention has put together tips for students to be successful in a remote learning environment. In addition to online tutoring through Academic Commons, your students may want to take advantage of online coaching support as they balance many competing priorities. We are also reaching out to students about summer session offerings including special programs such as Summer EAP for incoming and returning international students, and Summer Academy that targets students who are at most risk for retention and graduation. If you are concerned about a student who may need additional support, please do not hesitate to put them in touch with our office at success@gwu.edu.
Most importantly, we know that you are fielding many questions from students about issues that they are encountering. I encourage you to take a few moments to review the variety of resources that have been shared campus-wide and others included below. You will also find useful the Covid-10 guidance from the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Community Engagement here.
Thank you for all that you do to support students.
Be well,
Georgette Edmondson-Wright
Associate Vice Provost for Student Success
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Enrollment Planning
Undergraduate Admissions
Given the challenge of yielding our newly admitted students without the ability to host them on campus, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions has shifted to virtual offerings, building an online platform that will include pre-recorded video content as well as livestreamed presentations and Q&A sessions throughout the month of April. Undergraduate Admissions has shared lists of admitted students to each school's advising office, and many schools are doing additional outreach via phone, email, and social media.
Graduate Enrollment
All in-person graduate enrollment yield events, domestically and internationally, were cancelled due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. All graduate enrollment yield activities have been moved to online formats (e.g. webinars, chats, live streaming etc.), including production of branded content for webcast, live streaming, chats, and other support services.
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Financial Resources
The Office for Student Financial Assistance (OSFA) continues to help students navigate the financial aid process during this crisis. The office has reached out to any student that has previously submitted the FAFSA. If students have questions about financial aid, please have them reach out to OSFA directly by phone (202-994-6620) or email (finaid@gwu.edu).
Emergency funding requests are now being distributed by a centralized GW CARES Student Assistance Fund. If you are interested in contributing to the GW CARES fund, you can do that here.
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Virtual Student Events
Now more than ever, maintaining our connection to each other is so important. Social distancing asks us to be physically apart, but there are still so many ways for students to stay engaged with each other and the GW community. We want to help facilitate those connections, and continue to bring all students together for a positive student experience.
Every week for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester members of the Division for Student Affairs teams will be hosting events, from Netflix watch parties, weekly workouts, and trivia, to podcast discussions and workshops. We've also put together a list of virtual engagement opportunities that students can take advantage of on their own time.
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Virtual Library Services and Resources
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Top Textbooks and Redshelf
The GW Campus Store has partnered with the publishing community to provide students with up to seven free eBooks from participating publishers through May 25 through RedShelf. This includes almost all Top Textbooks. RedShelf may have textbooks for other classes available, as well. For the Top Textbooks that aren't available through RedShelf, instructors can contact libresrv@gwu.edu to have relevant portions of a Top Textbook scanned, or reserve items available on Blackboard. Students should contact their instructor if required reading assignments are not available on Blackboard.
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Internet Access
Free internet for students is being offered nationally through Comcast and Charter. Comcast is offering two months free to new "Internet Essentials" customers in response to COVID-19 disruptions. Charter is offering free Spectrum broadband and wifi access for 60 days to households with college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription.
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DSS Resources
During the transition to virtual learning, DSS will remain available to assist students. If a student encounters an issue accessing their course materials or their approved accommodations, contact dss@gwu.edu or visit their website.
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Colonial Health Center
The Colonial Health Center’s top priority is the health and well-being of the GW community. The CHC is operating by telemedicine until further notice. They are not open for in-person visits. If students are not feeling well or have any COVID-19 related questions, please have them contact the CHC at 202-994-5300. Clinicians and counselors are available to speak with students 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Summer Programs
Summer session plays an important role in supporting our students and is a part of an effective institutional strategy toward retention, as it is a time for students to improve their academic standing and make progress toward degree during the summer months. Summer study also presents opportunities for students who are at-risk to build a strong foundation for continued study through programs like Summer Academy, or for incoming and continuing international students to prepare for future study through our Summer English for Academic Purposes program. Additional information can be found at https://summer.gwu.edu/.
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Career Resources
GW Career Services is available to support students, hosting a variety of virtual events, including career fairs and meetings with companies that are hiring. In addition, they have published articles in Handshake that provides detailed information on virtual services and programs:
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International Student Resources
The International Services Office (ISO) is committed to improving the student experience of all GW international students and scholars through programming and events. Programming is built around 4 areas of need: Orientation and Adjustments, Immigration Support, Professional and Career Support, and Social and Cultural Exchange.
ISO is committed to supporting students throughout the COVID-19 crisis. The office has released podcasts to keep students informed, developed an international students' preparedness kit, and is offering virtual advising. more information can be found here.
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