The Faculty Senate will vote on a resolution to support the construction of a new residence hall on GW’s Foggy Bottom Campus at the senate meeting Friday.
Faculty senators will vote on the resolution – co-written by the senate’s physical facilities and education policy and technology committees – urging officials to resume plans for a new residence hall on the corner of 20th and H streets, across from University Yard. Officials announced plans for the 320-bed residence hall in December 2018 and hoped to complete construction by fall 2022, but temporarily suspended the plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the resolution.
The resolution states that the new residence hall is a “safe investment” for the University as it would help attract undergraduate applicants and provide more housing for existing undergraduates, as the newly renovated Thurston Hall holds 280 fewer beds than it did prior to the renovations officials completed this fall.
“Building a new residence hall is widely recognized as a safe investment that promises to enhance both the student experience and the financial stability of the George Washington University,” the resolution states.
Caroline Laguerre-Brown, the vice provost for diversity, equity and community engagement, will also deliver an update on Title IX regulations at the meeting. The presentation was originally scheduled for the October senate meeting, but it was moved to the November meeting agenda after faculty discussion on the Medical Faculty Associate’s finances extended beyond the allotted time for the October meeting.
Officials are working to reform Title IX policy in the wake of students’ criticism of the Title IX office’s handling of sexual assault cases and the Department of Education’s announced plans to reinstate Title IX regulations that the Trump administration removed.
David Diemert – the chair of GW’s Medical Advisory Group, the public health body that advises GW’s COVID-19 policies – will also present an update from the group to the senate.
Jay Goff, the vice provost for enrollment and student success, will deliver an update on enrollment at the University to the senate.
Provost Chris Bracey will also introduce Michael Glazer, the vice provost for budget and finance, and will present a report to the senate. Interim University President Mark Wrighton and Jim Tielsch, the chair of the senate’s executive committee, will also share reports Friday.
