George Washington University leaders announced that classes will continue to meet virtually for the summer 2020 semester, provided updates on the strategic planning process and issued additional guidance on COVID-19 and its impact on the GW community.
Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to follow the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and exercise caution over the next several weeks 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:
- The university expects restrictions on travel and gatherings will continue to be in place at the start of the summer 2020 semester. Therefore, in addition to regularly scheduled online courses, GW will make online accommodations for the courses that are scheduled to be taught in person for summer 2020. Some previously scheduled in-person courses will meet in an online format while others may have to be canceled. Find more information here.
- All residence halls will remain closed throughout the summer. In addition, the university will not provide intern or conference housing this summer. Gelman Library, Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library and the Jacob Burns Law Library buildings will remain closed until further notice. All libraries remain open virtually with online support. Remote library services and resources remain available, although all library buildings will remain closed until further notice. Find more information here.
- Research activities that can be conducted remotely will continue during the summer. Decisions when on-campus research activities can resume will be made separately. Find more information here.
- GW's medical enterprise is launching drive-thru COVID-19 testing on April 6 in parking “Lot 3” on the corner of 20th and H streets NW, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and running until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Testing at the GW site will be by appointment only. Find more details about how to get a referral for testing and a testing appointment here.
- President Thomas LeBlanc said in a letter to the GW community that the strategic planning process will be paused for the foreseeable future in order to focus on the university’s immediate needs. The full impact of COVID-19 is yet to be seen, and it is likely to substantially affect many of the assumptions the university made when developing the strategic plan. Today, GW’s focus must continue to be on efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the university community and on enhancing virtual learning infrastructure. Read Dr. LeBlanc’s message here.
- While the spread of COVID-19 has led to an increased sense of community for some, the crisis has also put a spotlight on inequity and hatred in our nation and in the world. Incidents have been reported to the university since the rise of the virus and the university may see an increase in bias-related behaviors and hurtful experiences. Those who take part in creating a hostile environment will be held accountable through university processes and policies against various forms of discrimination and harassment. Find more information here.
- Last week, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) ordered that all city residents should stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel in their communities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Similar orders were issued by the governors of Maryland and Virginia as well. GW takes seriously this guidance from our regional government officials and wants to reinforce the message to our students, faculty and staff. Find more information here.
- GW Information Technology informed the GW community of reports that a vulnerability within the chat function of Zoom for Windows may permit unauthorized access to online classes and video conferences. This may allow hackers to send a malicious link through Zoom chat. Find more information here. Report any suspicious electronic communication or request to [email protected].
- The Office of Ethics, Compliance and Privacy, in partnership with GW IT Security, reminds the GW community that good security and data protection practices continue to be important as we operate in an online environment. Guidance on the use of virtual tools and technologies and best practices for data privacy protection while telecommuting can be found here.
- Payroll Services notified GW employees of the procedure to cancel or suspend SmarTrip deductions given the recent stay at home orders. To cancel deductions, log in to your WMATA account and follow instructions outlined to place the benefit on hold. Reference the April 2 email from [email protected] for more information.
- GW Benefits reminded employees that if they experience a change in status or a change in the cost or coverage of services such as daycare or afterschool care, this is considered a Qualified Life Event, allowing you to make a mid-year change. To make a change to your DCFSA election, please complete this form and scan and email it to [email protected]. Reference the April 3 email from GW Benefits for more information.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently published a list of disinfectants that meet its criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. You can find this guidance on the EPA website.
