Graduate Orientation

Virtual Tour of Campus Campus Map CCAS New Student Orientation

Welcome to the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design at GW! We are thrilled to have you join us this year. You are now part of an incredible network of students, faculty, staff, and alumni who are at the forefront of the most innovative scholarship, creative work, and cultural development happening today.

Over the summer we encourage you to review the Next Steps checklist on the CCAS Graduate Office’s website.

To prepare for the new school year, we are hosting a Graduate Student Orientation Day on Friday, August 22, 2025. Graduate students will begin the day with Corcoran Graduate Orientation Session for all incoming students followed by their program-specific orientation session.

Please refer to your program’s orientation information below for an overview of the day including your program’s orientation session.
If you are unable to attend the orientation sessions, please reach out to your program.

Classes for the fall semester begin on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Art History

Orientation Check-in
1:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Atrium

Incoming students from all of our graduate programs are invited to gather together for a quick snack and mingling before our orientation session begins. We’ll have light refreshments and don’t forget to pick up your Corcoran swag and orientation folder!

Corcoran Graduate Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

Join Dr. Lauren Onkey, Director of the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design and Dr. Laura Schiavo, Deputy Director, for an orientation session for all incoming Corcoran graduate students. We will hear from representatives from throughout the university including Columbian College of Arts & Science (CCAS) Graduate Office, Gelman Library and many more!

Art History Program Orientation
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: Smith Hall of Art, 801 22nd St NW and GW/Textile Museum

Professor Lipinski, Director of Graduate Studies, will take students to Smith Hall of Art for a brief orientation, followed by a reception at the George Washington University Museum / The Textile Museum, Myers Room, 4-5 pm.

Classical Acting

Orientation Check-in
1:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Atrium

Corcoran Graduate Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

Classical Acting Program Orientation
3:00pm-4:30pm
Location: 2129 G St NW Rear Building Courtyard

Incoming students are invited to join faculty of the Classical Acting MFA program for a brief lunch and meet & greet at our Studio located at 2129 G St. in the rear building through the courtyard. Program Coordinator, Maddie, will meet students in the Flagg center atrium by the staircase and head over to 2129 G Street together.

Fine Arts

Orientation Check-in
1:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Atrium

Corcoran Graduate Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

Fine Arts Program Orientation
3:00pm-4:30pm
Location: Smith Hall of Art, 801 22nd St NW, 402

New students will gather after opening remarks and walk to Smith Hall of Art where they will meet with faculty and current graduate students. Students will have an opportunity to ask follow up questions and will make their selections for studio spaces.

Interaction Design

Orientation Check-in
1:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Atrium

Corcoran Graduate Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

Interaction Design Program Orientation
3:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Room 219

Join us for an introduction to the Interaction Design curriculum, as well as a tour of the IxD facilities and resources with the design faculty.

Interior Architecture

Orientation Check-in
1:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Atrium

Corcoran Graduate Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

Interior Architecture MA + MFA Programs Orientation
3:00pm-4:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Room 212

We're excited to have you join our Interior Architecture Program this fall. During the orientation, we'll have a basic overview of resources and policies for both MFA and MA students; you'll also have an opportunity to meet with others in your cohort. Time for a Q+A session will be provided. We look forward to seeing you then!

Museum Studies

Orientation Check-in
1:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Atrium

Corcoran Graduate Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

Museum Studies Program Orientation
3:00pm-4pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

Welcome to Museum Studies! Our orientation is a great way to kick off your journey. You’ll meet the faculty, learn more about the MA program, and hear firsthand from current students about their experiences. We’ve also planned a campus scavenger hunt—a fun and informal way to explore the Foggy Bottom campus, discover student services, and start getting to know your classmates. We can’t wait to meet you!

New Media Photojournalism

Orientation Check-in
1:30pm-2:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Atrium

Corcoran Graduate Orientation
2:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Corcoran Flagg Building, 500 17th St NW, Hammer Auditorium

New Media Photojournalism Program Orientation
Check back for program-specific session details.