Campus Access Update #4


May 7, 2024

Most buildings on the Foggy Bottom campus are in GWorld Safety mode. Some buildings have more restricted access. Please see below for important details and guidance. 

When in GWorld Safety Mode, buildings are locked and access is only available to GWorld cardholders who would normally have tap access. Normal tap access is defined as an individual authorized to access a GWorld reader-controlled space. Individuals are able to leave a building at any time.

Some Foggy Bottom campus buildings have further restricted access. These include: Bell Hall, Lisner Hall, Corcoran & Samson Halls, the Law School (Lerner, Stockton, Burns, Stuart Halls, E Building), the Media and Public Affairs building, and the Textile Museum. For these buildings, access is restricted to those with in-person critical needs. Please coordinate any access requests through your school or unit leadership for approval by GW Emergency Services. 

As the university previously shared, GW is open and operating with enhanced safety measures. Staff should report to work as usual. If building access changes impact your usual working arrangement, please consult your supervisor for guidance.

In addition, University Yard and Kogan Plaza remain closed. H St. between 20th and 21st streets, NW, remains closed to vehicles. See below for more details. 

Kogan Plaza: Kogan Plaza is not available for event use or accessible as a thoroughfare. Access to Gelman Library remains unimpeded. Please follow directions on signage posted at Kogan Plaza.

University Yard: University Yard remains closed.

Media and Public Affairs Garage: The Media and Public Affairs (MPA) garage is closed due to road closures; use the G St. parking garage as an alternate parking location.

Safety Tips:

  • Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious or threatening behavior immediately to GWPD at 202-994-6111 or the Metropolitan Police Department through 911.
  • Do not engage with individuals seeking a confrontation.
  • If there is a disturbance, seek shelter indoors until normal conditions return.
  • Observe directions from law enforcement personnel.
  • Make sure doors close and lock behind you as you arrive and depart.
  • Do not allow non-GW personnel into GW buildings.
  • Carry identification and your GWorld card at all times.

GW’s Office of Emergency Management is collaborating with local and regional public safety organizations to monitor activity in the District and will send email and/or text alerts to the entire GW community if necessary. The latest safety and security information will be posted on Campus Advisories.

For additional safety and security resources, visit the Safety website or download the GW Guardian app. Additional emergency management information from the District of Columbia is also available online.

All GW community members are automatically signed up to receive GW emergency email alerts. You can manage your GW Alert account to also receive GW text alerts on your mobile device. In addition to adding your mobile number, you can add up to three email addresses and phone numbers so that friends or family may also receive GW emergency alerts. Visit GW Alert FAQ for instructions on how to manage your account. In addition, for those who use mobile apps, the GW Guardian App will push GW emergency alerts directly to the app, as well as other safety functions.