GW's Residential Ecosystem
At GW, residential learning happens through relationships. Our Residential Ecosystem brings together student leaders, professional staff, faculty, chaplains, and campus partners to support student success, wellbeing, belonging, and growth throughout the residential experience.
Meet the Members of the Ecosystem
- Resident Advisors (RAs) & Community Assistants (CAs)
The first point of connection for many students, RAs and CAs build community, provide support, facilitate conversations, connect students to resources, and help students navigate the residential experience.
- Area Coordinators (ACs) & Assistant Area Coordinators (AACs)
Professional and graduate staff who oversee residential communities, support student wellbeing, respond to concerns, and provide leadership for residential education efforts.
- Residence Hall Association (RHA) / Hall/Area Councils
Student-led organizations that advocate for residents, provide feedback, and create opportunities for involvement and community engagement.
- Faculty-in-Residence (FiR)
Faculty members who help connect classroom learning to everyday residential life through discussions, programs, mentorship, and intellectual engagement opportunities.
- Chaplains-in-Residence (CiR)
Campus spiritual leaders who support students through conversations about meaning, identity, values, wellbeing, grief, and personal growth.
What Residential Learning Entails
Residential learning occurs every day through conversations, programs, leadership opportunities, support services, and shared community experiences. Every interaction within the Residential Ecosystem contributes to student learning. Whether attending a Faculty-in-Residence dinner discussion, seeking support from a Chaplain-in-Residence, participating in a Hall/Area Council event, or talking with a Resident Advisor/Community Assistant, students engage in experiences designed to foster belonging, growth, and success.
Living with Room/Suitemate(s)
Find tips and tricks to navigating roommate dynamics.
Building Community
Explore all aspects of living in a welcoming environment.
Exploring Washington, D.C.
Forge connections with your fellow classmates and the vibrant city around you with District Connections.
Connecting with Faculty
GW faculty bring learning out of the classroom through academic programs.
Developing Leadership Skills
RAs and CAs serve as leaders within the residential communities at GW.
Supporting your Wellbeing
Holistic wellbeing resources that will help you flourish and thrive at GW.
Discovering Resources
Living at GW comes with resources and amenities to support your experience.
A Year in the Residential Experience
Month | ACs/AACs/RAs/CAs | Hall/Area Council | Faculty-in-Residence | Chaplains-in-Residence |
| August | Community Meetings | Welcome Activities | Signature Events | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| September | Educational & Community Builder Experiences | ResFest (residence hall competition week) | Social/Academic Programs and Office Hours | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| October | Educational & Community Builder Experiences | Hall Event | Social/Academic Programs and Office Hours | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| November | Educational & Community Builder Experiences | Hall Event | Social/Academic Programs and Office Hours | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| December | Community Builder Experiences | Hall Event | Office Hours | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| January | Educational & Community Builder Experiences | Hall Event | Take-To Experience and Office Hours | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| February | Educational & Community Builder Experiences | Hall Event | Social/Academic Programs and Office Hours | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| March | Educational & Community Builder Experiences | Hall Event | Social/Academic Programs and Office Hours | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |
| April | Educational & Community Builder Experiences | Hall Event | Faculty Signature Event | Hall & Take-To Campus Events |