The university is monitoring activities associated with the 60th Presidential Inauguration and remains in close coordination with our local and federal partners. Several events are scheduled from Saturday, Jan. 18, to Tuesday, Jan. 21, that may impact the Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses.
GW community members can expect to see an increased law enforcement presence, road closures, access restrictions, and an increase in traffic around the Foggy Bottom Campus. There is no information that suggests a specific threat to GW or other area campuses or institutions.
Additional operational information will be shared with the GW community through email, text, and an Inauguration Safety webpage on Campus Advisories in the coming days.
60th Presidential Inauguration
On Monday, Jan. 20, the 60th Presidential Inauguration will take place. The day begins with the president’s swearing-in ceremony at the U.S. Capitol and is followed by the inaugural parade from the Capitol to the White House. For additional information, please visit the event website. In addition to the inauguration, several inaugural balls will be hosted throughout the District.
Please note that Monday, Jan. 20, is a university holiday celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / Inauguration Day.
GW Inaugural Ball
On Sunday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. GW will host the GW Inaugural Ball at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. Shuttle service to and from the Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon campuses will run continuously for ticketed guests from 7:45 p.m. on Jan. 19 through 1 a.m. on Jan. 20.
First Amendment Activities
Between Jan. 18 and Jan. 21, First Amendment activities are expected throughout the District. Again, there is no information that suggests a specific threat to GW or other area campuses or institutions. However, as with any significant event, we encourage all members of our community to be prepared. Please review the below safety tips and refer to the Emergency Response Handbook for additional guidance.
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 strangers into GW buildings.
- Carry identification and your GWorld card at all times.
If large crowds start to gather and you choose to exercise your First Amendment rights, we urge you to follow these tips:
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious behavior.
- Monitor traffic reports, weather reports, and emergency notifications.
- Share your plan with someone outside your group.
- Stay with your group. Have a predetermined meeting point in case you get separated.
- Have a secondary communication plan in case cell phone signals are limited.
- View the guide to Free Expression at GW.
Additional Information
For additional safety and security resources, visit the Safety website or download the GW Guardian app. Emergency management information from the District 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 the GW Alert webpage for instructions on how to manage your account.
For timely traffic information please monitor MPD on X. Similarly, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) reports there will be impacts to Metro train and bus service near the event locations. For timely Metro information, visit WMATA on X.