August 20, 2009
     
MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Sherrard
202-994-1423; mcs1@gwu.edu

GW FRESHMEN ADJUST TO COLLEGE LIFE WITH HELP OF FACULTY AND STAFF GUIDES

WASHINGTON-Along with college "how-to" books and sage advice from parents and friends, George Washington's Class of 2013 also will be paired with faculty and staff guides to help them transition from high school to college life.

In its second year, GW's Guide to Personal Success (GPS) program will match incoming students with more than 550 faculty members, staff, administrators, local alumni and student leaders who will serve as resources for freshmen. The program, conceived as part of an internal self-study, meets one of University President Steven Knapp's main goals of building student community and encouraging faculty, staff and alumni engagement.

"The Guide to Personal Success program has become a terrific resource for students to help them acclimate to college life," said Senior Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services Robert A. Chernak. "Transitioning from high school to a new campus with new people in a new city can sometimes be challenging, but our guides work with our incoming students to help them be comfortable with their new home and help connect them to University resources and the opportunities of Washington, D.C."

Brian Hamluk, director of the GPS program, recently managed the first year assessment of the program, which included student focus groups and surveys among students and guides. "The positive results of the survey helped us add a number of enhancements that we believe will strengthen the program in its second year and provide an even better experience for the Class of 2013."

Ashley Nicole Delgado, member of the Class of 2012, said, "My experience with the GPS program has been phenomenal. My guide was a great resource in helping me transition to GW and Washington, D.C. I know I'll keep in touch with my guide throughout my time at GW and even after I graduate."

"My guide offered unparalleled insight into life at GW and offered valuable advice on how to expand my college experience beyond the classroom," said Phil Ensler, member of the Class of 2012. "Having a guide made my first year that much better and more comfortable." 

Unveiled in the fall of 2008, GW's GPS program has received national attention, as it was presented at numerous national conferences, including the American College Personnel Association Annual Convention, the Annual Conference on the First-Year Experience and the International Mentoring Association conference.

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