Inauguration at GW
With history being made blocks away from our campus, the George Washington University community has front row access to the 2013 Presidential Inauguration. Provided below is inauguration-related information for Inauguration Week 2013, including safety and security, #GWinaugural Challenge, GW Inaugural Ball, viewing party and community service information, as well as links to other Inauguration resources.
We also encourage you to call the GW Information Line at 202-994-5050 for updates or check GW Campus Advisories for the latest information on safety and security, overnight guest policy, transportation and parking restrictions, on-campus information and the GW Inaugural Ball.
Safety and Security
The GW Police Department (GWPD) may be reached 24 hours a day, and GWPD plans to have additional security on campus over inauguration weekend to enhance patrols of the campus and the ability to respond to incidents and calls for service.
GWPD Contact Information:
Foggy Bottom Campus: 202-994-6111 (emergency) or 202-994-6110 (non-emergency)
Mount Vernon Campus: 202-242-6111 (emergency) or 202-242-6110 (non-emergency)
Full information related to safety and security can be found on the GW Campus Advisories site, including information related to:
Safety and security tips
GWorld cards (be sure to carry your GWorld card with you at all times due to perimeter restrictions surrounding the Foggy Bottom campus)
- Registered guest inauguration identification
- Special inauguration overnight guest policy
- Transportation and parking, including parking and traffic restrictions, public transportation, the Vern Express, Virginia Science and Technology Campus shuttle and 4-RIDE Escort Service scheduling information
- On-campus dining and building access
- Emergency information and important updates
In the event of an emergency, please refer to Campus Advisories for more information.
#GWinaugural Challenge
The George Washington University is challenging our community, including prospective and current students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends to capture and share your Inauguration Day experience on social media. Users can complete our 50 Inauguration Day tasks and add the #GWinaugural hashtag (and #GWU or #OnlyatGW when possible) to your posts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube .
More information on the #GWinaugural Challenge can be found on the GW Making History site, including:
- Registration
- Prizes
- How You Win
- 50 #GWinaugural Challenge Tasks
GW Inaugural Ball
Since 1993, the George Washington University has hosted an inaugural ball on Inauguration Day. This longstanding tradition celebrates GW's politically active campus in the heart of Washington, D.C., and is a reflection of our diverse student population coming together for an event that epitomizes the phrase, "Only at GW." This year’s Inaugural Ball will be held:
Monday, January 21
8 PM – 12 AM
Omni Shoreham Hotel
2500 Calvert Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Tickets to the GW Inaugural Ball are sold out. More information about the Inaugural Ball can be found on the Inaugural Ball website, including:
Inauguration Viewing Party
On January 21, the Marvin Center will be showing all the inauguration activities from monitors in Columbian Square and in the Great Hall. Viewing will begin at 10:30 a.m. and last until all festivities have concluded.
Other Events
On January 19, George Washington students, faculty and staff will take part in a national day of service in partnership with Points of Light and Target. Participants will meet on Kogan Plaza and will be provided with bus transportation to the Washington, D.C., Armory for day-long service projects. President Steven Knapp is expected to speak at the event.
Other Inauguration Resources
- Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies
- District of Columbia’s 2013 Presidential Inauguration Website
- D.C. Emergency Information Center
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro)
Visit Campus Advisories or call the GW Information Line 202-994-5050 for continued updates.









