May 15, 2003
MCI Center Online as Alternate Site
In the event that it is necessary to move or leave
the Ellipse ceremony due to life-threatening and/or emergency circumstances,
the University reached an agreement to hold the ceremony in the MCI
Center. GW Commencement traditionally is held on the Ellipse rain or
shine, and graduates and guests are urged to dress accordingly. However,
in the event of severe weather, the University will opt for safety over
tradition. Also, because the Ellipse is a public space under the jurisdiction
of the United States Park Service, use of the space is not under the
exclusive control of the University. In the event that it is necessary
to leave the Ellipse, graduates and guests are advised to follow the
information provided below.
The alternate site for the Commencement ceremony is the MCI Center,
located at 601 F Street, NW (on the Red, Yellow and Green Metro lines
at the Gallery Place/Chinatown stop). The alternate ceremony is scheduled
to begin promptly at noon. The MCI Center is an air-conditioned space
large enough to accommodate all guests. All graduates, guests, faculty,
staff, and platform party participants should proceed to the MCI Center
as directed.
Current information on the status of Commencement Weekend events will
be available on a 24-hour basis throughout the week of May 12 at 994-5050.
This recorded information will be updated immediately in the event of
changes to the weekend schedule and/or Sunday ceremony. In addition,
should it be necessary to move from the Ellipse to the MCI Center or
to make any last-minute changes to the ceremony, public service announcements
will be carried by radio stations WTOP at AM 1500, FM 107.7, and WMAL
at AM 630.
Making the Most of Metrorail
Do you want to explore the District, Maryland, and Virginia without
driving or taking a cab? Then the Metrorail system has a ticket punched
and waiting for you.
If you’re a guest at GW and not sure where to go, GW has its own
Metro station at the corner of 23rd and I streets, next to the GW Hospital.
If you’re looking to get to the Ellipse for Commencement activities,
take the Blue/Orange lines to McPherson Square and follow the signs
to the White House. For the Monumental Celebration on Saturday night,
ride the Red line to Union Station. Metro opens at 5:30 am Monday–Friday
and 8 am on the weekends. Cars stop running at midnight Sunday–Thursday
and at 2 am on Friday and Saturday. Be sure to check the closing times
at each station so you’re not stranded in Bethesda or Springfield
because at many stations, the last train departs before midnight or
2 am. Visit www.wmata.com for more
information about Metro.
Send feedback to: bygeorge@gwu.edu
