Academic Department Contacts
This page lists department contacts who can assist students with minor declarations, second major declarations, course substitution requests, and transfer credit approvals.
Transfer Credit Approval Process
Undergraduate students who wish to take courses away from GW must receive prior approval in order to transfer the credits and may do so with the following instructions:
- Complete the Transfer Credit Approval Form.
- Submit the form along with a course description and/or syllabus to the appropriate GW academic department, contact information below.
- The department will review the course information, indicate a GW course equivalent (if applicable), and sign the form.
- Once signed, the student will return the form to their home school advising center. GWSB students will upload the form to our Form Submission Portal.
- Accountancy (GWSB)
Transfer Credit:
Transfer credit for ACCY 2001 and ACCY 2002 is considered only if the course(s) were taken prior to matriculation at GW or if they are completed through an approved GW study abroad experience. These courses should be taken at institutions accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).Submit your transfer credit request with the full syllabus of the course (not the course description) to deptaccy
gwu [dot] edu (deptaccy[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Department Contact:
Contact for exceptions & substitutions related to concentrations & majors only.Dr. Christopher Jones
jonescgwu [dot] edu (jonesc[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Dr. Yanfeng Xue
yxuegwu [dot] edu (yxue[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6747Administrative Manager:
Rochelle Rediang
redianggwu [dot] edu (rediang[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 601- Africana Studies (CCAS)
Contact:
Jennifer James
africanagwu [dot] edu (africana[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6630
Location:
Phillips Hall
Suite 700- American Studies (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Melani McAlister
mmcgwu [dot] edu (mmc[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-8765
Location:
2108 G Street, Room 203B
Special Instructions:
Make an appointment or visit during office hours. Bring course description and syllabus.- Anthropology (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Alison Brooks - Director of Undergraduate Studies and Transfer Credit Approver
abrooksgwu [dot] edu (abrooks[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6079Dr. Alexander Dent - Minor Advisor
asdentgwu [dot] edu (asdent[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-5084
Location:
2112 G Street
Room 204
Special Instructions:
Make an appointment, contact via email, or visit during office hours. Bring syllabi with required reading listed.- Arabic (CCAS)
Contact:
Mohssen Esseesy
esseesymgwu [dot] edu (esseesym[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6179
Location:
655 Rome Hall
Special Instructions:
If you are seeking credit transfer for courses completed outside of GW (e.g., transfer credit), please contact the Arabic Program Director Prof. Esseesy to take a proctored EQUIVALENCY EXAM. That exam is given during the first two weeks of the semester in which students return to GW. Self-placement into a course without passing an equivalency exam will result in deregistration from the course at any time of the semester.- Art History (Corcoran - CCAS)
Contact:
cahistgwu [dot] edu (cahist[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6085
Location:
Smith Hall of Art, Room A-101
Special Instructions:
Full course syllabi are necessary for approval.
Estimated Time
One week- Asian Studies (ESIA)
Contact:
Professor Brazinski
brazinskigwu [dot] edu (brazinski[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-0987Location:
Elliott School of International Affairs, Suite 503- Biological Sciences (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Alexander Jeremic
jeremagwu [dot] edu (jerema[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Science and Engineering Hall 5th Floor
Special Instructions:
Visit the professors during office hours or make an individual appointment by email. The professors will need to speak with the student as well as see supporting materials such as syllabi, textbook information and course description.
Estimated Time
One day with appointment- Biomedical Engineering (SEAS)
Contact:
Dr. Jason Zara, Associate Chair
jzaragwu [dot] edu (jzara[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-2402
Location:
SEH Suite 5000
Special Instructions:
Make appt with Prof Zara (or faculty advisor) and have course syllabi available for the meeting.- Business Administration (GWSB)
The Business Administration (BADM) department does not exist. Below you will find the appropriate department contact for each BADM course.
BADM 1001 & 1002, Business Leaders Foundation 1 and 2 - GWSB Undergraduate Programs
BADM 1003, Business Leaders Foundation for Transfer Students - GWSB Undergraduate Programs
BADM 1004, Age of Globalization - International Business Department
BADM 2001(W), Markets & Politics - Strategic Management and Public Policy Department
BADM 2301, Management Information Systems Technology - Information Systems and Technology Department
BADM 3001, Business Leader Career Strategy - GWSB Undergraduate Programs
BADM 3103, Human Capital in Organizations - Management Department
BADM 3401, Contemporary Marketing Management - Marketing Department
BADM 3501, Financial Management and Markets - Finance Department
BADM 3601, Operations Management - Decision Sciences Department
BADM 4001, Business Leader Launch - GWSB Undergraduate Programs
BADM 4101(W), Business Ethics and the Legal Environment - Strategic Management and Public Policy Department
BADM 4801, Strategy Formulation and Implementation - Strategic Management and Public Policy Department
- Chemistry (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Lakeisha McClary
duschememail [dot] gwu [dot] edu (duschem[at]email[dot]gwu[dot]edu)
(202) 994-5537Transfer Credit Evaluation: Students should fill out the Undergraduate Transfer Credit Evaluation Form found on the Chemistry Department website.
Location:
SEH 4000
Estimated Time
One week- Chinese (CCAS)
Contact:
Liana Chen
liachengwu [dot] edu (liachen[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-9277
Location:
Rome Hall 469
Special Instructions:
https://eall.columbian.gwu.edu/chinese-placement-exams- Civil and Environmental Engineering (SEAS)
Contact:
Dr. Majid Manzari
manzarigwu [dot] edu (manzari[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-4901
Location:
SEH Suite 3000C- Classics (CCAS)
Contact:
Professor Christopher Rollston
rollstongwu [dot] edu (rollston[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6701Location:
Rome Hall, Rooms 652-674
Special Instructions:
Bring full syllabus- Computer Science (SEAS)
Department Contact:
seasadvisinggwu [dot] edu (seasadvising[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Transfer Credit Contact:
csgwu [dot] edu (cs[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
SEH Suite 4000- Creative Writing (CCAS)
Contact:
Lisa Page
lpageincgwu [dot] edu (lpageinc[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6637
Location:
Phillips 615- Corcoran (CCAS)
Contact:
Studio Art Contact:Dean Kessman
csartsgwu [dot] edu (csarts[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
500 17th Street- Dance (CCAS)
Contact:
Dana Tai Soon Burgess
dtsbgwu [dot] edu (dtsb[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
814 20th St, NW - 1st Floor
Special Instructions:
Make appointment.
Estimated Time
One week- Decision Sciences (GWSB)
Department Chair:
Dr. Murat Tarimcilar
murattgwu [dot] edu (muratt[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Senior Administrative Manager:
Rimsha Alam
rimsha [dot] alamgwu [dot] edu (rimsha[dot]alam[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 415
Special Instructions:
This department reviews transfer credit requests for BADM 3601 Operations Management and all DNSC courses.- Economics (CCAS)
Contact:
Department Contact: econadvisinggwu [dot] edu (econadvising[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-8083Transfer Credit Contact: econtransfercredit
gmail [dot] com (econtransfercredit[at]gmail[dot]com)
202-994-6150Request Forms:
Economics Transfer Credit Request Form
Economics Minor Request Form
Economics 2nd Major Request Form (BS Degree)Location:
Monroe Hall, Room 307
Special Instructions:
ECON courses cannot be transferred at the 2000 level or above unless demonstrated that the courses require Principles of Economics.
Estimated Time
One week- Electrical & Computer Engineering (SEAS)
Electrical Engineering Program Contact:
Dr. Milos Doroslacki
doroslovgwu [dot] edu (doroslov[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6916Computer Engineering Program Contact:
Dr. Guru Venkataramani
guruvgwu [dot] edu (guruv[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-2980
Location:
SEH 6620
Special Instructions:
First contact can be course instructor.- Engineering Management & Systems Engineering (SEAS)
Contact:
Dr. Thomas Mazzuchi
mazzugwu [dot] edu (mazzu[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-9187
Location:
SEH Suite 2680- English (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Ormond Seavey
ocvgwu [dot] edu (ocv[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Phillips Hall Room 641Special Instructions:
Approval for literature courses NOT WRITTEN IN ENGLISH should be approved by the relevant foreign language department, even if the student will be studying them in translation.Estimated Time:
One day (if students make appt.)- Environmental Studies (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Melissa Keeley - Program Director (Last Name A-K)
keeleygwu [dot] edu (keeley[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-7156Ginger Allington - Undergraduate Advisor (Last Name L-Z)
gallingtongwu [dot] edu (gallington[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-5650Dmitry Streletskiy
streletsgwu [dot] edu (strelets[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-9168Location:
Samson Hall 215- Exercise and Nutrition Sciences (MIPH)
Contact:
Dr. Beverly Westerman, Program Director
bevgwu [dot] edu (bev[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-3862
Location:
950 New Hampshire Ave, Suite 203- Film Studies (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Elisabeth Anker
ankergwu [dot] edu (anker[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
SMPA, Suite 517Special Notes: Will not accept major or policy exceptions.
- Finance (GWSB)
Transfer Credit Approval Forms:
Students seeking transfer credit approval for finance courses should submit their request directly through this link.Contact:
Dr. Gergana Jostova
jostovagwu [dot] edu (jostova[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Academic Department Administrator:
Carlos Aquino
cea474gwu [dot] edu (cea474[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 501Special Notes: The Finance Department oversees the Finance major and concentration, as well as the Real Estate concentration.
- Fine Arts (CCAS)
Contact:
Katherine Akey
kakeyleegwu [dot] edu (kakeylee[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Smith Hall, Room A-101- Food Leadership (minor)
Contact:
Dr. Tara Scully
tscullygwu [dot] edu (tscully[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Global Food Institute, 1919 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 500
202-994-5758- French (CCAS)
Contact:
The contact for the French department varies by semester. Refer to the French department website for the most up-to-date information.Location:
Phillips Hall, Suite 513- Geography (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Declan Cullen (Students last name A-N)
drcullengwu [dot] edu (drcullen[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-8523Dr. David Rain (Students last name O-Z)
draingwu [dot] edu (drain[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-9948523Location:
Samson HallSpecial Instructions:
Email professor to make an appointment. Please submit or email the complete syllabus in advance of the meeting.Estimated Time:
At least 5 business days- Geology (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Catherine Forster, Chair - Program in Geological Sciences
forstergwu [dot] edu (forster[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-1008Location:
2029 G Street
Bell Hall, Room 101- German (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Margaret Gonglewski
margaretgwu [dot] edu (margaret[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-5727Dr. Mary Beth Stein
mbsteingwu [dot] edu (mbstein[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6896Location:
Phillips Hall, Suite 513- Graphic Design (Corcoran)
Contact:
Professor Johan Severtson
jsevertsongwu [dot] edu (jsevertson[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-425-2575Professor Sara Jamshidi
sjamshidigwu [dot] edu (sjamshidi[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Flagg Building- History (CCAS)
Department Contact:
Dr. Steven Brady
sbrady91gwu [dot] edu (sbrady91[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-8174Location:
Transfer Approval mailbox in Phillips 335Special Instructions:
Students should drop off the form along with a course syllabus to the location above. More details can be found on the History Department website.Estimated Time:
One week- Human Services & Social Justice (CCAS)
Contact:
Professor Michelle Kelso
mkelsogwu [dot] edu (mkelso[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6936Location:
Phillips Hall, Suite 409- Info Systems & Technology Management (GWSB)
Department Chair:
Dr. Subhasish Dasgupta
dasguptagwu [dot] edu (dasgupta[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Administrative Manager:
Karen Cholakis
karent1gwu [dot] edu
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 515- Interior Architecture & Design (CCAS)
Contact:
Professor Nadia Volchansky
volnagwu [dot] edu (volna[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-242-6705Location:
Mount Vernon Academic Building 216Special Instructions:
Please email or call to schedule an appointment prior to visiting in person.- International Affairs (ESIA)
International Affairs Contact:
Reach out to the appriorate Elliott School Advisor.
advisinggwu [dot] edu (advising[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6240Location:
Elliott School of International Affairs, Suite 302- International Business (GWSB)
Course Substitution Requests and Transfer Credit Contact (Domestic and International Credit Review):
Dr. Laura D'Antonio
ldantoniogwu [dot] edu (ldantonio[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Department Chair:
Dr. Reid Click
rclickgwu [dot] edu (rclick[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Senior Administrative Manager:
Rimsha Alam
rimsha [dot] alamgwu [dot] edu (rimsha[dot]alam[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 401- Italian (CCAS)
Contact:
Antonella Longoni
alongonigwu [dot] edu (alongoni[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-8390Location:
Phillips Hall, Room 513- Japanese (CCAS)
Contact:
Shoko Hamano
hamanogwu [dot] edu (hamano[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-7107Leo Hanami (Fall 2019 Only)
hanamigwu [dot] edu (hanami[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-0050Location:
Rome Hall, Room 457Special Instructions:
Refer to the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures website for all transfer credit details.- Judaic Studies (CCAS)
Contact:
Daniel Schwartz
dbs50gwu [dot] edu (dbs50[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-2397Location:
Phillips Hall, Room 317- Korean (CCAS)
Contact:
Moik Pak
pakmgwu [dot] edu (pakm[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-1804Location:
Rome Hall, Room 466Special Instructions:
Refer to the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures website for all transfer credit details.- Latin American & Hemispheric Studies (ESIA)
Contact:
Dr. Diego Abente-Brun
dabentegwu [dot] edu (dabente[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Phillips Hall, Suite 313- Management (GWSB)
Contact:
Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy
aymangwu [dot] edu (ayman[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Administrative Manager:
Karen Cholakis
karent1gwu [dot] edu
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 315Special Instruct ions:
This department manages BADM 3103 Human Capital in Organizations, Entrepreneurship courses, and Leadership courses. Please indicate the GW course that you are interested in receiving credit for when you submit the form.- Marketing (GWSB)
Contact:
Dr. Ravi Achrol
achrolgwu [dot] edu (achrol[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Academic Department Administrator:
Carlos Aquino
cea474gwu [dot] edu (cea474[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 30- Mathematics (CCAS)
Department Contact:
mathgwu [dot] edu (math[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6235ALEKS and Calculus Placement Contact:
jaydaiglegwu [dot] edu
Transfer Credit Contact:
mathtrancreditgwu [dot] edu (mathtrancredit[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Follow the instructions on the Math Department website for completing and submitting the Transfer Credit Approval Form.
Prospective and Current Mathematics Majors and Minors Contact:
mathadvgwu [dot] edu (mathadv[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Students may email mathadvgwu [dot] edu only for inquiries about the Math major or minor, not for general advising or transfer credit approval.
Location:
Phillips Hall, 7th Floor- Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (SEAS)
Contact:
Zephra Coles
siszacgwu [dot] edu (siszac[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-9800Location:
SEH Suite 3000- Middle East Studies (ESIA)
Contact:
Dr. Marc Lynch
mlynchgwu [dot] edu (mlynch[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Elliott School of International Affairs, Suite 512- Music (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Robert Baker
rbakergwu [dot] edu (rbaker[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-9043Location:
Phillips Hall, Room B-144ASpecial Instructions:
Make an appointment.Estimated Time:
2-3 days- Organizational Sciences & Communication (CCAS)
Contact:
Organizational Sciences:
Nils Olsen, PhD
nolsengwu [dot] edu (nolsen[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Communication:
Savreen Hundal, PhD
savreengwu [dot] edu (savreen[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
600 21st StreetSpecial Instructions:
Please bring a full syllabus.- Peace Studies (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Derek Malone-France
dmfgwu [dot] edu (dmf[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-242-5359Location:
2106 G St, NW, Room 206- Philosophy (CCAS)
Department Contact:
Any Philosophy faculty member may declare a minor or second major in Philosophy.Transfer Credit Contact:
Professor Christopher Venner
cvennergwu [dot] edu (cvenner[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-5002Location:
Rome Hall, Room 556Special Instructions:
Visit Professor Venner’s office hours as listed on the Department of Philosophy website.Estimated Time:
One day if supporting material is brought to office hours.- Physics (CCAS)
Department Contact:
phyadvisgwu [dot] edu (phyadvis[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Transfer Credit Approval Forms: Students seeking transfer credit approval for physics courses should submit their request directly through the Physics Department's Google Form.
Location:
Staughton HallSpecial Instructions:
Contact Physics advising department (phyadvisgwu [dot] edu (phyadvis[at]gwu[dot]edu)). Based on request and academic track, students will be referred to the appropriate advisor.
Estimated Time:
Several days- Political Science (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Kelly Bauer
kbauer2gwu [dot] edu (kbauer2[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6290Location:
Monroe Hall, Room 401Special Instructions:
Students should visit office hours posted on the Political Science Department website. Students do not need to call or email to schedule an appointment.Estimated Time:
3 days- Portuguese (CCAS)
Contact:
Richard Robin
rrobingwu [dot] edu (rrobin[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Phillips Hall, Suite 509Special Instructions:
If you are seeking specific foreign-language equivalency credit, e.g. PORT 1004 - Second Year Portuguese. You can get general elective (non-foreign-language credit) as PORT 1099 with a proficiency test. More details are available on the Department of Romance, German & Slavic Languages & Literatures website.- Public Health (SPH)
Contact:
sphundergradgwu [dot] edu (sphundergrad[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-0822Location:
950 New Hampshire Ave, Suite 200Special Instructions:
Prefer email over physical forms.- Psychological and Brain Sciences (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Jody Ganiban
pbsundergradsgwu [dot] edu (PBSUndergrads[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6320Location:
2013 H St. NW; 6th Floor- Religion (CCAS)
Contact:
Robert Eisen
religiongwu [dot] edu (religion[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-6327Location:
2106 G Street- Russian (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Richard Robin
rrobingwu [dot] edu (rrobin[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-7081Literature, Film, and Culture:
Dr. Peter Rollberg
rgpetergwu [dot] edu (rgpeter[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-7081Location:
Phillips Hall, Suite 513Special Instructions:
No Russian language course credits transfer automatically without post-program testing as follows, assuming adequate scores on grammar tests: ACTFL Intermediate High in speaking - full credit ACTFL Intermediate Mid or lower - partial or no credit, depending on the rating. We accept all ACTFL rating performed by ACTFL-certified testers. (ACTR and CIEE provide these ratings for semester/year programs, but not summer). Otherwise, we have to test the student.- SMPA (CCAS)
Contact:
Professor Lee Huebner
huebnergwu [dot] edu (huebner[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-5806Location:
805 21st Street- Sociology (CCAS)
Contact:
Daina Eglitis
dainasgwu [dot] edu (dainas[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Phillips Hall, Room 409Law and Society Contact:
Dr. Fran Buntman
fbuntmangwu [dot] edu (fbuntman[at]gwu[dot]edu)
- Spanish (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Manuel Cuellar
cuellaremail [dot] gwu [dot] edu (cuellar[at]email[dot]gwu[dot]edu)
Click here to book an appointment with Dr. Cuellar.
Location:
Phillips Hall, Room 513- Speech & Hearing Science (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Craig Linebaugh
clinegwu [dot] edu (cline[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-0724Location:
Hall of Government, Room 226Special Instructions:
SPHR major classes need to be taken from programs that are accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (our accrediting body).Estimated Time:
2 days- Statistics (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Hosam M. Mahmoud - Transfer credit approval
hosamgwu [dot] edu (hosam[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Dr. Joshua Landon - Declare major or minor
jlandongwu [dot] edu (jlandon[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Rome Hall, 7th FloorSpecial Instructions:
Obtain a DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF TOPICS COVERED in the proposed substituted course (it will facilitate the process if you can also obtain a syllabus from the instructor). Drop off forms and description with department.Estimated Time:
5-10 business days- Strategic Management & Public Policy (GWSB)
Contact:
Dr. Jorge Walter
ejeejegwu [dot] edu (jorgew[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Administrative Manager:
Rochelle Rediang
redianggwu [dot] edu (rediang[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 615- Sustainability (minor)
Contact:
sustminorgwu [dot] edu (sustminor[at]gwu[dot]edu) - Minor Declarations
Location:
Lisner 336Special Instructions:
Email professor to make an appointment. Please bring a full course syllabus (no course descriptions).- Theatre (CCAS)
Contact:
Dr. Matt Wilson
mattwilsongwu [dot] edu (mattwilson[at]gwu[dot]edu)
202-994-1097Estimated Time:
One week- Tourism & Hospitality Studies (GWSB)
Contact:
Dr. Stuart Levy
slevygwu [dot] edu (slevy[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Dr. Lisa Delpy Neirotti
delpygwu [dot] edu (delpy[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
Funger Hall, Suite 301- Women’s Studies (CCAS)
Contact:
Professor Kelly Pemberton
kpembertgwu [dot] edu (kpembert[at]gwu[dot]edu)
Location:
609 22nd St, NW Room 101
Last Updated: 09/23/2024