The George Washington University announced Monday the GW Community Response Program, a new effort to provide real-time responses to community members’ concerns about off-campus incidents in the Foggy Bottom and West End neighborhoods.
The pilot program will run during 10 weekends between fall 2015 and summer 2016, including Labor Day, Halloween and Commencement weekends.
Under the initiative, community responders will document potential incidents that are reported via the Community Concern Hotline.
Responders will use a report form to provide information regarding the time, location and nature of the complaint or request, based on their observations. This will help hold students accountable for incidents verified by university staff.
The Division of Student Affairs, the GW Office of Government and Community Relations and the GW Office of Safety and Security are training responders, who may be current employees or applicants from outside the university. Those interested can apply online to be a community responder.
Misconduct, including excessive noise and other disturbances, will be documented.
All reports will be filed for review with the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. University policies regarding adjudication for violations of the Code of Student Conduct continue to apply.
Student leaders were briefed about the development of the program over the past few weeks. Information for students living on- and off-campus also will be included in the “Be A Good Neighbor” in-person orientation events held at 6 p.m. Sept. 1 and Sept. 3. The events are designed to educate students about safety and security, Foggy Bottom/West End community standards and the rights and responsibilities of student residents.
The Community Response Program is one GW’s many efforts to foster a positive and inclusive relationship with community members, including the Web-based “Be A Good Neighbor” and “Living Off Campus” tutorials that students are required to complete by Sept. 18.