“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”
- bell hooks

March is here - and with it, a fresh mix of momentum, reflection, and connection. In this month’s newsletter, we’re spotlighting ways to support your academic goals, celebrate Women’s History Month, build community, and care for your mental health as the semester keeps moving. Take what you need, bookmark what’s useful, and read on for what’s happening in OSS and around GW this March!

To schedule a virtual or in-person meeting, contact our office at SMHSstudents@gwu.edu.

In this edition of the newsletter, you can find the following:

Boost Your Academic Success with Small Study Groups, enhance mid-term preparation

As you navigate this intense academic journey, joining a small study group can be one of the most effective ways to support both your learning and your sanity. Working together is a proven method to stay on top of material and support one another.

Why Join a Study Group?

Study groups offer numerous academic and personal advantages beyond just reviewing notes. Key benefits include:

Strategies for a High-Functioning Group

To make your sessions productive, research-based strategies suggest you should:

Proven Study Formats to Try

Keep your sessions fresh and effective by mixing up your format:

ClinicalKey now includes Study Resources with 170+ study guides, practice questions, and textbooks designed. Titles can be added to the ‘Bookshelf’ e-reader which allows users to read online and offline, highlight text, and create flashcards. Bookshelf also includes a ‘read aloud’ feature which allows users to adjust the speed, voice, and content settings (simplified vs detailed). 

Looking for ways to engage with OSS without scheduling an appointment? Check out the OSS website!

You’ll find a variety of on-demand resources to support small study group success, building a personalized study plan, citation style guides, time management, CV development, and more - available anytime, anywhere.

CV Support: We have a dedicated faculty advisor with whom you can schedule appointments to review and revise your CV. To schedule an appointment, email OSS  with your request and attach any resume or CV documents you may have. If you have never created a CV before, we are happy to work with you and share our template.

Learning Support: Our dedicated learning specialist, Terri Edwards, is available to meet with students to discuss active learning strategies, study strategies and scheduling, test taking strategies, and more. To book an appointment with her, please use her Calendly link.

Peer Tutoring: If you would like to work with a peer tutor, email OSS to learn more about peer-led academic support. 

Small Study Groups: Consider adding small group studying into your academic schedule. OSS assigns students to a study group of 2-5 students; the sessions are facilitated by a student who commits to that role. Groups may choose to meet in person or virtually. Contact OSS for more information to be a facilitator or participant.

Writing Coach: Coaching sessions help students build their writing confidence and develop vital writing skills for writing assignments, personal statements, and professional writing. To receive a referral to the writing coach, please email OSS directly.    

In 1987, the federal government officially designated March as Women’s History Month (WHM). This proclamation, signed by President Ronald Reagan, came after several decades of advocacy, passion, and persistence by figures such as Senators Barbara Mikulski and Orrin Hatch and the National Women’s History Project. Nationally, WHM encompasses the history and contributions women have made to society.

The George Washington University (GW) presented its first annual WHM in 2004. Promoting the historical contributions of women globally, WHM programs include culture shows, distinguished guest lectures, and other educational events. Below, you can find a list of events from the GW Events Calendar - click on this link to view more details about the MSCC and WHM:

Dr. Victoria Grieve on Labor Journalism, Labor Feminism: Women at the Federated Press - 3/25, 7-8pm

Back by very popular demand - you're invited to sign up for the SMHS Spring Baking Competition, co-sponsored by the Student Wellness Committee! After an incredible turnout and delicious lineup of entries last semester, we’re excited to bring this event back for another round of friendly competition.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just love a fun challenge, this is your chance to show off your favorite recipe and compete for the top spot.

The top 3 will win a Le Creuset 8 oz Mini Cocotte!

Not a baker? No problem! All SMHS students are invited to taste the entries and vote for their favorites to help crown the winners. 

*Please register to compete by midnight on Monday, 3/2

Join us on Wednesday, March 25, 12-1pm in Ross 229 for an intimate networking event where students rotate through small-group discussions with women professionals in medicine and the health sciences. Gain career insights, explore mentorship and leadership, and connect in a supportive, student-driven setting. Lunch will be provided.

All GW SMHS students are invited to register. Space is limited - register now!

Pass It On: A Spring Clean & Refresh Event

The Office of Student Support is planning a FREE Spring Clean & Refresh Event for the GW SMHS community. All GW SMHS students, faculty, and staff are invited to bring small housewares and other gently used items they no longer need to share with fellow SMHS community members. Everyone is also welcome to browse the market and take items as they wish.

Event Details

Wednesday, 4/22 | 10 AM - 4 PM
Ross Hall Student Lounge

Start saving items now! Drop-off will be available at OSS (Ross 202) starting Monday, 4/6.

*Please note: clothing will not be accepted. You do not need to bring something to be allowed to take items.*

Don't wait until Spring Break for a chance to relax! Join the Office of Graduate Affairs for free pizza and painting supplies, and enjoy a creative, stress-free break. Leave with your own canvas, a clearer mind, and new friends!

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Acts of Kindness Bingo last month, and congrats to our raffle winner: Amanda Maille (MD student)!

Showing kindness toward others is important - but don’t forget to extend it to yourself! Check out the strategies above to make self-care a lasting habit.

Thank you to those of you who submitted a DMV recommendation! We received an overwhelming amount of engagement, which resulted in an extensive Navigating the DMV Guide. Click the button above to access the guide. If you have any additional recommendations, or missed our first call for submissions, don't worry! We will continue accepting submissions, and the guide will continue to be updated.

Click the button below to submit a recommendation.

The GroW Community Garden is looking for volunteers who can help out during gardening hours. The garden is located right behind the SMHS building and garden hours are Tuesdays 3-4pm, Thursdays 1-2pm, and Sundays 10am-12pm. You can register for a shift clicking the button above or scanning the QR code on the flyer. Come join us for some time in the sun and help grow produce that will be donated to Miriam's Kitchen!

March seasonal produce includes: citrus fruits, pears, potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, spinach, leeks, and more!

For this month's seasonal recipe, try out this One Pot Broccoli Cheese Pesto Pasta recipe! This is a super quick and easy recipe - you can even boil the broccoli and pasta together to save more time.

Ruth Orkin: Women on the Move - through 3/29: The National Museum of Women in the Arts displays 21 vintage photos by Ruth Orkin. The collection documents women’s lives in the mid-20th century across images of European tourists, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps members, Hollywood celebrities, Broadway stars and women at work in classrooms, parks and neighborhoods.

National Gallery Nights: Garden Party - 3/12, 6-9pm: The National Gallery of Art’s popular after-hours series kicks into high gear with an evening that will see the museum in full bloom. Wear your finest spring attire and dance to The String Queens, design a floral accent, pose inside photobooths and explore art directly inspired by the wonders of nature. Tickets are FREE and registration is available on March 2.

National Cherry Blossom Festival - 3/20 - 4/12: DC celebrates the blooming of cherry trees with a month-long festival that commemorates the 1912 gift from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city. Check out popular festival events in the lead-up to the celebration, in addition to this guide to the celebration, how to get the most popular blossom spots and the best places to snap photos.

Student Wellness Committee: "The Wellness Committee is a group of elected students from all programs within the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences with a passion for promoting wellness in our community. We believe that as students who are training to become healthcare providers, it is critical that we learn to care for ourselves by nurturing our own personal health and wellness, as we strive to care for others. This committee seeks to promote wellness by organizing events and initiatives that enhance student wellbeing and strengthen relationships within our programs. We consider many dimensions of wellness and work with the Office for Student Support (OSS) to ensure accessibility to resources and safe spaces, as well as provide events like movie nights, picnics, cookie decorating, therapy dogs, and other initiatives to promote connectivity and healthy habits." - Student Wellness Committee Leadership

For information on how to join the Student Wellness Committee, or to send suggestions/ideas for wellness events, please send them an email.

SMHS Student - Parent Support Network: The Office of Student Support (OSS) is excited to announce an initiative aimed at connecting student-parents across SMHS. We recognize that balancing academic responsibilities with parenting can be challenging, and we want to offer a supportive network to help navigate these demands. By filling out a short google form, you will have the opportunity to receive contact information for other student-parents who are also interested in joining this network. Click here to fill out the form.

Student Organizations: Interested in joining one of the 80+ student organizations SMHS has to offer? You can find a full list of them here, updated every semester.

Want to start your own organization? The Medical Center Student Council provides guidance on the process on their website, with enrollment periods open twice a year.

GW SMHS Event Promotion - OSS Newsletter Feature Request Form: Do you have an upcoming event or campaign open to all GW SMHS students? Need help getting the word out? Complete the brief form below to apply for your event to be featured in the next edition of our newsletter.

Deadline: The form must be submitted at least one week prior to the release of the newsletter edition in question. Editions are released on the first weekday of each month. 

Questions? Contact Emma Smith at emma.smith@gwu.edu.

Take a creative pause with Art Therapy Intern Mia Goff during Open Studio Hours! These drop-in sessions offer a relaxed, supportive space to unwind, reflect, and engage in art-making - no experience required. 

Dates: Every 2nd & 4th Monday - 3/9, 3/23, 4/13, 4/27
Time: 12–2 PM
Location: Ross Hall, Room 202C

This is a drop-in, low-pressure space to decompress and create. Optional activities and prompts will be available, including:

- Drawing your to-do list as a character

- Mindful coloring and grounding exercises

- Drawing your stress as a silly monster

- Pebble path drawing

All GW SMHS students are invited, stop by anytime during the session and create at your own pace. Feel free to bring your lunch if you wish!

Talkspace: As educators of our future healthcare professionals, we know how important mental health is and are pleased to offer all SMHS students a free subscription to Talkspace. Talkspace offers unlimited text messaging and four 30-minute video sessions a month with a licensed therapist and is a convenient, clinically effective, and confidential service. You will be matched with a therapist that suits you and your needs via a special algorithm. To register, go to www.talkspace.com/gwu and click "Get Started." You will then be asked to input your contact information and the organization keyword that corresponds with your SMHS program. Keywords include: GWU-MEDSTU (MD students), GWU-HEALTHSCI (Health Sciences students), and GWU-MEDRES (Medical Residents). 

Please note that after 12 months of using the platform, you will need to revalidate your account. You should receive notification 21 days and 7 days before your renewal deadline. Please follow this guide to help you revalidate. If you are unable to revalidate before your deadline, please reach out to Talkspace Partner Support using their Help Desk (click the button below) to be revalidated and request to continue with your current therapist.

Students who experience difficulty registering or revalidating should contact Alex Velto (alex.velto@gwu.edu).

Student Health Center:  The Student Health Center (formally CHC) is open and operating to assist students seeking medical, psychiatric, counseling, and psychological services. Physicians and counselors provide in-person treatment in the office, and virtual appointments are offered during regular business hours. Call 202-994-5300 to schedule an appointment.  

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (ET); extended hours until 7pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Saturday: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

Sunday: 12:00 pm-4:00 pm on the Mount Vernon Campus

Resiliency and Well-Being Center: OSS frequently collaborates with the GW RW&C on matters related to individual and group well-being. The R&W Center takes an evidence-based, whole-person approach in the health and wellness (well-being) services it provides to the GW medical enterprise—SMHS, GW MFA, and the GW Hospital.  The R&W Center provides individual, departmental, and institutional-level services.  

Additional Resiliency and Well-Being Center workshop information can be found here.

Want to stay up-to date with OSS Events in 2026? Click here to add the Office of Student Support (OSS) Events Calendar to your Google Calendar. You can also check out the Events Tab on the OSS website to see event details.

Interested in meeting with our learning specialist, Terri Edwards, or with our Associate Director, Alex Velto? Use Zoom Scheduler to easily schedule a meeting!