In case you missed it. President Granberg shared a warm and insightful message to the GW community.
Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
Welcome to the fall 2024 semester!
As we embark on a new academic year, we welcome thousands of new Revolutionaries to our GW family and welcome back our returning students, faculty, and staff. This is always an exciting time, and it is wonderful to see our campuses come alive with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.
In just a matter of days, new and returning students will once again be learning alongside our nation’s leaders while being educated by a remarkable and highly talented faculty. On our fields and court, in our pool, on our stages, and in our studios, GW athletes and artists will compete and create, embodying the passion, dedication, and excellence that defines the Revolutionary spirit. In our classrooms, labs, and more than 60 centers and institutes, our community will engage in world-changing research, drive social change, and become the next generation of leaders and changemakers. This year, there is so much to look forward to.
This semester is particularly special for our community as we find ourselves on the doorstep of a pivotal moment in both the history of our university and our nation. In just a few weeks, we will announce the next phase of our strategic framework process, which will chart a new course for our university now and into the future. At the same time, our nation is embarking on its next presidential election. At times like these, our location in the heart of the nation’s capital isn’t just a point on a map—it’s an invitation to participate in history. We all know the GW community is one of the most active and engaged in the world, and we look forward to seeing our campuses come alive with the spirit of democracy. After all, Democracy is in our DNA, and this shared identity helps unite our community across differences.
Embracing this spirit of engagement also means acknowledging the lessons learned during the last academic year and thinking deeply about how we, an educational institution with a renowned faculty and a community of passionate and committed advocates, engage with one another productively and respectfully. To that end, over the summer, the university reflected and planned for the academic year ahead.
This work was guided by three core commitments: fostering a safe campus environment, respecting the GW community’s right to free expression, and maintaining the operation of our education and research programs with minimal interruption.
While each of these commitments is essential, we recognize they exist in tension. Balancing them has required thoughtful consideration and sometimes difficult decisions. To inform the community of our fall plans and support you in making your voice heard, we are pleased to share the next iteration of GW’s Plan to Strengthen our Community. This website provides important information for the fall, including university safety and security measures, resources for expressive activities at GW, and links to applicable policies and codes. It also describes new initiatives designed to enhance our community engagement and conflict education. As we continue to share these plans with leadership from across the university, including our deans, the Faculty Senate, the Student Government Association, and the Staff Council, we want everyone to have a chance to share their thoughts and questions.
At GW, we are more than just students, faculty, and staff. Whether conducting research that pushes the boundaries of knowledge, participating in internships that shape life-changing policy, making your voice heard through advocacy and activism, or transforming lives through patient care and community service, you are a part of the GW community, and you belong here. We hope you will engage in robust and respectful dialogue this academic year and pursue your passions and ideals rigorously and enthusiastically. As you embrace these pursuits, remember that our strength as a community lies in our commitment to supporting and understanding one another as we face challenges and celebrate triumphs in the year ahead.
Welcome back to GW. Here’s to another year of growth, discovery, and impact.
Sincerely,
Ellen M. Granberg President
Christopher Alan Bracey Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Professor of Law
Colette Coleman Vice Provost for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
