SPH Undergraduate Advising
At the SPH Undergraduate Advising Office, we’re here to guide and support you throughout your academic journey. While students are ultimately responsible for their course decisions and tracking their degree requirements using their Program Guide and DegreeMAP, we’re your partners in:
- Creating and updating your Four-Year Plan
- Planning study abroad opportunities
- Exploring majors, minors, and concentrations
- Understanding policies and procedures
- Navigating academic challenges and life transitions
- Staying on track for graduation
Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor at least once per semester.
Advising Teams
All undergraduate SPH students are assigned to an advising team based on their last name or program. Students can schedule an appointment with either advisor on their team!
Team Blue
Last Name: A-J & Dual Degree Students
Team Buff
Last Name: K-Z
- Advising Appointments
Appointments are offered Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, both in-person or via Zoom. Advising appointments are ideal for:
- Academic planning & registration
- Graduation checks
- Credit for research/internships
- Second majors or minors
- Policy or process clarifications
- Life transitions or unexpected obstacles impacting academics
In-Person: SPH Advising Office, Room 220
Zoom: Link sent in confirmation emailBefore Your Appointment
- Come prepared with a draft schedule/list of classes, if applicable.
- Bring any necessary forms that you need signed or submitted.
- Write down your questions!
- Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance to open up that time slot for another student.
Missed Appointments
In the event that you are unable to make your appointment, please cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours in advance.
If a student is 10 or more minutes late to an appointment, it will be considered a no-show and the student will need to reschedule. Students who miss two or more appointments in an academic year will have a temporary registration hold will be placed on your account. This hold will be removed after the students meets with their advisor to review their degree plan and brainstorm time management strategies to avoid future missed appointments.
- Drop-In Advising
Drop-in hours are available to address your quick questions, no appointment needed! During drop-in hours, students meet with the first available advisor. (This may or may not be one from their assigned Advising Team.) Students are encouraged to attend whatever drop-in sessions best fit their schedule, and should follow up with their advisors as needed. Common drop-in inquiries include:
- Transfer credit inquiries
- Forms and DegreeMAP petitions
- Minor declarations
- Process clarifications (e.g., withdrawal, pass/fail, last date to drop a class)
Drop-in ScheduleDay
Time
Location
Monday
10:00am to 12:00pm
950 New Hampshire Ave, Room 220
Tuesday
2:00pm to 4:00pm
950 New Hampshire Ave, Room 220
Wednesday
2:00pm to 4:00pm
950 New Hampshire Ave, Room 220
Thursday
12:00pm to 1:00pm
Friday
11:00am to 12:00pm
- Email Advising
For quick questions, email is often the fastest way to get help. Similar to drop-in advising, emailing our shared inbox allows the first available team member to assist you!
Monday-Friday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Please allow 1–3 business days for a response. Please note, this may be longer during high traffic periods.sphundergrad
gwu [dot] edu (sphundergrad[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Please include your GWID, a clear and specific question, and any screenshots or attachments that might be relevant for helping us answer your question.Example | Instead of, “Why can’t I register for PUBH 1010?”, try:
“I’m supposed to take PUBH 1010 this semester, but I'm receiving a prerequisite error when I try to register. I've attached a screenshot of the error. How can I go about registering for the class?”
Blackboard Resources
The Milken Undergraduate Blackboard Student Resources page is your go-to hub for up-to-date information and support throughout your time at GWSPH. Located in the Organizations tab within Blackboard, this page is a living resource is regularly updated and includes:
- Professional Enhancement requirements & tracking
- CITI Training instructions
- Information about the Academic Integrity Quiz
- Course prerequisites and planning tools
- Advising FAQs and policy guidance
- Blank forms and form submission portals
- Important announcements from the Undergraduate Advising Office
Check back often, as new information is added regularly to help you stay on track and informed. You’re automatically added to this page as a GWSPH major. If you’re having trouble accessing the page, contact sphundergradgwu [dot] edu.
Additional Academic Support
- SPH Undergraduate Calendar
Stay up-to-date about important events by adding the SPH Undergraduate Calendar via Google Calendar!
Some dates may be subject to change. For important deadlines, please defer to the Office of the Registrar's calendar here.
- T.E.A.M. Milken
T.E.A.M. Milken (Transition, Engagement, Academics, and Mentorship) is the umbrella for all undergraduate support and programming at GWSPH.
From New Student Orientation and academic advising to student success initiatives and our signature Mentor Program, T.E.A.M. Milken is here to help you succeed personally, academically, and professionally. No matter your major, you’re part of the T.E.A.M. - and our goal is to make sure you have the tools, connections, and support to thrive at GW and beyond.
No matter where you are in your GWSPH journey, you're a valued member of the T.E.A.M.!
- Student Success Coaching
- Are you studying for hours but not seeing results? Struggling to balance your coursework or navigate GW’s many resources? A Student Success Coach can help you build a personal roadmap to success!Through 1:1 sessions, a Student Success Coach can help you:
- Improve time management, note taking, and study habits
- Set achievable academic goals
- Stay organized and reduce stress
- Balance competing priorities
- Prepare for upcoming assessments and/or presentations
- Build confidence and connect with other campus support resources
For AY 2025-2026, the Success Coach assigned to the Milken Institute School of Public Health is Camden Thorngate. Students are encouraged to meet with Camden, but are welcome to meet with any of the Success Coaches available!NOTE: Coaching is not academic advising or tutoring; it's personalized support to help you thrive inside and outside the classroom!Students can also book appointments using the Penji App! - Academic Commons
The Academic Commons is here to support your success with a variety of free resources:
- Peer Tutoring: Work one-on-one with trained tutors to strengthen your understanding and build confidence in your coursework.
- Review Sessions: Join Learning Assistant-led sessions to review material, ask questions, and prepare for class or exams.
- Data Consulting: Meet with Data Consultants for individualized support to sharpen your quantitative skills and tackle data-driven projects.
- Skills for Academic Success: Explore interactive modules on time management and other strategies to boost your academic performance.
- The Writing Center: Receive personalized consultations to develop your writing at any stage of the process, from brainstorming to final draft.
The Academic Commons is a wonderful hub for supporting your learning, growth, and academic success!
- Pre-Health Advising
- Are you planning to go to medical school, or thinking about another path in healthcare such as dental, nursing, PA, or physical therapy? GW’s Pre-Health Advising Team can provide specialized support to help you get to where you want to be!Through their info sessions, 1:1 appointments, newsletter, and programming, Pre-Health Advising can help you:
- Identify prerequisites for your intended program
- Understand the application process and timeline
- Explore exam prep strategies (MCAT, DAT, GRE, etc.)
- Reflect on your readiness and strengthen your application
- Get guidance on selecting schools and preparing strong materials
GW Pre-Health supports students pursuing:- Medicine (MD/DO)
- Dentistry
- Physician Assistant (PA)
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Veterinary Medicine
- Physical & Occupational Therapy
- Optometry, Podiatry, Chiropractic, and more
Getting StartedTo meet with a Pre-Health Advisor, you must first attend a Pre-Health Info Session.Once you’ve completed an info session, students can schedule an individual appointment to inform their Four-Year Plan and their extracurricular activities. Can’t attend a session? Email prehealthgwu [dot] edu for guidance on how to best proceed!Pre-Health NewsletterSubscribe to the Pre-Health Newsletter to stay updated on opportunities, deadlines, and events. To sign up, click here.Questions? Reach out via email at prehealthgwu [dot] edu (prehealth[at]gwu[dot]edu)! - Pre-Law Advising
Are you thinking about law school or exploring a career in the legal field? GW’s Pre-Law Advising team is here to help you navigate the process and prepare to be a strong applicant
Through info sessions, 1:1 advising, and programming, Pre-Law Advising can help you:
- Explore whether law school is the right fit for your goals
- Understand the law school application process and timeline
- Prepare for exams like the LSAT or GRE
- Identify potential “best-fit” schools
- Reflect on your strengths and readiness to apply
- Develop strong application materials and track progress
Getting Started
To meet with a Pre-Law Advisor, you must first attend a Pre-Law Information Session, offered online:
Register for a Pre-Law Information Session
Once you’ve attended, you can schedule an individual appointment:
Questions? Visit prelaw.gwu.edu for more details.
Note: If you’re considering a career path at the intersection of public health and law, faculty in Health Policy & Management can also provide GWSPH students with guidance and insight tailored to the public health field!
- Study Abroad Advising
- Interested in studying abroad while at GW? The Office for Study Abroad offers step-by-step support, from program search and applications to pre-departure and credit transfer. Check out their Study Abroad Youtube Series to get answers to the most frequently asked questions, and to prepare for your first one-on-one meeting! Once you've reviewed the web series, you can meet with the School of Public Health's dedicated Study Abroad Advisor!Aki Regan(she/her/hers)aki [dot] regangwu [dot] eduWhile core courses must be taken at GW, many students study abroad and use the opportunity to complete up to 9 credits of Guided Electives. Additional credits can count toward your General Electives, helping you stay on track for the 120-credit graduation requirement.Not sure if you're ready to make any appointment? Explore the Office of Study Abroad's website here!
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
GW CAPS is here to support your mental health and well-being through compassionate, comprehensive, and inclusive services. Students can schedule their Initial Consultation directly through the Student Health Portal, making it easier than ever to access care! CAPS provides:
- Individual Counseling: Begin with a free, confidential Initial Consultation to discuss your concerns and connect with the right support.
- Crisis Support: Walk in during business hours or call (202) 994-5300 (option 3) any time, 24/7, to speak with a counselor.
- Stepped Care Model: A range of services tailored to your needs, from short-term counseling to referrals.
- Workshops: Build practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, and more.
- Groups & Support Spaces: Connect with peers in guided group settings to reduce isolation, strengthen relationships, and grow together.
- Outreach & Education: Programs for students, faculty, and staff that promote emotional well-being and a healthy campus culture.
Our counselors provide a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space, with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. Whether you need immediate support, ongoing care, or skills to thrive, CAPS is here to help.