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Campus Advisories

 

US Army 250th Birthday – Campus Safety

The university is collaborating closely with District, state and federal partners to prepare for the June 14 Army 250th Birthday events.

There is no information currently that suggests a specific threat to GW or other area campuses and institutions. However, we encourage all members of our community to be prepared for road closures, increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic, and other potential disruptions.

GW will operate on a summer weekend schedule on June 14, with minor adjustments due to event-related impacts.

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Campus Advisories

The university will continue to monitor conditions and share timely safety updates on the Campus Advisories website and through GW Alerts.

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GW Alert Texts

All GW students, faculty, and staff receive GW Alerts by email. To receive GW Alerts by text message, you must opt in.

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Building Access, Operating Hours, and Campus Services

The university will remain open and operating during this time period. 

For questions about specific university services, contact the relevant office directly.

Building Access
  • Exterior building doors will be in GWorld Safety Mode requiring tap access.
  • Corcoran’s Flagg Building will be closed (with no tap access) to all students, staff, faculty, and visitors from Thursday (6/12) at 10:00 p.m. through Monday (6/16) at 6:00 a.m.
  • University Student Center will be open to the public from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., open in GWorld Safety Mode until 5:00 p.m., and closed (with no tap access) after 5:00 p.m.
Classes
  • Faculty should proceed with scheduled classes normally or notify students of alternate arrangements as soon as possible. Students with questions should contact their faculty directly.
Work Schedules
  • Essential on-site staff should report to work in person as scheduled. Contact your supervisor directly with any questions or concerns.
  • All other staff should telework if work can be performed remotely. Contact your supervisor directly with any questions or concerns.
Clinical Enterprise
  • Those with clinical responsibilities should follow the guidance of your clinical coordinator or designated supervisor.
  • The GW Medical Faculty Associates and GW Hospital will be open and operating on a normal schedule.
Libraries
GW Dining

On-Campus Dining

  • Most on-campus dining locations are closed for the summer.
  • Pelham Commons is open for summer hours.
  • Panda Express is open 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Off-Campus Dining Partners

  • Visit GW Dining’s Off-Campus Dining Partners who accept Dining Dollars. Hours and Grubhub availability may vary.
Safety

GW Police Department

  • GW Police will continue to patrol campus 24/7. For help in an emergency call GW Police at 202-994-6111 or call 911.

Security Guards

  • Additional security guards will be present on campus to monitor access to buildings and other university spaces.
Transportation
  • The Mount Vernon Campus Express (VEX) will operate on the summer schedule.
  • Safe Ride will operate. Availability may vary due to traffic restrictions.
  • The VSTC Shuttle is not operational for the summer.
Parking
  • Garages will operate with normal hours and access.
University Yard
  • University Yard will close at 5:00 p.m. on Satuday, June 14.

Road Closures and Pedestrian Restrictions

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Public Safety Overview Map outlines road closures, pedestrian restrictions, vehicle screenings areas, and checkpoints. Visit the D.C. Government’s website for additional information.

Safety Resources

General 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 (MPD) at 911.
  • Do not engage with individuals seeking confrontation.
  • If a disturbance occurs, seek shelter indoors until normal conditions return.
  • Follow 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.
Demonstration Safety Tips

If large crowds start to gather or 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 plan for where to meet if you get separated.
  • Have a secondary communication plan in case phone service is limited.

Free Expression at GW

Visit GW’s Free Expression website for related GW policies, procedures, FAQs, and examples of likely permitted and prohibited expressive activities.

Emergency Alerts

GW’s Office of Emergency Management 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.

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 FAQs for instructions on how to manage your account. In addition, the GW Guardian App will push GW emergency alerts directly to the app, as well as other safety information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should the community expect during the 250th Birthday of the US Army Parade, and what is the university doing to prepare for it?

We expect to see increased activity in and around the District. As with similar events, road closures and screened pedestrian access are expected in various areas. Demonstrations and travel delays are also possible.

To support GW’s preparedness, the university will stand up its Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates with university stakeholders, monitors events around campus and the surrounding area, and recommends changes to university operations, when needed, to keep all community members safe. To enhance proactive security on campus, GW Police Department and safety personnel will increase staffing. The university continues to stay in close coordination with our local, state, and federal partners.

Is the university concerned about a specific threat to GW in connection with these events?

We do not have any reason at this time to believe there are any threats targeting GW or other District institutions in connection to these events.

How does GW coordinate with local and federal partners and what teams at GW are involved in this?

At GW, we are fortunate to have strong relationships with our colleagues in District and federal agencies. Our dedicated teams in the Office of Emergency Management and GW Police Department are in constant communication with their counterparts to receive updates, and whenever relevant, we share those updates with the GW community.

How can students, faculty, staff and others stay informed of these updates?

The best way to receive important information from the university related to campus safety, changes in operations, and other impacts is to monitor Campus Advisories and GW Alerts. If you have not already, we strongly recommend everyone sign up to receive GW Alerts by text. Anyone in the community can also add numbers for loved ones who may also want to receive GW Alerts. It is the fastest way to get information that may impact your safety on campus.

What is the university’s current operating plan for the events?

On Saturday, June 14., some buildings will have limited access and certain services will operate on adjusted schedules. Scheduled classes will be held and parking garages will operate as normal. Additional information about building hours or other operating adjustments will be posted as it is available.

Is there anything community members can do now to prepare for the 250th Birthday of the US Army Parade?

Over the next few days, we hope everyone in our community will continue to monitor email for updates and continue to stay informed with the latest information about campus operations and the environment in the District. Also, make sure you are signed up for GW Alert texts.