Pre-Semester Programs
The Division for Student Affairs hosts three engaging pre-semester programs for new, first-year students. These unique experiences create opportunities for connection and belonging, and provide lessons on leadership development and personal growth for every participant.
Why Join a Pre-Semester Program?
Early Move-In
Beat the rush and get settled into your new home on campus before the general population arrives.
Mentorship
Every program features upper-class leaders who serve as mentors, offering "insider" advice on navigating life at GW.
Immersion
Use the nation’s capital as your classroom, exploring everything from the monuments to local neighborhoods.
Inclusivity
DSA is committed to ensuring these programs are accessible; fee waivers are available for students with financial need.
Explore the Program Offerings
Each pre-semester program is tailored to different interests, ensuring every student can find a community that resonates with them. Note: Students may only participate in one of the following programs.
Hosted by Campus Recreation • estrouse
gwu [dot] edu (estrouse[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Adventure Bound will be a multi-day, multi-night program starting with a Welcome Dinner on Tuesday, August 18. Trips will depart from campus Wednesday, August 19 and return Friday, August 21. Students wishing to enroll in this program must attend a summer orientation session, and will move-in early on Tuesday, August 18.
Overview
Adventure Bound is GW's outdoor co-curricular, pre-semester experience for new, incoming first-year students. Meet fellow students, learn more about life at GW, and build lasting memories in the great outdoors. Each Adventure Bound is led by experienced student guides to help you transition to GW and college life.
Whitewater Rafting
Raft down the Lower Yough River (PA) rapids and make a splash on this high energy trip.
Camping & Hiking
Come sleep under the stars and hike some beautiful trails in Shenandoah National Park (VA).
Ocean
Soak up the sun at Cape Henlopen State Park Beach (DE). Play beach volleyball, swim in the surf, and kayak in the ocean (you may even see some dolphins!).
Benefits
For those who find community in the great outdoors, Adventure Bound offers a chance to trade the city skyline for nature. Led by experienced student guides from GW TRAiLS, these trips range from whitewater rafting to backpacking and camping in Shenandoah National Park.
100%
of students agreed that they made a new friend on their Adventure Bound trip
99%
of students agreed they gained skills that will help them be successful in college
100%
of people can apply the Leave No Trace skills learned in AB to a future outdoor activity
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who organizes and leads Adventure Bound?
Adventure Bound is planned by Campus Recreation in the Division for Student Affairs with assistance from our GW TRAiLS students. We have over 30 trained Trails Guides who lead each trip. Each trip will have guides certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and AED.
- Are there any professional outfitters used for Adventure Bound?
Yes, for activities such as kayaking, whitewater rafting, and surfing we use professional outfitters.
- What outdoor gear do I need to have in order to participate?
Adventure Bound participants will have the opportunity to borrow gear from GW's outdoor gear program. After registering for Adventure Bound participants will be sent a survey that will collect potential gear needs. We will try and match everyone with the gear needed, however, we may not be able to meet all needs. Students may borrow a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and/or an internal frame backpack. We will send out a detailed packing list for each trip later in the summer.
- How will I be contacted and updated throughout the summer?
You will be contacted through your GW email account. Please check this account periodically. Not only will we email you, but additional information for your upcoming year will be sent to you throughout the summer.
- What if I'm concerned about financing the trip.
If you believe you may be in need of financial assistance to participate in Adventure Bound, we may have fee waivers available to students. If you have questions about fee waivers, please reach out to estrouse
gwu [dot] edu.
Hosted by First-Gen Programs • firstgengwu [dot] edu (subject: Founding%20Scholars%20Fee%20Waiver) (firstgen[at]gwu[dot]edu)
All Founding Scholars participants will need to move-in early on Tuesday, August 18, and should plan to attend a Welcome Dinner that evening. Founding Scholars programming will occur all day Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20, and in the morning on Friday, August 21.
Overview
Founding Scholars welcomes new, incoming first-generation college students to life at GW. Students will build community with other first-gen students, connect with faculty and staff, and learn about valuable academic and campus resources while learning more about Washington, D.C. This program is specifically designed for first-generation students.
Small groups and peer guides are a signature part of our co-curricular programs. Incoming student participants will be placed in a small group led by upper-class peer guides who act as mentors, lead small group discussions and activities, guide reflection on what it means to be a first-generation student, and help participants get to know more about GW and Washington, D.C. Students that sign up to participate in Founding Scholars are expected to be available to engage during all program dates and times.
Benefits
Specifically designed for first-generation college students, Founding Scholars is dedicated to reducing barriers and fostering a sense of belonging. Participants connect with faculty, staff, and peers who share the first-gen experience, while acclimating to the academic and social landscape of GW and the District.
Founding Scholars participants will:
- Explore what it means to be first-gen at GW
- Build community with first-gen peers
- Connect with faculty and staff
- Learn about valuable academic and campus resources to succeed at GW
- Explore your new home in Washington, D.C. by learning how to navigate the city and discovering what it offers
100%
of students agreed that they could apply their strengths as a first-generation student after Founding Scholars
1,585
total number of students at GW who identify as first-generation
Hosted by Leadership Programs, Student Involvement • leadgwgwu [dot] edu (subject: Question%20about%20LEAD%20GW%20Pre-Orientation%20Program) (leadgw[at]gwu[dot]edu)
All LEAD GW participants will need to move-in early on Tuesday, August 18, and should plan to attend a Welcome Dinner that evening. LEAD GW programming will occur all day Wednesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 20, and in the morning on Friday, August 21.
Overview
LEAD GW is a dynamic, co-curricular program for incoming, first-year undergraduate students. LEAD GW stands for "Leadership Exploration and Development" and empowers students to learn more about themselves, socially responsible leadership, and their new home. Participants attend presentations and workshops, engage in small group activities and self-reflection, and explore D.C. with their new classmates. Incoming students are placed in groups with upper-class guides who mentor, share resources, and provide personal insights into life at GW and living in D.C. LEAD GW helps students connect with classmates, discover campus resources, and ease the transition to college life!
Program Participant
2025 LEAD GW Cohort, GW Class of 2029
Benefits
Ideal for students looking to make an impact, LEAD GW is a dynamic co-curricular program focused on socially responsible leadership. Participants work with upper-class guides to explore their personal leadership philosophy, engage in small-group reflection, and discover D.C. through a civic-minded lens.
As a result of participating in LEAD GW, participants will be able to:
- Describe their personal leadership philosophy, which is developed by engaging in self-exploration and reflection.
- Identify ways to take part in socially responsible leadership opportunities both at GW and in the greater DC community.
- Recognize and locate campus resources, including at least one resource in each of the following areas: health and wellness, academics, and extracurriculars.
97%
of participants agreed that they engaged in useful and meaningful reflection throughout participating in LEAD GW
97%
of participants agreed that they feel they are valued members of the GW community after participating in LEAD GW
100%
of participants agreed that they gained skills and knowledge that will make them more successful in college after participating in LEAD GW
Program Costs
Each pre-semester program has its own fees. We do not want program fees to be a barrier to participation. Fee waivers are available for those who express financial need. If you have questions about fee waivers, please reach out to the designated program contact.
| Program | Costs | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Bound | $300 Fee will be charged to the participants' student account in August. | The fee covers a welcome dinner, outdoor program activities, use of shared outdoor gear, transportation, park entries, and meals on the trips. |
| Founding Scholars | $75 Fee will be charged to the participants' student account in August. | The fee covers program supplies, swag, and snacks. We will provide food for off-campus activities away from dining halls. |
| LEAD GW | $100 Fee will be charged to the participants' student account in August. | The fee covers supplies, swag, snacks, and all lunches and dinners during the program. |
Registration
Please note that you can only participate in one pre-semester program. SEAS students, Women's Leadership Program (WLP), Civic House Scholars, and others with required programming on these program dates are not eligible to participate in any DSA sponsored pre-semester program.
The registration application for Fall 2026 pre-semester programs will open in May 2026. Please check back later!