Communication to Georgetown University Students 2021

December 22, 2021: Happy Holidays

Dear Georgetown Students, Faculty and Staff,

I write today to wish you and your family a wonderful and happy winter holiday season.

This has been a year unlike any other year we have experienced, in both our private lives and our work lives.

Our community has endured continuing threats to our health from the pandemic. We remember those who have suffered.

We have, as an educational community, however, proven to ourselves that we can come together on campus and engage in teaching, learning, and research. We have demonstrated the resilience necessary to fulfill our mission despite the constraints of the pandemic.

As I reflect upon this past year, I wish to extend my continued thanks and appreciation to you for your dedication, perseverance and embodiment of our Jesuit values. I hope that the upcoming winter holidays offer a more extended opportunity to rest and reflect. 

I look forward to 2022 with optimism, and I am certain that the Georgetown community will continue to be strong and united, no matter what the future holds. Thank you, again, for all you do and best wishes for a happy holiday and joyful new year.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves
Provost

 December 15, 2021: Immediate Changes This Semester

Dear Georgetown University Faculty, Staff and Students,

We are putting in place certain new public health measures today, following this morning’s message from Dr. Ranit Mishori.

Exams

If there is no disruption to student preparation, faculty can move from in-person exam formats to virtual or take-home exams. Main Campus faculty wishing to move required in-person exams to a larger classroom permitting more physical distancing should contact the Registrar’s office at schedulechanges@georgetown.edu to request relocation to a larger classroom. For in-person exams at the Medical Center (BGE and NHS), the Office of the EVP will contact faculty with larger classroom options. Students, please be vigilant in looking for any updates from your faculty.

Study Spaces

Study spaces will revert to 6-foot physical distancing between persons. These classrooms will also be available for students as study spaces so that students may maintain physical distancing. Masks must be worn in indoor public spaces on campus, and no eating or drinking is allowed in communal areas, including libraries and study spaces. 

Research and Lab Access

Access to and work in research laboratories can continue, but 6-foot physical distancing should be maintained whenever possible, and personnel should be masked at all times. 

Visitors

Georgetown faculty and staff are urged to move any indoor meetings with visitors to a virtual mode. With limited exceptions (e.g., research subjects, delivery drivers), University buildings will be restricted to Georgetown community members through the end of the fall semester. Parents and family members will be able to enter residential buildings to assist students who are returning home for the winter break.

Meetings and Gatherings

In order to limit density on our campus, please move all indoor meetings and gatherings to virtual mode at this time. As you have heard from Dr. Mishori, please move any holiday gatherings to virtual mode, or postpone as an option.

Staff/AAP Teleworking

To the greatest degree possible, we encourage teleworking for faculty and staff working to support our students and faculty for the remainder of the calendar year. Supervisors will be in touch with details on any temporary changes to mode of work. We recognize that many staff have on-campus duties not feasibly performed remotely, and reducing campus density will assist our safety efforts. We will continue to monitor public health conditions and communicate any changes.

Students in On-Campus Housing over Winter Break 

Students approved for housing over winter break will be housed as planned. These students will receive direct communication with any further information.

Decisions Regarding Return in Spring Semester

We will continue to monitor public health conditions and will be in close communication as we near the start of spring semester activities. 

Thank you for your continued patience. We wish you a safe and healthy completion of the fall semester.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves
Provost

Edward B. Healton
Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

David B. Green
Interim Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 December 7, 2021: Sad News and a Note Regarding Your Classes

Please note: this email contains distressing news. We encourage all members of our campus community to visit www.georgetown.edu/EveryHoyaCares to connect with resources to support your mental and emotional well-being. Additional details on resources are contained in this message. 

December 7, 2021

Dear Georgetown Students,

Following the very sad news communicated by Dr. Jeanne Lord this morning about the passing of SFS student Yingying Mei (SFS’22), I encourage you to take the time you need to process this news, and to seek available resources.  You may feel the need for assistance from University resources, noted in Dr. Lord’s letter, or simply feel the need for more time for a final paper or to prepare for a final examination. 

Please reach out to your academic advisor and individual faculty members, or to your school Dean, should you require leniency regarding deadlines because of this distressing news.

Together, we mourn the loss of this member of our community.  Please reach out to one another for comfort, and to the resources available to you for support at this time.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves

Provost

 November 24, 2021: Thanksgiving Thoughts and Wishes

Dear Georgetown Students, Faculty and Staff,

I write today to wish you and your family a safe and restful Thanksgiving. 

This year I am especially grateful to be back on campus and to see us all benefit from our community’s participation in public health protocols. These have permitted the return to in-person learning and research activities while also protecting one another. 

I am also deeply thankful for your patience, for your commitment to teaching and support of our students, and for your continued embodiment of the ideals of cura personalis and people for others. 

We have been enriched by your candor in voicing your concerns and actively participating in the University’s response to extraordinary challenges. Thank you for supporting each other, with patience and the assumption that we are all acting with good will.

I want to express my warm gratitude to you with wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves
Provost

 October 28, 2021: Graduate Student Public Health Forum

Graduate Student Public Health Forum

 October 15, 2021: Launch of the Main Campus Office of the Student Ombuds (OSO)

Dear Students and Faculty,
 
It gives me great pleasure to announce the launch of the Main Campus Office of the Student Ombuds (OSO). The Ombuds is an important new resource within the Office of the Provost serving our undergraduate and graduate students on the Main Campus. 
 
Amidst the many challenges of the pandemic, student leaders identified the need for an ombuds, a trusted navigator who can empower students, offer support for fair processes, clarify policies, identify appropriate resources, problem-solve, and act as a mediator to resolve complex issues and concerns. University leadership responded to this request by creating the OSO – a confidential and neutral space for students to raise any type of university-related concern. Faculty, staff and other community members may also consult the ombuds on student-related concerns they may be aware of and need guidance on.
 
Dr. Daniela Brancaforte has agreed to serve as our first Main Campus Student Ombuds. During her tenure at Georgetown for the past 7 years, Daniela has held multiple roles as an academic dean and adjunct faculty member in the Undergraduate Program at the McDonough School of Business. Her experience encompasses advising students, managing custom study abroad programs, heading McDonough’s undergraduate research program, teaching seminar courses for first-year and senior thesis students, and generally working across campus on various initiatives with faculty, staff, students, alumni and corporate partners. Daniela is a socio-cultural anthropologist, an entrepreneur, a former consultant and business leader, and is firmly committed to building an inclusive, welcoming and equitable community for our students. Daniela received her Ph.D. in socio-cultural anthropology from Princeton University and her B.A. at Bryn Mawr College. She is fluent in Spanish, German and Italian.
 
Please visit the Office of the Student Ombuds website to find out more about what an ombuds does and the services provided. The Office of the Student Ombuds is located in the Reiss Science Building, Room 207 (across from Arrupe Hall). Students may make an appointment or contact the ombuds at studentombuds@georgetown.edu or by calling 202-784-1081. 
 
We are excited for the ways that Dr. Brancaforte and the OSO will work with students and our community to facilitate a more just, engaged and inclusive Georgetown.
 
Sincerely,
 
Rohan Williamson
Vice Provost for Education

 October 15, 2021: Launch of the Center for Digital Ethics; danah boyd, Ph.D. appointed Visiting Distinguished Professor

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community, 

Georgetown University is pleased to announce the launch of the Georgetown new Center for Digital Ethics and the appointment of danah boyd, Ph.D, as a Visiting Distinguished Professor at Georgetown University as of September 1, 2021. Dr. boyd will work with colleagues across the University in support of Georgetown’s Center for Digital Ethics within Georgetown’s cross-campus Technology and Society Initiative and the planned Emergent Ethics Network. She will contribute to the campus community with public lectures and a course offered in the spring semester, tentatively titled “Data & the Politics of Evidence.”

The Center for Digital Ethics is composed of an interdisciplinary group of computer scientists, legal/regulatory scholars, social scientists, statisticians, policy scholars, and philosophers, impacting the framing of digital ethical guidance. This rapidly emerging field is focused on building a conceptual framework of ethical principles and practices regarding the design and use of technologies such as machine learning algorithms, social media platforms, and data on individuals.  The Center’s work will help define the academic field of digital ethics and help form the “digital ethics core” of education, research, and outreach for Georgetown.

Dr. boyd is a nationally and internationally recognized authority on the relationship between technology and society whose work touches on privacy, media manipulation, algorithmic fairness, and more. You can read more about danah’s background here. Dr. boyd is a partner researcher at Microsoft Research and the founder of Data & Society , an independent research institute focused on the social implications of data and automation. 

Dr. boyd received a Ph.D. from the School of Information (iSchool) at the University of California-Berkeley, a master’s degree from MIT Media Lab’s Sociable Media Group and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Brown University.

Please join me in welcoming Dr. danah boyd to our Georgetown community. We hope you will interact with Dr. boyd and the Center for Digital Ethics through the upcoming lecture series and other academic activities that will be developed for the coming year. 

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves
Provost

October 13, 2021: Undergraduate Student Public Health Forum

October 13, 2021: Undergraduate Student Public Health Forum

 September 30, 2021: Important Information On Your Classes

Dear Students:

We hope that this message finds you healthy and engaged with your classes this semester.

When Georgetown announced its plans for in-person learning, we understood that the success of the semester would rest on a collective commitment to community health by faculty, staff, and students. We are encouraged by the relatively low positivity rates on campus thus far and thank you for everything you’re doing to keep our campus safe.

We also appreciate your continued dedication to engaged, in-person learning. While a small number of classes have been designated as online or hybrid, Georgetown remains committed to an in-person semester and asks that all students attend class in person. We recognize that the return to the classroom has been an adjustment for everyone; we will continue to work to make your experience in class as rich as ever.

As the semester progresses there will be occasions—illness, family emergencies, or other life events—when it might seem reasonable to request to attend classes remotely. You should not expect that you will be able to participate synchronously (i.e., Zoom) in a class designated as in-person, nor should you assume that you may miss class and make up the material asynchronously without an approved reason for doing so.

Faculty have been asked to accommodate COVID-related absences, consistent with the university’s public health guidelines. How they do so is up to the discretion of the faculty member. This might involve, among other things, sharing notes, recording a lecture, or meeting with you during virtual office hours. Faculty are not required to allow students to attend remotely via Zoom, given our in-person instructional mode.

Any other absences, and opportunities to make up course material, are at the discretion of your professor, consistent with the attendance policies of your class. Vaccinated individuals who have been exposed to COVID-19 are not required to quarantine, unless they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.  

As always, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you are expected to report those symptoms through the daily attestation process, call, schedule a COVID-19 test, and self-quarantine (or self-isolate if you test positive) until cleared by Student Health/the Care Navigator team to return to class. If you miss class because you are symptomatic, you must confirm with your professor that you have followed these steps.

Sincerely,

Rohan Williamson

Vice Provost for Education

August 24, 2021: Welcome to Fall 2021

Dear Students,

Welcome to the Fall Semester! 

We are so excited to welcome you to campus, especially those students who are experiencing Georgetown in-person for the first time. I am grateful that we are able to resume learning at our residential campus, one of the hallmarks of a Georgetown education. I look forward to the restored personal connections, shared experiences of living and studying in-person, and the sense of community among students, faculty, and staff that can be found at Georgetown. 

Over the past year, faculty and staff have worked very hard to plan for your return to campus. Please remember that we have a shared responsibility to promote the health and safety of one another and to follow University Public Health Guidelines.  Through required vaccinations, masking and other public health measures we are able to gather in-person. We will continue to keep you informed if there are changes to public health conditions.

I greatly value our community and the important role that students play in making Georgetown the special place that it is. I hope you take advantage of campus connections, experiences and opportunities, and that you have a safe and healthy fall semester.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves

University Provost

August 19, 2021: Transition at GU-Q

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community, 

Georgetown University is pleased to announce the appointment of Clyde Wilcox, Ph.D., as the Interim Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Q) beginning October 16, 2021. In this role at the University, he will replace Ahmad Dallal, Ph.D., who will assume the presidency of the American University in Cairo.

Dr. Wilcox is a full professor in the Government Department at Georgetown’s Main Campus in Washington, DC, where he has taught since 1987, and is also Professor of Government and International Politics at the School of Foreign Service in Qatar. His work focuses on a number of topics in American and comparative politics, including religion and politics, gender politics, interest groups, public opinion and electoral behavior, campaign finance and science fiction and politics. He has authored, coauthored, edited or co-edited more than 30 books, including his two most recent books Federalism: A Very Short Introduction (2019) and The Interest Group Society (6th ed, 2018). He has also published hundreds of articles and book chapters including “Federalism in a Time of Plague” (2020) and “Religious Change, Political Incentives, and Explaining Religious-Secular Relations in the United States and the Philippines” (2017). Professor Wilcox is an internationally recognized speaker and has lectured in Qatar, England, France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Hungary, Poland, Turkey, Russia, China, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica and Colombia. He has provided diplomatic training for the U.S. State Department, as well as for diplomats of other countries, and is a regular source for multimedia print, radio and television media on topics of government and international politics. 

Professor Wilcox received his Ph.D. and M.A. from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia University.

I wish to extend our appreciation to Ahmad Dallal, Ph.D., for his service and leadership as Dean, and also congratulate him on his new position as President of the American University in Cairo. 

Please join me in congratulating Clyde Wilcox as he takes on this new role.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves
Provost

 July 19, 2021: Fall 2021 Public Health Guidelines for Students, Faculty, and Staff

Fall 2021 Public Health Guidelines for Students, Faculty, and Staff email found here.

 July 1, 2021: Updated COVID-19 Travel Policy Relaxes Travel Restrictions

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community, 
 
We write today with the good news that because of increasing vaccination rates and updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on domestic travel and international travel, the University is updating the COVID-19 Travel Policy for students, faculty and staff, and will be relaxing travel restrictions. Please review the details below on permitted University-related travel, public health guidance related to travel and instructions for booking travel for faculty research and for students and staff.

Permitted Travel

As of today, July 1, 2021, fully vaccinated individuals may engage in domestic University-related travel, upon providing proof of vaccination through the GU360 mobile app or GU360 website with a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the FDA or World Health Organization prior to travel. For individuals who are not yet fully vaccinated, domestic University-related travel remains limited to “essential travel” as defined in the policy.
 
As of August 1, 2021, the following international University-related travel is permitted. Please refer to the COVID-19 Travel Policy for definitions of the key terms used below (e.g., lower risk regions, elevated risk regions, essential travel and Senior Administrator) and additional details. While booking approved international travel planned for August 1 or later is permitted now, there is still a moratorium on international travel before August 1, and the COVID-19 Spring and Summer Travel Policy (new window) (new window) remains in effect for international travel until then.

Students

• Fully vaccinated students may engage in individual or independent University-related travel (e.g., thesis research, internships, fellowships) to lower risk regions or for essential travel, as defined in the COVID-19 Travel Policy, upon review by the University’s Travel Review Committee and approval by the relevant Senior Administrator identified in the Policy.
• A limited number of international programs – including certain study abroad programs organized or sponsored by the Office of Global Education and other University departments – will also be permitted to proceed beginning in Fall 2021, after a program-specific risk assessment and approval by the relevant Senior Administrator. Students participating in such programs must be fully vaccinated. Students who have applied for an international program for Fall 2021 will receive more information in the coming days and weeks from the Office of Global Education or other sponsoring unit regarding the status of their program.

Faculty and Staff

• Fully vaccinated faculty and staff may engage in University-related international travel to lower risk regions, as defined in the COVID-19 Travel Policy (new window) (new window), after providing proof of vaccination (new window) (new window) through the GU360 mobile app or GU360 website (new window) (new window). 
• Fully vaccinated faculty and staff may travel to elevated risk regions, as defined in the policy, after providing proof of vaccination (new window) (new window) through the GU360 mobile app or GU360 website (new window) (new window) and submitting the travel request for review and approval by the relevant Senior Administrator, who may consult with the Travel Review Committee.
• Faculty and staff who are not, or have not informed the University that they are, fully vaccinated – either due to an accommodation or due to their fully telework mode of work – should consult with the relevant Senior Administrator or the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Affirmative Action (new window) (new window), as appropriate, before embarking on University-related international travel.

The COVID-19 Travel Policy Approval Process (new window) (new window) provides information on how to submit a request for international travel approval when required under this policy.

Public Health Guidance

Travelers must stay apprised of, and comply with, public health and travel regulations and guidance in place both at their destination, and upon their return, with the understanding that such regulations and guidance continue to change quickly. Please review University public health protocols related to travel (new window) (new window), District of Columbia travel guidance (new window) (new window), CDC travel guidance (new window) (new window) and the travel guidance of your state of residence.

As of July 1, 2021, per CDC guidance, international travelers, regardless of their citizenship or vaccination status, will need to get a COVID-19 test no more than three days before returning by air to the United States, show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, and get a COVID-19 test three to five days after returning to the United States.

Booking University-Related Travel 

Individuals engaging in approved University-related travel must comply with all other University policies (e.g., financial or departmental approvals).
 
In response to faculty feedback, campus leaders are developing policies specific to faculty research travel. Faculty booking research-related travel should refer questions to their unit head or dean.
 
Staff will need to request approval from their manager or relevant Senior Administrator before booking University-related travel.
 
We strongly encourage students, faculty and staff to book University-related travel through Georgetown Travel Services (new window) (new window) (GTS) to take advantage of travel savings and so that the University can communicate and provide emergency assistance to individuals on University-related travel. If you have any questions or feedback throughout the process of booking with GTS, please email travel@georgetown.edu (new window) (new window) or Sheyna Arthur, Director of Procurement Services, at sheyna.arthur@georgetown.edu (new window) (new window).

We will continue to monitor public health conditions domestically and globally, and we will update the University’s travel policies as appropriate. 
 
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work together to protect our University community.
 
Sincerely,
 
Robert M. Groves, Provost
 
Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences 
 
William M. Treanor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center
 
Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 June 24, 2021: Our Return to Campus and New Meal Plan Requirement

Dear Students:

Thank you for your patience and sustained efforts over the past 16 months as we have navigated through the COVID-19 pandemic. The beginning of summer brings optimism as we move ahead with our plans to return to in-person classes, on-campus residential housing and campus activities in the fall.

We experienced the physical separation required to keep our community safe through the pandemic, and we have heard from many students about the importance of restoring personal connections and building community. An important feature of our undergraduate living and learning residential campus is that, together, we create shared experiences of living and studying in shared locations.

Over the past year, we have worked hard to plan for your return to campus in the Fall. We have renovated on-campus residences halls and townhouses and completed numerous capital projects such as the restoration of Kehoe Field, renovations to both Copley Crypt and St. Williams Chapel, a new Muslim Prayer Room in Village C and a new Dharmālaya Room in the Leavey Center. These renovations also include the installation of hundreds of smart lockers for centralized mail distribution at LXR, the Leavey Center and Kennedy Hall. See a video highlighting this work.

To support and promote a healthy living and learning community where all students thrive, we offer a number of nutritious, flexible and affordable meal plan options for students on campus and, this year, we are introducing a new meal requirement for all students living on campus.

Starting in the Fall 2021 semester, all students living in on-campus housing will need to hold a meal plan.

• First-years and sophomores may select from the All Access 7 or All Access 7+ plans.
• Juniors may select from the Weekly 14, All Access 7 or All Access 7+ plans.
• Seniors may select from the Weekly 7, Weekly 14, All Access 7 or All Access 7+ plans.

Students may, as has always been an option, submit a request for exemption from the requirement to hold a meal plan due to dietary, medical, religious or other special considerations by emailing mealplans@georgetown.edu.

For students who receive financial aid support, the cost of the All Access 7 +$200 Flex plan will be included in the budgeted Cost of Attendance to arrive at each student’s package, which will ensure that every member of Georgetown’s undergraduate student community has access to food while they are on campus. However, we also understand that this new requirement may have unexpected consequences, and we will work collaboratively to solve any problems that may arise. 

We wish you and your families a safe and healthy summer, and we look forward to your return in late August.

Sincerely,
 
Robert M. Groves, Provost

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

May 19, 2021: Update on Public Health Measures

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community,

We are writing to share several updates about the University’s public health measures, which we are implementing after carefully reviewing the latest guidance from the DC government and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As we prepare for the gradual return to campus of our community in the coming weeks and months, we are encouraged that public health trends for COVID-19 on campus and in the District of Columbia continue to improve.

COVID-19 Mask Guidelines

We are updating the University’s COVID-19 Mask Guidelines, effective Friday, May 21, which is when Mayor Bowser’s latest public health order takes effect.

Fully vaccinated individuals on campus and fully vaccinated students living in the Georgetown, Burleith and Foxhall neighborhoods (“Neighborhoods”) do not need to wear a mask in outdoor spaces, except where directed in limited circumstances, including during certain University events, such as the 2021 Commencement ceremony at Nationals Park. All individuals on campus and students living in the Neighborhoods, regardless of vaccination status, need to continue to wear a mask when indoors, except when eating or drinking, when alone in a private room with a closed door or when in their personal residence without guests.

We have made these updates in consultation with public health experts who have been advising the University throughout the pandemic. To reduce the risk of transmitting the virus and to protect community members who are in vulnerable populations, it is important for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, to continue to wear a mask indoors on campus or when in certain circumstances outdoors, including University events in which large crowds are gathered in the same space.

Please refer to the Mask Guidelines for additional information.

Georgetown University Community Compact

The Georgetown University Community Compact (Community Compact) will remain in effect for the summer. We have updated the Community Compact in light of new guidance for fully vaccinated individuals.

Faculty and staff who have been approved to come to campus this summer and who have not yet signed the Community Compact will need to sign it by completing the Summer 2021 Affirmation in the GU360 mobile app or GU360 website. Faculty and staff who have already signed the Community Compact do not need to take any further action.

Students who will live on campus or participate in a University course or program this summer will also need to complete the Summer 2021 Affirmation in the GU360 mobile app or GU360 website. Students who have already signed the Community Compact will not be prompted to sign it again, but they will need to confirm their address and emergency contact information as part of the Summer 2o21 Affirmation. Students who are not living on campus or are not participating in a University course or program this summer do not need to take any further action.

COVID-19 Vaccination

As Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Ranit Mishori shared in her May 12 message, students, faculty and staff are now able to get vaccinated on campus, at no cost to community members. If you are interested, please email chiefpublichealthofficer@georgetown.edu to indicate your interest and to receive additional details.

If you have already been vaccinated, please submit documentation of your COVID-19 vaccination through the GU360 mobile app or GU360 website. Please follow these instructions to submit your documentation.

We all must keep doing our part to protect ourselves and one another, including by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences

William M. Treanor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

May 10, 2021: SHIP Update

Dear SHIP Participants,

Welcome to the SHIP! We are so excited to see you on the Hilltop in just a few short weeks. Students, faculty, and staff are eagerly awaiting your arrival and have been working the last few months to prepare for this unique experience.

Move-in Process

In order to comply with public health guidelines on campus, SHIP move-in will occur over a period of multiple days. Move-in is scheduled for June 1 – 5, 2021. We are unable to accommodate any early arrival or after-hours requests. If you will be unvaccinated or partially vaccinated (less than 14 days since your final dose), it is recommended you select an earlier time slot to avoid still being in quarantine when classes start on Monday, June 7. Alternatively, if you will be fully vaccinated upon your arrival, you are encouraged to choose a later time slot to provide additional options for those who will need to quarantine.

To access the time slot sign-up page, log into Hoya Housing, select the applications tab, and reopen your SHIP Housing Application.

Already Living on Campus?

Students are able to remain in their spring residence until SHIP begins if they pay for May Transition housing between May 20 – June 1. Plan to move into your SHIP assignment on Tuesday, June 1, 2021. You do not need to select a move-in time slot. You should go directly to the key pick-up table at HFSC between 9 AM – 5 PM. 

Orientation

As you plan to arrive on campus we want to make sure you stay connected to important information you will need to know about SHIP. As part of the SHIP, you will be expected to participate in a one-day “Orientation to SHIP” on Sunday, June 6, from 10:00am -5:00pm. This orientation is designed to officially welcome you to SHIP, help you start to meet fellow SHIP participants, and prepare you to successfully navigate living and learning on the Hilltop this summer. 

Your parents and family members are invited to attend a brief virtual SHIP information session on May 27 that will cover important topics related to SHIP. Please encourage your parents and families to RSVP to attend this orientation.

We are sure you are wondering what life on the Hilltop will look like; review the sections below for more details!

Community Assistants

Your SHIP experience is supported by a talented group of upperclass students called Community Assistants (CAs), and professional staff, called Community Coordinators. Your CA will be an experienced peer mentor and point person during your time on campus and is living in the residential community alongside you. You will receive more information about your assigned CA soon, but meet the SHIP Team in the meantime.

Campus Recreation

Campus Recreation at Yates Field House and Kehoe Field offers comprehensive recreational, fitness, and wellness programming to serve the University community. During the SHIP, Campus Recreation will offer a series of outdoor fitness, leisure recreation, and intramural activities. Additionally, indoor, in-person group fitness classes will be offered weekly; class sizes will be limited and reservations will be required. Learn more about their offerings, including events, facility reservations, employment opportunities, and more, on the Campus Recreation SHIP Resources Page.

Covid Vaccination Protocol

As President DeGioia shared in his April 14 message, we will require all undergraduate, graduate and professional students to be fully vaccinated prior to the Fall 2021 semester. We will provide additional details related to this requirement as available.

Summer 2021 COVID-19 Testing Protocol

Attached is the Summer 2021 COVID-19 Testing Protocol for fully vaccinated students, faculty and staff who have access to campus, beginning on June 1 and in effect through August 1, 2021. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine. 

This summer, fully vaccinated students will get tested for COVID-19 once a week, and fully vaccinated faculty and staff will get tested once a month. In order to participate in this testing protocol, you must submit your COVID-19 vaccination documentation through GU360.

If you haven’t been fully vaccinated, you must continue to adhere to the current COVID-19 Testing Protocol.

Our Care Navigator team will continue to instruct any individuals who have symptoms of or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 to get tested, as needed.

Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People

We continue to review the University’s public health guidelines and will revise them for fully vaccinated people, as needed. We will provide updates when available. 

Vaccinations

We urge all students participating in SHIP to get vaccinated prior to arrival on campus. If you are not able to get vaccinated by your move-in date, please email chiefpublichealthofficer@georgetown.edu to indicate your interest in getting vaccinated on campus, and we will follow up to provide additional details. We are now able to vaccinate students, faculty, and staff on campus, at no cost to community members.

SHIP Withdrawal Process

If you have enrolled in SHIP and find you are no longer able to attend, withdraw from your registered classes and email hilltopsummer@georgetown.edu notifying them of your change of plans. 

For up to date information regarding SHIP, continue to visit the SHIP Frequently Asked Questions website.

We look forward to being in community with you in June.

Hoya Saxa,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education

May 3, 2021: Georgetown Day 2021

Dear Hoyas,

In 2000, after a series of tragic events on campus, students organized the first Georgetown Day to bring the community together, including students, staff, and faculty.  Over time, the activities of this day have come to overshadow the intended experience of community.

We must improve our protection of the health, safety, and well-being of our community. Toward that end, please follow the guidance below for the last Friday of the spring semester:

• Georgetown Day, Friday, May 7, is a class instruction day. Faculty expect full participation in scheduled classes. If you are enrolled in a class scheduled to meet, you should attend class, unless your professor has made other arrangements.
• You and any guests must follow all aspects of the Code of Student Conduct and the Georgetown University Community Compact at all times. You should be familiar with these policies.
• Violations of the Code of Student Conduct and the Community Compact, both on and off campus, will be taken seriously. University officials will be present on Georgetown Day to attend to the safety and well-being of the campus community and the surrounding neighborhoods and to uphold the behavioral standards outlined in the Code of Student Conduct. If you fail to comply with a directive of a University official, you violate the Student Code of Conduct.
• If you are a graduating student, serious violations of the Code of Student Conduct will result in loss of your privilege to attend the Commencement ceremony and/or to have guests attend the ceremony.
• On-campus residential communities will have measures in place to manage the safety of particular areas of campus. Access to some residential areas may be restricted due to capacity limitations and safety concerns.
• For off-campus residents, noise and disruptive behavior are violations of the Code. In the interest of fostering our shared community, please remember that University policy states: “Excessive noise inside or outside a building is unacceptable.” Regardless of the hour, if noise can be heard beyond the property line, it is likely too noisy. SNAP and, if needed, the Metropolitan Police Department will be on call throughout the day as well.

We encourage you to take seriously these requirements for Georgetown Day and beyond. Thank you for your attention to these important issues.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Todd A. Olson, Vice President for Student Affairs

April 16, 2021: Following up on Cultural Climate Issues

Dear Georgetown University Main Campus Faculty, Staff and Students,

We write regarding President DeGioia’s letter on April 16 addressing the results of the recent Campus Cultural Climate Survey conducted at the University. 

As we aspire to create a sense of belonging within the Georgetown community that is not pervasive in the larger U.S. society, these findings are deeply disappointing. 

Given Georgetown’s attempt to honestly face its own legacy of the enslavement of people of African descent in the 19th century and its vestiges, the survey results teach us how much more remains to be done among its current community in the 21st century.

The survey shows we have not achieved equality of belonging across groups over the past few years, and demonstrates the need for further action fostering inclusion across campus. As a start, we have committed to actions designed to improve the cultural climate. For example, we have launched the Provost’s Distinguished Faculty Fellows, which will improve Georgetown’s competitive position to attract faculty from a wide range of backgrounds who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We will increase our support of Master’s student funding for disadvantaged students by 17.5 million dollars over five years, and have doubled Healy Fellowships for Ph.D. students. We are building the Provost’s Emerging Scholars Program, a mentoring program for undergraduate students from marginalized backgrounds, recruiting them into careers in research and academia. We recently established a grant process supporting academic departments’ work to make curricular changes resulting in more inclusive pedagogy, and we have reviewed and updated policies which may have unintentionally created inequities. We are re-energizing the diversity requirement for undergraduate students. 

Multiple schools on the Main Campus are building individual efforts to respond to the survey results with actions to create a more inclusive environment. The Deans will reach out in due course to engage in dialogue on the hard work needed to address the challenges raised.

Thank you to all members of our community as we move forward together. Thank you to our students for your participation and honesty in taking part in this survey. We plan to make the cultural climate survey results a focus of discussions in faculty, staff, and student advisory groups, in order to identify additional ways forward.

We value this work of creating equity across students’ experiences and of improving the diversity of our faculty because we firmly believe we will be a stronger, better university as a result of these efforts. 

Cultures are built by people sharing the same environment. Ideas from all of us are to be valued as we attempt to build a more inclusive culture.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Paul Almeida, Dean of the McDonough School of Business

Maria Cancian, Dean of the McCourt School of Public Policy

Soyica Colbert, Interim Dean of Georgetown College

Joel Hellman, Dean of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service

Kelly Otter, Dean of the School of Continuing Studies

Alexander Sens, Interim Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

April 9, 2021: Resuming Undergraduate Hybrid Classes April 12

Dear Georgetown University Main Campus and Medical Center Faculty, Staff and Students,

We write to share information on resuming hybrid undergraduate courses as of April 12, 2021. As you know, graduate courses have remained in hybrid mode throughout the semester. Hybrid mode for undergraduate courses was suspended earlier in the semester due to a rise in COVID cases among our community. We are pleased to share that based upon post-Spring Break testing data, we can now resume hybrid mode for undergraduate students, as of April 12, 2021.

It is important to note that each faculty member establishes the schedule of in-person meetings in their classes. Undergraduate students in hybrid courses will hear from their faculty members regarding the specific schedule that class will follow, as some classes may not meet on Monday the 12th or may resume hybrid mode at a later date.

Lauinger Library will continue operations with established physical distancing guidelines and procedures, including a space reservation system, to best serve faculty and students. With these new procedures in place, we will be able to accommodate seniors, graduate students and faculty who are in compliance with the University’s public health protocols and display a green Building Access Badge at entry.

While Yates Field House and Kehoe Field will remain closed for the final weeks of this semester, they will reopen in phases as part of our planned summer and fall sequencing. We will communicate reopening status as public health conditions permit.

All faculty, staff and students coming to campus or residing on campus and students living in the neighborhoods around campus must continue to meet all testing protocols, quarantine and public health requirements set forth and accessible through our website, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, faculty, staff and students coming to campus or residing on campus must complete the COVID-19 Daily Check-In survey in order to receive a green Building Access Badge. You can find additional information on health and safety requirements on the COVID-19 Resource Center website and in the frequently asked questions, which are updated regularly. We strongly encourage all members of our community to get vaccinated at your earliest opportunity and to get whichever vaccine is available to you. 

We will continue to prioritize public health needs in our decision-making and to work to protect the health and safety of our community. Our plans and safety measures remain subject to change as public health conditions change. We look forward to returning to campus in a measured way, gradually increasing our presence on campus as a community. 

In conclusion, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for your patience and collaboration throughout this semester and year. 

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

April 6, 2021: SHIP: Get the COVID-19 Vaccine as Soon as You Can

Dear SHIP Students,

Preparation for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program (SHIP) continues. To date, there over 800 new Hoyas from the Class of 2024 and transfer students enrolled in this innovative program. This summer program will provide an opportunity for you to engage in life at Georgetown and bond with your classmates on the Hilltop Campus, in residence halls, classrooms, social events and libraries.

Vaccinations:

The availability of COVID-19 vaccines is rapidly changing. As you prepare to participate in this exciting experience, and more jurisdictions open vaccinations to younger persons, we urge all students planning to participate in SHIP to be vaccinated as soon as they are authorized to do so. In addition, the Georgetown Community Compact will be in force, and we expect SHIP participants to adhere to the health and safety provisions described in the Compact. 

Reminders:

SHIP enrollment is closing soon. To enroll simply fill out the Enrollment Form.

In addition to enrolling, you will need to go to MyAccess to register for classes. When registering for classes, please remember that there are two types of classes: regular academic credit bearing courses and experiential learning courses. The experiential learning courses are a series of credit-bearing experiential opportunities in three clusters: (1) The Spirit of Georgetown — well-being, reflection, Jesuit ideals and values; (2) DC as a classroom — culture, art, race, environmental justice; and (3) Designing your Georgetown Experience — career and professional discernment, skills and life design. Please look for the course prefix SHIP in MyAccess to register for these exciting experiential opportunities. 

Students who would like to enroll in SHIP and have already registered for summer courses must also complete the SHIP Enrollment Form linked above.     

If you have additional questions, please visit the updated Frequently Asked Questions website or email hilltopsummer@georgetown.edu.

You will be required to reside in University housing and accept the all-access meal plan. The price is for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program only. Any courses taken or housing extended outside of the five-week SHIP will incur additional costs and may include other conditions.

Housing: To apply for housing, please log into Hoya Housing and navigate to the applications tab; select the SHIP Summer 2021 application and complete all required pages of the application, this application will close 12 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 9.

Financial Aid: Financial aid will be available to eligible students. Students will be notified of their financial aid eligibility shortly after the enrollment period closes. If you received financial aid during the 2020-2021 academic year, you do not need to reapply as you will be considered for financial aid when you enroll in SHIP. If you did not apply for financial aid during the academic year 2020-2021, but would like to submit an application for financial aid for SHIP, you must do so through the Office of Student Financial Services. For questions about the financial aid application process for the SHIP program please send an email to finaidsummer2@georgetown.edu.

Finally, please note that all of our plans for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program are provisional and subject to modification based on public health conditions and contingent upon review and acceptance by the Washington, DC, government.

We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing time with you on the Hilltop this summer.

Hoya Saxa,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education

March 30, 2021: Continuation of Graduate Student Tuition Discount for Summer 2021

Dear Main and Medical Center Campus Graduate Students,

Teaching and learning conditions for Summer 2021 for graduate students may be similar to those in Spring 2021.  As a result, the University will extend the 5% tuition discount to graduate students through Sessions I and II of Summer 2021.

For many years, because their degree programs do not require summer enrollments, undergraduate students are charged a lower tuition rate for summer classes and enjoy this lower rate in order to supplement required coursework. In addition, summer sessions do not include undergraduate activities. 

As public health conditions permit, we look forward to resuming those in-person activities so important to our community. Further information will follow about the gradual transition planned leading to the Fall semester. 

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

March 24, 2021: Registration Postponed: April 12 for Grad Students and April 19 for Undergraduates

Dear Main Campus Students, Faculty and Staff,

As a result of consultation with student and faculty leaders, the registration period will be postponed by one week, with registration now beginning Monday, April 12, for graduate students and Monday, April 19, for undergraduate students. More information will be provided by the University Registrar in the next few days for Main Campus students. The School of Continuing Studies will continue with registration activities as planned.

This change will allow students more time to evaluate their course options for the Fall semester. Again, our plans are subject to changing public health conditions and District of Columbia review.

Students should please contact their academic advisor or program director for more information on specific courses and curricular requirements.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

March 23, 2021: Summer Hilltop Immersion Program (SHIP) 2021 Update

Dear Georgetown Students,

We continue planning for you to join us for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program (SHIP). To date, there are approximately 600 new Hoyas from the Class of 2024 and transfer students enrolled in this innovative program. This summer program will provide an opportunity for you to engage in life on Georgetown’s campus and bond with your classmates on the Hilltop Campus, in residence halls, classrooms, social events and libraries.

Updates:

SHIP is a five-week program scheduled to take place from June 7 to July 9, 2021, with staggered student move-in from June 1 through 5. Please note, we have reduced the minimum number of credits that you will need to register for to five credits — but may take up to eight credit hours — from among our most popular courses typically taken by first-year students and sophomores.

SHIP enrollment is ongoing. To enroll simply fill out the Enrollment Form. Remember to please enroll by Monday, April 5, 2021.

In addition to enrolling, you will need to go to MyAccess to register for classes. When registering for classes, please remember that there are two types of classes: regular academic credit bearing courses and experiential learning courses. The experiential learning courses are a series of credit-bearing experiential opportunities in three clusters: (1) The Spirit of Georgetown — well-being, reflection, Jesuit ideals and values; (2) DC as a classroom — culture, art, race, environmental justice; and (3) Designing your Georgetown Experience — career and professional discernment, skills and life design. Please look for the course prefix SHIP in MyAccess to register for these exciting experiential opportunities.  

For those students who would like to enroll in SHIP and have already registered for summer courses, you must also complete the SHIP Enrollment Form linked above.    

If you have additional questions, please visit (new window) (new window)the updated Frequently Asked Questions website or email hilltopsummer@georgetown.edu. In addition, to answer your questions regarding the SHIP, we recommend you register to attend the SHIP Information Session on Thursday, March 25, 8-9 p.m. EDT (Zoom Meeting ID: 997 6800 5945).    

Program Cost:

We are offering the program at an all-inclusive program cost of $7,500 in order to make the program accessible to all SHIP students. This fee includes the cost of courses, an all-access meal plan and room costs.

You will be required to reside in University housing and accept the all-access meal plan. The price is for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program only. Any courses taken or housing extended outside of the five-week SHIP will incur additional costs and may include other conditions.

Housing: 

To apply for housing, please log into Hoya Housing and navigate to the applications tab; select the SHIP Summer 2021 application and complete all required pages of the application before 12 p.m. EST on Monday, April 5.

Financial Aid:
Financial aid will be available to eligible students. We understand that net cost after financial aid is an important component of each student’s decision whether to matriculate in SHIP and we are working hard to provide that information as quickly as possible. If you received financial aid during the 2020-2021 academic year, you do not need to reapply as you will be considered for financial aid when you enroll in SHIP. If you did not apply for financial aid during the academic year 2020-2021, but would like to submit an application for financial aid for SHIP, you must do so through the Office of Student Financial Services. For questions about the financial aid application process for the SHIP program please send an email to finaidsummer2@georgetown.edu.
In summary, please be sure to take the follow steps if you would like to join SHIP this summer:

1. Enroll in SHIP by Monday, April 5 – if applicable indicate your interest in financial aid;
2. Register for classes in MyAccess; and
3. Apply for housing by Monday April 5.

And finally, please note that all of our plans for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program are provisional and subject to modification based on public health conditions and contingent upon review and acceptance by the Washington, DC, government. 

We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing time with you on the Hilltop this summer.

Hoya Saxa,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education

March 22, 2021: Reminder: Avoid Travel and Follow Public Health Guidelines During Spring Break

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community,

Following our March 5 message, we are writing to remind you to avoid travel and follow all public health guidelines during spring break.

Again, we strongly recommend that members of our community follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by avoiding travel and social gatherings to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Travel increases the risk of being infected and of bringing the virus back to DC – especially the more transmissible variants – and could lead to a spike in cases that will endanger our community’s health and further delay a return to more on-campus activities. Instead, we encourage you to consider these spring break activities to decompress and stay connected with friends and family virtually instead of traveling.

Any community members who will be on campus between March 26 and April 4, and any students remaining in the neighborhoods of Georgetown, Burleith or Foxhall, must continue to get tested in accordance with the University’s COVID-19 Testing Protocol. Testing hours will operate on a slightly modified schedule, including reduced hours on Thursday, April 1, and new hours at the Leavey Center on Friday, April 2, and Saturday, April 3.

If you must travel, it is critical that campus-eligible students and non-emergency employees returning to DC from outside the DC, Maryland or Virginia (DMV) area begin self-quarantining upon return. You may take a test on campus within 24 hours of your arrival, but you must schedule another COVID-19 test three to five days after returning and continue to self-quarantine until you receive a negative result from that test, as this time period poses the greatest risk of community transmission. Social gatherings with individuals outside of your household during quarantine periods – even in small groups – were a large driver of COVID-19 cases following winter break. 

All community members – regardless of vaccination status – who are eligible to come to campus and who travel over spring break also should restart completing the COVID-19 Daily Check-in survey each day upon their return and resume testing in accordance with the University’s COVID-19 Testing Protocol.

Community members who are eligible to come to campus should report any upcoming travel to the University through the GU360 Daily Check-in no later than March 24 to ensure you receive the proper quarantine guidance and, for student residents, food delivery. 

Classes restart after spring break on Monday, April 5. We are planning for hybrid undergraduate classes to resume in person on Monday, April 12, on an in-person schedule determined by the faculty member. Graduate hybrid courses will continue in-person operations, with mode determined by the instructor for each course.

No matter where you are, whether you are immunized or not, it is critical that Every Hoya Everywhere do their part to contain the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, FAAFP, Professor of Family Medicine, Interim Chief Public Health Officer

March 18, 2021: Spring and Summer Travel Policy

Dear Georgetown Faculty, Staff and Students, 

In March 2020, we suspended all university-sponsored international and domestic travel for students, faculty and staff. In light of the evolving nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact on our community, and the advent of increased vaccination opportunities, we must balance restrictions on activities in compliance with public health imperatives and the desire to promote and facilitate learning and research. In the context of this trade-off, today we announce updates to this policy for the remainder of the Spring semester and Summer 2021 in the COVID-19 Spring and Summer Travel Policy.

In summary, due to the significant continued public health risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the University’s moratorium on all domestic and international university-related travel by students, faculty, and staff, remains in place until further notice. Limited exceptions may be granted for travel that is deemed “essential,” or travel to low-risk destinations as defined in the University’s COVID-19 Spring and Summer Travel Policy. Georgetown study abroad programs offered by the Office of Global Education during the Summer 2021 term (May-August 2021) and all other university-sponsored undergraduate, non-credit international travel are suspended through August 15, 2021.

Limited exceptions to the moratorium may be granted after review by the relevant campus Executive Vice President (for students and faculty, and non-University Services staff), the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (for staff members of University Services), or the Vice President and Chief of Staff (for direct reports to the President). They will also consult with the University’s Travel Review Committee (“TRC”). The Travel Moratorium Appeals Process provides information on how to submit an appeal. 

The University is constantly monitoring the public health situation domestically and globally, with the hope that conditions will improve enough to safely permit additional University-related travel in the future, including expanded opportunities for faculty travel for purposes of field, archival, laboratory, or other research; we will promptly inform the community of any changes to the moratorium. 

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work through changing public health circumstances. 

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences and Executive Dean of the School of Medicine

William M. Treanor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

March 10, 2021: Enroll Now in the SHIP Program Summer 2021

Dear Georgetown Students,

We are preparing to welcome the Class of 2024 and our new transfer students through our innovative Summer Hilltop Immersion Program (SHIP). This summer program provides an opportunity for you to engage in life on Georgetown’s campus and bond with your classmates on the Hilltop Campus, in residence halls, classrooms, social events and libraries.

Enrollment:

SHIP is a five-week program scheduled to take place from June 7 to July 9, 2021, with staggered student move-in from June 1 through 5. You will be required to take a minimum of six credit hours — but may take up to eight credit hours — from among our most popular courses typically taken by first year students and sophomores. 

SHIP enrollment is now open. In order to enroll, please complete the Enrollment Form. To allow us to better prepare for the summer activities, please enroll by Monday, April 5, 2021. 

In addition to enrolling, you will need to go to myaccess.georgetown.edu to register for classes. When registering for classes, please remember that there are two types of classes: regular academic credit bearing courses and experiential learning courses. The experiential learning courses are a series of credit-bearing experiential opportunities in three clusters: (1) The Spirit of Georgetown — well-being, reflection, Jesuit ideals and values; (2) DC as a classroom — culture, art, race, environmental justice; and (3) Designing your Georgetown Experience — career and professional discernment, skills and life design. Please look for the course prefix SHIP in MyAccess to register for these exciting experiential opportunities.  

For those students that would like to enroll in SHIP and have already registered for summer courses, you must also complete the SHIP Enrollment Form linked above.    

The residential experience and co-curricular engagement opportunities will round out your summer experience, and introduce you to on-campus life as a Hoya.  

Program Cost:

We are offering the program at an all-inclusive program cost of $7,500 in order to make the program accessible to all SHIP students. This fee includes the cost of courses, an all-access meal plan and room costs.

You will be required to reside in University housing and accept the all-access meal plan. The price is for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program only. Any courses taken or housing extended outside of the five-week SHIP will incur additional costs and may include other conditions.

Financial aid will be available to eligible students. If you received financial aid during the 2020-2021 academic year, you do not need to reapply as you will be considered for financial aid when you enroll in SHIP. If you did not apply for financial aid during the academic year 2020-2021, but would like to submit an application for financial aid for SHIP, you must do so through the Student Financial Services office. Questions about the financial aid application process for the SHIP program may be emailed to finaidsummer2@georgetown.edu.

If you have additional questions, please visit Frequently Asked Questions or email hilltopsummer@georgetown.edu.

Please note, all of our plans for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program are provisional and subject to modification based on public health conditions and contingent upon review and acceptance by the Washington, DC government. We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing time with you on the Hilltop. 

Hoya Saxa,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education

March 5, 2021: Avoid Travel and Follow Public Health Guidelines During Spring Break

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community,

With spring break approaching, we want to offer guidance for staying safe and healthy, regardless of where you are learning or working this semester.

We strongly recommend that members of our community follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by avoiding travel and social gatherings to protect themselves and others from COVID-19.

Travel to DC after winter break appears to have driven the increase in COVID-19 cases among the University community that quickly spread through even small social gatherings. As a result, Georgetown has had to enact a number of measures to limit further exposure and transmission. The best way to keep one another safe and to resume more on-campus activities is to limit travel and social gatherings – wherever you are for spring break – for the time being.

If you must travel, follow all public health guidelines before, during and after traveling to avoid getting infected yourself, and transmitting the virus to your family, friends and others. Bringing the virus back to DC – especially the more contagious variants – could lead to a spike in cases that will endanger our community’s health and further delay a return to more on-campus activities.

Classes restart after spring break on Monday, April 5. We are planning for hybrid undergraduate classes to resume in person on Monday, April 12, at an in-person schedule determined by the faculty member. We will be in communication with any changes to this planning process. This pause between April 5 and April 12 allows for the necessary quarantine after the break, should students, faculty or staff leave the DC, Maryland or Virginia (DMV) area during this time. Graduate hybrid courses will continue in-person operations, with mode determined by the instructor for each course.

For Those Leaving the DMV

Again, we strongly recommend that you do not travel over spring break.

Students and non-emergency employees who are eligible to come to campus and who travel over spring break for a few days to any state or country outside the DMV area should reenter the COVID-19 Testing Protocol by taking the steps listed below. (Emergency employees should start at step four). 

1. Begin self-quarantining upon your return to DC.
2. You may take a test on campus within 24 hours of your arrival. You must continue your quarantine even if the test is negative. 
3. Schedule a COVID-19 test three to five days after returning to DC and continue to self-quarantine until you receive a negative result.
4. Restart completing the COVID-19 Daily Check-in survey each day.
5. Continue to get tested in accordance with the University’s COVID-19 Testing Protocol.

If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19 or are not feeling well prior to your departure, please do not travel and do not come to campus. 
 
Students and non-emergency employees in quarantine will not be permitted to enter any University building other than their on-campus residence or participate in any in-person University program or activity until they have received a negative result from their test three to five days after returning to DC. 

For Those Staying in the DMV

Any community members who will be on campus between March 26 and April 4, and any students remaining in the neighborhoods of Georgetown, Burleith or Foxhall, must continue to get tested in accordance with the University’s COVID-19 Testing Protocol. Testing hours will operate on a normal schedule, but will be closed Friday, April 2, through Sunday, April 4.

Residential buildings will remain open over spring break, along with several dining options operating on slightly modified schedules. Students will be able to utilize their meal plan in Leo O’Donovan Hall, and Flex can be utilized at Leo O’Donovan Hall, Royal Jacket and the Hoyas @ Home Grocery delivery program. We encourage any students concerned about their ability to access food over spring break to contact the Division of Student Affairs.

Public health screeners will continue to be posted at buildings Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Community members entering campus buildings after-hours must have approved GOCard access.

GUTS buses will run on regular schedules. The Student Health Center will have a slightly modified schedule – open 8:30 to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday with no Saturday hours on March 27 or April 3. Lauinger Library and designated study spaces will continue to be available to students currently living on campus in University residential housing and to graduate students who have green GU360 badges, with reservations permitting them to use the study space. Access to Dahlgren Memorial Library will continue to be restricted to BGE, SOM and NHS graduate students.

No matter where you are, we encourage you to decompress and stay connected with friends and family virtually. It is critical that Every Hoya Everywhere do their part to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Ranit Mishori, M.D., MHS, FAAFP, Professor of Family Medicine, Interim Chief Public Health Officer

March 3, 2021: Extended Pause for Undergraduate Hybrid Courses Until April 12

Dear Georgetown University Main and Medical Center Campus Faculty, Staff and Students,

We write with an update on operating conditions on Main Campus. As you know, graduate-level hybrid courses returned to campus as of February 15, while undergraduate-level courses had been paused until March 8. Please see the following updates based upon current public health conditions.

Due to continued high numbers of off-campus undergraduate students with positive tests, as well as a growing number of cases among campus residential students this week, we are extending the current pause on undergraduate courses meeting in-person. There will be no in-person undergraduate hybrid courses and activities through Monday, April 12. Main Campus spring break begins after the last class on March 26, with classes resuming in virtual mode Monday, April 5.

We are planning for hybrid undergraduate classes to resume in person on Monday, April 12, at an in-person schedule determined by the faculty member. This pause between April 5 and April 12 allows for the necessary quarantine after the break, should students, faculty or staff leave the DMV area during this time. Graduate hybrid courses will continue in-person operations, with mode determined by the instructor for each course. 

Faculty Members Teaching Hybrid Courses

Those faculty members teaching hybrid courses may use their assigned classroom or office to continue teaching, even if undergraduate students are solely in virtual mode.

Meetings and Faculty Office Hours

No academic meetings or gatherings should take place on campus, including faculty office hours.

Use of the Library and Designated Study Spaces

Use of the Lauinger Library building and facilities, as well as use of all designated study spaces, will continue to be restricted to students currently living on campus in University residential housing and to graduate students who have a green GU360 Building Access Badge, with reservations permitting them to use the study space. Access to Dahlgren Memorial Library will continue to be restricted to BGE, SOM and NHS graduate students.

Research Activities

Faculty who have been granted access previously to their offices are now able to return to these offices. New requests for such access can be submitted via the Campus Eligibility Access form. Researchers with currently approved Research Resumption Plans, as submitted through the GMS portal, can continue to conduct research activities accordingly. Undergraduate students who were previously approved to conduct research activities on campus, including both those in residence on campus and those living off campus, are permitted to do so in accordance with the considerations above. These students will receive additional information from their advising dean or academic supervisor and should direct any questions to their academic supervisor.

Redeploy Georgetown Assignments

In light of the continued pause and reduced traffic on campus, some on-campus redeploy assignments may be adjusted. Impacted redeployed employees will receive a communication from the Department of Human Resources with further guidance. This status change does not impact remote redeploy assignments.

Religious Services

Limited in-person religious services resumed on February 17 and will continue to be limited to community members with a green GU360 Building Access Badge. Please check the Office of Campus Ministry website for the latest scheduling information.

Yates Field House and Kehoe Field

Yates Field House and Kehoe Field will continue to remain closed. We will communicate reopening status, should public health conditions permit.

As public health conditions allow, we look forward to relaxing these operating restrictions and will be in communication regarding resumption of undergraduate in-person experiences. To resume on-campus activities we must all continue to do our part and remain vigilant in following health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, avoiding indoor social gatherings, respecting the requirement to quarantine and meeting testing commitments.

We thank you for your efforts at this time.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

February 23, 2021: More News on the Class of 2024 Summer Hilltop Immersion Program, June 7 – July 9, 2021

Dear Georgetown Students and Families,

I write today to provide additional information about the innovative and exciting on-campus Summer Hilltop Immersion Program (SHIP) we are planning for the Class of 2024 and our new transfer students. 

We invite you to fully engage in life on Georgetown’s campus this summer. You can bond with your classmates on the Hilltop Campus, in residence halls, in classrooms, in social events, and in libraries. 

Program Overview:

SHIP will be a five-week program planned to take place from June 7 to July 9, 2021, with student move-in from June 1 through 5. You will take a minimum of six credit hours — but you may take up to eight credit hours — among our most popular courses typically taken by first year students and sophomores. 

We realize the importance of community and social bonds to student well-being. You can also enroll in a combination of credit-bearing and non-credit bearing experiential opportunities in three clusters: (1) well-being, reflection, Jesuit ideals and values; (2) DC as a classroom; and (3) career and professional discernment. Some programs will help you to learn about some of the Jesuit values that animate Georgetown, such as “people for others,” “community in diversity,” “cura personalis,” and other core aspects of the Georgetown community. The one-credit hour experiential courses will be engagements with faculty and staff including readings and reflection.

Further, you can enroll in a parallel set of stand-alone social and experiential opportunities. By themselves, these short trips and experiences will enrich the SHIP experience and provide ways for students to bond. But they will also work in combination with the one-credits to deepen the courses’ content. 

Finally, you will learn about a set of co-curricular programs and services to connect students with one another, with the campus, and with Washington, DC. SHIP participants will have the chance to meet many of the advisors, administrators and staff who work with students throughout the year, and learn about the resources and engagement opportunities that are part of life as a Hoya.

Program Cost and Registration:

To make SHIP accessible to all of our new Hoyas, we are offering the program at an all-inclusive program cost of $7,500. This includes the cost of courses, an all access meal plan and room costs. 

You will be required to reside in University housing and accept the all-access meal plan. The price is for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program only. Any courses or extended housing outside of SHIP will incur additional costs and may include other conditions.

Financial aid will be available to eligible students. If you received financial aid during the 2020-2021 academic year, you do not need to reapply; you will be considered for financial aid when you register for SHIP. If you did not apply for financial aid during the academic year 2020-2021, but would like to submit an application for financial aid for SHIP, you must do so through the financial aid office. Questions about the financial aid application process for the SHIP program may be emailed to finaidsummer2@georgetown.edu. 

You can help us plan for SHIP by telling us your level of interest in the program by completing the SHIP Interest Form. We will be in touch soon with more information on program registration. 

If you have additional questions, we have created a Frequently Asked Questions website and hilltopsummer@georgetown.edu email account for any other questions or comments you may have. 

Please note, all of our plans for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program are provisional and subject to modification based on public health conditions, contingent upon review and acceptance by the Washington, DC government. We look forward to meeting you in person and sharing time with you on the Hilltop.

Hoya Saxa,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education

February 18, 2021: Extended Pause for Undergraduate Hybrid Courses Until March 8; Continuation of Graduate Courses in Hybrid Mode

Dear Georgetown University Main and Medical Center Campus Faculty, Staff and Students,

We write with an update on operating conditions on Main Campus. Previously, we had announced that graduate level hybrid courses would return to campus, while undergraduate level hybrid courses would pause until March 1. We are extending the pause in undergraduate hybrid courses.

Graduate hybrid courses will continue in-person operations, at a schedule determined by the instructor for each course.

However, due to ongoing high levels of positive coronavirus cases among undergraduates, we are extending the current pause on undergraduate courses meeting in person. There will be no in-person undergraduate hybrid courses and activities through Monday, March 8, at 7 a.m. If circumstances improve, we will alert you as soon as we can make the decision to return undergraduates to campus.

Use of the Library and Designated Study Spaces
Use of the Lauinger Library building and facilities, as well as use of all designated study spaces, will continue to be restricted to students currently living on campus in University residential housing and to graduate students who have green GU360 badges, with reservations permitting them to use the study space. Access to Dahlgren Memorial Library will continue to be restricted to BGE, SOM and NHS graduate students.

Meetings and Faculty Office Hours
No academic meetings or gatherings should take place on campus, including faculty office hours.

Research Activities
Research activities will continue to be restricted in accordance with the guidance shared on January 27. Office access (granted through the GMS Office Access Portal), even with prior approval, is suspended, as is any pending request through the Campus Eligibility Access form. Researchers with currently approved Research Resumption Plans, as submitted through the GMS portal, can continue to conduct research activities accordingly, but only if the research cannot be conducted from home, or if a temporary interruption would have significant negative consequences. Such continuation is subject to the following restriction on undergraduate participation. The only undergraduate students who can engage in laboratory-based research are those who (a) live on campus and (b) are receiving credit for their work. No GUROP students, undergraduate volunteers, or paid or unpaid interns, and no undergraduates living off campus, are permitted to enter labs or engage in research activities on campus until March 8 at 7 a.m.

Redeploy Georgetown Assignments
In light of the continued pause and reduced traffic on campus, some on-campus redeploy assignments may be adjusted. Impacted redeployed employees will receive a communication from the Department of Human Resources with further guidance. This status change does not impact remote redeploy assignments.

Religious Services
Limited in-person religious services resumed beginning on February 17, but will be limited to those with green building access badges. Please check the Office of Campus Ministry website for the latest scheduling information.

Yates Field House and Kehoe Field
Yates Field House and Kehoe Field will continue to remain closed. We will communicate reopening status, should public health conditions permit.

As public health conditions allow, we look forward to relaxing these operating restrictions and will be in communication regarding resumption of undergraduate in-person experiences. To resume on-campus activities we must all continue to do our part and remain vigilant in following health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, avoiding indoor social gatherings, respecting the requirement to quarantine and meeting testing commitments.

We thank you for your efforts at this time.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

February 18, 2021: New Guidance for Wearing a Mask

Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community:

Given the recent surge of positive cases in our community, the spread of more infectious variants locally and across the country and the latest research and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we write today to provide updated guidance on the University’s requirement to wear a mask on campus.

We strongly encourage all students, faculty and staff to wear, at a minimum, a surgical-style mask over their nose and mouth. In general, a surgical-style mask is a disposable face mask with an adjustable metal strip to provide a snug fit over your nose.

We have updated the University’s COVID-19 Mask Guidelines and the Georgetown University Community Compact to reflect this guidance. In addition, we have clarified that the Mask Guidelines and Community Compact apply to community members who are on campus or are participating in a University program or activity, regardless of location, and to students living in the Georgetown, Burleith, and Foxhall neighborhoods.

Free surgical-style masks are now available at entrances to University buildings staffed by public health screeners, residence hall entryways, on-campus testing sites, and at the rear entrance of GUTS buses. We encourage you to take a surgical-style mask and put it on before entering any University building.

Please wear your mask properly, making sure it fits snugly against your face. Last week, the CDC published this report that highlights the importance of a good fit in reducing transmission and exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. You can improve how your mask protects you by wearing a cloth mask over a surgical-style mask or by knotting the ear loops and tucking in the sides of a surgical-style mask. Although wearing a cloth mask is better than going maskless, current research suggests that wearing a cloth mask by itself is not as effective as wearing a surgical-style mask. Alternatively, you may choose to wear a KN95 mask, but you should not wear a cloth mask over it. 

Surgical-style masks should be replaced daily. Please dispose of your mask in a trash can when you are finished using it, and wash your hands.

If you are buying your own surgical-style masks, look for them to be designated as ASTM Level 2 or 3.

Please remain vigilant and continue to follow all health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask, keeping at least six feet apart, avoiding indoor social gatherings, washing your hands frequently, respecting the requirement to quarantine and meeting testing commitments.

If you have questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions, or contact the University’s COVID-19 Helpline at 202-784-3510 (available 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET Monday–Friday) or covid19-questions@georgetown.edu.

Thank you for your flexibility, resilience, and dedication to our community’s safety over the course of the pandemic. It is critical that Every Hoya Everywhere do their part to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

William M. Treanor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

February 11, 2021: Communicating Fall 2021 – Spring 2022 Tuition Rates for Undergraduate Students

Dear Undergraduate Student,

Each year at this time, we issue a letter reporting on recent decisions by the University regarding tuition, room, and board levels for the next academic year, in order to help families plan ahead.

This has been an unusual year for every activity that students pursue in their Georgetown lives. Almost all student interactions with advising deans, career center staff, fellow club members, other staff, and faculty took place via email, text, and video conferencing. In response to students whose family circumstances have changed, the University offered increased financial aid. All of us would have preferred to be together on campus, doing our joint work of education, research and service. The global pandemic interrupted much of our lives.

We are fully engaged in our planning for Fall 2021, hoping that we will be able to return to the residential campus that we have been for over two hundred years. Even if our hopes are realized, however, in-person teaching and residence hall occupancy may have to be structured somewhat differently than usual, and all depends on the course of the pandemic. We will continue to be guided by the principle that we will not risk harm to the health of our community.

With this planned return to a new normal state, involving more physical presence on the Hilltop campus, we have attempted to keep any tuition increase to the minimum necessary to cover our costs. In the 2021-2022 academic year, the undergraduate tuition rate will be $59,784 compared to the current $57,384 price. The total cost of attendance (including room and board) will increase approximately 4% for returning students. (This does not apply to the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies Program in the School of Continuing Studies.).

One way we have been able to minimize the increase to the total cost of attendance is the elimination of separate fees for a set of student services (e.g., the Yates field house fees, science laboratory fees, language laboratory fees). This year we’ve been able to eliminate more—separate fees for transcripts, new student orientation, international student orientation and MSB technology support.

We are deeply aware that many Georgetown families have experienced COVID-related shocks to their family budgets. It is important for you to know that we are sustaining our commitment to meeting the full financial need of our students and we will adjust financial aid when alerted to new circumstances of families. We enroll the brightest students regardless of their ability to pay. Next year, Georgetown will make its largest investment ever in financial aid with more than $135 million dollars allocated to help our undergraduate students pursue their educational goals.

The graph below provides an illustration of how tuition dollars are projected to be spent in fiscal year 2022 to support our undergraduate students.

Please see the Office of Student Accounts tuition page or the 2021-2022 tuition and fee schedule for more detailed information. For further information about the tuition rate-setting process please refer to our FAQs. Students applying for, or currently receiving financial aid, should refer to the financial aid FAQs. Please feel free to share this information with your families.

We value the contributions of our talented and dedicated students and look forward to working with you in the 2021-2022 academic year. Thank you for being part of the Georgetown University community.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

February 11, 2021: Communicating Fall 2021 – Spring 2022 Tuition Rates for Graduate Students

Dear Graduate Student,

Each year at this time, we issue a letter reporting on recent decisions by the University regarding tuition levels for the next academic year, in order to help students plan ahead. 

This has been an unusual year for every activity that students pursue in their Georgetown lives. Almost all student interactions with deans, other staff, and faculty took place via email, text, and video conferencing. All of us would have preferred to be together on campus, doing our joint work of education, research and service. The global pandemic interrupted much of our lives.

We are fully engaged in our planning for Fall 2021, hoping that we will be able to return to the residential campus that we have been for over two hundred years. Even if our hopes are realized, however, in-person teaching may have to be structured somewhat differently than usual, and all depends on the course of the pandemic. We will continue to be guided by the principle that we will not risk harm to the health of our community.

With this planned return to a new normal state, involving more physical presence on campus, we have attempted to keep any tuition increase to the minimum necessary to cover our costs. The vast majority of 2021-2022 graduate tuition rates will be increased by 2.9% over the academic year 2020-2021 rate. This increase is significantly lower than previous annual increases. 

Graduate tuition rates vary by school and degree program due to variances in the cost of delivering specific types of graduate degree experiences. Please see the information for your particular program regarding specific tuition information in the tuition and fee schedule linked below. 

The university is striving to support our graduate students’ pursuit of their degrees. Next year, Georgetown will make its largest investment ever in financial aid with more than $100 million dollars set aside to help our students pursue their educational goals. 

The graph below provides an illustration of how tuition dollars are projected to be spent in fiscal year 2022 to provide for the Georgetown experience during and post-pandemic.

Please see the Office of Student Accounts tuition page or the 2021-2022 tuition and fee schedule for more detailed information. For further information about the tuition rate-setting process, please refer to our FAQs. Students applying for, or currently receiving financial aid, should refer to the financial aid FAQs.

We value the contributions of our talented and dedicated students and look forward to working with you in the 2020-2021 academic year. Thank you for being part of the Georgetown University community.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

February 10, 2021: Resumption of Graduate Hybrid Courses; Continued Pause on Undergraduate Hybrid Courses

Dear Georgetown University Main and Medical Center Campus Faculty, Staff and Students,

We write today to provide an update regarding our operating status. On January 28, we paused in-person hybrid mode classes and certain on-campus activities and enacted a number of measures to limit exposure and transmission of COVID-19 due to a significant increase in the number of cases. When we announced the pause, we had hoped to resume on-campus activities starting on Monday, February 15.

Graduate hybrid courses can resume in-person operations, at a schedule determined by the instructor for each course, beginning, but no earlier than Monday, February 15, at 7 a.m.

The number of positive cases among undergraduates continues to be concerning, so we are extending the current operating status for undergraduates with restrictions. There will be no in-person undergraduate hybrid courses and activities through Monday, March 1, at 7 a.m. If circumstances change, we will alert you as soon as we can make the decision to return undergraduates to campus. 

Use of the Library and Designated Study Spaces

Use of the Lauinger Library building and facilities, as well as use of all designated study spaces, will continue to be restricted to students currently living on campus in University residential housing and to graduate students who have green GU360 badges, with reservations permitting them to use the study space. Access to Dahlgren Memorial Library will continue to be restricted to BGE, SOM and NHS graduate students. 

Meetings and Faculty Office Hours

No academic meetings or gatherings should take place on campus, including faculty office hours. 

Research Activities

Research activities will continue to be restricted in accordance with the guidance shared on January 27. Office access (granted through the GMS Office Access Portal), even with prior approval, is suspended, as is any pending request through the Campus Eligibility Access form. Researchers with currently approved Research Resumption Plans, as submitted through the GMS portal, can continue to conduct research activities accordingly, but only if the research cannot be conducted from home, or if a temporary interruption would have significant negative consequences. Such continuation is subject to the following restriction on undergraduate participation. The only undergraduate students who can engage in laboratory-based research are those who (a) live on campus and (b) are receiving credit for their work. No GUROP students, undergraduate volunteers, or paid or unpaid interns, and no undergraduates living off campus, are permitted to enter labs or engage in research activities on campus until March 1 at 7 a.m. Please direct research resumption questions jointly to Billy Jack at billy.jack@georgetown.edu and Moshe Levi at ml1742@georgetown.edu.

Redeploy Georgetown Assignments

In light of the continued pause and reduced traffic on campus, some on-campus redeploy assignments will be adjusted. Impacted redeployed employees will receive a communication from the Department of Human Resources with further guidance. This status change does not impact remote redeploy assignments.

Religious Services

Limited in-person religious services will resume beginning on Wednesday, February 17, but will be limited to those with green GU360 Building Access Badges. Please check the Office of Campus Ministry website for the latest scheduling information. 

Yates Field House and Kehoe Field

We hope to reopen Yates Field House and Kehoe Field for undergraduate student use on March 1, should public health conditions permit.

Daily Check-in and Testing Procedures

All faculty, staff and students accessing campus beginning Monday, February 15, should resume testing. Those returning to campus next week are advised to book a testing appointment for Thursday, February 11; Friday, February 12; or Saturday, February 13. Those who will be on campus must complete the COVID-19 Daily Check-in at least two hours prior to departing for campus in order to receive a green GU360 Building Access Badge for entry to University buildings.

Faculty, staff and students taking in-person hybrid classes who will not access campus are not required to come to campus for testing, in accordance with the University’s COVID-19 testing protocol. Students living in the neighborhoods around campus should continue to come to campus to get tested weekly, and we strongly encourage students living in the neighborhoods to get tested twice per week at no charge. On-campus testing is a safe and efficient way to get tested. We recognize pandemic conditions have contributed to social isolation and loneliness for many members of our community. We encourage you to take advantage of the many University resources we have in place to promote your physical and emotional well-being. Our thoughts are with those struggling with the effects of the pandemic and those in our own community who are suffering at this time.

As public health conditions allow, we look forward to relaxing these operating restrictions and will be in communication regarding resumption of undergraduate in-person experiences on Monday, March 1. To resume on-campus activities we must all continue to do our part and remain vigilant in following health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, avoiding indoor social gatherings, respecting the requirement to quarantine and meeting testing commitments.

We thank you for your efforts at this time.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

February 5, 2021: Continue Vigilance to Mitigate COVID-19 Spread

Dear Students:

In order to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we continue to strongly urge all students to refrain from socializing with anyone from outside your household and adhere to all public health protocols. In the past two weeks, more than 150 students living on the Main Campus and in the neighborhoods near campus have tested positive for COVID-19. It appears that transmission occurred following travel, through small indoor gatherings involving people from different households, through social networks and through contacts with roommates.

With the Super Bowl this Sunday, the safest way to celebrate is to gather virtually or only with the people in your household. It is important to remember that individuals without symptoms or with a recent negative test result can still spread COVID-19 to others. 

Your decisions and actions are critical to our ability to further increase access to campus spaces. When we started the Spring semester last week, we began to hold in-person hybrid courses and launch opportunities for students to use on-campus study spaces and other services on the Main Campus. Unfortunately, high numbers of COVID-19 cases have led the University to delay those plans for most and to take measures to limit the exposure of members of our community.

If you have traveled from outside the DC area to return to campus or the neighborhood, or you have been in close contact with a COVID-19 infected person or person under investigation for possible COVID-19 infection, you should self-quarantine and continue to get tested in accordance with Georgetown’s COVID-19 Testing Protocol. Quarantine requirements may vary based on specific situations, so please follow all instructions from the DC Department of Health and Georgetown’s public health team.

Students living in the neighborhoods around campus should continue to come to campus to get tested weekly, and we strongly encourage students living in the neighborhoods to get tested twice per week at no charge. On-campus testing is safe and efficient.

To have any chance of resuming on-campus activities we must all continue to do our part and remain vigilant in following health and safety guidelines, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, avoiding indoor social gatherings, respecting the requirement to quarantine and meeting testing commitments.

If you have any questions or concerns at this time, please contact Georgetown’s Care Navigator Team at covidcarenavigator@georgetown.edu.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

February 3, 2021: For the Class of 2024 and Transfer Students, an Immersive Summer Experience

Dear Georgetown Student,

As mentioned in the November letter from President DeGioia, the University plans to launch an exciting on-campus Summer Hilltop Immersion Program for the Class of 2024 and our new transfer students. We know that you and other first year and transfer students have not been able to fully engage in life on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We want you to participate in the bonding experience that naturally occurs by sharing spaces with your classmates on the Hilltop Campus, in residence halls, in classrooms, and libraries.  

Therefore, we are pleased to invite you to campus to enjoy the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program before the beginning of your sophomore year. This is a unique experience for the Class of 2024 and our new transfer student Hoyas, which will offer an opportunity for in-person interaction with faculty, on-campus activities with peers, building community in residence halls, and learning about Washington, DC. 

Thank you, Class of 2024, for providing ideas regarding what features of the summer program that would be of greatest benefit to you. The program development was also guided by feedback from public health experts. To encourage broad student participation, financial aid awards for students typical of the academic year will be offered to permit full participation of class members.

All of our plans for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program are provisional and subject to modification based on public health conditions, and review and acceptance by the Washington, DC government.

Program Overview:

We are planning for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program to be a five week program focused on the Class of 2024 and other new Hoyas that will take place from June 4 to July 9, 2021. Our most popular courses typically taken by first year students and sophomores will be open to you in this special experience. An initial list is provided below. In addition, there will be a series of one-credit hour courses that are built around experiential opportunities and programs to help students learn some of the Jesuit values that animate Georgetown, like “women and men for others,” “community in diversity,” “cura personalis,” and other core aspects of who we are. There will also be opportunities to meet and get to know faculty through small meetings related to current topics, their research, or courses that may be of interest to students.

This experience will allow students to get acquainted with each other through special activities, as public health guidelines will allow. These will include opportunities to:

• Interact with classmates in a residential experience on the Hilltop;
• Explore Washington, DC and engage in one of the most vibrant cities in the world that is also a great laboratory for learning;
• Learn from upperclass student leaders in an immersive orientation experience;
• Explore  co-curricular opportunities that are available to students when they return in the Fall to help in their formation as developing Hoyas;
• Begin career planning with services at the Cawley Career Education Center; and, 
• Learn about the many student supportive offices on campus including Health Education Services, the Writing Center, the Academic Resource Center, the Student Ombuds Office, Center for Social Justice, Campus Ministry and Counseling and Psychiatric Services.

Full-need financial aid will be available to eligible participating students to make this opportunity accessible to all our new Hoyas. Those students interested in staying on site for the University’s traditional second summer session, in addition to the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program taking place in the first summer session, should contact the Office of Financial Aid to explore financial aid opportunities outside of the program.

Below is an initial sample of classes that may be offered, assuming there is sufficient enrollment. This is not a complete list, and courses will continue to be added with a focus on first year and sophomore level courses.   

Intro to Computer Science: Python, COSC-010

Computer Science I, COSC-051

Computer Science II, COSC-052

Econ Principles Micro, ECON-001

Econ Principles Macro, ECON-002

Intro to Film Studies, FMST-181

International Trade, ECON-243

Comparative Political Systems, GOVT-040

International Relations, GOVT-060

History in Focus, HIST-099

Middle East II, HIST-161

Introduction to Ethics, PHIL-010

Introduction to Philosophy, PHIL-020

Introduction to Sociology, SOCI-001

Writing and Culture, WRIT-015

Painting I: Oil, ARTS-150

Science courses: Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Foundations of Biology, Principles of Physics 

Language courses:  Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish – levels vary by department

Introduction to Epidemiology, HESY 184

HealthCare in America I, HESY 010)

Nutrition and Disease Prevention, HEST 112

Probability and Statistics, Math 040

Health, Equity, and Justice: Understanding Factors, Creating Change

Anatomy & Physiology I, HSCO 113 (online)

Anatomy & Physiology II, HSCO 114 (online)

Accounting II, ACCT 102

Principles of Marketing, MARK 220

International Business, STRT 261

We will provide more specific information about the program soon.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience Georgetown as a class, in-person, on the Hilltop campus. 

Hoya Saxa,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education

February 3, 2021: Update on Status of Hybrid Courses

Dear Georgetown Student,

As mentioned in the November letter from President DeGioia, the University plans to launch an exciting on-campus Summer Hilltop Immersion Program for the Class of 2024 and our new transfer students. We know that you and other first year and transfer students have not been able to fully engage in life on campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We want you to participate in the bonding experience that naturally occurs by sharing spaces with your classmates on the Hilltop Campus, in residence halls, in classrooms, and libraries.  

Therefore, we are pleased to invite you to campus to enjoy the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program before the beginning of your sophomore year. This is a unique experience for the Class of 2024 and our new transfer student Hoyas, which will offer an opportunity for in-person interaction with faculty, on-campus activities with peers, building community in residence halls, and learning about Washington, DC. 

Thank you, Class of 2024, for providing ideas regarding what features of the summer program that would be of greatest benefit to you. The program development was also guided by feedback from public health experts. To encourage broad student participation, financial aid awards for students typical of the academic year will be offered to permit full participation of class members.

All of our plans for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program are provisional and subject to modification based on public health conditions, and review and acceptance by the Washington, DC government.

Program Overview:

We are planning for the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program to be a five week program focused on the Class of 2024 and other new Hoyas that will take place from June 4 to July 9, 2021. Our most popular courses typically taken by first year students and sophomores will be open to you in this special experience. An initial list is provided below. In addition, there will be a series of one-credit hour courses that are built around experiential opportunities and programs to help students learn some of the Jesuit values that animate Georgetown, like “women and men for others,” “community in diversity,” “cura personalis,” and other core aspects of who we are. There will also be opportunities to meet and get to know faculty through small meetings related to current topics, their research, or courses that may be of interest to students.

This experience will allow students to get acquainted with each other through special activities, as public health guidelines will allow. These will include opportunities to:

• Interact with classmates in a residential experience on the Hilltop;
• Explore Washington, DC and engage in one of the most vibrant cities in the world that is also a great laboratory for learning;
• Learn from upperclass student leaders in an immersive orientation experience;
• Explore  co-curricular opportunities that are available to students when they return in the Fall to help in their formation as developing Hoyas;
• Begin career planning with services at the Cawley Career Education Center; and, 
• Learn about the many student supportive offices on campus including Health Education Services, the Writing Center, the Academic Resource Center, the Student Ombuds Office, Center for Social Justice, Campus Ministry and Counseling and Psychiatric Services.

Full-need financial aid will be available to eligible participating students to make this opportunity accessible to all our new Hoyas. Those students interested in staying on site for the University’s traditional second summer session, in addition to the Summer Hilltop Immersion Program taking place in the first summer session, should contact the Office of Financial Aid to explore financial aid opportunities outside of the program.

Below is an initial sample of classes that may be offered, assuming there is sufficient enrollment. This is not a complete list, and courses will continue to be added with a focus on first year and sophomore level courses.   

Intro to Computer Science: Python, COSC-010

Computer Science I, COSC-051

Computer Science II, COSC-052

Econ Principles Micro, ECON-001

Econ Principles Macro, ECON-002

Intro to Film Studies, FMST-181

International Trade, ECON-243

Comparative Political Systems, GOVT-040

International Relations, GOVT-060

History in Focus, HIST-099

Middle East II, HIST-161

Introduction to Ethics, PHIL-010

Introduction to Philosophy, PHIL-020

Introduction to Sociology, SOCI-001

Writing and Culture, WRIT-015

Painting I: Oil, ARTS-150

Science courses: Organic Chemistry, General Chemistry, Foundations of Biology, Principles of Physics 

Language courses:  Chinese, French, German, Italian, Spanish – levels vary by department

Introduction to Epidemiology, HESY 184

HealthCare in America I, HESY 010)

Nutrition and Disease Prevention, HEST 112

Probability and Statistics, Math 040

Health, Equity, and Justice: Understanding Factors, Creating Change

Anatomy & Physiology I, HSCO 113 (online)

Anatomy & Physiology II, HSCO 114 (online)

Accounting II, ACCT 102

Principles of Marketing, MARK 220

International Business, STRT 261

We will provide more specific information about the program soon.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience Georgetown as a class, in-person, on the Hilltop campus. 

Hoya Saxa,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education

January 27, 2021: Update Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines

Dear Members of the Georgetown Community, 

We have received many questions from members of our community about vaccine eligibility and availability in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. While vaccination eligibility is generally determined by your place of residence and your state’s vaccination distribution plan, we have created a website, which includes available information that will be updated regularly.

As we shared with you in a message on January 8, Georgetown University does not have its own supply or allotment of vaccines. In the District of Columbia, vaccines are being administered through providers authorized by the DC Department of Health. 

We continue to coordinate closely with our partners at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH) on vaccine planning and are engaged in regular conversations with the DC government about how we can be most helpful.

As you may know, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital is our clinical partner and is an authorized provider of the vaccine. While many of its employees hold faculty appointments at Georgetown University Medical Center and the hospital hosts many of our medical and nursing students during their clinical training, MGUH is owned and operated by MedStar Health. MedStar Health has followed the priority order of vaccine distribution set by government agencies, which included prioritizing our physicians and clinical students who interact with their patients. MGUH does not have a separate allotment of vaccines for members of the Georgetown community. 

We urge any member of the Georgetown community who is eligible to be vaccinated to take advantage of vaccination opportunities provided through your healthcare provider, or state or local government. Please note that each municipality may have different eligibility phases and requirements.

A group of colleagues who have expertise in public health, bioethics and operations is convening with and engaging stakeholders across the University as we consider the many issues related to the vaccine, including issues of equity and its impact on our community. We are working to develop an approach that enables Georgetown to assist the DC government in its mission to provide the vaccine to as many people as possible in the District, including our University community. In the event the DC government were to give an allotment of vaccines to universities to distribute to their employees, this group would provide feedback to University leaders on the appropriate approach. While we have no indication that this action will happen, we are laying the groundwork to be in the strongest possible position should an opportunity emerge. As this work continues, we strongly urge you to utilize any vaccination opportunity for which you may be eligible. 

Thank you for flexibility, resilience and dedication to our community’s safety over the course of the pandemic. It is critical that Every Hoya Everywhere do their part to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost 

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

William M. Treanor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

January 27, 2021: Change of Operating Status Effective Thursday, January 28

Dear Georgetown University Main and Medical Center Campus Faculty, Staff and Students,

Due to a marked increase in numbers of positive COVID-19 cases affecting our community, we are taking temporary measures to limit the exposure of members of our community. The specific actions are listed below. 

As public health conditions allow, we look forward to relaxing these operating restrictions and plan to end the adjustments on Monday, February 15. Thank you for persevering in teaching, working and learning under changing public health conditions. 

Hybrid Course In-Person Meetings
All hybrid mode classes, both daytime and evening classes, except laboratory-based instruction in the Biomedical Graduate Education program at GUMC, will meet virtually beginning Thursday, January 28, at 7 a.m. until Monday, February 15, at 7 a.m. At this point, barring further increases to the positive case count in our community, we plan to reinstitute hybrid in-person meetings on Monday, February 15, at 7 a.m.

Use of the Library and Designated Study Spaces
Effective Thursday, January 28, use of the Lauinger Library building and facilities, as well as use of all designated study spaces, is restricted to students currently living on campus in University residential housing and to graduate students who have green GU360 badges, with reservations permitting them to use the study space. Access to Dahlgren Memorial Library, which opens on Monday, February 1, is restricted to BGE, SOM and NHS graduate students. If public health circumstances allow, we hope to expand use of the Library and study spaces to seniors living off campus as of Monday, February 15, at 8 a.m.

Meetings and Gatherings
Meetings of study groups, faculty members and students must move to online mode at this time. No academic meetings or gatherings should take place on campus. If public health conditions permit, we plan to relax these restrictions on Monday, February 15, at 7 a.m.

Faculty Office Hours 
Effective immediately, faculty office hours must take place in a virtual mode. If public health circumstances allow, we hope to reinstitute in-person office hours as of Monday, February 15, at 7 a.m.

Research Activities
Research activities will be restricted in the following manner. Office access (granted through the GMS Office Access Portal), even with prior approval, is suspended, as is any pending request through the Campus Eligibility Access form. These researchers should plan to resume research activities on campus on or after February 15 at 7 a.m.

Researchers with currently approved Research Resumption Plans, as submitted through the GMS portal, can continue to conduct research activities accordingly, but only if the research cannot be conducted from home, or if a temporary interruption would have significant negative consequences. Such continuation is subject to the following restriction on undergraduate participation. The only undergraduate students who can engage in laboratory-based research are those who (a) live on campus and (b) are receiving credit for their work. No GUROP students, undergraduate volunteers, or paid or unpaid interns, and no undergraduates living off campus, are permitted to enter labs or engage in research activities on campus until February 15 at 7 a.m.

It is in our best interest as a community for all researchers to comply fully with their approved research resumption plans, including strict adherence to the 25% density restriction. They are encouraged to adopt enhanced safety measures such as double-masking, the use of surgical masks and other high grade PPE and more frequent cleaning. We remind researchers that their Research Resumption Plans included contingency plans for scaling back activities in the event that such action was needed. If public health circumstances allow, we hope to reinstitute more broad access to offices and buildings for research, as of Monday, February 15, at 7 a.m.

Please direct research resumption questions jointly to Billy Jack at billy.jack@georgetown.edu and Moshe Levi at ml1742@georgetown.edu.

Redeploy Georgetown Assignments
In light of fewer campus buildings being open in the coming two weeks, and reduced traffic on campus, some on-campus redeploy assignments will be adjusted in the coming days. All employees currently redeployed on campus should report to work Thursday as scheduled and will receive a separate communication by the close of business on January 28 from the Department of Human Resources with further guidance. This status change does not impact remote redeploy assignments.

Academic Administrative Units Staff
Unit-level decisions to maintain on-campus services or transition to remote work schedules will be communicated by each unit’s manager.

Religious Services
All in-person religious services will also be paused until Monday, February 15. Please check the Office of Campus Ministry website for the latest scheduling information.

Yates Field House and Kehoe Field
Yates Field House and Kehoe Field remain closed for use. If public health conditions permit, we plan to open these facilities to use for undergraduate students currently living on campus in University residential housing on Monday, February 15, at 7 a.m.

Daily Check-in and Testing Procedures
Faculty, staff and students taking in-person hybrid classes who will not access campus for this two-week period will not be required to come to campus for testing, in accordance with the University’s COVID-19 testing protocol. Students living in the neighborhoods around campus should continue to come to campus to get tested weekly, and we strongly encourage students living in the neighborhoods to get tested twice per week at no charge. On-campus testing is a safe and efficient way to get tested. All faculty, staff and students accessing campus after the two-week hiatus must complete the COVID-19 Daily Check-in, resume testing and have a green GU360 Building Access Badge to gain entry to University buildings. 

We will be in touch immediately should circumstances change and a return to a less restrictive operating mode is possible. Our thoughts are with those struggling with the effects of the pandemic and those in our own community who are suffering at this time. 

We recognize pandemic conditions have contributed to social isolation and loneliness for many members of our community. We encourage you to take advantage of the many University resources we have in place to promote your physical and emotional well-being.

We must meet our obligations to each other as a community at this difficult time, in restricting our in-person interactions and in supporting each other through transitions in virtual and in-person modes of teaching and learning. We look forward to our continued interactions in virtual mode.

Sincerely, 

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

January 26, 2021: Welcome to Spring Semester

Dear Georgetown Faculty, Staff and Students,

Welcome to Spring Semester, 2021! I hope that our extended winter holiday break allowed you to recharge and reconnect with friends and family.

I am optimistic and enthusiastic about the semester ahead. We thank Georgetown’s faculty who continue to meet the demands of this unusual time in history, offering very exciting research and learning opportunities for our students both online and in person. We are grateful to our students for their commitment to their studies and research endeavors, and offer our thanks to our staff for continuing to find solutions to unprecedented problems, making possible a uniquely Georgetown education, both on-campus and through remote learning.

We want to assure you that the health and safety of our entire community are at the forefront of our work and our decision-making. As we resume academic activities this week, we will be guided by public health conditions, following the best advice of our health experts and adhering closely to the evolving public health policies imposed by the District of Columbia and federal governments. 

Please continue to check the University’s website for up to date information on COVID-related matters, including testing and, as it becomes available, any vaccine information. 

We must emphasize that any plans for the Spring semester are subject to change in light of developments in the progress of the pandemic and guidelines from local and federal authorities.

We look forward to sharing exciting opportunities for learning and research in the coming weeks and months. Welcome back for the Spring semester. You have our very best wishes for a safe, healthy and productive term, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

January 25, 2021: WeWork All Access Benefit for Georgetown University Students

Dear Students,

As the Spring semester begins, we are pleased to see so many students taking advantage of the WeWork All Access membership. 

For students who have already signed up or if you are interested in learning more, WeWork will be hosting an optional webinar on Monday, February 1, to provide an overview of its booking interface and to share best practices for making the most out of your Spring semester membership. If you wish to attend, please sign up for the webinar.

Program Details

• If you have not yet signed up and would like to access a WeWork space for the month of February, you must sign up on or before Thursday, January 28. To take advantage of this opportunity, students who are enrolled in classes for the Spring 2021 semester should confirm there is a WeWork location in your area and then visit we.co/georgetown to sign up using your Georgetown NetID email address. Your FirstName.LastName@georgetown.edu or personal email address will not register as eligible for the benefit. 
• The WeWork All Access membership is effective February 1 through May 19. Terms apply.
• Students must adhere to WeWork House Rules for Georgetown University Students and the Georgetown COVID-19 Addendum.
• In order to use the WeWork All Access membership, you must sign up at least two business days prior to the end of the month for your membership to begin on the first day of the following month. For example, for students who sign up on or after January 29, you will receive access to WeWork locations starting on March 1.
• Once you register via the link provided above, you will receive additional information with instructions on how to activate your membership, book workspace and access locations.

We hope you will find this new benefit helpful as you begin your Spring semester.  

Sincerely,
Todd A. Olson, Vice President for Student Affairs

January 19, 2021: WeWork All Access Benefit for Georgetown University Students

Dear Students, 

As we shared with you in December, we are pleased to launch our partnership with WeWork, to provide currently enrolled students with a WeWork All Access membership starting February 1, 2021. Sign up now to begin your membership for February.

WeWork All Access allows you to book a space for studying, subject to availability, at one of its locations in more than 80 cities around the world. In response to COVID-19, WeWork has implemented enhanced cleaning protocols and social distancing measures at all of its locations—more details are available on wework.com. 

Program Details

• To take advantage of this opportunity, students who are enrolled in classes for the Spring 2021 semester should confirm there is a WeWork location in your area and then visit we.co/georgetown to sign up using your Georgetown NetID email address. Your FirstName.LastName@georgetown.edu or your personal email address will not register as eligible for the benefit.
• Your WeWork All Access membership is effective February 1, 2021 through May 19, 2021. Terms apply.
• Students must adhere to WeWork House Rules for Georgetown University Students and the Georgetown COVID-19 Addendum.
• In order to enjoy the WeWork All Access membership starting on February 1, 2021, you must sign up on or before January 28, 2021. Note: You must sign up at least two business days prior to the end of the month for your membership to begin on the first day of the following month. For example, for students who sign up on or after January 29, 2021, you will receive access to WeWork locations starting on March 1, 2021.
• Once you register via the link provided above, you will receive additional information before your first month with instructions on how to activate your membership, book workspace and access locations.

We hope you will be able to take advantage of this benefit during the Spring semester.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

Edward B. Healton, Executive Vice President of Health Sciences

William M. Treanor, Executive Vice President and Dean of the Law Center

Geoffrey S. Chatas, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

January 19, 2021: On-Campus Study Spaces for Students Approved to be on Main Campus

Dear Students,

We are pleased to announce that, as a student eligible to be on campus, you will be able to use a number of study spaces we are opening on the Main Campus for the Spring 2021 semester. At this time, eligible students include seniors; graduate students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, McCourt School of Public Policy, McDonough School of Business and Walsh School of Foreign Service; and undergraduate students living in residential buildings on the Main Campus.

Study spaces must be reserved and are for individual use only (i.e., no group studying is permitted). Please review the information below on how to make a reservation. Before you come to campus, you must be in compliance with the University’s public health protocols, including COVID-19 testing. Because we must follow DC and University public health guidance, over time we may need to make changes to the operations of study spaces. We hope to expand access to additional students later in the semester, as public health conditions allow.

Study Spaces

Beginning on Thursday, January 21, eligible students will be able to reserve study spaces in Lauinger Library. Beginning on Monday, February 1, eligible students will be able to reserve study spaces in the Car Barn, Copley Formal Lounge, Blommer Science Library and the Leavey Center. Some study spaces will be open for all approved students, some will only be open for undergraduate students and some will only be open for graduate students in the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Starting on the dates above, eligible students may make a six-hour reservation for a study space up to ten days in advance by visiting the Main Campus reservation system to browse each location for available hours.

Public Health Protocols

All students must have a green GU360 Building Access Badge and a valid reservation to enter study spaces on campus. No food or drink will be allowed in study spaces.

To get and keep a green GU360 Building Access Badge, please review the relevant Spring 2021 checklist (e.g., for new or returning residential students, or non-residential students studying on campus) and take the actions required, which include becoming a One Medical member, getting tested each week in accordance with the Georgetown University COVID-19 Testing Protocol (i.e., once per week if you are coming to campus one day a week or two consecutive days a week, or twice per week if you are coming to campus two or more non-consecutive days a week), and completing the COVID-19 Daily Check-in via the GU360 mobile app or website at least two hours before arriving on campus each day.

In addition, all students must abide by the health and safety measures outlined in the Georgetown University Community Compact while on campus, such as wearing a mask when in public or shared spaces (including in single-occupancy study rooms), practicing physical distancing and washing your hands regularly.

Please clean your study space before and after use. Cleaning supplies will be provided.

If you have any questions, please contact the appropriate resource below.

• Study Space Reservations: studyspace@georgetown.edu
• One Medical: 1-888-ONEMED1 (1-888-663-6331) or hello@onemedical.com
• GU360 App: Georgetown’s COVID-19 Helpline at 202-784-3510 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. ET Monday-Friday) or email covid19-questions@georgetown.edu
• Public Health Protocols: Georgetown’s Care Navigators Team at covidcarenavigator@georgetown.edu

We understand the importance of a quiet place to study, especially given the challenges we all continue to experience during these difficult times. In addition to study spaces on our campus, we recently announced Georgetown’s partnership with WeWork to provide currently enrolled students with a WeWork All Access membership starting February 1, 2021, which allows students to book a space for studying, subject to availability, at one of its locations in more than 80 cities around the world.

We hope these study spaces provide a peaceful environment for your academic pursuits, and we wish you the best as we begin our new semester.

Sincerely,

Robert M. Groves, Provost

January 19, 2021: New Free Telemental Health Resource for Students

Dear Students,

Living through a global pandemic is challenging for all of us, and we recognize the extra pressures you face while balancing your academic coursework and co-curricular obligations. In accordance with our commitment to cura personalis – a profound care and responsibility for one another to ensure that each member of our community is flourishing – we are pleased to launch a new, free resource to support the emotional wellness of all degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students. HoyaWell will provide access to 24/7/365 telemental health services from anywhere in the United States at no cost to students.

HoyaWell is a partnership with TimelyMD, a student-first telehealth provider, so counselors and psychiatrists are specialized in serving college and university students. Its services supplement mental health, wellness and health care resources offered by the University, including Counseling and Psychiatric Service (CAPS), Georgetown’s primary emotional and mental health service.

HoyaWell lets you talk to a mental health professional from your smartphone or any web-enabled device through a video or voice visit. There are three available services:

• TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand access to mental health support to talk about anything at any time through phone or video messaging
• Scheduled Counseling: scheduled options to meet with a licensed counselor
• Psychiatry: scheduled options to meet with a licensed psychiatrist, available through CAPS referral

These services can help if you want to talk to someone when you are feeling down or if you want to check in more regularly to help promote your emotional wellness. No issue is too big or too small.

To talk to someone today, you can go to the HoyaWell website to register with your Georgetown email address. If you have questions about HoyaWell, please refer to these answers to frequently asked questions or contact TimelyMD Customer Support at 833-484-6359 or help@timely.md. 

CAPS continues to offer ongoing telehealth services to students located in DC, Maryland and Virginia, as well as other states where CAPS clinicians’ licenses are valid. 

To make a free appointment at CAPS, including at one of its embedded and satellite offices, call 202-687-6985 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). For mental health emergencies after hours, call 202-687-6985, through which a menu of options can direct you to our emergency consultation line.

During a time when many of us are feeling isolated and burnt out, we hope HoyaWell and Georgetown’s other specialized campus resources and wellness resources will help you feel more supported, affirmed and connected to the Georgetown community.

Sincerely,

Todd A. Olson, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs

January 13, 2021: Add/Drop Deadline Extension

Dear Students,

In a continued effort to help alleviate some of the adverse impacts of the pandemic on your studies, we modified the Spring 2021 academic calendar. After careful evaluation, we noticed the revised calendar, within the current Add/Drop deadline dates, may not provide you with the requisite class time to make an informed decision about your Spring course schedule due to the delayed semester start.

The University will extend the Add/Drop deadline from Friday, January 29, 2021 to Friday, February 5, 2021 to allow you additional time to finalize your semester plans. Tuition will be refunded at 100% for any courses dropped during the extended Add/Drop period, and tuition will be charged at 100% for any courses added during the extended Add/Drop period. The last day for withdrawals with tuition refunded at 100% will be Monday, February 8. Otherwise, tuition refund calendars for withdrawals (new window) (new window) are unaffected by this change.

Thank you for your understanding during these difficult times, we look forward to an exciting and productive Spring Semester together.

Sincerely,

Rohan Williamson, Vice Provost for Education