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George Washington University will retire its “Colonials” moniker, a name intended to honor its namesake but that has long been criticized as a term that glorifies colonialism, officials announced Wednesday.

If you're a student and need to change your name: Complete the online Name Change Form. Wait for your name change to be fully processed in the University Banner Database. Bring your current GWorld card to the GWorld Office and a new card will be issued to you for free if you turn in the card with your old name.

Hippos have been an unofficial mascot at GW for years. As the Hatchet reported in 2005: Most people know the story of the hippo, or some version of it. University President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg purchased a bronze statue of a hippo from an antique store while on a vacation in New England in 1996.

Students can register for a leave of absence for up to one year using the Leave of Absence/Continuous Enrollment form (students must register each semester). They should work with their academic advisor and Dean's Office for approval of the leave of absence.

GWU decided to shed its old moniker, the Colonials, last year after several years of debate. The old nickname, a university official said at the time, “no longer does the work that a moniker should—namely, unifying the campus behind our academic and athletic institutional aspirations.”

As an acronym always use "GW" and never "GWU." But only use “GW” when preceded by the full name of the university.