OTHER PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

The major sections that follow describe the undergraduate programs and courses offered by Columbian College of Arts and Sciences , the School of Business, the School of Engineering and Applied Science , the Elliott School of International Affairs, and the School of Public Health and Health Services. This section briefly indicates some of the University's additional programs, services, and administrative units.

The George Washington University at Mount Vernon College

An integral part of The George Washington University, the Mount Vernon campus offers a traditional campus atmosphere a short distance from the Foggy Bottom campus. A distinct environment within the University, GW at MVC offers fully integrated academic courses and programs as well as social and athletic opportunities to all GW undergraduates. Students may reside either at the Mount Vernon or Foggy Bottom campus; all GW students have access to courses, programs, libraries, and other services at both campuses.

Courses at the Mount Vernon campus are offered by nearly all departments of Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and by selected departments and programs of the Elliott School of International Affairs  and the School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and School of Public Health and Health Services. The campus is home to the interior design and forensic sciences programs. Students and faculty move freely between the two campuses on the University shuttle that runs 24/7 during the academic year, taking 10 to 15 minutes.

GW at MVC offers a set of residential experiences, including the Elizabeth Somers Women's Leadership Programs. The Women's Leadership Programs include Women in Globalization, Economics, and Business; Women in U.S. and International Politics; Women in International Arts and Culture; and Women in Science, Health, and Medicine. Each provides a one-year academic living and learning experience for first-year women with a set of courses linked around the theme of women's leadership, historical as well as contemporary. The program courses fulfill certain general requirements in all the undergraduate schools. The teaching assistants for the academic courses also live together with the students in the residence hall, developing co-curricular activities that emphasize the supportive community, tying together the various strands of the program. The intent of this program is to create an integrated community, which encourages energized classroom discussions that continue in the dining hall and the residence hall.

The Center for Student Engagement coordinates student support services for GW at MVC, including the development of programs and services that create a distinctive environment for students on the Mount Vernon campus, cooperative programming with the Foggy Bottom campus, and the cultivation of leadership and community service opportunities for students.

 The University Honors Program offers exceptional students opportunities to engage in advanced academic inquiry and conversation. The Honors proseminars, capped at 15-20 students, are characterized by an inquiry-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning; many emphasize global and cross-cultural perspectives. The Honors curriculum explores foundational texts of modern thought; modes of scientific inquiry; the relationship of art and culture; and the social sciences as a way to understanding society and the cultural forces at work in the world. Along with their Honors Program course work, students pursue work in their major fields and engage in independent or mentored research opportunities. All students participate in the Honors Capstone Experience and complete an Honors or departmental senior thesis or project.

In addition, the University Honors Program invites its members to initiate and to participate in a range of Honors community activities designed to complement the curriculum, including special lectures, informal discussions on topics of current importance and interest, faculty-led excursions to explore the D.C. area's intellectual, cultural, and recreational offerings, and get-togethers in the Honors Club Room.

Enosinian Scholars-Named for the first undergraduate academic society established at The George Washington University in 1822, the Enosinian Scholars Program is a special senior-year thesis program that requires two semesters of research, a written thesis, and an oral examination with outside reviewers. Students in the Enosinian Scholars Program may also pursue Special Honors in their department or program. Application to the Enosinian Scholars Program is made through the University Honors Program, which administers the Enosinian Scholars Program; membership in the Honors Program is not required.

Welling Professors

The George Washington University has a category of distinguished "occasional" professorships known as the Welling Professors. The professorships are named for James Clark Welling, who was president of GW for most of the last quarter of the 19th century, during which time this institution assumed many of the attributes of a modern research university. The intent of the Welling Professorships, established in 1995, is to bring internationally distinguished scholars to GW on an occasional basis and engage them in the intellectual life of students and faculty through public lectures, small group discussions, and other forums.

Residential Educational Programs

Among the many living and learning opportunities available at GW are enhanced educational programs in which first-year students reside together and take a common course or series of courses. Programs include Politics and Values, Dean's Scholars in Globalization, and the Elizabeth Somers Women's Leadership Programs. Further information is available from GW Housing Programs.

Joint and Dual Degree Programs

A large number of combined programs allow students to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree, with a modest amount of cross-crediting of course work. Programs available within Columbian College of Arts and Sciences are listed under the department concerned; programs within the School of Business , the School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the School of Public Health and Health Services are listed under the respective school's entry.

The Application for Admission lists combined programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees that students may enter when they are admitted as freshmen. Most combined degree programs that admit freshmen have specific performance criteria that must be met to remain in the program.

The combined degree program leading to the B.A./M.D. is briefly described under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences .

Secondary Fields of Study

A program of secondary fields of study provides undergraduates opportunities for formal interschool study. Students must be enrolled in a degree program and in good academic standing to be eligible to take a secondary field in another school. The secondary fields generally consist of 12 to 18 hours of prescribed courses, with scholarship requirements determined by the school offering the field. Upon satisfactory completion of all requirements, the secondary field and the courses taken in support of the field are entered on the student's transcript. Information is available in the student services offices of the schools concerned.

Summer Sessions

Courses are offered during the summer by all degree-granting divisions of the University. Summer Sessions also offers special programs that are not available during the regular academic year. Courses are offered during both day and evening hours. Students who are enrolled at the University for the spring semester may register for the following Summer Sessions without special application. Those who wish degree status may seek admission from the appropriate school within the University. Those who do not wish to work toward a degree at the University may apply through the process described in the Summer Sessions Announcement. For a complete statement concerning summer term work, see the Summer Sessions Announcement at www.gwu.edu/summer or contact 202-994-6360 or gwsummer@gwu.edu.

Study Abroad

Undergraduates who wish to study abroad during the academic year should contact the Office for Study Abroad concerning eligibility, appropriate procedures, and requirements for participation. Participants are billed GW charges for study abroad, rather than fees indicated by the visited school or program. To be eligible for the transfer of academic credit from study abroad, GW students must select a program from the University's authorized list of study abroad programs. Students must have a 2.75 cumulative grade-point average at the time of application and must have completed 45 credit hours prior to departure. Transfer students must complete one full semester at GW prior to application. Students who have a significant disciplinary history or who are on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of application are not eligible to study abroad. All programs of study abroad must be approved on the required forms prior to departure. Non-GW course credits earned in authorized programs with a C or above are transferable toward the appropriate degree at The George Washington University, provided there is no duplication of work done previously and faculty have designated each course with a GW course equivalent. Participants agree to abide by all procedures and regulations for study abroad as indicated in the Study Abroad Handbook, Memorandum of Agreement, and Participation Agreement distributed through the Office for Study Abroad. In addition to academic year programs, study abroad is available at varying locations during the summer; see Summer Sessions, above.

Office of Non-Degree Students

The Office of Non-Degree Students makes main-campus, credit-bearing courses available to those who are not currently degree candidates at this University. Such students, often employed in government or industry, may be taking courses to enhance their career potential or as a matter of personal interest. They may be candidates for higher degrees at other institutions, sent here for special work as part of a graduate program. They may be undergraduates matriculated elsewhere, taking courses for transfer to their own institution or preparing for graduate work.

The Office of Non-Degree Students allows a maximum per semester of 18 credits at the undergraduate level and 12 at the graduate level, except in special circumstances as approved by the director. Medical and law courses are not available to nondegree students.

Eligibility Requirements-Nondegree applicants must have appropriate academic preparation prior to enrollment. Prerequisites are specified in this Bulletin either in the course description or as a note preceding course descriptions of a given department. Contact the department concerned for further information regarding appropriate academic background for a particular course. An applicant who has previously attended this or another college or university must be in good standing at that institution. An applicant who has been suspended from any educational institution for poor scholarship will not be eligible to enroll as a non-degree student for one calendar year after the effective date of the suspension. An applicant who has been denied undergraduate admission within this University will not be eligible to enroll as a non-degree student for the same semester for which the application was denied. Applications and information on registration are available online www.gwu.edu/nondegree.

Tuition and Fees-For information regarding fall and spring semester tuition and fees, see Fees and Financial Regulations in this Bulletin. For information on summer tuition and fees, see http://www.gwu.edu/summer or contact 202-994-6360 or gwsummer@gwu.edu.

Regulations-Prospective and registered students should acquaint themselves with the regulations concerning attendance and withdrawal stated under University Regulations in this Bulletin or at www.gwu.edu/nondegree.

The deadline for adding a course during the regular fall and spring semester is the end of the second week of classes. A course dropped during the first four weeks of classes will not appear on a student's transcript. A course dropped after the fourth week but before the end of the eighth week will be assigned the grade of W (Authorized Withdrawal). The deadline for dropping a course without academic penalty is the end of the eighth week of classes. The deadline for complete withdrawal from a student's entire program of courses without academic penalty is the end of the ninth week of classes.

If the symbol I (Incomplete) is assigned, the instructor normally sets a period (maximum of one year) within which the uncompleted work must be made up. An Incomplete that is not changed within one calendar year becomes a grade of IF on the student's record.

All adjustments to course schedules during a regular summer session must be made within the first seven days of the official start of classes.

Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area

The George Washington University is a member of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area. Eleven universities in the Washington area-American University, Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Mason University, George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Marymount University, Trinity University, the University of the District of Columbia, and the University of Maryland-are associated in a Consortium through which they coordinate the use of their respective facilities. Students in approved programs leading to degrees in any one of these institutions have the opportunity to select from the combined offerings the particular courses that best meet their needs. This privilege is subject to regulations of the school in which the student is enrolled. Participation is limited to degree candidates. Law and medical students are excluded from participation, except for LL.M. candidates. See the Schedule of Classes for specific regulations and information concerning registration for Consortium courses.

Registration forms and instructions are available from the registrar of the institution in which the student is enrolled. Students register and pay tuition at their own institutions for all Consortium courses; course fees are payable to the visited institutions.

George Washington University students may enroll through the Consortium in the Army ROTC program offered at Georgetown University, the AFROTC program at the University of Maryland, or the Army ROTC or AFROTC at Howard University. Scholarships are available. Those interested should contact the ROTC enrollment officer at one of these universities. Limited credit for such courses (primarily advanced ROTC) may be assigned for electives to meet degree requirements at George Washington University; prior approval is required by the dean of the school in which the student is enrolled.

The University Libraries

The library collections of over two million volumes are housed in Melvin Gelman Library (the general library of the University), Jacob Burns Law Library, Paul Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library, the Virginia Science and Technology Campus Library, and Eckles Memorial Library on the Mount Vernon campus. The George Washington University is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, whose mission "influences the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the communities they serve."

The libraries strive to fulfill the curricular and research needs of the University's students. University appropriations supplemented by endowments and gifts provide electronic and paper research materials in the social sciences, the humanities, the sciences, engineering, education, business, law, medicine, and public health. Gifts from many sources have enriched the collections.

Information about using the libraries is available on the libraries' websites and at library service desks. Individual and class instruction in the use of the libraries and orientation to library facilities are given by librarians upon request as well as through print, media, and computer-assisted instruction. Through use of the many journal article databases and online resources, students identify and locate desired research materials not easily found through more traditional methods. The libraries' staff assist members of the University in using the rich resources of the Washington area and the unusual opportunities they offer for extensive research.

Students, faculty, and staff at GW may borrow directly and remotely, using the consortium loan service, from the libraries of the seven other academic institutions in the Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC). Members of the GW community may also obtain resources from other libraries in the area and throughout the United States using other library consortial arrangements and interlibrary loan.

The libraries provide a WRLC combined online catalog representing nearly 3.8 million titles and over 7.4 million volumes. ALADIN, the online research portal for the libraries, offers access to over 200 databases and can be accessed via the Internet from numerous computers in the libraries, residence halls, and University offices, as well as remotely from off campus.

The Writing Center

The Writing Center provides writing assistance to GW students for all courses, both undergraduate and graduate, in all schools of the University and at all levels of experience and expertise. Students receive assistance in identifying writing problems and learning how best to express ideas. Trained tutors (undergraduate peer tutors, graduate students, and the director and other members of the faculty) work with students individually on areas of specific need or interest. Tutors provide assistance in such areas as organizing a mass of information efficiently and clearly, using correct grammar and punctuation, getting started on a writing project, developing a thesis, providing evidence in support of an argument, and presenting the findings of an experiment or the solution to a research problem.

Honor Societies

Honor societies that maintain active chapters at George Washington University include Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi as well as those specific to given academic fields, such as Alpha Epsilon Delta, Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Delta Phi Alpha, Eta Kappa Nu, Omicron Delta Epsilon, Omega Rho, Pi Alpha Alpha, Pi Sigma Alpha, Pi Tau Sigma, Psi Chi, Sigma Delta Pi, Sigma Iota Rho, and Tau Beta Pi. The freshman honor society Phi Eta Sigma is open to qualified students in all undergraduate programs, and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars recognizes scholarship, community service, and leadership.

Prizes

The following academic prizes are supported by permanently endowed funds established through the Office of the Vice President and Treasurer. The many other prizes and awards available to GW students are funded annually, rather than by permanent endowment.

Abdelfattah Abdalla Prize-Awarded annually to a junior or senior in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for scholarship and service.

Norman B. Ames Memorial Prize-Awarded annually to a graduating senior in the School of Engineering and Applied Science who has made significant contributions to the School and the University.

Buka Family Prize-Provided by Ruth Buka in honor of her parents, Georg and Rosa Buka, and her sister, Hilde Buka-Lacour. It is awarded to the most outstanding student in German language and literature.

Byrne Thurtell Burns Memorial Prize-Awarded to the senior majoring in chemistry who shows the greatest proficiency in organic chemistry, as evidenced by a comprehensive examination, and who possesses such qualifications of mind and character as to give promise of future achievement.

Wilbur J. Carr Prize-Established in 1962 by Edith K. Carr, former Trustee of the University, in memory of her distinguished husband, who was graduated from the School of Comparative Jurisprudence and Diplomacy in 1899. It is awarded annually to that student in the graduating class of the University who has demonstrated outstanding ability in the study of international affairs and who has given evidence of possessing in marked degree the qualities that produce the good citizen and the dedicated public servant.

Astere E. Claeyssens Prize-Established in 1981 by the Trustees of the Bess and Arthur Dick Family Foundation. It is awarded for the best original work in playwriting by a student enrolled in the University.

John Henry Cowles Prizes-Two prizes, established by John H. Cowles, Grand Commander of the Supreme Council of Thirty-third Degree (Mother Council of the World) of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Southern Jurisdiction of the United States of America. Awarded upon graduation to the graduate or undergraduate student with the best overall scholastic achievement and leadership potential in the School of Business and in the Elliott School of International Affairs.

DeWitt Clinton Croissant Prize-Awarded annually to the undergraduate student enrolled in a course in drama or active in University dramatics who submits to the English Department the best essay on drama or the theater.

E.K. Cutter Prize-Established by Marion Kendall Cutter "for excellence in the study of English." Awarded to the member of the graduating class whose record in English, combined with general excellence, shows the most marked aptitude for and attainment in English studies.

Isaac Davis Prizes-Established in 1847 and awarded annually to the three seniors who have made the greatest progress in public speaking while enrolled in the University. Awards are determined by a public-speaking contest in which the participants deliver original orations. Only members of the senior class of Columbian College who are candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science are eligible to compete.

Elton Prize-Established by the Reverend Romeo Elton, of Exeter, England, and awarded annually to the student with the highest average in the most advanced course in the Greek language and literature.

Jesse Frederick Essary Prize in Journalism-Established by Helen Essary Murphy and awarded annually to a student who has given promise of sound citizenship and who submits the best printed and published evidence of ability in "forthright reporting" and good journalistic writing in a student publication or elsewhere.

Jessie Fant Evans Prize-A bequest of Joshua Evans, Jr., in 1971, in recognition of his wife's distinguished record at and service to the University, on whose Board of Trustees she served as the first woman member. Awarded annually to an outstanding senior student in a contemporary history course.

Joshua Evans III Prize in Political and Social Science-A memorial prize "established by friends because of an outstanding life." Awarded annually to that student in the graduating class "who has demonstrated his/her signal ability in the social and political sciences and who has given promise of the interpretation of that ability in good citizenship among his/her fellows."

Willie E. Fitch Prize-Established by James E. Fitch in memory of his son. Awarded annually to a senior student for the best examination in chemistry.

Alfred Martin Freudenthal Prize-Awarded annually to the senior in the School of Engineering and Applied Science who graduates with the highest scholastic standing.

Goddard Prizes-A memorial established by Mary Williamson Goddard, Alice Douglas Goddard, and Frederick Joseph Goddard. Three prizes are awarded annually to junior or senior students earning the highest average in American literature; French language and literature; and business administration or accounting.

Harmon Choral Prize-Established in 1986 in memory of Dr. Robert H. Harmon, director of the Glee Club from 1924 to 1964, by his brother Bishop Nolan Harmon and the GW Department of Music. Awarded annually to one or two students who have made outstanding contributions to the choral programs.

Ching-Yao Hsieh Prize-Two prizes awarded annually, one to an undergraduate and one to a graduate student in the Department of Economics.

Gardiner G. Hubbard Memorial Prize in United States History-Established by Gertrude M. Hubbard in memory of her husband and awarded annually to that member of the graduating class majoring in history who has maintained the highest standing in courses in United States history.

Cecille R. Hunt Prize-Offered annually to deserving art students.

Korean Language and Culture Prize-Awarded annually to a student enrolled in a Korean language/culture course.

Minna Mirin Kullback Memorial Prize-Established in 1968 by Solomon Kullback in memory of his wife. Awarded annually by a committee of faculty members of the Department of Statistics to a full-time undergraduate or graduate student majoring in statistics, who will have completed 18 credit hours of statistics courses by the end of the spring semester.

John Francis Latimer Prize in Classics-Established in 1973. Awarded to a graduating senior who has made the most outstanding record as a major in the Department of Classics.

Martin Mahler Prize in Materials Testing-Awarded to the upper-division or graduate student in engineering who submits the best reports on tests in the materials laboratory course, with preference given to prestressed concrete tests.

Hilda Haves Manchester Prize in Sociology-Established in honor of Hilda Haves Manchester, B.A. 1932, an outstanding student whose major field was sociology. Awarded annually by Columbian College to the senior student majoring in sociology who has the highest scholastic record.

The Barry Manilow Endowed Prize in Music-Established in 1983. Awarded annually to a student majoring in music. The award is made on the basis of academic performance and musical ability, as determined by a committee of faculty appointed by the chair of the Music Department.

Vivian Nellis Memorial Prize-Awarded to a student in the English Department who has shown special promise in the field of creative writing.

Ruggles Prize-Established by Professor William Ruggles in 1859. Awarded annually to a candidate for a bachelor's degree for excellence in mathematics.

Howard C. Sacks Prize-Awarded to a student in political science who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in the study of Far Eastern affairs.

Hermann and Johanna Richter Schoenfeld Prize-Established in grateful appreciation of the inspired teaching and devotion to his students of Dr. Hermann Schoenfeld, who for more than 20 years until his death in 1926 headed the Department of German. Hermann Schoenfeld, Ph.D., LL.D., was widely recognized as a scholar of distinction whose presence on the faculty added prestige to the University. This prize is given annually to a member of the graduating class for excellence in historical and cultural phases of German studies.

Julian H. Singman Prizes-Two prizes awarded annually, one in design and one in aquarelle painting.

Sylvia S. Speck Prize-Awarded to a graduating senior for exemplary academic achievement in English literature.

Staughton Prize-Established by the Reverend Romeo Elton and awarded annually to the student making the best record in the most advanced courses in Latin language and literature.

Alfred E. Steck Memorial Prize-Awarded for proven excellence in the field of sculpture.

James MacBride Sterrett, Jr., Prize-Established in 1911 by Professor Sterrett in memory of his son. Awarded annually to the student who obtains the highest average in the first-year physics courses.

Charles Clinton Swisher Historical Club Prize-Established in 1936 by the Charles Clinton Swisher Historical Club and augmented in 1941 by the bequest of Professor Swisher. Awarded annually to the student who submits the best essay covering some phase of medieval history.

Thomas F. Walsh Prize-Established in 1901 and awarded annually to the student who submits the best essay in Irish history.

Alexander Wilbourne Weddell Prize-Established in 1923 by Virginia Chase Weddell in memory of her husband. Awarded annually to a degree candidate who writes the best essay on "the promotion of peace among the nations of the world." The prize essays shall become the property of the University and shall not be printed or published without the written consent of the University. The University reserves the right to withhold the award if no essay attaining the required degree of excellence is submitted.

GW Alumni Association

The objectives of this organization are to unite the graduates who wish to associate themselves for charitable, educational, literary, and scientific purposes, and to promote the general welfare of the University.

Membership in the Association is conveyed automatically to anyone who has been graduated from any school or division of the University. Anyone who has earned 15 credit hours or the equivalent at the University, who has left the University in good standing, and whose class has graduated is eligible for membership; in the case of the Office of Non-Degree Students, however, only the "15 credit hours earned" requirement and not the "graduation of the class" requirement applies. Graduates of Center for Professional Development certificate programs are also eligible.

A Governing Board, composed of members representing the constituent alumni organizations, directs the activities of the Association. The voluntary leadership of the Association works closely with the staff of the Office of Alumni Relations in carrying out Association affairs. The Association may be contacted through the Office of Alumni Relations.