CCAS Strategic Plan Implementation: Working Groups
Working groups representing cross-functional teams have been created to translate strategic priorities into meaningful action. As engines of implementation, they will define initiatives, monitor progress, surface opportunities and challenges and steward change across the College.
Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom
This working group is charged with advancing student success through experiential learning. This includes immersion in student research, civic and professional engagement and real-world application of classroom knowledge through mentorships, internships and public partnerships.
Recent and Ongoing Initiatives
CUREs
Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) embed authentic research into the classroom. A group of CCAS faculty participated in a CUREs session during the Curriculum Development Institute in mid-May and will receive support over the summer to develop CUREs for the next academic year.
CIMER Facilitator Training
Building on CCAS's existing planning efforts, this initiative, developed in partnership with the Vice Provost of Graduate and Postdoctoral Affairs, will train a group of CCAS faculty this summer to facilitate the CIMER Entering Mentoring curriculum across CCAS in the coming academic year.
- Members
- Chair: Rachel Riedner, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies, Professor of Writing and of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- Kylie Quave, Associate Professor, University Writing Program
- Megan Foster, Physics major and Luther Rice scholar
- Lucia Kustra, Anthropology major and Luther Rice scholar, President of DIG
- Holly Dugan, English, Program Head Theater and Dance
- Axel Schmitt, Associate Professor, Physics
- Kelly Bauer, Associate Professor, Political Science
- Nidhi Singh Rathore, Assistant Professor, Design
- Steve Mitroff, Psychology
- Patricia Hernandez, Biology
- Manuel Cuellar, Associate Professor, RGSLL (mentoring)
- Shelley Brundage, Professor, SLHS
- Paul Binkley, CCAS Director of Career Services
- Ex Officio: Tony Lopez, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, CCAS
Culture, Belonging and Professional Growth
This working group is focused on building a vibrant, inclusive and supportive college community where all students, faculty and staff can thrive. The group is charged with fostering inclusive leadership, professional development and a shared sense of belonging.
Recent and Ongoing Initiatives
Common Grounds: Brewing Ideas & Cultivating Change
CCAS launched this new conversation series designed to bring the CCAS community together to share ideas and reflect on important issues. Our first event took place on Apr 20, 2026 and featured Dr. Imani Cheers, whose work explores how Black women use photography and visual storytelling to shape narratives, identity, and representation.
Amazing Race
CCAS hosted its inaugural Amazing Race on May 1, 2026; the first of what we hope will be an annual tradition. This team-based event featured GW historical clues that spanned across campus and encouraged collaboration and friendly competition. Students, faculty, and staff competed for medals and bragging rights.
- Members
- Harald W. Griesshammer, Faculty
- Chet’la Sebree, Faculty
- Anna Marie Siegel, Staff
- Trey Johnston, Staff
- Tova Levin, Doctoral/Professional
- Regina Banks, Alumni
- Yuvetta Cash, Alumni
- Rawala Al Jariri, Undergraduate
- Ex Officio: Mya' Lesley-Drakeford, Andre Culbreath
Working Groups in Action
