ICYMI: Recent Updates on GW’s Response to COVID-19

George Washington University leaders continue to provide updates on COVID-19 and its impact on the GW community during this extended period of virtual learning. 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 announced on Tuesday that effective immediately, all employees who have been working remotely are required to continue teleworking until further notice. Units with designated on-site employees will continue to have free parking on campus available to help promote social distancing during their commute. Find more details here.
   
• Based on feedback from students, who overwhelmingly said they want to have the “only at GW” moment of graduating on the National Mall, the class of 2020 will be invited to join the bicentennial Commencement on the National Mall in May 2021. The university is also working now to find a virtual way to celebrate together on May 17, 2020, to officially award degrees and welcome the class into our worldwide network of alumni. If you have suggestions for us, please email them to [email protected]. Find more details here.
   
• The university’s time-off policy has been augmented specifically for the COVID-19 situation. A new paid time off option, Pandemic Time (PND), is available for GW employees. The new PND time replaces the previously announced option of using sick time in advance of accrual. A list of eligible situations where an employee can use PND and additional information can be found here.
   
• Last week the university announced the decision to extend the virtual learning period through the end of the spring semester and cancel all on-campus events. You can find more information about how this impacts you here. Students who have belongings remaining in their residence hall room will receive more information soon about the packing, shipping and storage options that will be offered.
   
• The university announced some adjustments to academic policy, including the option for most undergraduate courses to be taken pass/no pass. Some exceptions apply and students should rely on guidance they receive from their specific schools. More information can be found here.
   
• Because of professional expectations and/or licensure issues, all graduate schools and professional programs are creating tailored responses concerning any academic policy adjustments. Students should refer to communications from their specific schools and speak with their academic advisers for more information.
   
• On-campus residents received guidance on how they would receive reimbursement for their housing expenses during the virtual learning period. A credit will be applied to their student accounts for the nightly rate of their residence hall room starting Friday, March 20, through the end of the semester for the extended virtual learning period. Find more information here.
   
• A GW student has tested positive for COVID-19, the university announced last week. The student lives off-campus and following the advice of public health officials, the student has self-isolated off-campus since being diagnosed.  Individuals who may have been exposed were notified directly by DC Health and given information about the next steps they should take. Find more information here. If you believe you or someone you know may have been exposed to COVID-19, please complete this form.
   
• The Marvin Center closed to the public on Friday. The Marvin Center will remain open to all students, faculty and staff with an active GWorld card from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to allow access to the Colonial Health Center and student support offices on the fifth floor with limited operational hours. Please check their websites or call for the latest information.
   
• The Colonial Health Center announced an adjusted schedule based on DC Department of Health guidance and adjustments to available services during the virtual learning period. All students will have access to 24/7 phone consultations and prescription refills. The CHC will also be open for crisis/emergency walk-in counseling sessions. Find more information about this here.
   
• Gelman Library closed on Friday. Libraries and Academic Innovation (LAI) will remain digitally open and access to remote library resources and services will always be available to all students, faculty and staff. This includes support for virtual learning, peer tutoring and course reviews, and faculty and student research. You can find more information about this change here.
   
• The university launched a live-answer GW Information Line for COVID-19-related questions for faculty and staff. This information line will be staffed by Human Resource Management and Development. Specialists on this information line  will provide support and information regarding employment-related issues faculty and staff may face during this rapidly evolving situation. Find more information here.
   
• Support is available for any GW student experiencing financial hardship at this time. Students may request emergency assistance by completing the GW CARES Student Assistance Fund form or by contacting [email protected] and student support staff will work with you to address your needs.