Tips From A Graduating Senior

Tue, 12 May 2009 08:51:12 +0000

Hey there everyone! This post won’t be the most Elliott-related, but hopefully it will be just as helpful than some of the more germane entries. I’m graduating in a week, and, as I was walking around campus today running errands, I thought of a few of the practical tips about GW that I’ve picked up in the last few semesters. None of them are life changing, and they are all little things. Some of you probably learned all of these at Colonial Inauguration; others may know of none of them. So here goes . . .

1. Need a GW Phone Number?

Call 202-994-1000. It’s my favorite number in the world. It’s the operator at GW (I’m sure there’s some actual, official title), and they will connect you to whatever office you need. If you’re on your way to class and need to check up on details for your student org event, the lost and found, the hours of Student Health, etc… just call and get transferred. Especially for us non-BlackBerry folks, this is a lifesaver.

2. Gelman Library Printers

Probably the most intelligent I ever felt at GW was when I realized that the computer you print at on the first floor is NOT connected to the printer closest to it with the assigned number. Especially during finals, I’ve seen two or three people lined up at one printer waiting to print when other printers are open. Your document will show up in the queue at any computer, I promise.

3. GW A – Z

This is something I overlooked, and felt pretty silly when a friend pointed it out last year. Ever have trouble navigating gwu.edu and can’t find what you need? On the top right corner of the home page is a box titled GW A – Z. The list all the main departments and topics you would ever need at GW in alphabetical order. You’re probably smirking, but I can’t tell you how many times it has come in handy.

4. Elliott School Elevators

I figure I should throw in something about the Elliott School. Okay, so I am in a longstanding debate over the Elliott School elevators — i.e. whether to take the two “student” elevators to floors 1-3, or the fancy deluxe set. Freshman year, it seems everyone is scared of the latter. Maybe it’s the whole encased by glass doors thing. . . either way, by sophomore year, those same students clomp in and out, perhaps to feel that they’re empowered by their second year of university life. I too fell prey to the trappings of superiority. Junior year I ran a highly unscientific study with my cell phone stopwatch to see which was actually faster in terms of wait and ride; “student” won 9/10. So, in summary, don’t be silly. Embrace your student status. Or take the stairs.

5. D.C. Street Addresses

Okay, so most people get this down by sophomore year, but until that time, it’s so confusing. Obviously, an address like 1957 E Street means that the building will be near the intersection of 19th Street and E Street. However, what about an address like 350 24th Street? I would usually just pray any address I was going to would be on a lettered street, and avoid the double number confusion.

Here’s the actual trick: the first number (350, in this case) refers to the letter in the alphabet which has that number placement - i.e. 350 means the 3rd letter of the alphabet. Keep in mind that there is no J Street (so I is the 9th letter and K is the 10th). Thus, 350 24th Street would be about halfway down the block from the intersection of C (3rd letter) and 24th Street. You can look like an idiot counting out numbers on your fingers, but it’s a lifesaver!

Hayley is a senior in the Elliott School, double concentrating in Europe and Conflict & Security and double minoring in History and Art History. She will be attending the University of Virginia Law School in Fall 2009 to study International Law.

Academic Advising 101

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 08:07:39 +0000

By Hayley Haldeman

Hey all! My name is Hayley Haldeman. I am the Head Peer Advisor for the Elliott School Office of Undergraduate Advising and Student Services, which means that I help coordinate the Peer Advising program in the Elliott School. Peer advising is a great resource, as it allows students to speak with Elliott School upperclassmen who have received basic training in academic advising and can offer advice based on their own experiences with Elliott School classes, internships, and study abroad.

From my own experience in the Elliott School, I know that one of the most daunting administrative and academic tasks in your first year can be completing your four-year plan. When I started this assignment, I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to take next semester, let alone the next three years! There are several differents ways to approach this assignment, and I want to provide you with a few tips that I’ve found helpful, both as a student and as a Peer Advisor.

Relax! Contrary to popular belief, you will not be required to take the classes you list on your four-year plan — in other words, it is definitely not binding. It is, however, a great resource that familiarizes you with the classes available at GW and the guidelines for graduation. You should, therefore, take it seriously, but do not let yourself become overwhelmed.
Check Yourself! Remember all those AP, IB, etc. classes you took in high school that you are almost certain already count as credit? Be certain! One of the most important parts of registering for next semester is verifying in GWeb that all the credit you believe you should have received is in fact posted. I have had students come in for advising who are missing various credits. In order to fulfill the four-year plan assignment, you need to make sure that Bio class you took last year actually will count for the Math/Science Requirement…
Concentrate! The most daunting part of the four-year plan is choosing a concentration. If you don’t know what area you would like to focus on, again, relax — most freshmen are in the same situation. However, you will need to choose one for the purpose of the assignment. If you have no idea whatsoever, here are two pieces of advice: First, go through the top five or so concentrations that appeal to you, and put stars by whatever classes sound interesting. Whatever concentration has the most stars, go with that one! Second, there are a few class options that pop up for numerous concentrations. If you are still unsure during your sophomore year, consider taking one or two of these classes as opposed to something really specific that will only apply to one concentration. This way you will have the chance to take a class that will give you an idea of several different aspects of international affairs. Geography 120 (Regional Geography) and Anthropology 150 (Human Rights and Ethics) are great examples and fantastic classes for many concentrations.
Order! Another area of concern with the four-year plan is the order to take classes. Some quick personal advice — definitely start Econ before your sophomore year. No matter what concentration you choose, professors may touch on basic economic tenets from Econ 11 or 12 — it is very helpful to become familiar with them early. Also, I know students will frequently try to get the Humanities requirement out of the way early, as these classes offer a nice balance to the more intense Political Science/History/International Affairs classes. However, consider saving one or two for if/when you go abroad. Although D.C. has great resources in regards to the Arts, it is much more impressive to take History of French Art while abroad in Paris, or Chinese Literature in Beijing.

Good luck! For more help, come in to Peer Advising!

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Tips From A Graduating Senior

Academic Advising 101

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