Safety Information for the Start of the Academic Year

As George Washington University students return to campus and Washington, D.C., for the 2026-27 academic year, a range of safety measures and support resources will be in place to support a safe and welcoming campus environment.

These efforts are largely a continuation of what the university has implemented and adhered to in the past, including GWorld tap access needed to enter many buildings and the use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in public spaces. GW Police Department officers and security guards will also continue patrols around campus, and guards will have a presence at the entrances to some buildings, including selected residence halls.

"We are excited to welcome students back to campus this fall," said Associate Vice President of Campus Safety Katie McDonald. "The Campus Safety team-GWPD, the Office of Advocacy and Support, GWorld, Emergency Management, EMeRG, Environmental Health and Safety-is here for you."

This year, following a detailed review of safety data, GW identified several residence halls where existing guard staffing levels exceed current service needs. As a result, effective Aug. 19 with Move-In Week, the university is modifying security coverage to better align staffing and resources with current needs while continuing to maintain a safe and secure campus environment. In general, first-year residence halls will continue to be staffed by guards while upper-class halls will rely primarily on GWorld tap access, CCTV coverage, roving security personnel and GWPD response rather than dedicated, stationary guards.

"We continue to feel assured that our residence halls are safe and secure for our students," McDonald said. "Tap access for exterior building doors, elevators and rooms, as well as CCTV and roving guards, offer additional layers of security. I also am pleased to share that GWPD has expanded its team in recent months to add capacity. As always, we will continue to monitor safety data and maintain the ability to adjust our security staffing approach when warranted."

While on campus, a culture of mutual respect is expected as students, faculty, staff and campus police officers and security guards are part of the GW community, and each has a role in maintaining safety.

Alerts and advisories will continue to be communicated through multiple channels, including GW Alert (email, text messages, social media), Campus Advisories and the GW Guardian App, allowing the university to quickly and efficiently provide updates when needed.

GW Chief of Police Victor Brito, a Metropolitan Police Department veteran of more than 25 years who is experienced in prioritizing safety within the city, advises GW students to be mindful and aware of living in an urban area.

"I strongly encourage you to stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times," Brito said. "It's great to embrace our urban environment, and it's important to stay mindful of your location and situation."

The university continues to monitor National Guard presence in the District of Columbia. While direct impacts to GW's operations are not expected at this time, community members may notice increased federal personnel presence in the Foggy Bottom neighborhood, as well as across the District. Students are encouraged to always carry their identification and GWorld, especially when they are out in the city and on federal land such as the National Mall and monuments.

Another safety enhancement on campus is GW's recent upgrade of more than 150 public-access automated external defibrillators (AEDs) across the Foggy Bottom, Mount Vernon and Virginia Science and Technology campuses. AEDs can help save the life of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Community members can locate AEDs using GW's Campus Safety maps, making it easier to identify the nearest device before an emergency occurs.

In addition to maintaining this critical safety equipment, EMeRG offers monthly CPR/AED training sessions for students, faculty and staff.

The university will share updates or timely safety information through Campus Advisories and GW Alerts. Students, faculty and staff may sign up to receive texts from GW Alerts. Students or other GW community members may add family members' numbers so they also receive texts from GW Alerts.