Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Where can I give my suggestions for the new moniker?

Members of the GW community can provide their suggestions for GW’s new moniker from Jan. 18-31. We welcome and encourage as many members of our community as possible to participate.

 

Q: I have a suggestion for the new moniker that does not meet the guiding principles. Can I still submit it?  
 
While you may submit any name, the suggestions will be evaluated based on the criteria in the guiding principles. We strongly encourage you to review the guiding principles to understand  the criteria for the new moniker.

 

Q: Why has “Hippos” been removed from consideration?
 
Hippos, or variations of it, will not be considered in the moniker selection process. As a moniker, it does not align with the guiding principles and received negative feedback during engagement events from various members of the community, including student-athletes who are closely identified with the moniker in competition. The hippo and statue on campus will remain an important part of the university’s traditions.

 

Q: When will the new moniker be selected?

After evaluating all the suggestions, GW will present options for community feedback in February 2023. As we continue this deliberate and thoughtful process for developing the new moniker, we look forward to engaging the GW community in many other ways over the next several months. The new moniker will begin to be used in the 2023-2024 academic year. 

 

Q: How will we determine which of these names will become the new GW moniker?
 
We are still early in the stages of exploring options for the moniker name, and we will be engaging the community to obtain feedback. In the coming months, there will be numerous opportunities for our community to register their opinions about the various options. We look forward to sharing more information about the process in the coming weeks and months.

Q: Are you changing the name of the university?

No. The university will remain the George Washington University. 
 

Q: What’s the difference between a moniker and a mascot?

A moniker is a name that identifies the athletics teams and can be used as a nickname for people who are part of the university community. The mascot is a symbol that is used to energize the university community. The university is currently focused on developing a new moniker name.