Exploring The Diverse Student Organizations At George Washington University

George Washington University (GW or GWU) is a private federally-chartered research university in Washington, D.C. It offers its students over 500 student organizations to get involved with, covering a range of causes, identities, and interests. These organizations put on some of the most highly anticipated campus events and offer endless opportunities for involvement and leadership each year.

Student organizations at George Washington University

George Washington University (GW) offers over 500 student organizations, catering to a wide range of interests, causes, and identities. Getting involved in student organizations is one of the best ways for students to engage on campus, connect with peers, and develop leadership skills.

The Undergraduate Business Association (UBA) is a prominent example of a student organization at GW, serving as an umbrella group for 24 business-related clubs. These clubs provide opportunities for students to explore various specializations within the field of business, such as marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship. The UBA also acts as a liaison between students and faculty, ensuring that the voices of undergraduate business students are heard.

GW's student organizations cover a diverse range of interests, including academic, cultural, and recreational pursuits. For instance, the Black Student Union aims to create a supportive and welcoming community for Black students through programming, service, and collaboration with other organizations. On the other hand, GW Trails focuses on outdoor adventure and leadership, offering weekly trips to connect students with nature.

Students with an interest in politics and international affairs are well-served by organizations like the International Affairs Society (IAS), which runs the university's top-ranked Model United Nations team and hosts events with foreign dignitaries and experts. The GW College Democrats and College Republicans, the largest chapters in the nation, have hosted notable speakers, including former DNC Chairman Howard Dean and former President George W. Bush, respectively.

Additionally, GW has a vibrant Greek community, with over 3,000 students involved in fraternities and sororities, comprising just under 27% of the undergraduate population. The university also boasts several a cappella groups, such as the GW Sons of Pitch, the GW Troubadours, and the GW Pitches, who actively participate in charity work and hold annual concerts.

With such a vast array of student organizations, GW ensures that students have numerous opportunities to pursue their passions, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact during their time at the university.

The Undergraduate Business Association (UBA)

The George Washington University (GW) in Washington, D.C., offers over 500 student organizations to its undergraduate and graduate students. One of these is the Undergraduate Business Association (UBA), which coordinates the leadership of all GWSB-affiliated undergraduate student organizations. The UBA acts as a liaison between GWSB students, faculty, and staff, elevating undergraduate voices and advocating for their needs and interests. The UBA is guided by its core values of integrity, community, and development.

The UBA is led by an Executive Board of student leaders and has several initiatives to support and engage the GWSB undergraduate community. One such initiative is the annual Back 2 Business: Student Organization Fair, which brings together GWSB-affiliated undergraduate student organizations to showcase opportunities for students to get involved. The fair allows students to explore various organizations, network with student leaders, and learn about potential events and initiatives.

The UBA also offers the Into the Industry Career Networking Conference, tailored specifically for first-year GWSB students. This conference features industry leaders from various business sectors, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into different business industries. Additionally, the UBA has an Ambassador Program where sophomores, juniors, and seniors lead tours for prospective students and share their insights into the GW and GWSB experience.

The UBA's First-Year Cohort program focuses on developing essential skills such as interviewing and networking for first-year students interested in professional development opportunities within the School of Business. Furthermore, the UBA Leadership Council comprises student leaders representing the GWSB-affiliated undergraduate student organizations. The council meets monthly to discuss collaboration opportunities, campus updates, leadership development, and fostering connections among student leaders.

The UBA's 2024-2025 Executive Board includes Mason Levitt as President, Arian Agadi as Executive Vice President, and Pritesh Tanna, Tulah Chatterton, Samarth Nagaraj, Brooke Weinberg, and Nasir Merchant as Vice Presidents of Events, Marketing, Inclusion, Operations, and Finance, respectively.

Greek life at George Washington University

George Washington University (GWU) has a large Greek community, with over 3,000 students and just under 27% of the undergraduate population taking part. Greek life is not as prominent at GWU as at other universities, with only about 11% of undergraduates participating. This is partly due to the university's location in Washington, D.C., which offers students a wide range of off-campus social opportunities.

There are 34 Greek chapters at GWU, with 19 of these being sororities. The sorority branches most prevalent at U.S. colleges are all represented at GWU. The university's fraternities and sororities are divided into four governing councils: the Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Panhellenic Association (PHA), the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC).

The IFC is the governing body for nine fraternities at GWU. It was founded in 1858 to promote fraternity life and provide a forum for discussing issues affecting fraternities and their members. The PHA is the governing board for the 11 Panhellenic chapters on campus. It works to promote the positive ideals of sorority life and contribute to the GWU community through involvement, leadership, academics, philanthropy, and community service.

The NPHC, also known as the "Divine 9", serves to initiate, discuss, coordinate, oversee, and maintain programs and activities of its nine historically Black fraternities and sororities, seven of which are present at GWU. The MGC is home to seven cultural or identity-based dynamic Greek-letter organisations that strive to maintain an all-inclusive and culturally diverse environment.

GWU's Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) has a history spanning over 155 years and is one of the university's longest-standing traditions. FSL offers students the opportunity to build a close-knit community, develop lifelong friendships, enhance their leadership skills, and give back to the community through service and philanthropy.

Student publications at George Washington University

George Washington University (GWU) has a wide range of student publications across various disciplines. The university's student body produces and publishes research across a variety of topics, from international affairs to social justice and the arts.

Undergraduate Publications

The GW Undergraduate Review, established in 2016, is the premier publication for undergraduate research at GWU. It is a student-run, peer-reviewed journal supported by the Office of the Vice Provost for Research. The journal's mission is to promote undergraduate research through events, workshops, and the publication of student work.

The Globe is the only undergraduate journal in international affairs at GWU. It is jointly sponsored by the International Affairs Society (IAS) and the Elliott School of International Affairs. The Globe showcases the ideas, perspectives, and research of students interested in Security, Human Rights, Development, and other sub-fields of International Affairs.

Other Student Publications

GWU students also have the opportunity to publish their work in various other journals and publications. These include:

• Girl Studies: An Interdisciplinary Journal for Undergraduate Research, which publishes work on topics such as gender expectations, identity, body image, and girl empowerment.
• International Journal of Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities, a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that accepts submissions of research articles, creative writing, photography, videos, and other creative works from undergraduate students across all academic disciplines.
• Journal of Student Research, a multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal that seeks thought-provoking pieces from any disciplinary perspective, including writing, rhetoric, popular culture, media, and digital composing.
• Stanford Undergraduate Research Journal (SURJ), an annual peer-reviewed publication featuring research articles primarily written by Stanford undergraduates but also including contributions from well-qualified students at other institutions.
• Undergraduate Journal of Service Learning and Community-Based Research, which invites undergraduate students from the U.S. and around the world to submit their intellectual projects for a rigorous review process.
• Young Scholars in Writing: Undergraduate Research in Writing and Rhetoric (YSW), a peer-reviewed journal founded in 2003 that focuses on writing and rhetoric and has garnered a national reputation.

Alumni Publications

In addition to student publications, GWU also has a dedicated magazine for alumni and friends, appropriately named GW Magazine. The magazine features stories and updates from alumni, including their career achievements, creative endeavours, and advocacy work. It also includes gift guides, event updates, and special features related to the university and its community.

With such a diverse range of student publications, GWU provides ample opportunities for its students to showcase their research, creative work, and intellectual pursuits. These publications not only contribute to the academic discourse within their respective fields but also foster a sense of community and collaboration among GWU students.

Student life at George Washington University

The student organizations at GW are assembled under various causes, identities, and interests, ensuring that students with different backgrounds and passions can find a group that aligns with their values and goals. These organizations host some of the most highly anticipated campus events and offer endless opportunities for leadership development and involvement.

One of the notable student organizations is the Black Student Union, which aims to create a supportive and welcoming environment for Black students through programming, service, public forums, and collaboration across diverse organizations and identities. Another example is the Program Board, a diverse, student-run coalition dedicated to uniting and engaging the GW community through accessible and inclusive events.

GW also offers a range of fraternities and sororities, providing opportunities for students to connect and form lifelong bonds. The university's athletic teams, known as the George Washington Revolutionaries, compete in the NCAA Division I Atlantic 10 Conference, fostering a sense of school spirit and camaraderie among students.

In addition to student organizations, GW provides a rich academic experience through its fourteen schools and colleges. The Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the original academic unit of the university, offers a wide range of majors and courses. The university also has a strong focus on research, with students and professors collaborating on projects that advance discovery and influence policy.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., GW's urban campus provides easy access to political and cultural institutions, making it ideal for students interested in politics and city life. The Foggy Bottom campus, the main campus, is just a short distance from the White House, the World Bank, and the National Mall. The university's three fully integrated campuses offer a range of residence halls, ensuring that students can find a sense of community and belonging.

Overall, student life at George Washington University is characterized by academic excellence, a diverse range of extracurricular activities, and a vibrant campus community, providing students with a well-rounded and enriching educational experience.

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