VSTC Transition: Questions and Answers

Senior leadership at the George Washington University hosted a town hall for stakeholders at the Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) on June 9. More than 300 faculty and staff members were in attendance, including President Ellen M. Granberg, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Bruno Fernandes, Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Scott Mory, Vice President of Safety and Operations Baxter Goodly and Vice President and Chief People Officer Sabrina Minor.

The university announced the sale of the campus in February with proceeds supporting strategic investments in research and teaching, enhancing student financial support and covering relocation costs. It also enabled the one-time bonus for eligible employees.

The sale provides the university with the opportunity to relocate some VSTC programs and functions to create greater academic alignment between GW programs, foster stronger connections within the university community and improve administrative efficiency.

Goodly answered questions about the status of the campus transition.

Q. Can you provide an update on the status of the relocation of programs and offices at VSTC?

A: I want to emphasize that operations will be continuing at VSTC throughout this transition. Campus services will also continue throughout this period depending on capacity needs.

We very recently started the process of engaging stakeholders to better understand their needs for future relocation and to confirm that all of their academic or administrative needs are met in a future space. This process will continue throughout the summer.

Q. How are stakeholders being included in this process?

A: To kick off the initiative, we have formed both a VSTC Relocation Core Committee and Coordinating Committee to ensure we are inclusive of all stakeholders who teach, conduct research, take classes or work at the campus. These individuals are helping identify areas where we need to learn more.

We have also engaged with Brailsford & Dunlavey (B&D), a program management advisory firm, and Perkins & Will, an architecture firm, to help us in the stakeholder engagement process, as well as develop a key change management strategy to ensure this transition is thoughtfully and efficiently managed.

They have already started conducting stakeholder interviews with the various programs and functions at the VSTC, but there will be additional opportunities in this phase and beyond for people to stay critically involved in the process.

Q. What is the timing for the relocation of programs and offices located at VSTC?

A: The earliest we anticipate moving some of our smaller units is summer 2027. We do not anticipate moving any large schools or units, like the School of Nursing, until summer 2028 at the earliest.

We are developing a preliminary five-year roadmap leading up to the transition of the campus through a stakeholder-driven approach. As I mentioned, we are currently in the process of meeting with our stakeholders and understanding their needs. Later this summer, we will conduct focus group discussions for VSTC community members. By the fall, we will be able to put together all the input we've received and provide clarity on what VSTC stakeholders should expect over the next five years. Of course, this timeline may shift a little, but this timeframe is our goal.

Q. Is Research Place included in the transition?

A: No, Research Place was not included in the sale of the campus and will remain available for university use. We do not own the entire building, so we are considering the best use for that space.

Q. Many stakeholders at VSTC have specific questions about possible remote work arrangements or commuting and parking. When will you be able to further provide information?

A: I agree these are very important questions, but we do not have specific answers at this time. We are still in the early stages of stakeholder engagement to gather input and capture feedback before making any decisions.

Q. How will the university afford to move all these programs, units, research labs from VSTC?

A: As part of the sale of the campus, the university set aside proceeds that will be used for relocation expenses.

Q. Where can I get more information and keep up-to-date with the latest developments at VSTC?

I encourage you to visit our Campus Transition webpage. A recording of the June 9 town hall is also available for those who were not able to attend.

GW Leaders Discuss Sale of Virginia Science and Technology Campus