Residential Curriculum at GW
At GW, we recognize that every student’s journey is unique. Our Residential Curriculum is designed with purpose and guided by five core learning goals: connection, exploration, empathy, conflict resolution, and personal growth.
Our curriculum empowers residents to build meaningful relationships, develop essential life skills, and strengthen their self-awareness. It supports students in growing throughout their time at GW and well into the future.
Key Reasons We Use This Approach
Develops the Whole Student
Creates Cross-Departmental Alignment
Supports Growth Throughout College
Fosters a Strong Sense of Belonging
Educational Priority Statement
CLRE encourages and supports students as they navigate through learning tracks to build the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness needed to support their personal, interpersonal, and community development. Through this journey, they will build resilience, practice empathy, manage conflict, and cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose that supports their growth during and beyond their time at GW.
Learning Tracks
The Community Track centers belonging as the foundation for an inclusive and meaningful GW experience. It supports students in building connections in their residence halls and across campus by fostering shared moments of pride, fun, and school tradition. Through relationships, campus resource awareness, and reflection, students develop habits of mutual responsibility, care, and contribution to the GW community.
This Looks Like:
Programs & Events, Tabling & Resource Sharing, Operation REV UP! (Move-In), Town Halls, Class Year Programs, Take-Tos (group attendance at campus events), Floor Meetings, Community Standards Education, and Rev Chats (intentional conversations to build connection and trust)
The Personal Growth Track supports student success by building the capacity to engage with new ideas while navigating academic and career experiences. By developing skills such as self-awareness, goal-setting, and decision-making, students are better equipped to manage their academic journey, personal development, and campus involvement. This track encourages continuous growth as students shape their path with intention and purpose.
This Looks Like:
Reflection Activities, Skill-Building Workshops, Goal Setting & Development Plans, Peer Mentorship, Academic & Career Check-Ins, Individual Check-Ins, Office Hours, Campus Resource Connections
The Conflict Resolution Track empowers students to navigate interpersonal challenges through restorative approaches that emphasize accountability, empathy, and being in community. By reflecting on the impact of their actions and engaging in open dialogue, students develop skills in problem-solving, communication, and mutual understanding. This track supports personal and community success by fostering resilience and moving through conflict.
This Looks Like:
Conflict Mediation, Restorative Circles, and Communication Skill Building
The Empathy Track encourages students to explore their own identities and those of others through an intersectional and inclusive lens. By engaging in dialogue, reflection, and shared experiences, students build emotional intelligence, deepen cultural understanding, and strengthen their capacity for connection across differences. This track supports the development of compassionate, self-aware community members who contribute to a more inclusive GW experience.
This Looks Like:
Constructive Dialogue Groups, Listening Circles, and Storytelling Activities
The Exploration Track empowers students to discover and care for their well-being in all its dimensions— emotional, social, spiritual, and beyond. Rooted in personal growth and resilience, this track supports students in navigating challenges, setting healthy boundaries, and making decisions that promote balance and self-awareness.
This Looks Like:
Wellness Workshops, Resource Navigation, Boundary-Setting Activities, Health & Safety Checks, and Policy Education