The George Washington University will implement a new model for its “Inside GW” admitted student experience next month, bringing hundreds of prospective members of the class of 2022 to campus each weekday and one Saturday in April.
The increased number of sessions, with fewer families in attendance each day, will give admitted students a chance for a more personalized experience.
“Inside GW gives admitted students an opportunity to immerse themselves in the GW experience,” said Laurie Koehler, vice provost for enrollment management and retention. “We’re excited to offer smaller sessions to students so that they can truly get a sense of GW’s culture, ask meaningful questions to faculty and staff and engage with current students to determine whether this is the right fit for them.”
In 2017, GW Admissions hosted five Inside GW programs, which drew groups of about 1,200. This year, the Office of Undergraduate Admissions will cap attendance for most days at less than 250, with “medium” groups of up to 350 on Monday, April 9, and Monday, April 16. Inside GW sessions on Friday, April 6, Friday, April 13, Friday, April 20, and Saturday, April 21, will be able to accommodate “large” groups of up to 750.
Registration for most sessions will close the week before.
“Based on survey feedback from last year's programming, it was clear that admitted students wanted greater substance around the academic experience,” said Dean of Admissions Costas Solomou. “So this year, with the help of our campus partners, we are programming Inside GW more like a pre-orientation, including more focus on advising, registration, the classroom experience and engaging current students within their program of study.”
Students and their families will spend the day together, with an option to explore both the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses.
Each group of admitted students will start the Inside GW day with a performance by GW student groups, followed by welcoming remarks from GW administrators and a panel featuring representatives from student support programs across campus, including the Office of Retention, Center for Student Engagement, Center for Career Services, and the Multicultural Student Services Center, among other offices.
Students will then split into groups, based on the individual school to which they were admitted, for tours led by GW students from their schools.
The afternoon will feature “Knowledge In Action” symposiums designed by individual schools. The hour-long programs may include anything from peer and faculty panels to mock lectures or tours of school-specific facilities. As some students attend the “Knowledge In Action” symposiums, others will concurrently tour GW residence halls.
The afternoon will feature additional on-campus programming, including receptions for special programs like Civic House and the University Honors Program; informational drop-ins and activities at the George Washington Museum and The Textile Museum and Colonial Health Center; and drop-in office hours for some faculty and staff. Admitted students and their families can also meet with financial aid counselors throughout the day.
“Admitted students want to be treated like they’re already part of the community, and we want them to feel like they are,” GW Welcome Center Lead Maya Williams said.