GW’s Coronavirus Response site logo

Coronavirus Response

 

Campus Commitment & Policy

All members of the GW community have a responsibility in fostering our shared good health and well-being and engaging in behavior that aids in the prevention, infection control, and mitigation of the COVID-19 disease. To that end, as a member of GW’s community, I commit to take the following steps within my power to protect myself and others from the harmful effects and spread of COVID-19. This is my commitment to:

Care for Myself

  • I will monitor myself for symptoms of COVID-19 and seek appropriate medical attention.
  • I will engage, as I am able, in routine hygiene practices such as washing my hands regularly with soap and water, using hand sanitizer, and other measures to promote routine cleanliness.
  • I will receive vaccines, as directed by university authorities, to support the health and safety of the GW community, unless an exemption has been granted. This may include the COVID-19 vaccine, flu vaccine, or boosters as they become available.
  • I will seek clarification and support when I need it, including physical and mental health resources, and will address any difficulties I have with upholding this commitment. 

Care for Others

  • I will maintain appropriate physical distance and be mindful that other community members may have particular vulnerabilities.
  • I will stay home and isolate if I am ill or have been asked by public health authorities to do so.
  • I will wear a mask or face covering when required on campus and, off-campus, as required by local health departments. I will respect the choices of those who continue to wear a mask or face covering even when not required.
  • I will #RaiseHigh and help others who may be struggling, including kindly reminding others of this commitment when needed.

Care for Our Community

  • I will take part in cleaning shared or communal spaces as well as my personal belongings and spaces regularly.
  • I will participate in testing and contact tracing when required as directed for community wellness.
  • I will cooperate with directives, including signage from the university and public health officials.
  • I will support the diverse and valuable identities of the GW community by intervening in or reporting bias-related incidents at diversity.gwu.edu.

GW's commitment to health & well-being is also available for download (PDF). 

The Campus Health & Well-Being Policy

GW is committed to maintaining a healthy and safe environment for the GW campus community to the greatest extent possible. The Campus Health & Well-Being Policy is rooted in our GW values and service priorities, particularly the safety and care of the GW community. All members of the GW community are expected to abide by this policy. 

This policy is focused on COVID-19 prevention, infection control and mitigation following federal and local public health guidance and the university’s best judgment on reasonable and appropriate public safety measures.

Failure to abide by the above may result in disciplinary action, including temporary or permanent removal, to maintain the health and well-being of our community.

Bias

GW is committed to fostering a healthy and safe environment free of hate or bias and in which every member of the community feels welcome. In particular, spreading misinformation and rumors that COVID-19 is being transmitted within certain communities serves only to harm and divide. 

If you are the target of or witness a bias incident, please visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement website to learn more about your reporting options and to file a report. Additionally, consistent with GW’s Non-Retaliation Policy, retaliation against GW community members who make a good faith report of non-compliance, a bias incident, or who participate in an investigation under this policy is prohibited.

Non-Compliance

Members of the GW community are encouraged to address non-compliant behavior of other community members, if safe to do so, through direct communication. If assistance is needed, an individual in a position of authority should be engaged to assist. It is the goal to remediate the situation without further escalation. However, repeated or elevated non-compliance with the policy may result in immediate corrective action such as exclusion from campus properties until compliance is achieved, as well as potential disciplinary action to address immediate and long-term cooperation with these necessary expectations.

In circumstances where accountability between community members does not succeed or is not safe, nor is the addressing of the behavior by an authority figure successful, the university has reporting mechanisms in place outlined in the policy. Accountability processes will consider the severity of the behavior and impact on the community. Reports of student non-compliance will be managed by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, and faculty and staff reports will be addressed within the established Faculty Affairs and Employee Relations processes. Response can range from a warning and education to exclusion from campus properties whether permanently or temporarily.