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Human Resource Management & Development

 

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Open Enrollment Events

 

   The 2027 Open Enrollment period will begin on
Monday, October 5, 2026 and end on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET.

 

 

The annual Open Enrollment period is a time of opportunity. As you review the 2027 benefit programs and changes, you are welcome to include your family in the planning process, if applicable.

Several resources and information sessions are made available to you during the weeks leading up to and during Open Enrollment. We encourage you to attend our in-person fests, benefits enrollment support drop-in, virtual webinars, and make a 1:1 appointment to ask questions as you choose plan(s) and benefits that are the best fit for you and your family.

Virtual Coffee Chat with Benefits

Join Benefits for a virtual coffee and chat session as we provide an overview of your 2027 benefit offerings including our new Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, and Leave vendor partner, introduce our 2027 Open Enrollment Guide and enrollment deadlines, highlight important features of the GW Benefits enrollment system and recap well-being programs available to you and your family.

Grab a coffee on us! Register via the links below for a chance to be entered to win a coffee gift card raffle.*

Faculty and Staff Coffee Chat

Session Materials:

Postdoc Coffee Chat

On Demand

*Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.

 

Discover the MetLife Experience

Join us for an engaging Discover the MetLife Experience webinar hosted by MetLife on Friday, October 9 at 1pm ET to learn how MetLife supports employees through disability, life and AD&D benefits, and leave services with personalized guidance, streamlined processes, and dedicated customer support.

  • Explore MetLife's disability, life and AD&D, and leave programs designed to provide financial protection and support when you need it most.
  • Learn about the tools, resources, and guidance available to help you navigate claims, leave requests, and benefit decisions with confidence.
  • Discover how MetLife's customer service experience, digital capabilities, and case management support can simplify the administration of leaves and claims from start to finish.

Note: If you do not make any changes to your Life, AD&D or disability benefits during Open Enrollment your current benefit elections will automatically move to MetLife effective January 1, 2027.

Register Here 

 

Explore Your Health Benefits: Virtual Sessions 

Join us for a series of webinars hosted by our health benefits vendors, designed to help you make informed choices during Open Enrollment.  Each session offers a guided overview of plan options, participant experience, service expectations, and available resources. Whether you're enrolling for the first time or reviewing your current coverage, these webinars are designed to help you navigate your benefits. Each session will close with Q&A.  Register via the links below.

Aetna Medical
Aetna Dental
UnitedHealthcare Vision
CVS Caremark

 

 In-Person Open Enrollment Events 

Open Enrollment Save the Date


 Virginia Science and Technology Campus Open Enrollment Fest (Enterprise Hall, Room 102)

-   Tuesday, October 6, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET

  Foggy Bottom Campus Open Enrollment Fest (University Student Center, Grand Ballroom)

-   Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET

  Foggy Bottom Campus Open Enrollment Support Drop-In (University Student Center, Room 309)

-   Tuesday, October 20, 2026 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. ET
 

Join us for our annual in-person fests* held during October. Activities differ among each Fest and range from complimentary vision screenings and vaccine clinics to the Human Resource Management & Development Fall Social, massages, and more! You can also stop by the fests to meet GW’s benefits vendor partners, ask questions, receive assistance with the enrollment process.

Similar to last year, we will also offer a Benefits Enrollment Support Drop-In on 10/20. This event is a smaller one-stop opportunity designed to help you make informed decisions about your benefits that have enrollment tied to GW's annual Open Enrollment period. At this event, you can explore limited benefit options, ask questions, get personalized guidance from the GW benefits team and applicable GW vendor partners, as well as complete your enrollment.
 

   Fall Social

With the Fall season upon us, it is a perfect time for Faculty and Staff to gather together and enjoy some delicious fall treats. Please join GW Human Resources Management & Development for a Fall Social at the VSTC Campus on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 and the Foggy Bottom Campus on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

   Photo Op

While you are at the Foggy Bottom OE Fest, head upstairs to the center for Career Services to take your professional-quality headshot in GW's Professional Headshot Booth! 

Note: Advanced appointment scheduling is required.

  Fight The Flu

In partnership with Safeway,  flu and COVID Vaccine clinics will be held on-campus during October including on the open enrollment fest dates. Those who wish to receive their vaccine(s) at one of the clinics are strongly encouraged to register in advance.

Insurance Information will be collected during the registration process. Employees enrolled on the GW medical plan, please have your Aetna ID card available when registering. 

   Power Hour

Lace up your sneakers or unroll your yoga mat and let's move together! GW's Lerner Health and Wellness Center is making it even easier to commit to your well-being journey by offering faculty and staff a complimentary two-week membership trial. While on campus for the Open Enrollment Fests, come experience the facility, explore the fitness offerings, and see how a Lerner membership can fit into your day, whether you have just a few minutes or a full power hour.

To start your free trial or to ask questions, email HWCmembershipatgwu [dot] edu (recreation[at]gwu[dot]edu). 

Note: This trial is available for new members only; prior or existing members are not eligible to enroll in a trial.

    Relax and Rejuvenate

Event attendees can enjoy free seated massages at Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses on a first come, first served basis. Please select your appointment slot below.

 

*Fest attendees will have the option to enter into several well-being themed raffle bundles. Complete your 2027 Benefits enrollment at the Fest for an additional chance to win a prize. Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.

 

Vendor Partner Webinars

We will also be offering virtual webinars led by our vendor partners to provide details about the 2027 benefit programs. Register via the links below for a chance to be entered to win a gift card raffle. Note: Value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.

Active & Fit Direct

Join us for an inside look into the Active & Fit Direct program and hear the latest about this flexible fitness benefit.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Bank of America - HSA, FSA, & Pre-Tax Parking Accounts

Bank of America will administer Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care), Health Savings, and Pre-Tax Parking Accounts for 2027. Register for a webinar below to learn more about the benefits.

Benefit Overview: Getting to know your Health and Benefit Options  

Doordash

 

Bank of America - Banking & Investing Program

As a GW employee, you are eligible for banking benefits with the Banking and Investing Program from Bank of America. Register to learn how to maximize your  banking benefits.

Benefit Overview

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Doordash
Bienestar Federal Credit Union Membership Program

Learn more about Bienestar Federal Credit Union (formerly PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union) who offers a wide-range of products and services to help meet your financial needs.

Benefit Overview

Doordash

Accordion content.

Bright Horizons

Your family comes first, that's why you have access to family benefits that will help you manage the many responsibilities of work, life and caregiving. Join our Bright Horizons webinar to learn more about the family care support included in your benefit.

Benefit Overview

Doordash

 

DC 529

Please join us for an informal webinar about the DC College Savings Plan. Find out how you can start saving for post-secondary expenses. Visit their website at www.dc529.com to open an account or for additional information about the plan.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Headspace

Join us for a 30-minute overview session of Headspace, where you'll learn what Headspace is, how to access and use your Headspace benefit, and key facts about getting started—including how to download the app and set up your account. You'll also have the opportunity to ask questions and hear directly from a Headspace representative.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Health Advocate

As a GW employee, you are automatically enrolled in Health Advocate. Join Benefits and Brittany Hutchinson for an overview of how this complimentary service can help support your overall well-being. Register via the link below.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Legal Resources

Join the Legal Resources team for an overview of legal wellness and the services included in the legal benefit program. Click the link below to register for the webinar.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Maryland 529

Learn about the features and benefits of saving for education with the Maryland College Investment Plan, followed by a Q&A session with a Maryland 529 representative.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Nationwide

Pet-loving employees can fetch the best health coverage for their pets with My Pet Protection Choice.  Join us on a webinar to learn more about Nationwide and pet insurance!

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Progyny

 Join us for an informational webinar and Q&A to learn more about your Progyny fertility, family building and women’s reproductive health benefits.

Benefit Overview

 
SimpleTherapy

SimpleTherapy is a virtual full-body muscle and joint pain prevention and recovery program available at no cost to GW Medical Plan participants and covered dependents. Join the SimpleTherapy team for an overview of the different programs focused on head-to-toe care. Register via the link below.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
SupportLinc

In this session you’ll learn about the GW Employee Assistance Program (GW EAP) and the valuable resources available to support your mental health and overall well-being.

Benefit Overview

Doordash
Virginia 529 (Invest529)

Please join this informational webinar to learn about a variety of ways you can achieve your higher education savings goals and how Virginia529 (Invest529) can help. Register via the link below.

Doordash
Voya

We invite you to join the webinar below to learn more about the GW Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity voluntary benefits administered by Voya. Please join to learn more about these supplemental health insurance coverage options to decide if they are right for you this enrollment season.

Doordash

 

   Incentive: GRAB LUNCH ON US

We know you are busy between work and life demands. That’s why we want to treat you to lunch during this Open Enrollment period - that’s right, get a $25 gift card* to Door Dash on us!

Employees that register for an eligible Open Enrollment webinar are automatically entered for a chance  to receive a gift card. Look out for the company logo that will be listed on all our eligible webinars!

*Please note: The value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.


 

1:1 Appointments with Aetna

In addition to the in-person events and virtual webinars, Aetna will be available for one-on-one appointments to discuss questions that may arise as you review information and make your choices for the upcoming year. Click the links below to register for a 1:1 Appointment slot.

Aetna

Note: If the 1:1 appointment times do not work for you, the Aetna Concierge dedicated phone line is available to provide personalized 1:1 support with comparing your medical plan options including coverage, costs, provider network status, available resources, and more. You can reach them at 844-989-8811, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET. 

 

Well-being Sessions

Well-being sessions are intended to help support day-to-day well-being by providing opportunities to engage in brief, facilitated activities as a break throughout the workday.

Bright Horizons

When your parent’s caregiver is unavailable or schedules change at the last minute, you have Bright Horizons Back-Up Care™ — reliable in-home care that fills the gaps. Or, find companion care through Sittercity®. Looking for long-term care options and caregiving support? Bright Horizons Elder Care™ is here for your family. Join this webinar to learn more.

Headspace

This live meditation honors the importance of mental health for all in honor of World Mental Health Day. Together, pause, breathe, and practice gratitude for the strength and support that keep us grounded.

Health Advocate

News and social media are full of negative, disturbing, and tragic events that can have an impact on our well-being and productivity. Learning how to cope with upsetting events can help us stay grounded, be engaged at work, and reduce the impact of information overload. Join us for a webinar to explore strategies for managing difficult news, navigating sensitive conversations with coworkers, and protecting your well-being in challenging times.

  • Thursday, October 15, 2026 I 4pm ET
Financial Well-being 
The financial well-being campaign for 2026 continues. This campaign inspired by the “loud budgeting” movement, encourages intentional and transparent conversations about spending, saving, and financial priorities. The campaign aims to normalize conversations about money, promote healthy spending boundaries, reduce financial stress, and support confident financial decision-making. Join us in our offerings during the month of October below:
 

TicketsatWork - Financial Discounts Information Session

TIAA - Investing with intention: Strategies to manage risk and shape results 

Fidelity - Women Talk Money: Build your momentum

Legal Resources

Protect yourself, your family, and your future with resources designed to help you navigate today’s evolving legal and digital landscape. These sessions offer practical guidance on protecting your identity and personal information, understanding privacy risks associated with artificial intelligence, and creating a thoughtful care plan for loved ones. Learn strategies you can put into practice to make informed decisions, reduce risk, and feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

AI and Data Privacy: Protecting Yourself in a Rapidly Changing World

Creating a Care Plan That Actually Works

 

On Demand Resources

Below please find additional on demand resources to assist you in your 2027 benefit planning decisions.

Real Appeal
Tobacco Cessation


 

2027 Open Enrollment Microsite Guide

We know how important your GW benefits are to you and your family. Being able to easily access your benefits and quickly find the information you value will help you get the most from your benefits.

You will soon be able to access the 2027 Open Enrollment Guide online on to help support your enrollment choices.

Please note: While the Open Enrollment Guide continues to be a resource to access information about your benefit offerings, it remains separate from the GW benefit enrollment system.

 

 

Upcoming Open Enrollment Events

 

 

View All Open Enrollment Events

 

 

Please contact the Benefits Call Center with any questions you have in advance of the Open Enrollment period.


Faculty, Staff, Postdocs, and ACA Participants: Call 833-698–0324

LTD Recipients, Retirees, and COBRA Participants: Call 866-365-2413