Welcome Day of Service
First Year and Transfer Students
About
Be a part of the GW tradition! Convocation and Welcome Day of Service (WDoS) connects first-year and transfer students to the worlds of community service and civic engagement at GW and introduces them to neighborhoods and community organizations here in DC and beyond!
GW's 17th annual Convocation and Welcome Day of Service will be hosted in August 23rd, 2025.
Incoming Class
New students in the Class of 2029 are automatically registered for Welcome Day of Service, check in will begin at 9:30 am at their assigned hub! New students should look out for an email from the WDoS team and their Site Captain with more information about their site assignment closer to the event.
GW Community, Get Involved!
We invite faculty, staff, and returning GW students to join us in the exciting endeavor of welcoming the Class of 2029 by becoming Logistics Volunteers! Logistics Volunteers are critical to the success of this event by supporting event functions like checking in students, moving supplies, distributing lunches, and more!
We also welcome all returning students to apply for the role of Site Leader. Site Leaders will be paired up to lead a group of incoming GW students in completing a service project that benefits the DC community. Learn more and sign up below!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will lunch be provided?
Yes, lunch will be provided. It will be a boxed lunch with meat, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- What do I need to bring?
Please wear closed-toe shoes and long pants that can get dirty. Bring a reusable water bottle and any personal items needed for a full day event (e.g. weather appropriate gear, personal medication).
- What items are prohibited in the Smith Center for Convocation?
Please note that the following items are prohibited in the Smith Center:
Alcoholic beverages
Aerosols
Ammunition
Amplified sound devices, e.g.: noisemakers, bullhorns, megaphones, speakers
Bags larger than 18" x 6" x 8" (permitted bags are subject to search)
Balloons
Explosives
Firearms
Fireworks
Flags
Glass containers
Laser pointers
Mace/pepper spray
Structures, e.g.: folding tables, chairs, tents, etc.
Signage, e.g.: posters, banners, flyers and any item that could obstruct the view of guests
Supports for signs
Weapons
Any other item determined to be a potential hazard
- Where and when do I go to check-in to the event?
Event check-in starts at 9:30am and based on your residence hall, you have been assigned to a specific check-in location. Please check your email inbox for an email from wdos
gwu [dot] edu (wdos[at]gwu[dot]edu) to see which check-in location you’ve been assigned to.- How do I know what service project or workshop group I’m in?
You will receive email communications leading up to the event from your service site group leader and the Welcome Day of Service team. These communications will have your service site assignment.
Additionally, when you check-in the morning of the event, you will get a personalized nametag with your group assignment details on it.
- Who do I talk to about special accommodations?
Email gwserves
gwu [dot] edu (gwserves[at]gwu[dot]edu) if you will need any accommodations to participate in this event.
2024 Recap
GW hosted its 16th annual Convocation and Welcome Day of Service (WDoS) on August 24, 2024. With the support of 115 site captains and GW leadership, over 2,000 students joined 55 community partners across Washington, D.C., and Maryland, contributing an incredible 8,000 service hours. This impactful day highlighted GW’s commitment to community engagement and service.
Read more about the 2024 Welcome Day of Service here.
Questions?
wdosgwu [dot] edu (wdos[at]gwu[dot]edu)
To stay informed about the upcoming Convocation and Welcome Day of Service events, kindly subscribe to our Nashman Newsletter.