New Student Experience

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

Fall 2024 Program Dates

June/July	Ready, Set, Success! A series of virtual information sessions for students hosted by SEASSPAN to help get you ready for the GW Engineering New Student Experience and The Getaway.
Thursday, August 15	GW Engineering First Year Pre-Orientation Check-in All GW Engineering first year students registered for the New Student Experience and 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 for more information about the GW Engineering New Family Welcome and check-in for the New Student Experience - The Getaway.
Friday, August 16	The Getaway A fun getaway with your new friends, mentors, faculty, and staff!
Saturday, August 17	Explore DC/GW Engineering Discover both the District of Columbia and the School of Engineering and Applied Science through in-person activities and interactive workshops alongside your fellow classmates and mentors. Also, in the evening we will host a Welcome Pizza Social and fun games and activities for you to enjoy with the mentors, staff, and faculty.
Wednesday, August 21	The Future is Yours An experience designed to help you create your path to success.

For more detailed information about the information sessions, pre-orientation activities, The Getaway, advising, registration, and success workshops, see our GW Engineering New Student Experience webpage linked below:

GW Engineering New Student Experience Website

The New Student Experience - The Getaway

The New Student Experience and The Getaway will take place on Thursday, August 15 through Saturday, August 17, 2024.

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, 2024 are responsible for paying a fee to cover the cost of transportation, food, and the 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 frequently asked questions below or email us at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions

Who organizes and leads the New Student Experience?

The SEAS Office of Undergraduate Studies 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 GW Engineering Office of Undergraduate Studies and the SEAS Student Peer Advisory Network (SEASSPAN) will be reaching out to you via your GW email throughout the summer. Please check your GW email account regularly starting on May 1.

Is the SEAS New Student Experience mandatory?

As an incoming first year student in GW Engineering, you should plan to participate in the GW Engineering New Student Experience and 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, GW Engineering, 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/GW Engineering, and The Getaway which requires advanced registration by Sunday, July 7, 2024. Registration information will be sent directly to your GW email.

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

When can I check into my housing assignment?

All GW Engineering first year students registered for the GW Engineering New Student Experience and The Getaway will need to register for check-in times on Thursday, August 15, 2024. If you have questions or concerns about your housing, please email: [email protected]