GW’s Campus Safety Fair Returns Sept. 24

George Washington University's annual Campus Safety Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24 in Kogan Plaza, bringing together campus safety teams, resources and interactive activities to promote emergency preparedness and personal safety.

The annual safety fair also marks the second year of the university's RevReadyinitiative, a comprehensive safety awareness campaign designed to educate and empower the GW community to prepare for and respond to emergencies. The campaign encourages everyone to "be RevReady" by focusing on three key tenets of emergency preparedness: make a plan, build a kit and stay informed.

The goal of the campaign, which has been visible throughout the Foggy Bottom campus in the weeks leading up to the Safety Fair, is to increase the level of personal preparedness among students, faculty and staff. Through posters, digital signage and outreach events, the campaign offers actionable tips and resources to help every community member take proactive steps toward safety.

Over the last year, GW has launched new online safety training, now available to all students through BlackBoard, and faculty and staff through Talent@GW. This training provides a comprehensive overview of university safety terminology, protocols and resources, helping the community better understand how to respond in various emergency situations. Additional training opportunities and resources are also available at safety.gwu.edu.

"When we feel safe, we can really focus on teaching, learning, research and service," said Katie McDonald, associate vice president for campus safety. "Our goal is to create a supportive environment that fosters safety."

In addition to the RevReady campaign, Safety Fair and safety trainings, the university also wants to spotlight the many resources and teams that support safety on GW campuses:

Communicating safety guidance

GW Alerts

The university issues GW Alerts during emergencies or when an incident or event requires timely notifications that impact our campuses or community and require action, awareness or preparedness. GW Alerts are sent to all GW email addresses automatically. Students, faculty and staff can also sign up to receive GW Alerts by text. Students may add a family member's mobile phone or email to their GW Alert user profile so the family member receives GW Alerts directly. Instructions are available here.

Campus Advisories

GW issues Campus Advisorieswhen an incident or event may have an impact on GW's campuses or surrounding area. Campus Advisories also are used to communicate general information for the community's awareness. Examples of situations where Campus Advisories may be issued include inclement weather that could alter the university's operating status or a large event (e.g., a demonstration) on or near campus that may warrant heightened safety action, awareness or preparedness.

Active Campus Advisories are always available on the Campus Advisories website. They also may be shared by email with the university community depending on the level of impact to the campus and community.

Campus and residence hall safety

The university has increased GW Police Department patrols around campus.

All first-year residence halls, including FSK, as well as District, JBKO, Munson and International House have 24/7 security coverage with security guards at the front desk. All other second-year and upperclassmen residence halls have overnight security coverage from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., which is an adjustment from last academic year.

Residential students are able to enter all GW residence halls with their GWorld, while visitors-who qualify as any non-residential GW student-are required to sign in when a security guard is present, which is past 10 p.m. at buildings without daytime coverage.

The university frequently engages with District and federal partners to assess how national, regional and local developments may impact the GW campuses and community, and to enhance campus safety measures accordingly. For students, the Administrator On Call program remains available 24/7 to respond to, and offer guidance for, emergencies.

GW Safe Ride

The university offers GW Safe Ride, which provides a free and safe ride to or from Foggy Bottom campus residence halls and academic buildings during late-night hours for students, faculty and staff who prefer not to walk alone.

GW Guardian app

The GW Guardian appprovides an additional layer of security, allowing users to receive advisories and alerts, connect with GWPD and EMeRG, share information with emergency responders, and more.

Reporting mechanisms

• Equal Opportunity, Nondiscrimination, Anti-Harassment and Non-Retaliation Policy: Provides reporting options for faculty, staff and students, including reporting discrimination, harassment and bias.
• GW's Conflict Education and Student Accountability (CESA) Incident Reporting System

Division for Student Affairs, Office for Diversity, Equity and Community Engagement

DSAand ODECEsupport students in many ways. For example, students, parents, faculty and staff can identify students who may need additional support through DSA's CARE Teamonline form. Students are connected to resources through inter-departmental collaboration to provide them with appropriate and personalized outreach. Counseling and Psychological Servicesand TimelyCareare available for mental health support. ODECE's teams include the Multicultural Student Services Center and other staff who can provide student support.

GWPD, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Advocacy and Support, and EMeRG

More information and resources are available through the GWPD, Office of Emergency Management, Office of Advocacy and Support, and EMeRG websites.

Employee Assistance Program

The GW Employee Assistance Program(EAP) offers various services for eligible employees, including free confidential counseling.

More Resources

View a more expansive list of offices and resources related to safety and well-being.