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We won't be relaxing poolside, wiggling our toes in the sand, or participating in an Alternative Spring Break, but we will be closing an hour early during the week of March 11-March 15. Our "Spring Break" office hours will be Monday - Friday 9:00 am -5:00 pm. 

The Office of the Registrar has posted the summer 2013 schedule of classes and the following information for Summer Sessions registration:

Session I Session II
General Registration Friday, March 1 - Sunday, May 19 Friday, March 1 - Sunday, July 7
Late Registration Begins Monday, May 20Friday, May 24 is the last day for ALL Consortium registrationMonday, May 27 is the last day to add a class via GWeb or to drop a class via any meansFriday, May 31 is the last day to add a class via RTF-EZFriday, June 14 is the last day to withdraw from a class with a grade of 'W' using the RTF-EZ or to change grade mode with Dean's permission Begins Monday, July 8Friday, May 24 is the last day for ALL Consortium registrationSunday, July 14 is the last day to add a class via GWeb or to drop a class via any meansFriday, July 19 is the last day to add a class via RTF-EZFriday, August 2 is the last day to withdraw from a class with a grade of 'W' using the RTF-EZ or to change grade mode with Dean's permission

 

If you're thinking about taking summer classes, here are some things to consider:

  • Full-time status is considered six (6) credits during the summer (half-time is considered 3 credits).
  • Summer classes are condensed into 6, 8, 10, and 14-week sessions. This means in most cases you'll cover the same amount of material in less time.
  • GW offers an array of "Special Programs" during the summer, including Summer Institutes and Short-term Abroad programs.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that provides international students with the opportunity to gain practical experience that is directly related to the student's current field and degree for up to twelve months after completion of your academic program. There are guidelines and eligibility requirements that you'll need to pay close attention to, so please take a moment to review them here before contacting your academic advisor.

In order to write a letter supporting your request for OPT, we'll need a Practical Training Cover Letter from you. As noted on the International Services Office website, the letter should include the following:

• Current date
• Your major field of study
• Your degree objective
• The date you expect to complete your studies*
• Your GW student ID number and Social Security Number (if any)
• A description of the practical training (what type of job you will seek)
• How the practical training is related to your field of study
• The beginning and ending dates of your requested practical training **
• Your name (printed) and signature
*For your expected completion date, use the last day of final exams in your final semester of study.
**Visit the ISO's website for more information on how to correctly choose your start and end dates, and implications of the dates you choose.

Once you've crafted your cover letter, send it to your academic advisor along with your request that he/she write a letter of support for you. Once your advisor has received your cover letter, it may take 3-4 business days for the letter to be written. Once your advisor has written the letter, he/she will contact you via e-mail letting you know your letter is ready to be picked-up. You do not need an appointment to pick-up your letter. Simple bring a valid photo-ID to the front desk of Academic Advising and Student services during normal office hours.

The fourth annual Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) conference will bring "over 1500 global leaders, researchers, policy makers, educators, and students" to Washington, DC March 14-16, 2013 to discuss global health challenges. Visit our Research, Fellowships, and Conference Opportunities page if this event sounds like something you  Want to Know  more about!

 

 

An informative e-mail containing detailed information on the upcoming May 17 Elliott School Celebration and May 19 University Commencement ceremonies should have arrived in your inbox yesterday afternoon if you are at least near the half-way point of your degree (based on the number of credits you've earned, not your completed requirements!). This e-mail explains the ticket distribution process, how to order regalia, and how to enter the Student Speaker competition.

If you feel that you should have received the e-mail and did not please check your GW e-mail (including the "spam" and "trash" folders) and then e-mail esiacelebration@gmail.com.

Each year, on the third Monday in February, we recognize George Washington's birthday as President's Day (many of us do so by enjoying a day off!). We hope you all enjoyed the three day weekend and got a chance to celebrate President's Day by partaking in one of the many activities taking place in the DC area. If you missed your chance to attend an event, there's still an opportunity to brush up on your Washington History by taking a walking tour of Alexandria, Washington's hometown.

Dates:  Every Sunday in February (3rd, 10th, 17th, & 24th)
Time:  2 p.m. (tour lasts about one hour)
Location:  Meet at the Ramsay House Visitors Center(near the intersection of King & Fairfax Streets)
Ticket Price:   Free! Advance reservations not required.
Visit http://www.washingtonbirthday.net/status for more information.

Hopefully you and your academic advisor have built a rapport with each other.  But, you should be concerned if your advisor knows your GWID by heart.  This means that he or she has a photographic memory and should be putting this talent to use in some other way.  Or it means that you require so much attention that it is easier for your advisor to commit your GWID to memory.  Neither option is good.

It is important that you include your GWID in messages to your academic advisor even if you and your advisor have a strong relationship.  Including your GWID helps your advisor file your communications properly and investigate questions you might have related to your student record.  Remember GW was founded in 1821, so chances are that there are a number of students in the GW system with your same name.  The GWID is the best way to distinguish between you and them.

February 8, 2013 was the traditional Lunar New Year eve. Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA) and the Elliott School Graduate Student Ambassadors (GSA) teamed up to host an event, which combined an International Potluck and Lunar New Year Celebration. Yue (Luna) Wang helped organize and host the event, where students gathered to taste Asian foods and  enjoy a show. Students  who attended had the opportunity to experience the energy surrounding the Lunar New Year, chat with Asian students about customs and traditions, and practice conversational skills in Asian languages.

GSA, Luna Wang, celebrating the Lunar New Year
Graduate Student Ambassador, Luna Wang , celebrating the Lunar New Year

Thinking about adding an MBA to your MA?  A joint degree program may be just the thing for you.

Join us to learn more about our MA/MBA programs. Connect with admissions directors and academic advisors from GW's School of Business and the Elliott School at an information session to learn about making yourself an ideal candidate.

 Wednesday, March 6, 2013 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

 Duques Hall #520
2201 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20052

 Please RSVP here

Duques Hall is located at the corner of 22nd and G Streets, NW, three blocks from the Foggy Bottom Metro station.
Parking is also available in the garages at the Academic Center (I Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets, NW) and the Marvin Center (H Street, between 21st and 22nd Streets, NW). Please bring your parking ticket stub with you to be validated. Metered parking is also available on the streets.