New Student Orientation

Your tenure as a graduate student at The George Washington University Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (CCAS) will soon begin. We want you to know one thing: You Got This! You have earned your place at this prestigious institution, and when you complete your degree, you will enter into a network of more than 91,500 alumni living and working in Washington D.C., all 50 states, and over 150 countries throughout the world.

Our orientation program is a series of "information bulletins" sent via email every week, containing all the information you need to prepare for your first semester at GW. Designed to provide the right information when you need it, our graduate student orientation series also encompasses tips from current students, live information sessions, chats with our student services staff, and reminders on academic policy and university processes.

Orientation Series Information

CCAS Graduate Student Services Team

We are excited to support you throughout your entire graduate experience!

The CCAS Graduate Student Services Team is here to be your dedicated resource, made of wonderful Student Services Coordinators and Career Counselors. We are focused entirely on helping you succeed!

We are here to advise, guide, and provide resources to aid in your academic and career success, as well as help you smoothly navigate university policies and procedures.

Watch our welcome video for new CCAS graduate students, or feel free to schedule an appointment with your Student Services Coordinator whenever you need personalized guidance. You can also send us your questions to ccasgradservgwu [dot] edu (ccasgradserv[at]gwu[dot]edu).

We look forward to meeting you and seeing you on campus!

Topic 1: Welcome to GW GSOS!

Orientation Series

Today marks the start of our Orientation Series for Graduate Students. This series is specifically designed to help you prepare for your arrival in D.C. and at GW. Over the next few months, we'll be releasing timely and detailed information so you can begin the semester comfortably and confidently knowing that "You Got This! ✨"
To make sure you can access all the essential university systems-from course registration to library resources-you need to activate your GW ID immediately!

Claim your GW UserID

If you haven't already completed this first crucial first step, please claim your ID and GW email address right now. Shortly after you accepted your offer of admission, you should have received an email from identitygwu [dot] edu (identity[at]gwu[dot]edu) with the subject Welcome to the George Washington University -Action Required. Ensure you follow the instructions in this email to activate your account and claim your GW email address.

Your GW email is the official way we communicate, and your GW ID is required to log into virtually every necessary university system. You will not be able to register for classes without completing this step first.

Topic 2: Your Registration Guide

Plan Your Courses

There are three main sources of information to assist you in planning your registration:

1. DegreeMAP

This web-based tool provides a real-time "audit" of your academic progress, matching your courses against specific degree requirements. Access it via GWeb > Student Records and Registration > Student Records Information Menu > DegreeMAP.

2. GW Bulletin

The GW Bulletin is the official document for academic policies and course descriptions. You should follow the requirements of the bulletin from the year you were admitted.

3. Consult your Program Director

If you're unsure which classes to prioritize this term, reach out to your Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) for departmental guidance.

Register in GWeb

Once you have selected your courses, register through the GWeb Information System.

Need help? Check out our "How to Register" video or visit our Registration website for information on when you use paper forms like the RTF-EZ.

Know the Policies

To maintain your status as a CCAS graduate student, remember:

Continuous Enrollment: You must be registered every Fall and Spring semester until your degree is complete.
Credit Minimum: You must register for at least 3 credits each Fall and Spring (unless you are on an approved Leave of Absence). However international students and students on financial aid may have high credit requirements for full-time status.

Topic 3: Preparing for Life in the District

Living in D.C.

Washington, D.C. is an incredible place to live, learn, network, and grow both personally and professionally. Whether you’re discovering your favorite coffee shop, exploring world-class museums, or finding the perfect study spot on the National Mall, this city will quickly begin to feel like home.

Establishing a “home base” is a critical first step. D.C. offers a diverse range of neighborhoods—from the historic streets of Capitol Hill to the high-energy corridors of Navy Yard—each with its own rental landscape and personality!

NEW! On-Campus Graduate Housing

Beginning this academic year, GW is pleased to offer on-campus housing options for graduate students. Availability will open after undergraduate housing assignments are finalized.

Please visit the Graduate Student Housing website for more information on residential halls, costs, and residential FAQs.

Off-Campus Housing

Looking to live off-campus? Our Off-Campus Student Affairs website is your one-stop shop. You’ll find tips on picking the right neighborhood, property inspection checklists, renters insurance advice, and a roommate finding tool. Plus, check out our online directory to browse available rental properties in the area.

Navigating the City

In D.C., housing and transportation go hand-in-hand. Most students find they don’t need a car, as the city is highly walkable and transit-friendly. As you view properties, consider these options:

The Metro: GW’s Foggy Bottom campus has its own Blue/Orange/Silver line station. Check the proximity of potential apartments to Metro stations for an easy commute.
GW Vex & Shuttles: We provide free shuttle services between our Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses.
U-Pass: As a GW student, you’ll have access to the U-Pass program, which provides unlimited rides on Metrorail and Metrobus at a heavily discounted rate included in your tuition.
Biking: D.C. is a top-tier city for cyclists, with extensive bike lanes and plenty of Capital Bikeshare docks located around campus.

Topic 4: Washington D.C. Immunization Requirements and Deferral

Washington D.C. Immunization Requirements

The District of Columbia requires all students under the age of 26 to provide proof of certain immunizations before registration. The cut-off date for Fall 2026 is July 1, 2026. Therefore, if you will be under 26 on July 1, then you must submit proof of your immunizations. More information on the type of immunizations required and the process of submission can be found on the Student Health Center Immunization website.

Taking care of this requirement now will save registration issues later! We appreciate you prioritizing this step.

I-20 Documents for your Student Visa

Our records indicate that we have not yet received all documents required to process your I-20/DS-2019. It is critical that you submit these items immediately to ensure you have sufficient time for your visa interview. The deadline for submission is June 15.

Deferral Policy

We understand things happen in life, plans change, and we understand that personal circumstances may require you to adjust your enrollment timeline. However if your plans do change, we ask that you please let us know by emailing askccasgwu [dot] edu (askccas[at]gwu[dot]edu).
We do allow you to defer your application. If you are thinking about a deferral, the deadline is July 15. More information on this process can be found on our website.

Topic 5: Career Support from Day One

CCAS Graduate Career Services is here to support you through every step of your career journey - from classroom to career and even after you graduate. Research shows that utilizing Career Services dramatically increases your chances of securing employment, so we encourage you to engage with us early and often!

Here's how we can help:

1:1 Career Advising Appointments: Schedule time with a career counselor in Handshake to discuss your resume and cover letter, interview strategy, career success plan, and more.
Handshake: Your all-in-one online platform for finding jobs and internships, scheduling appointments, registering for workshops, and accessing career resources. Your account will be automatically created on June 15th.
Career Readiness Workshops: Our signature series of workshops covering essential topics like networking and managing job search anxiety. Find recordings on our YouTube channel.
Alumni Support: We serve alumni! You can schedule 1:1 career advising sessions year-round, even after you graduate. Connect with 88,000+ CCAS alumni and 320,000+ alumni from across GW through GW Career Connect and GW's LinkedIn groups.

Start today! View our introductory video or visit our graduate student career services website! Check your email regularly for career services updates, job opportunities, and timely career advice and feel free to contact us at ccas_careersgwu [dot] edu (ccas_careers[at]gwu[dot]edu).

Virtual Information Sessions

We invite you to attend our virtual information sessions held throughout the summer.

New Student Checklist

Members of the CCAS Office of Graduate Studies went through the New Student Checklist and highlighted key sections of the CCAS Graduate Student Handbook to guide incoming students through their next steps during the New Student Checklist Webinar. If you missed the webinar, please see the the recording on Youtube.

Navigating D.C. : Living and Thriving in the Nation's Capital

Thursday, June 4, 2026 | 10:00 A.M. EDT

In this session, we will go over the resources GW offers to assist with finding off-campus housing for graduate students. We will also leave time to answer any questions you may have. You can register through your orientation series email.

Meet and Greet with CCAS Graduate Student Ambassadors

Thursday, July 14, 2026 | 7:00 P.M. EDT

Join our current CCAS Graduate Student Ambassadors for an informal virtual meet and greet. You are welcome to pop in at any point during the hour to ask questions, connect with current students, and learn more about graduate student life at GW.

G.W. Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Tuesday, August 4th, 2026 | 10:00 A.M. EDT

In this session, we will go over the resources GW offers via the Student Health Insurance office, as well as covering how waivers work and what mandatory enrollment means for you. You can register through your orientation series email.

Frequently Asked Questions

The CCAS Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) understands that you have questions about beginning your studies and that you require information to make informed decisions about your personal and academic plans. We hope this FAQ will help. For more information, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Academic and Campus Life

How do we get access to Handshake?: Access will be granted by Career Services. You must be registered in at least one class to gain access.
How many years do Master's students have to complete their degree?: All students, regardless of their program, have a time limit to complete degree requirements. All Master's programs have 4 years. More information on time limits can be access on our Time to Degree website.
How do I know who my academic advisor is?: A list of academic advisors or DGS's can be viewed on our contact us website.
Is DegreeMAP something that will pop up later, when school starts?: All students have access to DegreeMAP once you have created a NetID. Please visit the CCAS Orientation website to view a video for steps on how to access your DegreeMAP.
Do the libraries provide access to online journal and journal databases, like JStor, Sage Pubs, etc.?: Yes, GW libraries provide online journal databases.
How do I get a GWorld Card?: For more information. Please visit the GWorld Office.

Housing and Healthcare

Can I jump on a GW healthcare plan or something similar?: All eligible students are automatically enrolled in the GW health plan. To opt out or for more information, visit the Colonial Health website.
What are some suggestions you have if we are struggling to find affordable housing?: The Office of Off Campus Student Affairs is a great resource for finding housing.

Transportation and Parking

Can GW students access a metro/bus pass at a reduced price?: The George Washington University has joined the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) U-Pass program, providing full-time students with unlimited use of Metrorail and Metrobus for a discounted, flat fee. More information is available on the GW Business Services website.
Is there student parking available at the Corcoran?: No parking is available at the Corcoran building, however, parking is available nearby. More information can be found on the GW Parking website.
Are there shuttles to the Mt. Vernon campus?: Yes. More information can be found on The Mount Vernon Express website.

Tuition

When will student tuition bills be released and when are they due?

Student accounts will release Spring bills in late November. Payment is due before the start of the semester.

Fall bills will be released in late July. Charges Due the first day of classes.

Does GW have a monthly payment plan?

Yes. Student accounts offers a monthly payment plan. More information can be found on the Student Accounts website.

How are consortium classes billed?

All consortium classes are billed by the home school and will be charged per the home school rates. Therefore as a GW student you will be billed by GW at the GW credit hour rate.

Is there an enrollment deposit?

Yes. You must submit a non-refundable $250 enrollment deposit. The deposit will be credited to your student account and applied toward your tuition for the first semester. PhD, Combined Degree, and Classical Acting MFA students are not required to submit a deposit. See instructions for paying your tuition deposit.

If I drop out after the first day of the semester will I still have to pay for those classes?

Courses dropped prior to the first day of the semester will result in a 100% refund. Courses dropped on or after the first day are subject to the refund schedule. The schedule details the way in which the tuition and fees will be prorated should a student drop courses or withdraw completely. Drop penalties are non-refundable.