Not many universities greet incoming freshmen with a personalized rendition of the classic Hall & Oates tune “You Make My Dreams Come True.”
But for GW’s class of 2015, the ’80s hit song was just part of a spirited kickoff that also included laser light effects, giveaways, and the GW Fight Song—all staged by the Colonial Cabinet in Lisner Auditorium at the first of this summer’s Colonial Inaugurations held June 14 to 16.
In the next three weeks, hundreds more incoming freshmen will tour the campus, learn about their specific school, engage with faculty, and make new friends at CI, the first stop for freshmen and their families for more than 20 years.
Director of Colonial Inauguration Steve Roche said CI is an experience for “the whole GW family.”
“At the end of CI, I hope students and parents are more familiar with campus, the resources afforded them, and the opportunities that await them!” said Mr. Roche.
During the three-day program, students meet with advisers and faculty from their individual schools to learn about majors, study abroad opportunities and internships; tour the residence hall where they will be living in the fall; learn about all the different student organizations on campus; and practice registering for classes. Students also get a preview of college living during their stay in Thurston Hall, while parents and siblings stay in local hotels.
Each incoming freshman is assigned to a small group and a member of the Colonial Cabinet, a group of sophomores, juniors and seniors who are chosen from a pool of about 200 applicants and help put on CI each year.
At CI, incoming freshmen have several opportunities to get all their questions answered by their group leader and discuss topics like time management, making responsible choices around drugs and alcohol and how to deal with a roommate conflict. Students who will live together in the fall stay on the same floor in Thurston Hall during CI.
In the evenings, students can meet faculty members, watch a student performance showcase, attend a dance sponsored by Program Board and the Multicultural Student Services Center and enjoy a late-night party with snacks from D.C. food trucks. Then at midnight, the Colonial Cabinet takes students to “CI in the City,” where freshmen get to experience the group’s favorite D.C. spots.
There are four CI sessions throughout the summer and one in the fall for international and transfer students. Approximately 500 students attend each session.
At the CI kickoff June 14, GW President Steven Knapp, Provost Steven Lerman, Senior Vice Provost and Senior Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services Robert Chernak and Student Association President John Richardson welcomed the class of 2015 to campus and shared some GW wisdom.
Dr. Knapp described some of the opportunities and distinguished guests GW attracts, stating the university provides “a front-row seat to history.”
He urged students to build strong relationships with faculty, get involved with GW athletics and community service and—if students see him on campus— to stop and say hello.
“I look forward to getting to know all of you,” said Dr. Knapp. “You’re going to have an extraordinary experience between now and 2015.”
During his remarks, devoted Boston Red Sox fan Dr. Chernak put on a New York Yankees hat for what he deemed a lesson of “political correctness.” He spoke about GW’s rich athletic history and called for a “seventh-inning stretch,” encouraging students and parents to stand up and meet each other.
He also noted the class of 2015’s academic prowess and cited some statistics: 75 have parents who are GW alumni, 31 have siblings who are GW alumni and 80 have siblings who are currently enrolled at GW.
“We are so proud you selected this institution as your first choice,” said Dr. Chernak. “You are now part of the Colonial family.”
Erica Johnson from Shrewsbury, Mass., said she was attracted to GW because of its location and diversity of classes. A Presidential Scholar in the Arts, Ms. Johnson plans to pursue a marketing major and music minor. She said the enthusiasm of CI staff made her feel supported.
“It’s definitely helped to get into the spirit and know everyone here is already having fun,” she said. “I’ve found it really welcoming.”
CI also includes a variety of activities for parents and siblings. In addition to learning about their students’ specific school and major, parents hear from Rodney L. Johnson, executive director of parent services, about the importance of letting go and how to support their children during college, and enjoy a wine and cheese reception in the City View Room at 1957 E Street.
Siblings of incoming freshmen are entertained with a myriad of outings, including a riverboat cruise and a tour of the U.S. Capitol.
Lynda and Roland Graham-Helwig traveled from Foster City, Calif. with their daughter Sarah to attend CI, but it wasn’t their first time on campus: their son Benjamin graduated from GW in May. Ms. Graham-Helwig said Sarah wanted to attend GW because of her brother’s positive experience and the internship opportunities in the District.
“We’re so excited for Sarah to be in D.C. and Benjamin to be here with a job. He had a wonderful experience [at GW] so we were so excited to have Sarah be a legacy at GW,” said Ms. Graham-Helwig. “This year’s CI is a completely new inauguration so I’m sure we’re going to learn a lot of new things.”
While every school has some type of orientation to welcome their freshmen to campus, Dean of Students Peter Konwerski said GW’s “comprehensive approach” incorporates the entire family.
“Over the past 20 years, CI has become a GW tradition that every student in a generation has experienced,” he said. “A real GW hallmark, the welcome students receive at CI embodies what makes being a student in our campus community so special.”