New Student Experience

Each academic year, the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) Advising team and the SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) mentors assist first year students with their transition to GW/SEAS through a series of pre-orientation events called the New Student Experience (NSE) which includes a day trip referred to as The Getaway.

Fall 2023 Program Dates

June/July

Ready, Set, Success!

A series of virtual information sessions for students to help get you ready for the SEAS New Student Experience and Getaway.

Wednesday, August 16  

SEAS First Year Pre-Orientation Check-in

All SEAS First Year students registered for the New Student Experience-The Getaway will be able to check into their residence hall on this date.
More information will be shared from the Office of Campus Living and Residential Education.

Additionally, be on the look of for more information about the SEAS Family Welcome Meeting and Greet on this day.
 

Thursday, August 17  

Explore DC/SEAS

Discover both DC and SEAS through in-person activities and interactive workshops alongside your fellow classmates and mentors. Also, in the evening join us for the Welcome Pizza Social with your advisors, faculty, and staff.

Friday,
August 18

The Getaway

A fun getaway with your new friends, mentors, faculty, and staff!

Monday, August 21  

The Future is Yours

A variety of workshops that help you create a path to success.

For more information about the virtual meetups, in-person activities, The Getaway, and the success workshop, see our New Student Experience webpage linked below:

New Student Experience Schedule

 

The New Student Experience - The Getaway

The New Student Experience and The Getaway will take place on Thursday, August 17 and Friday, August 18, 2023.

 

Program Cost and Registration

There is NO COST to SEAS first year students participating in the SEAS New Student Experience and The Getaway, but students are required to register in advance to participate in our trip to River Riders. You will receive an email in early June to register for this event - please check your GW email regularly!

However, any cancellations or no shows after July 10, 2023 are responsible for paying a fee to cover the cost of transportation, food, and activities. If you have any questions or concerns, please email [email protected].

What to Bring

In order to help you be ready for the New Student Getaway we have prepared this checklist (pdf). If you have any questions about what to bring do not hesitate to reach out to your individual mentor and/or SEASSPAN at [email protected].

 

Questions?

Check out our FAQs below or email the SEAS Undergraduate Advising team.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


Who organizes and leads the New Student Experience?

The SEAS Office of Undergraduate Student Services and Advising and the SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) coordinate all activities associated with the New Student Experience.

How will I be contacted / updated throughout the summer?

The SEAS Office of Undergraduate Student Services and Advising and the SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) will be reaching out to you via your GW email throughout the summer.

Is the SEAS New Student Experience mandatory?

As an incoming student in SEAS, you should plan to participate in the SEAS New Student Experience including The Getaway. All events including The Getaway will allow you to get to know your classmates, mentors, faculty, and staff before you begin classes in the fall as well as get important insights about GW, SEAS, and DC!

All events will have registration to ensure that we can track and prepare appropriately for the event. This holds especially true for earlier housing check-in, Explore DC/SEAS, and The Getaway which requires advanced registration by Sunday, July 9, 2023. Registration information will be sent directly to your GW email. 

If you have any questions, concerns or are unable to attend due to extenuating, please contact us at [email protected] by or before the registration deadline.

When can I check into my housing assignment?

All SEAS first year students registered for the SEAS New Student Experience and The Getaway will need to register for check-in times on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. If you have questions or concerns about your housing, please email: [email protected]

What are the COVID-19 Guidelines for New Student Experience?

Our COVID-19 policies will align with the university vaccination policy and current university guidelines including our outfitter which has established COVID-19 policies.