Frequently Asked Questions
REGISTERING
When does registration open?
Registration opened on Monday, August 12.
What if no matches are found for my name in the registration system?
If you see many similar names or don’t find your name, that’s perfectly fine. Just click the “I do not appear to be listed” button and proceed to enter your information.
Which package should I register for?
We have starting packages available for alumni and families as well as separate packages for alumni celebrating reunion years. Please visit our How to Register page for more information about the individual registration packages.
Do students need to register?
Yes, if a student plans to attend any events during the weekend, they must register.
Can I bring my children to Alumni & Families Weekend?
Yes, children are welcome to attend Alumni & Families Weekend. The only weekend events that may not be appropriate for children to attend are the All-Alumni Party, GW Program Board's Annual Fall Comedy Show, and Class Reunion Parties.
How much does registration cost?
Registration for Alumni & Families Weekend is free! The following events have an additional per person cost (and include food and beverages):
- All-Alumni Party: $25 (ages 21+ suggested)
- Welcome Gathering for Families & Students: $15
- Class Reunions: $35
- Buff & Blue Brunch: $25 for adults/$15 for children ages 12 and under
How can I edit my registration later?
To add new guests or events to your registration for Alumni & Families Weekend, click the “Update My Registration” button at the bottom of your confirmation email. You cannot remove events that you have already registered for.
How can I see what I registered for?
The AFW events that you and each member of your party registered for are included in your confirmation email.
What if I lost my registration confirmation email?
If you can’t find your registration confirmation email, please check your email inbox (including your spam/junk folder) for an email from [email protected] with the subject line “GW Alumni & Families Weekend Confirmation.” If you are still not able to find your confirmation email, please go to the Welcome Center and visit the Help Desk for assistance.
When does registration close?
Online registration will not close; it will remain open through the weekend to allow quick registration for walk-ins on their mobile devices to streamline the check-in process. However, because some events have limited capacity and some discounts are only offered prior to Alumni & Families Weekend, early registration is still encouraged.
What is GW’s cancellation/refund policy?
All event transactions are final; ticket purchases for Alumni & Families Weekend events are non-refundable.
The GW Division of Development & Alumni Relations reserves the right to cancel an event due to low enrollment or other circumstances which would make the event non-viable. If an event is canceled, registrants will be offered a full refund. If an event is postponed, registrants will have the option to either receive a full refund or transfer registration to the same event at the new, future date.
CHECKING IN
Are guests required to check in when they arrive on campus?
All attendees, including alumni, families, students, faculty, and staff, are required to check in at the University Student Center to receive your name badge before participating in events. Please see the Check-in instructions page for more details.
Where is the Welcome Center located?
The Welcome Center is located on the first floor of the University Student Center, 800 21st Street NW. All attendees should enter the Welcome Center through the 21st Street entrance and exit through the doors on the H Street side of the building.
What are the Welcome Center hours?
The Welcome Center will be open at the following times:
- Friday, October 18 from 3pm to 9pm.
- Saturday, October 19 from 11am to 9pm.
- The Welcome Center will not be open on Sunday, October 20.
Do I need to bring anything with me to check in?
It is important that all attendees arrive at the Welcome Center with a print or digital copy of your confirmation email with QR codes.
If the first event I am attending is off campus, do I still have to check in at the Welcome Center first?
If the first event you plan to attend is one of the following events, you may check in at the event location instead of the Welcome Center:
- GWSPH 950 Awards *
- Spirit of GW Awards Ceremony *
- Class of 2018 5-year Reunion Party
- Class of 2013 10-year Reunion Party
- Class of 2008 15-year Reunion Party
- Class of 2003 20-year Reunion Party
* If you attend an event with an asterisk, you will still need to check in at the Welcome Center if you plan to attend any other Alumni & Families Weekend events.
I didn’t pre-register for the weekend. Are you accepting walk-in attendees?
Not a problem! You can still register online during the weekend (even on your phone if you’re already on campus), and immediately check in at the Welcome Center to print your name badge.
What if I lose my name badge?
If you lose your name badge, you must return to the Welcome Center and visit the Help Desk for assistance.
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Where is GW’s Lost & Found?
Information about Lost & Found can be found on our Plan Your Visit page.
What is the Open Doors scholarship fund and how can I donate to GW?
Scholarships and fellowships are key to attracting and retaining talented students at GW. At the start of GW’s third century, Open Doors: The Centuries Initiative for Scholarships & Fellowships expands access to the transformative power of world-class education in our nation’s capital through scholarships and fellowships. Financial support from generous donors will close the financial gap and create opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Our priority is clear: Increasing access to a GW education and supporting our best and brightest—regardless of their background or financial circumstances—for years to come.
To make a gift for scholarships and fellowships or any other area of GW, please visit our secure online giving site.