The university starts the academic year with a series of activities and events, including barbecues, performances, an adventure race and day of service.
George Washington is kicking off the 2012-13 academic year with more than 40 events to welcome students back to campus and educate them about the opportunities and resources available to them at the university.
Welcome Week 2012, which runs until Sept. 8, features GW’s new branding launch, academic lectures, barbecues, movies, a student performance showcase, panels and more. Some of the biggest events include the student organization fair, the Multicultural Student Services Center Block Party, Fall Fest, the Residence Hall Association’s Target Takeover and a GW First Chapter keynote address by Sebastian Junger, the author of “War.” The book was selected for this year’s GW First Chapter Freshman Reading Program, which provides all freshmen a common book to read and discuss.
The start of the school year is always “an exciting time,” said Peter Konwerski, senior associate provost and dean of student affairs, and Welcome Week is the perfect way to re-introduce new and returning GW students to their “home away from home” and the rigors of academic life in college.
“This year, the team planning Welcome Week put a great deal of work into offering programs that contribute to academic success and student engagement as well as building student community,” said Dr. Konwerski. “All undergraduate, graduate, distance and professional students should take advantage of the unique range of programming designed to help ease their transition back to school, no matter their age or class cohort.”
Welcome Week began Saturday, when President Steven Knapp, Provost Steven Lerman and other university staff helped students get settled into their residence halls on GW’s Move-In Day. Last night, the George Washington community got the first glimpse of the university’s new look and logo at the unveiling of GW’s new visual identity on University Yard.
The week concludes with the Freshman Day of Service and Convocation on Sept. 8, when Dr. Knapp will welcome students before they complete community service projects in honor of the National 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance and GW’s 100 years in Foggy Bottom. Political commentator Donna Brazile, vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, will serve as the keynote speaker.
Other events include tonight’s Student Performance Showcase in Lisner Auditorium; Librarypalooza!, a cookout with GW Libraries staff on Kogan Plaza; a study skills and time management workshop; the University Services and Student Organization Fair; a “Last Lecture” by GW Faculty Guide and Professorial Lecturer Rebecca Carr; a student veterans panel discussion; and a GW Sports and Spirit Kickoff behind South Hall.