FAQ's
What is Summer Academy OnTrack?
Summer Academy OnTrack is an immersive academic experience that enables students to improve academic performance, satisfy academic progress that may impact their ability to receive financial aid, and to make timely progress towards graduation. In addition to taking courses that count toward a program of study, Summer Academy OnTrack students develop academic habits to ensure continued success. The program provides structured support, weekly one-on-one meetings with a Success Coach, access to tutoring, campus resources, and a supportive community of peers to ensure students have the opportunity to be successful.
What are the dates for Summer Academy OnTrack 2025?
Summer Session I takes place May 19th - June 26th.
Summer Session II takes place June 30th - August 9th.
Who is eligible for Summer Academy OnTrack? How do I apply?
It is important to note that there is no application process for Summer Academy OnTrack participation. Summer Academy OnTrack is an invitation only program, limited and restricted to students who are either on academic probation, struggling to make academic progress, or who require credit to ensure a timely graduation. Students who qualify for the program will be invited after Spring Break in March. A few spaces will be reserved for students who will be invited in late spring. Because we have more students than we are able to accommodate each year, we work closely with advisors and various campus partners to determine which students would benefit most from participation.
How much will participating in Summer Academy OnTrack cost me?
The costs of the course(s), individualized coaching, tutoring and supplemental instruction will be covered by the program. Full funding for courses (including tuition and fees) will be awarded to students based on financial need.
Speaking of housing, does Summer Academy OnTrack cover housing and food, too?
Costs for on-campus housing on our Mount Vernon campus may be covered for a limited number of Summer Academy OnTrack participants who qualify. Students who are offered housing/meal plans will be notified directly. Please note that housing and dining are not guaranteed as part of an invitation to the Summer Academy OnTrack program. Funding is based on a student’s financial need and available spaces in housing, with priority given to students with greatest financial need. Students that choose to stay in Foggy Bottom housing will be responsible for all related charges. Staying on campus is not a requirement. Summer Academy OnTrack participants can take GW, online classes from anywhere in the world, provided strong internet connection.
I’ve received an invitation to Summer Academy OnTrack…now what?
If you have received an invitation to Summer Academy OnTrack and would like to participate, please be sure to thoroughly read your invitation email and submit your confirmation by the deadline. Failure to do so can result in you losing your spot in Summer Academy OnTrack. You can also move forward with registering for summer classes.
I participated in Summer Academy OnTrack last year so that means I’ll automatically receive an invitation this year, right?
Previous participation in Summer Academy OnTrack does not guarantee an invitation for any future year. Each year, students are selected and invited individually based on their academic progress, financial need, etc.
My advisor mentioned Summer Academy OnTrack to me during a meeting. Does that mean I’ll automatically receive an invitation?
An advisor’s mention of Summer Academy OnTrack does not mean you automatically qualify for the program. We work directly with advisors to determine which students can benefit the most from the program. Based on academic progress, financial aid, etc., we will determine if you are selected for the program. Feel free to contact your advisor to learn more about Summer Academy OnTrack or to discuss how you think the program will be beneficial to your academic progress at GW. However, it does not guarantee a spot in the program.
I received an invitation for Summer Academy OnTrack but I didn’t think I needed it and the deadline has passed. Is it possible to accept my invitation late?
It is essential that you adhere to the specific deadlines within your invitation email. Each year, we have more students interested in the program that we can accommodate. Once a student does not accept the invitation by the outlined deadline, their spot is given to another qualifying student. If you received an invitation and missed the deadline, please reach out to an Office for Student Success staff member ASAP at [email protected]. Exceptions may be made but there is no guarantee.
I know I’m behind in credits, but I’m not sure what classes to take during the summer. Do I just register for any class? Who should I talk to?
Once you’ve received an invitation to Summer Academy OnTrack and have confirmed your participation, you should immediately reach out to your advisor to discuss which class(es) you should take in the summer. It’s important to have this conversation to ensure you are taking classes that will count toward the completion of your degree program.
Will I be required to take a class in Summer I and II? What if the classes I need to take are only offered in one session?
Students who are participating in Summer Academy OnTrack will be required to take 1 course in each session, or 2, summer long courses, unless they are a graduating senior. If the courses you need are only offered in one session, an exception can be made. Please be sure to reach out to [email protected] if you have additional questions.
I was offered housing in Summer Academy OnTrack. However, I don’t want it. Can I decline it?
If you are offered housing and a meal plan as a part of your Summer Academy OnTrack invitation, it is not mandatory for you to accept it. Declining Summer Academy OnTrack housing and meal plan means that you will be fully financially responsible for ALL housing and food-related costs that you accrue over the summer.
The class(es) I need are not offered at GW during the summer. Am I allowed to take consortium courses in the summer through Summer Academy OnTrack?
If you are interested in taking a consortium course during the summer, you will be required to speak with Summer Academy OnTrack staff before registering for the course.
If I'm on a SAP Warning for Spring 2025, am I required to participate in Summer Academy OnTrack?
While Summer Academy OnTrack is not required, it may be beneficial for you to participate, as it can help with your credit completion, ultimately putting you in a better position for academic success for the Fall. However, please note that if you fail to meet SAP requirements in the summer, you will be placed on SAP Deny for the Fall semester, meaning that you will lose all of your financial aid for that term, with an opportunity to appeal that decision.
I am registered for a class in Summer Session 1 but I would like to drop or withdraw from the course. What should I do?
While we encourage you to find the appropriate resources to help you succeed in your courses, if you find yourself in a position where you need to drop or withdraw from a course, please contact our office to talk through any potential implications.