DEI: Student Resources

Explore the more than 500+ student organizations assembled under an array of causes, identities, and interests. There are endless opportunities for involvement and leadership.

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

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 (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.

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.

GW's Military & Veteran Services offers our military-affiliated students resources to ensure success, including support with using your benefits, a Military Community Center, student organization, specific Career Services, scholarships, and more.

First-generation college students are typically defined as those whose parents did not complete a four-year, baccalaureate degree, but we recognize that there are many definitions for what it means to be a first-gen college student.

• First Gen United (FGU) assists first-generation college students in three areas: acclimation, advocacy, and academics.
• Founding Scholars welcomes incoming first-generation college students to life at GW through on-campus activities and outings in D.C. Students will build community with other first-gen students, connect with faculty & staff, and learn about valuable academic and campus resources.

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 >
 

• 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

• 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

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.

GW's Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships provides a list of DEI-centered fellowship opportunities.