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Student Support

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24/7

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We understand this may be your first time taking classes online, and we’re here to help. As members of the GW community, online students like you have access to a variety of university services and resources.
Summary
Technical Requirements and Support
Main Content

Technical Requirements

Learning online requires use of a computer (desktop or laptop), an internet connection and basic software.

Some courses may provide access to specialty software through a virtual computer lab.

Computer Configurations

The Division of Information Technology recommends current operating systems. Your computer should handle these recommended software applications and the following general requirements, which most computers fulfill:

  • Video card (preferably in HD)
  • Sound card
  • Speakers and a microphone or headphones with built-in microphone
  • Webcam (built-in or USB)
  • Broadband internet connection
  • Microsoft Office 365 (provided at no cost to all current GW students, faculty and staff)

Blackboard Support

Blackboard, GW’s learning management system, is the platform most programs use. From this virtual classroom, you will receive assignments, interact with instructors and classmates, use message boards and more.

Blackboard support is available 24/7. Students can contact the Division of Information Technology Support Center Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 10:00pm.

The Division of Information Technology

The Division of Information Technology (IT) is the chief provider of technology infrastructure, services and applications at the George Washington University. The division partners with stakeholders across GW to equip students, staff and faculty with the technology and tools necessary to achieve academic excellence.

The Division of IT provides a broad range of services. Support is available Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 10:00pm from the IT Support Center.

  • Blackboard support
  • Google services: Drive, GWMail, Calendar
  • GW Mobile app
  • GWeb Information System
  • GWID
  • Lynda.com
  • NetID
  • Office 365
  • Software recommendations, downloads, licenses
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • WebEx web conferencing
Main Content

Technical Requirements

Learning online requires use of a computer (desktop or laptop), an internet connection and basic software.

Some courses may provide access to specialty software through a virtual computer lab.

Computer Configurations

The Division of Information Technology recommends current operating systems. Your computer should handle these recommended software applications and the following general requirements, which most computers fulfill:

  • Video card (preferably in HD)
  • Sound card
  • Speakers and a microphone or headphones with built-in microphone
  • Webcam (built-in or USB)
  • Broadband internet connection
  • Microsoft Office 365 (provided at no cost to all current GW students, faculty and staff)

Blackboard Support

Blackboard, GW’s learning management system, is the platform most programs use. From this virtual classroom, you will receive assignments, interact with instructors and classmates, use message boards and more.

Blackboard support is available 24/7. Students can contact the Division of Information Technology Support Center Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 10:00pm.

The Division of Information Technology

The Division of Information Technology (IT) is the chief provider of technology infrastructure, services and applications at the George Washington University. The division partners with stakeholders across GW to equip students, staff and faculty with the technology and tools necessary to achieve academic excellence.

The Division of IT provides a broad range of services. Support is available Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 10:00pm from the IT Support Center.

  • Blackboard support
  • Google services: Drive, GWMail, Calendar
  • GW Mobile app
  • GWeb Information System
  • GWID
  • Lynda.com
  • NetID
  • Office 365
  • Software recommendations, downloads, licenses
  • Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  • WebEx web conferencing
Summary
Student Services
Main Content

Division of Information Technology

In order to access many university systems and resources that are otherwise protected from off-campus access, you will need to use the GW VPN, which creates an encrypted channel from your location to the GW network.

You can use WebEx to meet for a group project, consult with a tutor, or even attend class. WebEx is collaborative web conferencing tool that allows for real-time video meetings and sharing of computer content over the internet.

Learn More About the Division of IT

GW Libraries

The GW Libraries support the GW community in teaching, learning, and research.

As an off-campus student, the full suite of services provided by GW Libraries is available to you. You can schedule research consultations, search online journals and papers, and have books sent to your home.

Learn More About Library Resources for Online Students

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services recognizes disability in the context of diversity. The team works collaboratively with students, faculty and staff across the campus to foster a climate of universal academic excellence, while also promoting disability culture and GW’s broader diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Learn More About Disability Support Services

Center for Career Services

The Center for Career Services offers comprehensive career resources for GW degree-seeking students, alumni and international exchange students, ranging from a job-search portal, online résumé and cover letter critique, online interview practice, and identifying strengths and interests.

Learn More About the Center for Career Services

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center provides assistance to the GW community seeking to strengthen their abilities as writers and to become stronger editors of their own work.

Learn More About the University Writing Center

Bookstore

You can purchase textbooks, GW apparel, and technology. Textbooks are also available for rent through the bookstore. Some technology is available at educational discounts.

Visit the GW Bookstore

Student Association

The Student Association is GW’s primary governing and advocacy body for all students at GW. They are a group of committed, passionate Colonials united by the mission to contribute to an even better GW.

Learn More About the Student Association

Main Content

Division of Information Technology

In order to access many university systems and resources that are otherwise protected from off-campus access, you will need to use the GW VPN, which creates an encrypted channel from your location to the GW network.

You can use WebEx to meet for a group project, consult with a tutor, or even attend class. WebEx is collaborative web conferencing tool that allows for real-time video meetings and sharing of computer content over the internet.

Learn More About the Division of IT

GW Libraries

The GW Libraries support the GW community in teaching, learning, and research.

As an off-campus student, the full suite of services provided by GW Libraries is available to you. You can schedule research consultations, search online journals and papers, and have books sent to your home.

Learn More About Library Resources for Online Students

Disability Support Services

Disability Support Services recognizes disability in the context of diversity. The team works collaboratively with students, faculty and staff across the campus to foster a climate of universal academic excellence, while also promoting disability culture and GW’s broader diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Learn More About Disability Support Services

Center for Career Services

The Center for Career Services offers comprehensive career resources for GW degree-seeking students, alumni and international exchange students, ranging from a job-search portal, online résumé and cover letter critique, online interview practice, and identifying strengths and interests.

Learn More About the Center for Career Services

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center provides assistance to the GW community seeking to strengthen their abilities as writers and to become stronger editors of their own work.

Learn More About the University Writing Center

Bookstore

You can purchase textbooks, GW apparel, and technology. Textbooks are also available for rent through the bookstore. Some technology is available at educational discounts.

Visit the GW Bookstore

Student Association

The Student Association is GW’s primary governing and advocacy body for all students at GW. They are a group of committed, passionate Colonials united by the mission to contribute to an even better GW.

Learn More About the Student Association

Summary
GWorld Card
Main Content

As a member of the GW community, online students are entitled to a GWorld card, which identifies them as a GW student and allows them to take advantage of student discounts.

To receive a GWorld card in the mail, online students should submit their photograph through the GWorld portal. The photograph must meet the following criteria:

Example GWorld photo (the photograph must be taken in front of a white, beige, or gray background).

No other people or objects can appear in the photo.

The photograph must be in color and have sufficient lighting (no shadows).

The photograph must be a full front view of the head and shoulders only, with your face filling the majority of the frame.

The student must be looking directly at the camera and facing forward. Side or profile shots will not be accepted.

The photograph must be taken at close range and clear (not blurry), making the face easily recognizable.

You must not be wearing items that obscure your head or face, including hats, sunglasses, or other articles. Religious head coverings are permitted, but the full face must be clearly visible.

Cards will be mailed to the students' current address on file with the university. Online students should ensure their address is up to date in the GWeb Info System. Online students can expect to receive their GWorld card within one month of submitting their photograph.

On-Campus GWorld Card

The GWorld card for online students does not provide access to buildings that are limited to members of the GW community, such as the libraries. Online students visiting campus may want a GWorld card that provides building access. They should obtain a new card by visiting the GWorld Card Office, located on the ground floor of the Marvin Center, Suite G05.

The following is required:

A valid US government photograph identification (such as a US Passport, state driver’s license, state identification card, foreign passport with a US Visa, military identification card, or a US government work badge)

The mailed GWorld card, which must be surrendered

Students must be registered for the semester that coincides with their visit to the GWorld office. The new card will reflect the expected graduation date.

Main Content

As a member of the GW community, online students are entitled to a GWorld card, which identifies them as a GW student and allows them to take advantage of student discounts.

To receive a GWorld card in the mail, online students should submit their photograph through the GWorld portal. The photograph must meet the following criteria:

Example GWorld photo (the photograph must be taken in front of a white, beige, or gray background).

No other people or objects can appear in the photo.

The photograph must be in color and have sufficient lighting (no shadows).

The photograph must be a full front view of the head and shoulders only, with your face filling the majority of the frame.

The student must be looking directly at the camera and facing forward. Side or profile shots will not be accepted.

The photograph must be taken at close range and clear (not blurry), making the face easily recognizable.

You must not be wearing items that obscure your head or face, including hats, sunglasses, or other articles. Religious head coverings are permitted, but the full face must be clearly visible.

Cards will be mailed to the students' current address on file with the university. Online students should ensure their address is up to date in the GWeb Info System. Online students can expect to receive their GWorld card within one month of submitting their photograph.

On-Campus GWorld Card

The GWorld card for online students does not provide access to buildings that are limited to members of the GW community, such as the libraries. Online students visiting campus may want a GWorld card that provides building access. They should obtain a new card by visiting the GWorld Card Office, located on the ground floor of the Marvin Center, Suite G05.

The following is required:

A valid US government photograph identification (such as a US Passport, state driver’s license, state identification card, foreign passport with a US Visa, military identification card, or a US government work badge)

The mailed GWorld card, which must be surrendered

Students must be registered for the semester that coincides with their visit to the GWorld office. The new card will reflect the expected graduation date.

Summary
State Contact Information
Main Content

The Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities contains detailed procedures for sexual harassment, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Title IX complaints, along with the procedures about how to file a complaint on the basis of protected class. Each school within the university establishes procedures to address matters of unfair academic evaluation or arbitrary and capricious grading. Information about these procedures is available from the department chair and/or associate dean of the school in which the course is offered.

GW’s Office of Compliance and Privacy

State Agencies

If you are unable to resolve your issue through the above process or by speaking with your instructor, you can contact the higher education regulatory agency in the District of Columbia or the state in which you reside.

Main Content

The Guide to Student Rights and Responsibilities contains detailed procedures for sexual harassment, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and Title IX complaints, along with the procedures about how to file a complaint on the basis of protected class. Each school within the university establishes procedures to address matters of unfair academic evaluation or arbitrary and capricious grading. Information about these procedures is available from the department chair and/or associate dean of the school in which the course is offered.

GW’s Office of Compliance and Privacy

State Agencies

If you are unable to resolve your issue through the above process or by speaking with your instructor, you can contact the higher education regulatory agency in the District of Columbia or the state in which you reside.