Post-Election Resources for Faculty & Staff
Be Alert, Be Aware, Be Prepared:
During the election period, we strongly encourage those of you who may want to access campus to be prepared for potential disruptions in and around Foggy Bottom. While we don’t anticipate access restrictions around Foggy Bottom or in the rest of the District, it is possible and it is smart to prepare. Before Election Day, we recommend that you retrieve materials and supplies that you may need to continue your work at home in the event that you are not able to access campus for several days.
- We suggest preparing for the Election Day period as you would for a hurricane or a snowstorm that would prevent you from traveling to campus for several days.
- Make sure doors and cabinets are closed and locked behind you as you depart
- Communicate early and regularly with your project team(s) if changes to planned on-campus activities become necessary.
If you are on campus on Tuesday, be aware of your physical surroundings:
- Plan for the possibility of increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Make sure doors close and lock behind you as you arrive and depart.
- Do not allow strangers into GW buildings.
- Carry identification and your GWorld card at all times.
- If there is a disturbance, seek shelter indoors until normal conditions return.
- Observe directions from law enforcement personnel.
- GW Police and EMeRG will be on campus and will be available for assistance, if necessary.
After election results are public:
Some may want to celebrate while others may protest. If large crowds start to gather we urge you to follow these tips:
- Be aware of the behavior of those around you and report suspicious behavior.
- Monitor traffic reports, weather reports, and emergency notifications.
- Let someone who is not going with you know your plan.
- Stay hydrated and bring snacks/food with you as you travel to and from campus, as many businesses may close and there may be disruptions to your commute.
- Have a secondary communication plan in case cell phone signals are limited.
- Check out Tips for Safer Protesting and Election Safety Planning posts on the Office of Advocacy Support's Instagram page.
Faculty & Staff Mental Health & Wellbeing
Over the next few weeks, you may experience a number of emotions following the election. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to benefits-eligible faculty and staff who may need support. This service is available at no cost. For more information on the Wellbeing Hotline, visit https://hr.gwu.edu/wellbeing-hotline. Check out other resources available at HR wellbeing page and the mindfulness app, Headspace.
Student Support & Wellbeing
- CARE Team - If you are concerned about a student who may be in need of additional support, please reach out to the university’s CARE Team. Sometimes students don’t realize that they need help or may be afraid to ask. The CARE Team can help break down any perceived barriers to accessing campus support services. For more information, please contact the CARE Team at 202-994-6555 or [email protected].
- Counseling & Psychological Services are offering a number of Election focused drop-in "We Talk" spaces for students. CAPS is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 202-994-5300. Students can call from anywhere for a single session phone consultation or a crisis call. If additional services are needed, next steps will depend on the student’s needs and physical location. Services are free, including the initial consultation, 24/7 crisis support, and the first several individual counseling sessions. Additional self-help resources are available on the health center website and through the Raise Up program, which focuses on overall health and wellbeing.
Reports, Workshop Guides, & Resources