DEI: Student Resources

GSEHD offers students a wide array of programs to choose from, but what unites our students is each program’s commitment to make a difference. Through courses, partnerships, internships, and study abroad programs, GSEHD students actively use their studies to be of service to marginalized and underserved communities.

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 opportunities and resources 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.

Created to build on the work of Dr. Mary Futrell, former Dean of the Graduate School of Education and Human Development, the Futrell Scholars Program aims to recruit and retain a diverse group of scholars each year, reduce costs, and provide mentorship to doctoral students.

Graduates of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), which include Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions and others, who have been accepted into a GSEHD doctoral program and meet all requirements for the MSI Scholarship are eligible to participate in the Futrell Scholars Program.

Learn More About the Futrell Scholars Program  

GW Student Affairs

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

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.

Military & Veteran Services

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 Students

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.

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.

 

Diversity and Inclusion Fellowships

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

Throughout 5 departments, GSEHD offers courses that provide students opportunities to develop and deepen their knowledge and skills to meet the needs of diverse populations. Guided by a commitment to dignity and welfare, a respect for human rights, and preparing knowledgeable professionals to work in a wide array of environments and populations, each department at GSEHD provides students with learning experiences and courses that meet the needs of our ever-changing world. Please review the courses and instructors below. 

Counseling and Human Development

CNSL 6163 - Social and Cultural Dimensions - CNS

CNSL 6164 - Values, Spiritual, and Religious Issues in Counseling

CNSL 6172 - Human Sexuality for Counselors

CNSL 8252 - Leadership and Advocacy in Counseling

CNSL 8254 - Advanced Multicultural Counseling

HDEV 6129 - Cultural Effects on Human Development

Curriculum and Pedagogy

CPED 6131 - Teaching Jewish History to Middle and High School Students

CPED 6172 - Strategies for Inclusion: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners

CPED 6551 - Second Language Instructional Methods

CPED 6554 - Issues, Study, and Practices - ESL

CPED 6555 - Educating Language Minorities

CPED 6608 - Development and Diversity

CPED 6627 - Teaching Second Language Reading and Writing

CPED 6175 - The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student with Special Needs: Policy, Research, and Trends

CPED 6176 - Academic and Psychosocial Assessment of the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student

CPED 6225 - Introduction to International Curricula

CPED 8340 - Education Policy, Reform, and Teacher Leadership

Educational Leadership

EDUC 6238 - Leadership for Equity and Social Justice	Dr. Christine Nganga
EDUC 6244 - School, Family, and Community Engagement	Dr. Leslie Trimmer
EDUC 6530 - Intercultural Campus Leadership	Dr. Deniece Dortch; Dr. Dwayne Kwaysee Wright
EDUC 6615 - Internationalizing U.S. Schools	Dr. Laura Engel
EDUC 6620 - Strategies and Analysis in International Education	Dr. James Williams
EDUC 6640 - Selected Topics in International Education	Dr. Jihae Cha
EDUC 6803 - Introduction to Experiential Jewish Education	Dr. Benjamin Jacobs
EDUC 8323 - Policies of Education Equity	Dr. Yas Nakib

Human and Organizational Learning

HOL 6701 - Adult Learning

HOL 6706 - Current Issues in Organizational Leadership

HOL 6708 - Global Leadership

HOL 6710 - Globalization, Change, and Learning

HOL 6744 - Meaningful Workplaces

HOL 6747 - International and Multicultural Issues in Organizations

HOL 8705 - Organizational Culture

HOL 8742 - Work, Identity, and Adult Development

Special Education

SPED 6214 - Applied Research in Secondary Transition Practices

SPED 6221 - Accessing Community Systems for Individuals with Disabilities

SPED 6222 - Legal Issues and Public Policy for Individuals With Disabilities

SPED 6228 - Community-Based Assessment and Work Sample Development

SPED 6231 - Curriculum and Instructional Methods in Special Education and Transition

SPED 6235 - Employment Models for Individuals with Disabilities

SPED 6238 - Issues in Educating Individuals with Learning, Emotional, and Intellectual Disabilities

SPED 6239 - Teaching and Collaboration for Professionals Working with Students with Disabilities

SPED 6240 - Family Support and Guidance in Special Education

SPED 6254 - Autism Spectrum Disorders and Transition to Employment and Post-Secondary Life

SPED 6255 - Collaboration with Systems and Families

SPED 6272 - Strategies for Inclusion: Addressing the Needs of Diverse Learners

SPED 6273 - Impact of Culture on Education

SPED 6275 - The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student with Disabilities: Policy, Research, and Trends

SPED 6277 - Teaching Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students with Disabilities

SPED 6283 - The Urban Impact on Children and Youth with Disabilities

SPED 8352 - Disability and Public Policy