Student Newsletter
Welcome to the CCAS Graduate Student Newsletter! Designed to keep you up to date with news and events, policies and processes, and all things for CCAS graduate students!
Latest Issue: October 2024
The Student Services Team is here to advise, guide, and provide you with resources to aid in your success, as well as help you navigate university policies and procedures. Our office is located in Smith 118, and we are open during normal business hours on Monday – Friday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. You can schedule a virtual, phone, or in-person appointment with your Student Services Coordinator and our Career Counselors.
In our October newsletter, we will cover the following topics:
- Important Reminders and Resources:
- Resource Highlight: The GW Writing Center
- Career Services & Upcoming Career-Related Events
- Graduate Student Events and Workshops
- Fall ETD Deadlines
- Student Org Giving Challenge
- 2025 VeryApt Housing Guide Survey
- Gelman Library Graduate Student Study Spaces
- Funding, Fellowships, Internships & Employment Opportunities
Important Reminders and Resources:
Fall Break
There will be no classes held on October 10 & 11 in observance of Fall Break. We hope you enjoy your time off!
Registration Reminders
- Fall 2024 registration has officially closed. Registration for Spring 2025 will open on November 7, 2024.
- If you will complete your program requirements in Fall 2024, please apply to graduate now. While the graduation application will remain open until Nov 15, submitting your application now will help us make sure that you are still on track to graduate at the end of the semester.
- Please review the Registrar’s Office’s Fall/ Spring Schedule for a full breakdown of key registration dates. The Registrar’s Office’s Application Deadlines page has a full breakdown of key graduation dates.
Tuition Refund Policy
In addition to key registration dates with academic impacts, you should also keep in mind the Tuition Refund Policy, which governs the proportion of your tuition that may be refunded based on when in the semester a course is dropped. As we are now in week 6 of the semester, you are not guaranteed any refund for courses dropped or withdrawn. More information on the Tuition Refund Policy can be found on the Student Accounts Office website.
Student Accounts Late Fee Policy
Tuition, health insurance charges, and other fees are due by the first day of the semester, or upon registration if the semester has already begun. This means that changes to your registration once the semester has started may impact your Student Account.
Even if you paid your balance in full prior to the start of the semester, it is important to check your Student Account eBill in GWeb any time your registration changes. For example, if you choose to take an additional course or increase the number of credits you take for a course, you will automatically be charged additional fees and have an outstanding Student Account balance. Additionally, if you drop one course and pick up another course after the 100% tuition refund period has ended, you may have an outstanding Student Account balance even if the courses both have the same number of credits.
Any outstanding balance on your Student Account after the start of the semester may be subject to a late payment fee. The Student Accounts Office charges late fees for each semester in two rounds: a flat, $75 fee earlier in the semester, and a 5% fee based on the total amount owed later in the semester. In fall, the $75 late fee is charged in November, and the 5% fee is charged in December.
More information on the late fee policy, as well as the full fee schedule, can be found in the Late Payments section of the Student Accounts Office website. Information on course exchanges can be found in the Adding & Dropping Courses section of the Student Accounts Office website.
Notice for New Students Admitted in Fall 2024
If you started your program of study in the Fall 2024 semester, please make sure that you have turned in all official documents and transcripts required as part of the admissions process. If you have not submitted your transcripts, you will notice a hold on your account and will be unable to register for Spring 2025 courses. If you have a transcript hold, please reach out to our Admissions team at [email protected]. They will work with you to ensure you have turned in all required documents. More information on holds can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.
Resource Highlight: The GW Writing Center
The GW Writing Center offers an array of resources, including discipline-specific writing guides, citation guides, and in-person appointments. Check out their Resources for Writers page for a full list of resources and services, including support for long-term writing projects.
Long-Term Program
Are you working on a long-term writing project? Consider joining the Long-Term Program (LTP) for dedicated, one-on-one help for up to an entire semester. Through the LTP, you will be paired with a single consultant with whom you can meet regularly throughout the semester. They are meant to serve as a fresh set of eyes to help work through structuring your writing, clarifying key points, and polishing the end result. For more information, check out the LTP page on the Writing Center’s website. Enrollment in the LTP for the fall semester will remain open until November 1.
Career Services & Upcoming Career-Related Events
CCAS graduate students have access to dedicated career coaches to help with resumes, cover letters, networking, interviewing, and many other areas. (Note: The Trachtenberg School and Data Science program have their own dedicated career counselors.) Erin Ahart and Dr. Ruffner-Ceaser are available to meet one-on-one, with options to meet in person or online. Schedule an appointment in Handshake today! More information about CCAS Graduate Career Services can be found on our Career Services website and via email at [email protected].
A Cover Letter is Like a Love Letter
Wednesday, October 2 from 5:00 - 6:00 pm | Virtual (Zoom) | Registration
Thursday, October 17 from 12:00 - 1:00 pm | Virtual (Zoom) | Registration
How to write a cover letter can feel like the biggest mystery of the job search process. What should you include? Should you tailor your cover letter to every position you apply for? In this session, you will learn why a cover letter is like a love letter, and how to write a standout cover letter every time with the “love letter” format.
Resume Madness
Wednesday, October 9 from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Virtual (Zoom) | Registration
Resume Madness is an opportunity for students to make 15-minute appointments with one of our CCAS Career Counselors, Erin Ahart and Johnette Ruffner-Ceaser, Ed.D. to review resumes and cover letters or to ask a career related question.
Please review the event page for instructions on submitting your resume ahead of time, to ensure we can make the most of your appointment.
Graduate Student Events and Workshops
CAPS Grad Group
Weekly on Thursdays at 4:00 pm | Student Health Center Conference Room 2 (located on the Ground Floor of the University Student Center)
GW Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is starting a new Grad Group specifically geared towards supporting graduate students. Grad Group is a semi-structured processing space where graduate students can share experiences and get support and feedback from their peers and a clinician. Group topics will include: handling academics, balancing work and self-care, making connections, healthy relationships, maintaining perspective, and finding a supportive community. This group will be held every Thursday at 4:00pm under the supervision of Dr. Laura Finkelstein.
For more information on group counseling and other resources offered by CAPS, please visit the CAPS website or check out the GW Student Wellbeing section of last month’s newsletter.
Insider Perspectives on the PhD Application Process
Monday, October 21 from 1:00 - 2:00 pm | Virtual | Registration
Are you considering applying to a PhD program? This webinar panel will offer the perspectives of GW faculty members on what it takes to assemble a successful PhD application. Learn tips on writing a strong statement of purpose, asking for letters of recommendation, and managing timelines. Bring any questions you may have for the interactive Q&A session. Whether you’re already working on your PhD applications or (are just starting to explore the possibility), this webinar will provide valuable insights into the process.
Panelists include Prof. Michelle Stock, Director of Graduate Studies for Applied Social Psychology, and Prof. David Mitchell, Director of Graduate Studies for English. The panel will be moderated by Chad Heap, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies.
Please Register here.
Democracy & Governance Student Research Symposium - Call for Abstracts
Abstracts due Friday, October 18, 2024
The 3rd Annual Democracy & Governance Student Research Symposium will take place on February 12th, 2025 at Georgetown University. Hosted by the Center for Democracy and Civil Society, the symposium is an opportunity for graduate students from D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) universities who are focused on democracy and governance to present their independent research and projects, gain practical experience, and connect with established and young professionals in the field.
Students interested in presenting their work are required to submit a 150 word abstract for review. Research is not required to be final for the initial application and preliminary research is welcome. Students are expected to have finished their research by the date of the symposium. For more information, please visit the Democracy & Governance Student Research Symposium page or contact Tala Alahmar at [email protected].
Fall Ph.D. ETD Workshops
Each semester, the CCAS Office of Graduate Studies hosts a series of Ph.D. ETD workshops, including a copyright workshop in collaboration with GW Libraries. If you are a doctoral student planning on completing your program in the Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester, you are strongly encouraged to attend these workshops.
Fall 2024 PhD ETD Workshop I
Wednesday, October 9 from 10:00 - 11:00 am | Virtual (Zoom) | RegistrationIn this workshop, Student Services team members will review the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) submission process and formatting requirements, as well as discuss procedures and graduation deadlines specific to CCAS PhD students. We will hold a repeat session of this workshop in November.
Fall 2024 PhD ETD Copyright Workshop
Thursday, October 24 from 3:00 - 4:00 pm | Virtual (Zoom) | RegistrationThis informative workshop hosted by the GW Libraries Scholarly Communications team will explain how copyright restrictions may affect your dissertation and the steps you must take to protect your work.
Students whose dissertations will include previously published works are strongly encouraged to attend this workshop.
Halloween Week
Monday, October 28 - Friday, November 1 | 9:00am - 5:00pm | CCAS Graduate Studies Office (Smith Hall 118)
Stop by the CCAS Office of Graduate Studies in Smith Hall 118 during this spooky season, October 28 - November 1 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, for treats and a chance to win a prize!
Fall ETD Deadlines
Please continue to be mindful of ETD clearance deadlines for both Ph.D. students and for Master’s students completing a thesis.
Ph.D. students should visit our Ph.D. Clearance Deadlines page, and Master’s students completing a thesis should review our Master’s Thesis ETD Submission page.
Student Org Giving Challenge
If you are involved in a Student Organization, join the Student Org Giving Challenge, where YOU take the lead in fundraising directly for your group. Hosted by the Annual Giving team, this challenge empowers your team to harness your connections and creativity to make a real difference. Ready to elevate your organization’s impact and boost your funds? Don’t miss this opportunity! Complete the sign-up form today.
Help Future GW CCAS Graduate Students Find Their Perfect Home—Your Insight Matters!
Calling all GW Columbian College of Arts and Sciences graduate students! We’re launching a new housing survey this year, and we need your experiences to guide future graduate students. Your feedback will shape the VeryApt housing guide, helping incoming students find the right home to fit their needs.
It only takes 5 minutes to complete the survey. Be a part of shaping the GW CCAS community for the next class of students. Please take the GW Columbian College of Arts & Sciences - Housing Survey. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Thank you for your support and for being an essential part of our GW family!
Gelman Library Graduate Student Study Spaces
The Graduate Student Study Room is a quiet study space on the fifth floor of Gelman Library, accessible via a tap of your GWorld card. Lockers are also available for rent in this space. A locker that you rent is yours for the entire semester; the cost is $20/semester. More information on renting lockers can be found on the Libraries website.
The Global Resources Center on Gelman's seventh floor is a specialized library service point tailored to the needs of GW’s globally-focused academic programs. Outside of staffed hours, this space is open exclusively to graduate students and is accessible using your GWorld card. Learn more about available study spaces on the Gelman Learning Spaces page.
Upcoming Events
Dean's Election Conversation Series: Election Roundup
During the runup to the presidential election in November, CCAS is hosting a series of three roundtable discussions focused on issues critical to the election. The third conversation will be held on Tuesday, October 29, and will be centered around election analysis. Please join us! Click here for more information.
Funding, Fellowships, Internships & Employment Opportunities
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
Various Application Deadlines: between October 11-18, 2024
The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF actively encourages submission of applications from the full spectrum of diverse talent in STEM.
The Inter-American Foundation Research Fellowship Program
Application Deadline: December 3, 2024
The Inter-American Foundation (IAF), in conjunction with the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), welcomes applicants for its new Research Fellowship Program to advance rigorous field-based research on actionable questions about community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The IAF will award up to ten Fellowships in 2025. Each of the ten fellowships includes a stipend of $20,000 to support an individual researcher working over the course of twelve months in one or more of the countries in the region where the IAF works (see IAF.gov/Where we work), participation in a three-day in-person orientation workshop, and engagement with the network of IAF Fellows.
Applicants must be a citizen of one of the countries in which the IAF works or the United States and must have at least a Bachelor’s Degree.
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