Members of the George Washington University community should continue to telework and engage remotely following an extension of the District of Columbia’s “stay-at-home” order and the conclusion of the spring semester.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and exercise caution in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. The GW community is urged to continue monitoring GW’s COVID-19 website and FAQs, which are frequently updated with new information.
Here are some important recent updates from GW:
- GW held its Virtual Commencement Celebration for graduating students on Sunday. You can watch the pre-recorded event online.
- Mayor Muriel Bowser extended the “stay-at-home” order for D.C. residents until June 8. Residents are ordered to continue to avoid all non-essential travel in D.C. GW employees who are able should continue teleworking until further notice. Find more information in a letter to the community from Scott Burnotes, associate vice president for safety and security.
- The mayor’s stay at home extension directs essential businesses to require their employees and contractors to wear masks. Businesses must also instruct employees how to do so safely. To comply with this order, GW wants to reiterate to all employees and contractors that masks are required to be worn on campus when you are in public spaces, in our buildings, and walking around campus. When there is a possibility that you may encounter other people, you need to be wearing a mask or have your face covered. GW shared a video on safe mask usage in April.
- Face coverings are required for all Metro and Metrobus riders.
- GW Information Technology has received several reports of a phishing scam targeting international students. Victims of this scam may receive a fraudulent email claiming to be from the GW International Services Office. The communication directs the recipient to make a substantial bank deposit and provide other personal information in order to guarantee enrollment for Fall 2020 courses due to COVID-19. The GW community should ignore such requests and report any suspicious electronic communication to [email protected].
- Last week GW President Thomas LeBlanc provided an update on the university budget and steps GW will take to mitigate budget challenges.
- GW will experience significant financial losses in the next fiscal year, estimated between $100 million and $300 million depending on how “normal” it is able to safely operate, Dr. LeBlanc told the Faculty Senate at their latest meeting earlier this month. Read GW Today coverage of the meeting.