DEI: Faculty Resources

The Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) is home to dedicated scholars, educators, and practitioners from around the world who are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in their teaching, research, and service. Their expertise and passion for inclusivity and higher education accessibility fuel GSEHD’s mission to make a difference. Across disciplines, our faculty engage in meaningful scholarship, collaborate with communities, and mentor future leaders to create more just and equitable educational systems. Through their work, they strive to advance inclusive practices, challenge systemic inequities, and empower individuals from all backgrounds to thrive.

For questions or to get involved in GSEHD's DEI initiatives, contact gsehddiversity@gwu.edu.

Please note, we acknowledge the following is not be a comprehensive list of all related resources for faculty that foster equity, diversity, and inclusion, but it should be a great start to getting connected to the right area. GW and its departments are continuously growing and offering new resources to address the many needs of our diverse community, and we may have missed something below. If you have any suggestions or would like to request an addition to this growing list, please contact us at gsehddiversity@gwu.edu.

Report a Bias-Related Act

GW community members who have been the target of, or who witness, a hate or bias incident should make the university aware of these incidents.

• If the incident is an emergency or medical attention is required, call 911 immediately or report it directly to the GW Police Department at 202-994-6111.
• Reports can be submitted online, via phone, or in person. Reports may be made on an anonymous basis. Depending on the type of incident, you might choose to report an incident directly to a specific department, such as the GW Title IX Office.

Submit a Report of a Bias Incident >
 

Support for Students who are Targets or Witnesses of Hate/Bias Incidents

• Learn how the University Responds to Bias, Hate Crimes, and Discrimination >
• Resources to Assist Persons Impacted by Doxing or Online Abuse >
• Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT): The Bias Incident Response Team (BIRT) is a group of committed administrators from the Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement; Division of Student Affairs; and other campus partners. It was established to respond with resources, support, and actions.
• Discrimination, Harassment, Violence Support
  • Title IX Office
  • Office of Advocacy and Support
• Medical + Counseling Services
  • Student Health Center
  • Counseling & Psychological Services
  • GSEHD's Community Counseling Services Center (CCSC)
• Campus Safety and Security: Division of Safety and Facilities
• Comprehensive List of Well-being Initiatives/Resources: Division for Student Affairs

Related Policies

• Breastfeeding and Lactation Support Policy
• Code of Student Conduct
• Disability
• Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation 
• Prohibited Relationships with Students
• Title IX Sexual Harassment and Related Conduct Policy 
• Student Grievance Procedures
• Student Rights & Responsibilities
• Threats and Acts of Violence
• Web and Digital Content Accessibility Policy

Guide to Changing Name with University

There are two levels to the name change policy which includes (1) GWeb (Class Rosters and Blackboards), GWorld, and GWmail; and (2) transcripts, graduation papers, and other official documents. These processes are outlined below:

GWeb

• Log onto GWeb and select “Student Record and Registration”
• Click “Student Records Information Menu” and then select “View/Update Preferred First Name”
• Add your preferred name and save

GWorld

• Contact the GWorld Office and be sure to have your old GWorld available. Tell them you’d like to update your GWorld to match your preferred name. They will review with you the process from there.

GWMail

• After the update has been made in GWeb, you can email GWIT via ithelp@gwu.edu and request your email account be updated to match your preferred name.

Transcripts, Diploma, and Employment Records

In order to change your name on your transcripts, diploma, or employment records, you must legally change your name. After a legal name change is documented, your name can be changed on all official documents. If you are an alumnus, you can also request an updated diploma with your current legal name. 

To change your name or gender, please submit a Biographical Update form with copies of appropriate documentation as indicated on the form. If you have recently applied to graduate and would like the change to be reflected on your diploma/certificate, be sure to follow up with registrar@gwu.edu to confirm the change.

Resources Related to Juneteenth

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is commemorated each year on June 19th.

• The national registry Juneteenth organizations and supporters website - Used consistently by universities as the go-to info page on the event
• Teaching Juneteenth - Teaching Tolerance Magazine
• The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth - The National Museum of African American History and Culture
• The History of Juneteenth - History.com
• Celebrating Juneteenth - The National Museum of African American History & Culture
• Juneteenth: Our Other Independence Day - Smithsonian Magazine
• 12 Things You Might Not Know About Juneteenth - Mental Floss.com

Multicultural Student Services Center

The Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) enhances the GW experience by preparing students for success in a diverse and global society. The MSSC leads university student diversity initiatives to ensure the same high quality university experience for all students, while contributing to an environment that promotes cultural competency, inclusion and social justice.

• Check out MSSC's:
  • signature events
  • communities and cultural events
  • LGBTQIA Life and Resource Lounge
  • training programs and additional resources
• Related programs:
  • Center for Interfaith & Spiritual Life
    • Passover Resources

Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement

The Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement (ODECE) provides leadership, resources, and support to advance and sustain inclusive environments for faculty, staff, and students. ODECE and its units support the GW community’s diversity and inclusion efforts through training, lectures and events, surveys, recruitment, and more.

• Signature Event: The annual GW Diversity Summit features keynote speakers, and the GW community is invited to submit proposals for workshops, panels, poster presentations, or other scholarly presentations of current research, best practices, or innovative ideas centered around the chosen theme.
• Informational Resources: Their online resources page provides articles, books, and videos about particular topics related to diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice. Resource topics include:
  • Allyship
  • Anti-Semitism
  • Disability
  • Other Cultures and Experiences by Demographics
  • Gender & Sexuality
  • Race & Anti-Racism
  • Safely Protesting
  • Wellness
  • and more.
• Education and Training: ODECE offers trainings and speakers to equip our community members with the necessary skills to promote acceptance, inclusion and celebration of our differences in the variety of environments they engage in. Topics include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, culture, sexuality, gender, religion, intersectionality, civic service, inclusive classrooms, (dis)ability and sexual violence prevention. Education and learning opportunities are available upon request. Learn more and request training >

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services (DSS) is the university’s central resource for students with disabilities. The team assists or connects registered students with resources to help with academic support, career development, arranging accommodations (including on Study Abroad experiences), and more. Accommodations are offered in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS awards several scholarships to currently enrolled, degree-seeking students.

Get involved:

• The student group, Disabled Students Collective, welcomes both disabled individuals and non-disabled allies to join in weekly meetings and additional events focused on advocacy, creating community, providing support, and fostering pride in disability culture and identity.

International Services Office

The International Services Office (ISO) is the first stop for the GW international community and will help eliminate administrative challenges when studying in the US. ISO Advisors host a variety of special events that highlight our diverse international student population. ISO supports incoming/new students and current students. Access their handy list of resources to assist with your transition to living in the US.

• GW International Students Association (GWISA) is a student-led organization with a focus on the holistic international students’ experience for adjustment and engagement. With close collaborations with school departments, GWISA acts as a bridge to shorten the distance between university services, official departments, and students through an average of 10 events a semester ranging professional to social activities.