Student Resources

Find the academic support you need to pursue a semester abroad, find funding or apply for program honors. The Human Services and Social Justice Program offers resources and guidance to make the undergraduate experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

How to Declare a Major or Minor

1. Download and complete the relevant portions of the Declaration of Major/Minor Form.
2. Make an appointment with the HSSJ program advisor, Michelle Kelso, mkelsogwu [dot] edu (mkelso[at]gwu[dot]edu)
3. Submit the signed declaration form to the Undergraduate Advising Office.

See the Micro-Minor in Health Equity page for instructions on declaring a micro-minor.

Grading Policy

Students in the major are required to earn a grade of C− or better in any course required for the major. If a student receives a grade of D+, D or D− in a required course, the student has two options:

• Repeat the course, in which case the grade in the repeated course must be no lower than a C− and grades for both the original and repeated courses will appear on the student’s transcript, or
• Take a 100-level course in the same department, in addition to the minimum number of courses required for the major, and receive a grade no lower than C−.

Note: Repeating a course must be approved by the program director in writing before the student may register for a course a second time.

Study Abroad

Students interested in studying abroad should let their HSSJ advisor know of their plans when declaring their major or minor. Since HSSJ is a unique program, it can be difficult to find appropriate course substitutions for upper-level courses that meet GW’s academic requirements and core content. However, with advanced planning, HSSJ students can and do study abroad! To see specific programs, and information you can visit the GW Office for Study Abroad website, or book an appointment with the CCAS study abroad advisor.

Jessica Butehorn, BA ’21

“I had the opportunity to live in Barcelona, Spain, working for a rural English tutoring school for kids ages 4-14. I was the educational director for their summer program, making lesson plans and creating fun activities for the students to engage in.”

 

Caroline Malone, BA ’20

"During my semester in Copenhagen I took courses that critically analyzed the countries I had always viewed as model nations. I came away with a renewed appreciation for the cultural, ethnic and racial diversity in the United States and with the understanding that even in welfare states there is still structural inequality.”

Nalany Arana, BA ’20

“I volunteered at an after-school program in Chile for kids between the ages of 6 and 14. I helped run an English learning workshop there once a week. Going abroad was one of the best experiences I had while at GW, and I encourage every student to immerse themselves in a culture that is completely different from their own.”

Resources