Spring 2021 Update
While the university remains focused on ensuring a successful fall semester, we also recognize the importance of planning for and communicating about the spring.
Recently, we have discussed our spring plans in the context of some very important considerations:
- Our foremost priority of health and safety.
- Recognition of the current spread of the virus and the continued uncertainty about the course of the pandemic over the next several months, both locally and nationally.
- Our commitment to a positive student residential experience and recognition of the pandemic’s effect on the residential experience, including local limitations on gatherings and other necessary public health measures.
- Feedback from our community, including continued concern for health and safety, a desire for flexibility, and a need for definitive information that allows ample time for planning.
Based on these considerations, and after consultation with the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Student Association leadership, academic leadership, and the Board of Trustees, we have determined we will continue virtual instruction in the spring. All undergraduate courses and most graduate programs will be conducted online, with limited exceptions for courses that require in-person instruction or research.
We recognize that many members of our community will have questions based on their specific situations. We will provide more information as soon as possible, and we plan to hold several virtual question-and-answer forums for members of the community over the coming weeks. You will receive information on how to attend these forums as they are scheduled. We also will update this website regularly with more information.
Latest Update
Thanks to the expertise and capacity GW has developed to effectively manage in-house COVID-19 testing, the seriousness with which the community has taken compliance with health and safety measures, and the resulting success of our efforts to contain the spread of the virus on campus, GW plans to welcome back 1,500 additional residential students to campus for the spring semester. In the coming days, all undergraduate students will receive detailed instructions on how to apply for housing.
GW COVID-19 Testing Dashboard
The George Washington University’s COVID-19 Testing Dashboard provides comprehensive and up-to-date data on coronavirus testing and results for the university’s on-campus community members. In compliance with privacy laws, the university does not disclose individual identifying information.
Testing and Tracing
Symptom monitoring and regular testing for on-campus students, faculty and staff will play a key role in ensuring a safe environment for members of the GW community who live and work on campus. Members of the on-campus cohort must schedule regular testing appointments through the medical portal and are expected to monitor their symptoms daily.
Campus Access
Access to GW’s campuses this fall is limited to only students, faculty and staff who have been granted special permission to enter university buildings. Those granted access include faculty who applied to teach or conduct research on campus this fall and staff who need access to campus to perform essential functions of their job. Individuals who have been approved for campus access have been notified, all others should continue to telework and engage with the university remotely during the fall semester.
All Access GW
This new series from GW Today shows how the university has prepared to provide a high-quality academic experience for the fall semester.
Michele Carlson, associate professor in the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design, sees virtual learning as an opportunity to make the art of printmaking more accessible.
Pablo Frank-Bolton from the School of Engineering and Applied Science looks for new ways to connect with his computer science students virtually.
Tamara Henry, an associate teaching professor in the Milken Institute School of Public Health, makes social justice a core component of her courses.
