Frequently Asked Questions

This page has answers to frequently asked questions about university-wide policies and Main Campus operational updates. See links below for FAQs for other communities and campuses:

Is Georgetown closing its campus?

No. We are moving our face-to-face classes to a virtual learning environment for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester, starting on Monday, March 16, 2020. We recognize that there are a small number of students whose personal or family situations make it impossible or impractical to return to their permanent addresses, so some students have been approved to remain on campus. Essential campus buildings, including some residence halls and some dining facilities, will remain open and campus operations will proceed. 

Why was this decision made?

The decision to temporarily suspend in-person classes was made out of consideration for the health, safety and well-being of the Georgetown community. Our focus is on minimizing the spread of the coronavirus by reducing the density of social encounters (limiting the number of members of our community on campus and reducing the size of public gatherings) and practicing social distancing (ensuring that we provide sufficient distance between ourselves). 

Will campus operations continue? Will university staff be on campus to help support those students who stay?

Yes. Vital campus services, including Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD), Student Affairs, Georgetown University Transportation Shuttles (GUTS), Facilities Management, and Residential Living staff, among others, will remain physically on campus. Some residence halls, apartments and townhouses, and limited dining options, will remain open. Services on campus will post any change in hours. However, to promote social distancing, we have encouraged other employees who are able to perform their jobs remotely to telework.

The Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and the Georgetown University Library will no longer offer physical access but will continue to offer virtual services to students. If you need an appointment or to speak with a nurse or provider, you can call the Student Health Center at 202-687-2200 or send a message through the MedStar portal. To reach CAPS, call 202-687-6985 and someone will respond to you promptly. For after-hours CAPS emergencies, call 833-960-3006. The Lauinger and Dahlgren Memorial libraries and the Bioethics, Blommer, Woodstock and School of Continuing Studies branch libraries will continue to offer a full set of online services and access to online collections.

Which buildings will require GoCard access?

All academic and administrative buildings have now been restricted to faculty and staff GOCard access only. Graduate and professional students will have access to buildings they need to enter with permission of the Office of the Provost or the Office of the Executive Vice President for Health Sciences via the Request to Access Research Sites form. If your GOCard is not working, please email gocard@georgetown.edu to arrange for a replacement. For emergency or after-hours access to a building, please call the Georgetown University Police Department at 202-687-4343 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) for assistance.

Which buildings are closed to the Georgetown community?

The Leavey Center and the Healey Family Student Center are closed effective Friday, March 20. Yates Field House is closed, effective March 16, until further notice. From Wednesday, March 25 to Friday, March 27, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, those on or near campus will be able to access Yates to collect items from their rental lockers. Information about locker retrieval, membership and other answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Georgetown Recreation website. Payroll deductions for Main and Medical Campus faculty and staff for Yates have been suspended until further notice.

Will GUTS buses still be running?

Beginning Monday, March 30, there will be service adjustments to the Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS). The Law Center and Arlington Loop Routes will no longer operate. The Rosslyn and Dupont Routes will maintain current rush-hour service but will reduce service to every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. The Wisconsin Avenue Route will operate as scheduled.

What about on-campus religious services and Campus Ministry?

Campus Ministry stands ready to accompany all students throughout this time. Chaplains and residential ministers will be available remotely. Masses and religious services will be live-streamed as much as possible; information will be sent out through individual chaplaincy channels.

What is the status of HoyaKids?

HoyaKids and Georgetown Law Early Learning Center are closed, beginning Monday, March 16.

Are outside visitors allowed on campus?

Effective Sunday, March 15, residential students will NOT be permitted to sign in short-term guests or host any overnight guests into any residential facilities. This policy will be in effect until further notice, and applies to both daytime and overnight guests.

How can faculty and staff get mail?

All packages and mail addressed to academic or administrative buildings on Main Campus will be delivered directly to our Central Mail Services department in the Harris Building. Auxiliary Business Services has been in touch with individual departments that will retain on-campus delivery. If you are placing a new order, you should use the Whitehaven Street address.

You can pick up mail and packages from Mail Services in the Harris Building at our Central Mail Services department at Room B116, 3300 Whitehaven Street on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. If you need to make special arrangements for pick-up or if you’re expecting an urgent package, please contact Carl Dyson or Gideon Pinckney or call 202-687-5245.

If a package is en route to a closed or GOCard access-only academic or administrative building, there will be signs on the door directing carriers to redeliver to the Harris Building. We cannot guarantee that carriers will read the signs and redeliver your package, so please use the tracking information and reach out to carriers directly if your package is en route and may be affected. The Research Building loading dock remains open Monday to Friday during the day to accept deliveries to Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) buildings.

Will faculty and staff still be charged for parking?

For on-campus parkers, we will no longer charge a parking fee through payroll deduction. This will be reflected in paychecks starting March 27 for those paid bi-weekly and March 31 for those paid monthly. This change will be in effect until further notice.

How is Georgetown University supporting its clinical partner, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH)?

Georgetown University is providing parking spaces to MGUH employees, discounted hotel rooms at our Hotel and Conference Center and on-campus apartments in a vacant residence hall for residents and fellows who have challenging home accommodations and need to make alternative housing arrangements due to COVID-19. As always, we are and will continue to take all precautions to contain any exposure and ensure the safety of our students, faculty and staff.

Are there any confirmed cases of coronavirus on campus?

As more testing has taken place across the nation, we have learned about new members of our community who have tested positive for COVID-19. These individuals have been contacting Dr. Vince WinklerPrins, chief public health officer, who then has connected with the appropriate health department responsible for contact tracing. We encourage others who test positive to continue to do so via the COVID-19 Screening Form or the Medical Campus COVID-19 Screening Form, so we can appropriately notify our community of possible risks of exposure. While there are no active cases on Georgetown’s campuses, we are notifying our community of positive cases reported to the university.

For the total number of positive COVID-19 cases that have been confirmed to Georgetown University and messages containing details of confirmed cases, visit the COVID-19 Health Information Page.

What are the symptoms of the coronavirus?

Symptoms can include a fever (temperature above 100.3), cough, and difficulty breathing – similar to what you may feel with influenza or a bad cold. The incubation period (how soon the symptoms appear from the time of first exposure) for these types of viruses is typically 2-14 days.

What do I do if I have been directly exposed to a person diagnosed with COVID-19?

If you have been exposed directly to a person with COVID-19, and you do not work in the health care setting, you should carefully monitor your symptoms for any sign of illness, especially cough and/or fever and immediately self-isolate if these symptoms develop. If you have been exposed directly to a person with COVID-19, and you work in the health care setting, you should follow the guidance of your hospital/clinic. Additional information can be found on the CDC’s guidance for risk assessment and the university’s Health Information page.

What should I do if I have been told by a public health official to self-isolate or self-quarantine?

People who self-quarantine should not go to work or school, should avoid close contact with others and should avoid large gatherings during the 14-day period. Voluntary self-quarantine is a form of social distancing that may limit onward transmission in the event that you have contracted COVID-19.

Those who self-quarantine should monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms. Monitoring includes checking for any symptoms that could be related to COVID-19 such as: fever (greater than 100.3, or if you think you have a fever), cough, or shortness of breath. If you develop these or other flu-like symptoms, please isolate yourself from other people and pets and contact your health care provider.

Note: According to the CDC, people who have contact with someone who had contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 are at lower risk of developing the disease. The CDC offers this information about how the virus is spread.

What if I am in a person defined by the CDC as being in a higher risk or special populations group?

The CDC defines higher risk as “older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions–like heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, for example.” The CDC provides information for high risk individuals, and other special populations, including pregnant women and children, who are not considered high risk.

If you have a concern that your medical condition might increase your risk of getting COVID-19, please contact your health care provider for guidance. University faculty and staff can also contact Georgetown University’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Vince WinklerPrins by email or calling 202-687-4554.

What should I do if I have traveled to (or am currently in) a country designated as Level 3 by the CDC due to coronavirus?

In accordance with CDC guidance for travelers returning from China, Italy, South Korea, Iran, the Schengen Area (Europe), or any other country that is subsequently designated by CDC as Level 3 for coronavirus while you are traveling, please be aware that you will need you to self-quarantine – at your permanent address or away from Georgetown’s campus – for at least 14 days.

Where can I find additional information about the coronavirus?

For additional information about coronavirus, including signs and symptoms, transmission and risk of exposure, and what to do if you are exhibiting symptoms, please refer to the CDC Coronavirus website. 

How has the university adapted its cleaning practices on the Main and Medical Campus in light of the outbreak?

The Department of Planning and Facilities Management implemented an increase in the cleaning frequency of our high-touch point areas across campus. Starting March 9, the university deployed additional staff to accelerate cleaning of high-touch points and to check stock in bathrooms and hand sanitizer stations more often. In addition to the large cache of alcohol-based hand sanitizer dispensers, we have deployed 23 additional stations, which can typically be found at the main entrances of the buildings. The Office of Transportation Management drivers also keep hand sanitizer and disinfectant spray on their assigned buses and deploy the use of disinfectant on high-touch points before and after their routes.

How are you ensuring the health and safety of Georgetown employees who will continue working on-campus?

The health and safety of our campus community is our highest priority and we are taking measures to combat the potential impacts of the COVID-19. In addition to sharing guidance for appropriate social distancing and asking employees to stay at home if they are sick, we have implemented temporary enhanced cleaning procedures and protocols. 

The temporary enhanced cleaning procedures and protocols include: 

• Placement of additional hand sanitizer stations in high visible areas such as entrances, elevator landings and lobbies;
• Deep cleaning projects in bathrooms and classroom spaces
• Increased frequency of disinfectant procedures, with additional dedicated teams focused on fixtures within buildings that are routinely touched otherwise known as “high touch points”

We will continue to work closely with our partners in the Office of Emergency Management and the Georgetown University Health Center on any further developments and recommendations.

The news of the coronavirus outbreak is very concerning, and it’s left me feeling anxious. Where can I turn for help?

The Office of Campus Ministry is available to all students during business hours by calling 202-687-4300. To schedule an appointment with CAPS (Counseling and Psychiatric Services), students on the Main and Medical campuses may call 202-687-6985 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Students at the Law Center can request a CAPS Law Center appointment. In the event of an urgent need after-hours, all students can call 833-960-3006.

Important services are available to all students and are free of charge to Georgetown University’s United Health Premier Student Health Insurance Plan members. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress due to recent developments around coronavirus, immediately access mental health specialists through Optum. Its toll-free help line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are free of charge and open to all, call 866-342-6892.

The Faculty and Staff Assistance Program remains open and available to help you by phone. Simply reach out to fsap@georgetown.edu or call 202-687-2409 to schedule an appointment.

I am on a university health insurance plan. What resources are available to me if I become sick?

The university has been in close contact with our medical plan insurers regarding the unfolding COVID-19 situation. All plans will cover eligible COVID-19 testing at zero cost to their members. 

As this is a rapidly changing situation, we suggest that you visit (and bookmark) your insurer’s coronavirus webpage for updates:

• CareFirst 
• Kaiser Permanente
• UnitedHealthcare
• Cigna International

What virtual health services are available to students, at a cost if not insured by Georgetown’s plan, or for free if on Georgetown’s Premier Student Health Insurance Plan?

Refer to Student Health Insurance’s virtual services web page for more information.

Where can I find the latest travel guidance from the university?

Visit the “Coronavirus (COVID-19) University Travel Guidance” page.

What is the status of university-sponsored travel? 

The university has suspended ALL university-sponsored or related non-essential international travel for faculty, staff and students through May 15, 2020. The university has also suspended university-sponsored or related non-essential domestic air and Amtrak travel for faculty and staff until further notice. This suspension includes travel associated with one’s scholarly activities as a Georgetown employee and travel funded by a grant, foundation, company or other university. 

If a faculty or staff member believes there is a compelling university-related reason for international or domestic air travel, they should consult with the office of the Provost or campus executive vice president (for Medical and Law Centers), senior vice president and chief operating officer (for staff of University Services), or the vice president and chief of staff (for direct reports to the president) to request an exception allowing for such travel.

What should I do if I have traveled to (or am currently in) a country designated as Level 3 by the CDC due to coronavirus?

In accordance with CDC guidance for travelers returning from China, Italy, South Korea, Iran, the Schengen Area (Europe), or any other country that is subsequently designated by CDC as Level 3 for coronavirus while you are traveling, please be aware that you will need you to self-quarantine – at your permanent address or away from Georgetown’s campus – for at least 14 days.

Are all students currently studying abroad being asked to return to the United States or to their permanent residences?

Earlier this year, the University returned students studying in countries designated with a Level 3 travel warning by the CDC and stopped students planning to study in CDC Level 2 countries before their coursework started.

Effective immediately, all students studying abroad, including the Schengen Area of Europe, must return to your permanent address as soon as possible. Students with a permanent address in a CDC Level 3 country should contact the Office of Global Education if they are unable to return home.

Students who elect to stay in their current site despite the university’s strongest recommendation to return to their permanent home address may face travel bans, travel delays, and failure to engage in academic continuity as the semester progresses. 

My study abroad program has been canceled, but even with courses underway they have not offered alternate means for finishing and earning credit. What am I supposed to do?

The provost’s office, deans’ offices and academic departments are collaborating to develop a full roster of online courses which will run from March 30-June 12. The full list of courses will be announced by March 21.

Additionally, we have developed two courses which will build off – and enable you to earn credit for – the work you have already begun abroad, designed to integrate seamlessly into your international experience so you can see it through.

Those courses are:

GUGC-301: Global Experience (3 credits)
Global Experience will be conducted in a virtual studio format. Students will blend work already completed or in progress abroad with new reflection and inquiry with peers and faculty, building a portfolio of work over the course of the experience.

LING-222: Communication, Culture, and Study Abroad (3 credits)
Communication, Culture, and Study Abroad is a course regularly offered by the department of linguistics. It will be tailored for the new calendar and format and will meet in with reduced hours/assessments (compared with other 3-credit courses) as it builds upon your experiences this semester with language and intercultural communication abroad.

My study abroad program has been canceled but my host institution has arranged alternate means for me to earn credit remotely. May I return to Georgetown instead?

Many of our study abroad partners have been incredibly responsive and thoughtful in developing ways to sustain your academic experience and deliver full credit through this global challenge. We are grateful for their commitment to helping you complete your study abroad experience. For those programs offering an instructional continuity option, we encourage you to consider those options first. However, if you determine that switching to Georgetown’s GUGC offerings is your best option, you are eligible to do so. 

You should talk to your advising dean directly about the decision and to discuss your specific circumstance. Instructional continuity programs are designed to provide you with the most continuous learning experience possible, but we understand that there is a lot of variance in the quality and accessibility of those options at the moment, so Georgetown’s GUGC offerings are available to you.

Please see above for information on the courses being offered.

I am not interested in pursuing the options available to me through my study abroad program or through Georgetown. Can I withdraw or switch to part-time? Can I get a refund?

Students may withdraw from their program if they no longer wish to be enrolled or earn credit. Students may also consult with their dean about adjusting their schedules to part-time schedules if that is preferable. In neither case will refunds be available, however, given the university calendar and the newly available standing options offering full credit for the semester.

We are making every effort to fulfill the promises made to you upon enrollment, when you embarked on a semester experience for full credit. We’ve acted on the belief that abandoning credit would be students’ least desirable option, and thus we are striving to provide good options for students to complete the semester with full credit and no disruption to their degree progress. 

I want to drop courses now and take courses at Georgetown this summer to make up the credit. Can I do that?

Yes, Georgetown summer courses are available and can be added now. Students are always encouraged to consider Georgetown’s summer offerings to recover credits under many circumstances. Summer tuition remains separate and distinct from semester tuition, however, so unrefunded spring tuition cannot be applied to summer. Limited financial aid options remain available to students with demonstrated financial and academic need.

My study abroad plans included completion of specific requirements that I can no longer fulfill with the options available. What can I do?

We recognize that the modified options available to you now may not meet every curricular goal that you set out to fulfill abroad. We are making every effort to offer courses with the broadest appeal, prioritizing credits for overall degree progress, and courses that capture those aspects of the study abroad experience that are most deeply and widely shared among students. 

If the missing requirement makes the difference between you graduating on time or not, you should consult with your academic dean and your major advisor to assess other possibilities, including tutorials, summer courses, or other adjustments. Departments are prepared to exercise flexibility where possible, without compromising the integrity of the degree. Please understand, however, this flexibility extends to those who truly have no other options. In most cases, students will be able to postpone the requirement to fall 2020 or later.

This FAQ covers all staff and AAPs at Georgetown University, although there may be some variations in resources and support among the campuses. Please note below. 

What does the transition to remote instruction mean for me as a staff employee?

The university will remain open. Beginning Monday, March 16, the university is moving to an operating status of a telework flexible environment. In support of this effort, we are encouraging telework for staff, AAPs and temporary employees where possible pursuant to the COVID-19 Telework Guidelines and Procedures.

How do I know if I am eligible to telework?

Senior leaders and Human Resources will identify employees whose positions are eligible to telework. If an employee does not receive an email instructing them to telework, then they are expected to report to work on campus as usual. These guidelines and procedures will not apply to emergency employees who provide essential in-person services on campus. 

Where can I find more information and resources on working remotely?

University Information Services has created a new website with resources to help transition to a remote teaching and working environment. If you are designated to telework, but need additional technological resources (like access to a laptop or wifi) in order to do so, please secure your supervisor’s approval and proceed to fill out the relevant forms below:

• Laptop request form
• Temporary Wifi hotspot request form
• Call forwarding instructions 

UIS has also developed the following tip sheets for teleworkers and managers:

• Telework Best Practices 
• Managing Remote Employees 

Who do I check with regarding my employee status and eligibility for working remotely?

Employees will receive a notice from their Human Resources Client Services Partner alerting them if they are designated for remote work in this operating status of a telework flexible environment. If an employee has questions regarding status, the employee should speak to his or her supervisor. In the event of any disputes, a final determination on status shall be made by the relevant senior leader.

My role in facilities at the university necessitates me to be here during this time, how do I obtain proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for use in my workday?

Please reach out to your supervisor or the Office of Environmental Health & Safety if you have questions or concerns with regards to your access to PPE. All facilities employees are issued, and have available to them, proper PPE prescribed for their role.

What dining options are available to staff, AAPs and faculty required to work on campus?

Staff, AAPs and faculty required to work on campus will continue to receive complimentary lunch and dinner. Effective Monday, March 30, meals can be picked up at Harbin Hall each day 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. The last day of retail service for Epicurean and Company will be Saturday, April 4, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Starting Monday, April 6, Epicurean grab and go retail service will transition to Royal Jacket in the Leavey Center, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days per week.

When will Commencement ceremonies occur?

Based on federal and state guidance, we have made the determination that it will be necessary to postpone Commencement activities to a time in which we can safely convene as a community. We are committed to holding Commencement ceremonies and will ensure that our students and families have as much time to prepare as possible. In the time ahead, we will develop our plans and communicate updates as our planning for these rescheduled ceremonies advances.

The sections below provide additional information for undergraduate students.

See links below for FAQs for other student communities and campuses:

Georgetown Law Students will receive separate guidance from Georgetown Law Center.

What measures have been implemented to assist undergraduate students during spring 2020 remote learning? 

Given the circumstances for undergraduates moving off-campus, we have implemented a set of new measures designed to increase flexibility for students and support the learning environment, as classes resume March 16. All undergraduate students at Georgetown may choose to take their courses pass/fail this semester, a choice they are free to make until the last day of classes. The withdrawal date for each course has also been extended to the last day of classes. Withdrawals will, as usual, require approval by the deans. Undergraduate students can refer to these answers to frequently asked questions about taking classes pass/fail and withdrawing from classes or contact their academic dean for more information.

All undergraduate faculty have been given the following guidance:  

• to grant absences to students missing classes because of any issues related to the transition of housing or to a virtual learning environment over the days before March 30;
• to maximize flexibility for students to participate in learning activities, recognizing connectivity issues, time zone differences and other challenges;
• to use class meetings to engage students on how best to adapt to the online environment;
• to seek feedback from students on how best to serve their needs in the new environment; and
• to postpone any evaluations (tests, assessments, papers) scheduled for the week of March 16-20.

If I do not have my textbooks, how can I access some of my course materials virtually?

Barnes & Noble and VitalSource is offering free access to up to seven ebooks via VitalSource Bookshelf through May 25, 2020. To get started, students will need to log in, create a Bookshelf account or change the email address associated their current Bookshelf account to their Georgetown-provided email address. Once the free access period ends, students will maintain access to their Bookshelf account, but ebooks provided during the free access period will no longer appear.

What if I don’t have a computer or access to the internet from home?

Almost all of the tools we’re encouraging faculty to use for instructional continuity, including Canvas and Zoom, can be accessed from a mobile phone using a mobile data plan. If you do not have the ability to access the tools required by your professor, please contact help@georgetown.edu.

What do I do if I don’t know how to connect to a class session? 

If there is a technical issue, please contact the UIS helpdesk at 202-687-4949. 

I am a student with accommodations. What should I do regarding remote instruction?

We are working with the Academic Resource Center (ARC) on instructions for faculty support for students with particular needs. ARC is standing by to provide support for students with accommodations and will work with CNDLS to help faculty members implement appropriate solutions.

What does this shift to online format mean for lab-, studio- or field-based courses?

Students will receive updates from the faculty members about any adjustments to lab-, studio- or field-based courses.

I’m an international student and therefore restricted from taking online courses. How does this affect me?

The U.S. government has provided the university with the flexibility to adapt instruction during this public health emergency. Students’ participation in online instruction is permitted under specific circumstances and international students should follow the direction of their faculty members in consultation with the Office of Global Services. 

It is essential that students continue participating in classes via the online delivery method offered by the instructor. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within the Department of Homeland Security has granted the university flexibility to change the mode of instructional delivery for students in F-1 and J-1 status for a temporary period. 

The Office of Global Services is the best resource for you. Please speak with an international student advisor with any questions you have about your status. IS advisors may be reached via the Office of Global Services portal.

What if I am unable to travel to my permanent address? Am I able to stay on campus?

All students are being directed to return to their permanent addresses if possible. However, we recognize that there are a small number of students whose personal or family situations make it impossible or impractical to return to their permanent addresses. If you have been approved to remain on campus, you may need to move to another residential building that would be more suitable for social distancing.

How and when should I plan to move out of my campus residence? 

We ask that you completely move out of the residence halls, apartments and university townhouses. Due to rapidly changing federal and state guidance, we urge you to move out as soon as possible, and no later than Sunday, March 22, 2020, to avoid any disruptions to your move-out plans. 

What if I am absolutely unable to return to campus to move out of my campus residence?

The university is working with a moving and storage partner, Hilldrup, to pack and store your belongings until August move-in (August 21). Please note that entire rooms will be packed and contents will be stored in a secure, climate-controlled warehouse. In the case of two roommates who are both unable to move-out, the contents of the entire room will be boxed, tagged and stored in large shipping containers. Be assured we will not dispose of your personal belongings.

If you have questions about student storage, contact 2020-Student-Storage@georgetown.edu. We appreciate your patience while we work to respond to all inquiries.

I have books that I rented and need to return to the bookstore.

Students will be able to mail rented textbooks back to Barnes & Noble at no cost. Any student who rented books will receive a communication directly from B&N. Students can print shipping labels for returns by visiting the bookstore’s website. Students will need their order numbers in order to print the labels, which can be found in the confirmation email from the original online order. If the textbook was rented in the store, the order number will be available in any of your rental reminder emails. 

Books must be postmarked by the due date. The charge date for any unreturned textbooks has been extended one week, to May 21.

Do I still have to leave my DC housing if I have an internship in Washington, DC?

All undergraduate students are required to relocate to their permanent home address at this time, and until further notice for the semester. Having an internship in the Washington, DC, area is not reason to remain in university housing or the District of Columbia. Students should seek guidance from their internship supervisor and their academic advisor, where appropriate, exploring the option of completing the internship online or rescheduling the internship for the fall semester.

I live in an off-campus house or apartment. What should I do?

The university encourages in the strongest terms all students living off campus to return to their permanent addresses. Students should avoid returning to the neighborhood if possible or return only briefly to gather necessary items for the completion of academic work before departing to their permanent addresses. We would remind all off-campus students to be mindful of the terms and conditions of their leases.

The Office of Neighborhood Life is fully operational and will communicate directly with off-campus students regarding move-out procedures.

I have packages or letter mail on campus. How can I collect these items?

The university is prioritizing sending the following items to students: medications, travel documents, government IDs and supplies for instructional continuity. At this time, all other packages and United States Postal Service (USPS) letter mail will be returned to sender.

If you believe you have one of these prioritized items in a Georgetown Residence Hall Office (RHO) or with Mail Services, we will do our best to locate the package and send it to you. To receive prioritized items shipped by USPS, please contact Mail Services with the tracking details. To receive prioritized items shipped via all other mail carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS, etc), please contact Residential Living by forwarding the RHO confirmation email you received and including the tracking details.

RHOs placed a suspension on receiving and distributing packages on Friday, March 6 for spring break. If your package was mailed after that time and you have not received an email from an RHO confirming the package is on campus, you should contact the shipper directly.

I have been approved to live on campus. How should I receive packages and letter mail going forward?

If you have been approved to live on campus for the rest of the spring 2020 semester, we will begin delivery of all student packages to the Kennedy RHO exclusively, beginning on Tuesday, March 24. The Kennedy RHO is open 12-9 p.m. When packages have been received by the RHO and are ready for pick-up, you will receive an email from the RHO directly. We will make best efforts to redirect your letter mail to your on-campus address.

What dining options are available on campus?

Leo’s Dining Hall will remain open for those students who will be on campus. All on-campus venues will serve food through a “to-go” only option in order to comply with new District of Columbia guidance prohibiting dine-in restaurant establishments.

Since the start of spring break on campus, the university has not charged students for any meal swipes. The university will continue to offer free meals for students (and their families), faculty and staff who are on campus through March 29 at Leo O’Donovan Dining Hall.

The last day of service for Epicurean and Company will be Saturday, April 4, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., but grab and go retail service will resume at Royal Jacket in the Leavey Center starting Monday, April 6. All hours are shown below and are subject to change at any time as the situation evolves. Visit Hoya Hospitality for updated information.

• Royal Jacket: 7 a.m.-8 p.m., 7 days per week, grab and go only
• Fresh Food Food Company: 7 days per week, grab and go only
  • Breakfast: 8-10 a.m.
  • Lunch: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Dinner: 4-6 p.m.

I am a student employee working for the Main Campus, Medical Center or University Services on the Main Campus. What does this change to the university’s operations mean for my employment? 

Our student workers are critical to the university’s operations. While the operating status has changed, the university is committed to providing students with opportunities to continue their work. We will work with your managers to ensure you will be paid the wages you expected to be paid for the rest of the spring semester. 

Student employees who have not heard from their supervisor, or have questions about student employment, should contact the Student Employment Office at finseo@georgetown.edu. 

For questions regarding student employment at the Law Center, please visit Georgetown Law COVID-19 FAQ or contact Law Center employment services at lawhr@georgetown.edu.

How should student employees record their time in GMS?

Student workers who are able to work remotely should continue to submit hours in GMS as the student normally would if working on campus.

For student workers with jobs that do not allow for telework, a new time entry code called “Scheduled/Non-Worked Hours” has been created in GMS. Each day, simply enter the total number of scheduled, non-worked hours that were mutually agreed upon between you and your manager when you originally accepted the position. If you have more than one job, be sure to choose the correct job in the “position” drop down.

Student workers who are working a portion, but not all of their scheduled hours remotely, should enter the actual hours worked as “Work Hours” and the remaining scheduled but not worked hours originally agreed upon between the employee and manager as “Scheduled/Non-Worked Hours.” For example, if a student normally works 10 hours a week, and the student and manager agreed on performing work remotely that will take at least eight hours a week, the student should enter eight “Work Hours” for the actual hours worked and the remaining two hours as “Scheduled/Non-Worked Hours.”

Will I be reimbursed for room and board for the rest of the semester?

We will not charge undergraduate students for room and board for the portion of the semester when they will not be occupying their residence halls or utilizing their meal plans, following March 16. In the coming weeks, undergraduate students who vacate campus should expect to receive a prorated credit on their student accounts. Since each student and financial aid circumstance is unique, we request students’ patience as the Finance department and Office of Student Financial Services work to process and communicate the impact of prorated reimbursements to students’ aid packages. If you have questions about your financial aid package, please contact the Office of Student Financial Services at (202) 687-4547. 

Will students be charged any fees on their account during the duration of the semester?

As of March 30, 2020, students enrolled in the Spring 2020 semester will not be subject to service charges, interest or other penalties normally applicable, until further notice. This includes the placement of financial holds that would normally have been placed in advance of Fall 2020 registration. All students otherwise eligible to register for Fall 2020 will be able to, regardless of their student account balance.

Revenue and Receivables will continue to issue billing statements on a monthly basis. By suspending collection activities, Georgetown is not forgiving unpaid charges. We encourage students able to make payments or other payment arrangements to do so.