University Staffer Guides Students and Soldiers

Gabriel Slifka uses military values to promote positive decision-making

August 25, 2014

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By Brittney Dunkins

For Gabriel Slifka, director of the George Washington University Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, U.S. military service is more than a family tradition. It’s a way of life rooted in loyalty, honor, courage, sacrifice and integrity.

According to Mr. Slifka, learning about the military service of his grandfather, a U.S. Navy veteran, several uncles and other family members was a constant reminder of his own personal commitment to those values.  

“What inspired me the most was not their military responsibilities, but rather their personal sacrifice, duty to something greater and commitment to living life with honor and integrity through their daily actions,” he said.

Mr. Slifka continued his family’s legacy this spring by enlisting in the U.S. Army Reserve. As a member of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps, he works with watercraft operations.

“I view my Army experience as an opportunity to challenge myself personally and professionally, help others in my community and practice the same tenet that I encourage students to practice—using positive values as a compass for decision-making,” Mr. Slifka said.

Mr. Slifka left campus in January for basic and advanced individual training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., and Fort Eustis in Newport News, Va. Supportive colleagues welcomed him back in June.

“One of the things that I enjoy most about working at GW is the sense of fellowship among faculty, staff and students,” Mr. Slifka said. “Many of my colleagues personally reached out to me to share their support and, in some cases, their experiences in the armed forces.”

For nearly a decade, Mr. Slifka has worked in GW’s Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities to promote positive student behaviors that align with the university’s Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity. In May 2013, the offices dedicated to academic integrity and student rights and responsibilities merged to better integrate resources that help students make sound decisions inside and outside of the classroom. 

“Some of my most memorable moments at GW have been when current or former students who have interacted with our office reach out to me and share how much they have personally grown from the experience,” Mr. Slifka said. “I’ve been able to encourage students to reflect upon their actions and make future decisions based not only on their values, but GW values as well.”

Mr. Slifka said that his work in higher education has prepared him for one of his most memorable experiences in the Army—coaching young soldiers through their educational aspirations and their transition into adulthood.


“I view my Army experience as an opportunity to practice the same tenet that I encourage students to practice—using positive values as a compass for decision-making."

-Gabriel Slifka, Director of the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities"


“Similar to GW students, many young soldiers look for mentors to help guide them as they embark on their first real experience away from home,” Mr. Slifka said. “I enjoyed talking with soldiers about establishing a personal budget, their professional goals and future options for academic study.”

“I was also able to discuss the benefits that colleges and universities provide active-duty servicemen and veterans before, during and after the admissions process,” he said.

GW established the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services in 2009 to support veterans pursuing higher education under their G.I. Bill benefits. The university enhanced its commitment to student veterans in 2013 by launching the GW Veterans Accelerate Learning Opportunities and Rewards (VALOR) program under the direction of Associate Provost for Military and Veterans Affairs Vice Admiral (retired) Mel Williams Jr.

Since starting GW VALOR, the university signed the Yellow Ribbon Program agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and increased its institutional commitment to supporting GW students who are active, reserve and guard military members, as well as veterans and their families,

There were more than 1,353 self-identified military members, veterans and their family members enrolled at GW during the previous academic year.

Mr. Slifka said that he hopes to take advantage of all of GW’s resources for military members, veterans and their families while continuing to coach students and soldiers through milestones of adulthood.

“Since my return to campus, I have often thought of a saying of my drill and platoon sergeants: ‘If you are doing the right thing, you don’t have to be worried about doing the wrong thing,’” Mr. Slifka said. “It’s a simple lesson that the Army instills in new soldiers that can also have meaning for GW students as they think about their daily decisions.”