Weeks of Welcome

2026 Convocation & Welcome Day of Service

   Hosted by Honey W. Nashman Center

   Charles E. Smith Center

Overview

We can’t wait to see you when the Class of 2030 and other incoming students will come together for an #OnlyAtGW tradition!  

At Convocation, President Granberg and other university leaders will officially welcome you to your academic, residential, and civic life at GW. As Convocation ends, you will travel with the people in your residence hall to one of many DC schools or community organizations to participate in a community-building service project as part of the 18th annual Welcome Day of Service. This is an excellent opportunity to bond with your new neighbors in your residence hall and see more of DC while getting to know the community here. We will provide everyone with lunch and transportation - along with a free T-shirt! Check out our webpage for answers to FAQ and follow our Instagram @gw.serves. You’ll receive more information about logistics and your site assignment via email in August. 

Check out our website 

Monumental Movies

   University Yard

Overview

Kick off the start of the semester with President Granberg at an outdoor screening of National Treasure on University Yard! Enjoy popcorn, snacks, refreshments, giveaways, and activities before the movie begins.  

Vool Party

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Mount Vernon Campus Pool

Overview

Cool off from the summer heat at the Mount Vernon Campus Pool (aka the Vool) and enjoy snacks and prizes. The Vool will remain open for GW students until October 4th!

First-Generation Welcome Back Social

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Room 309, University Student Center (USC)

Overview

Kick off the new academic year by reconnecting with the first-generation community at GW! Whether you're a returning student or joining us for the first time, come enjoy an afternoon of food, games, music, and conversation while meeting fellow first-generation students, peer leaders, faculty, and staff. Learn about upcoming First-Generation Student Initiatives programs, campus resources, and opportunities to get involved as we celebrate the start of a new semester together.

Kindling: New Student Candle Lighting Event

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Kogan Plaza

Overview

Join us for Kindling, a candle-lighting ceremony welcoming new students to the GW community on August 23rd at 7:30 PM in Kogan Plaza. Pick up your candle and food truck tickets at the check-in tables upon arrival, gather for a moment of shared wisdom, and close the evening by lighting candles together as you step into the year ahead. Food trucks will be serving throughout the night.

Seniors' Last First Day

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   University Student Center, Great Hall

Overview

Welcome to your first last, Class of 2026! To celebrate the start of your senior year, we're kicking off the school year with an exclusive senior event in the Great Hall of the University Student Center's.

Late Night at Safeway

   Safeway in Georgetown (1855 Wisconsin Ave NW)

Overview

Think grocery shopping is boring? Think again. We’re teaming up with the Georgetown Safeway to throw the ultimate student takeover event and you’re invited! Whether you need to stock your pantry or just want to hang out with your new classmates, we’ve got you covered with a full night of free food, epic games, and prizes.

MVC Community Cookout

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Mount Vernon Campus Quad

Overview

Come out to the Mount Vernon Campus Quad to get to know the Vern community while enjoying food, games, and prizes! GW Dining will be grilling up cookout favorites.

Study Abroad Meet & Greet #1

   Hosted by Office of Study Abroad

   Grand Ballroom, USC

Overview

Join us in the Grand Ballroom to meet the staff of the Office for Study Abroad! Find out who your school-specific Study Abroad Advisor is and briefly learn how you can Study Abroad. Interested in studying abroad but don't know where to begin? Have questions about studying abroad but don't know who to ask? Have questions but haven't had an opportunity to email or schedule an appointment? This is the event for you. Whatever is on your mind - come ask us anything!

Foggy Fest: Neon Lights

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Grand Ballroom, USC

Overview

Get ready to glow all night at Foggy Fest: Neon Lights! Join us for a high-energy silent party with a live DJ, plus creative activities and photo-worthy experiences. Visit the Aura Photo Booth, customize your own designs with vinyl decoration, and capture the night at our Instagram-worthy moments! Come dressed to glow and make some memories!

GW Corcoran: Music and Bands Org Fair

   Columbian Square, 1st Floor, USC

Overview

Music Org Fair aims to introduce GW's many music-related student organizations to the broad GW community.

GW Campus Store VIP Event

   Hosted by GW Campus Store

   GW Campus Store

Overview

Join the Campus Store for a VIP experience! 

National Mall Kickback

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Bacon Field (Henry Bacon Dr NW & Constitution Ave NW)

Overview

Celebrate the start of your GW career with food, fun, freebies and lawn games on an iconic D.C. landmark, the National Mall! This event will give you a chance to connect with your new peers and build community.

Shabbat: Gather

   Hosted by GW Hillel

   GW Hillel

Overview

Join GW Hillel for Shabbat Services at 6 pm & Dinner at 7 pm!

First Night x Org Fair 2026

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   University Yard, Kogan Plaza, H Street

Overview

It’s time to kickoff the new year with your favorite GW tradition - First Night x Org Fair! On Saturday, August 29th, come join us as Foggy Bottom transforms into a carnival and a celebration to remember. We're welcoming new students, and welcoming back old students with inflatables, carnival booths and games, student organizations, and more!

MSSC Welcome Back Community Dinner

   Hosted by Multicultural Student Services Center

   Multicultural Student Services Center, 5th floor, USC

Overview

New year, new memories, same amazing MSSC crew! Come hungry, and leave full of food AND friends! Swing by to meet the team, load up your plate with some good eats, and soak in that "ahhh, I'm home" feeling with your MSSC family. Whether you're a familiar face or brand new here, there's a seat at the table with your name on it. Good food. Good people. Good vibes. What more do you need? See you there! Bring your appetite and your best stories from summer!

EMeRG Office Tour and Q & A

   Hosted by EMeRG

   GW Emergency Medical Response Group (EMeRG) (2145 G St NW)

Overview

Interested in learning more about EMeRG? Stop by our office for an inside look at our operations, equipment, and ambulances. During the tour, you'll meet current members, explore where our crews prepare for calls, and learn about the training, responsibilities, and opportunities available within the organization. We'll wrap up with an open Q&A session where you can ask anything about membership, becoming an EMT, or what it's like to serve with EMeRG. Whether you're simply curious or considering joining, everyone is welcome!

Meet the Fraternity and Sorority Life

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   University Yard (Rain location: 3rd Floor, USC)

Overview

Meet the Fraternity and Sorority Life is an event held at the start of the fall semester where potential new members get their first chance to meet all the social Fraternities and Sororities at the George Washington University. This event is a great way for incoming first-year students to get to know our organizations in an informal environment, as well as a great way for our organizations to advertise their values and accomplishments to the GW community.

Vern Votes

   MVC VEX Stop

Overview

Come out to the MVC Vex Stop to get information and ask questions about voting!

Internship Film Festival

   Betts Theater, USC

Overview

The GW Internship Film Festival features student-created content as students share their summer internship experience. This allows curious students to see what “A Day in the Life” as an intern looks like or to view reflections from specific internship experiences. Come see short videos and learn about how to find to your first or next internship!

GW Career Exploration Expo

   3rd Floor, USC

Overview

The GW Career Exploration Expo is a space for students to explore possible career opportunities. The event features 70+ employers across many fields, allowing students to explore a wide range of options and learn about different pathways. This event will give attendees a chance to find potential internships and jobs and to connect with employers.

Study Abroad Fair

   Hosted by Office of Study Abroad

   Kogan Plaza (Rain Location: USC 1st Floor)

Overview

Discover a world of possibilities at our Study Abroad Fair! Your next adventure could start with a single conversation! Wander our tables and find yourself discovering opportunities to expand your studies, your career opportunities, and your worldview! Stop by, get inspired, and start imagining where in the world your GW education could take you!

Study Abroad @ GW

   Hosted by Office of Study Abroad

   Room 403, USC

Overview

Join the Office for Study Abroad for one of our introductory Study Abroad at GW sessions throughout the semester. These sessions are designed to give students a broad overview of studying abroad at GW! We'll be diving into the benefits of study abroad, program types and options, eligibility, the application process, choosing a program, financing your time abroad, transferring credits and more. Whether you're interested in studying abroad next semester or at some point during your college experience, this session is perfect for you!

MSSC Block Party

   Hosted by Multicultural Student Services Center

   3rd Floor, USC

Overview

Mark your calendars, Revs…the MSSC Block Party is back! The MSSC is bringing the entire GW community together for our annual epic celebration of a new academic year.

We're talking 120+ multicultural and ally student orgs, all in one place. Music. Culture. Dancing. Real connections. This isn't just an event; it's THE moment campus comes alive at the start of the year.

Come find your people, discover new communities, and celebrate everything that makes GW's community so vibrant. Whether you're looking to join an org, make new friends, or just soak in the energy, be in the room where it all happens! Good vibes only. See you on the dance floor.

Late Night Monument Walks

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   TBD

Overview

Welcome to campus! Here at GW, one of our most beloved campus traditions is a late night monument walk. Whether you're looking to make friends, shake off the first-day jitters, or take in the sights, Late Night monument walks are a great opportunity for you to come together with your peers and celebrate all of the exciting things to come!

Annual GW Safety Fair

   Kogan Plaza

Overview

GW’s Annual Safety Fair brings together students, faculty, staff, and public safety partners to promote a safer campus through interactive demonstrations, educational resources, and community engagement. The event highlights important topics such as emergency preparedness, personal safety, health and wellness, and crime prevention while fostering connections between the GW community and local safety organizations.

ResFest: Bloom into GW

   Hosted by Residence Hall Association

   Various

Overview

RHA's annual ResFest, from September 21st to 25th, unites all 25 GW residence halls for a full week of programming across Foggy Bottom and the Vern! Join us for our first ever Res Hall Lawn Party, cookie decorating, professional development and headshots, and so much more to get closer to your peers living on campus. 

Making Cents of the Cost - Financing Study Abroad

   Hosted by Office of Study Abroad

   Room 403, USC

Overview

Do you have questions about the cost of study abroad and different scholarship, financial and budgeting opportunities available? We've got you covered! Please join us for this comprehensive info session where the Office for Study Abroad will discuss the fees associated with each type of study abroad program, including the tier fee, the cost of airfare, the visa expense, meals, funding opportunities, and much more! This is a perfect opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of financing your study abroad!

Emergency Preparedness Challenge

   Hosted by EMeRG

   EMeRG Office

Overview

Do you know what to do in an emergency? Put your knowledge to the test at EMeRG's Emergency Preparedness Challenge! Stop by anytime to answer interactive questions about first aid, CPR, medical emergencies, and campus safety while learning practical skills that could one day help save a life.

Current EMeRG providers will be on hand to walk you through real-life emergency scenarios, explain the reasoning behind each answer, and share tips on how to recognize common medical emergencies and respond with confidence. Whether you're deciding when to call EMeRG, identifying the signs of a stroke or allergic reaction, or learning the basics of bystander care, you'll leave with valuable knowledge you can use both on and off campus.

No medical experience is necessary; this event is designed for everyone. Complete the challenge, chat with our members, and pick up a small prize or giveaway for participating. It's a fun, hands-on way to learn about emergency preparedness, meet your campus EMTs, and discover how EMeRG serves the GW community.

MVC Tailgate

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   MVC Soccer Field hockey & West Hall Patio

Overview

Cheer on GW Women's Soccer while enjoying a cookout, yard games, and prizes! Soccer game vs. St. Joseph’s starts at 1pm. Pelham will be closed and brunch will be served on the West Hall Patio. Stay tuned for more!  

Camp Wellbeing

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Various

Overview

Camp Wellbeing is a week-long event series dedicated to prioritizing student wellbeing and highlighting the resources available to students. Join us for fun, relaxation, and more!

Open Mic Night with GW Program Board

   Hosted by GW Program Board

   Columbian Square, 1st Floor, USC

Overview

Join GW Program Board for an exciting Comedy Open Mic Night where anything can happen. Enjoy an evening packed with punchlines, stories, and spontaneous comedy. Bring your friends, and get ready to laugh until it hurts.

Bike to GW Day

   Potomac Square

Overview

Join us for Bike to GW Day and celebrate safe, sustainable commuting! Students, staff, and faculty who bike to campus are invited to stop by Potomac Square for complimentary coffee and donuts. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting to explore biking in D.C., this event is a great way to learn about micro-mobility resources and pick up safety tips to help you navigate the city with confidence.

Study Abroad Meet & Greet #2

   Hosted by Office of Study Abroad

   Continental Ballroom, USC

Overview

Join us in the Grand Ballroom to meet the staff of the Office for Study Abroad! Find out who your school-specific Study Abroad Advisor is and briefly learn how you can Study Abroad! Interested in studying abroad but don't know where to begin? Have questions about studying abroad but don't know who to ask? Have questions but haven't had an opportunity to email or schedule an appointment? This is the event for you! Whatever is on your mind - come ask us anything!

Fresh Check Day

   Hosted by Division for Student Affairs

   Kogan Plaza

Overview

Celebrate Camp Wellbeing by joining us at Fresh Check Day: a mental health check-in with a giant obstacle course, therapy dogs, interactive booths, FREE prizes, giveaways, and more!