Dear Members of the Georgetown University Community:
As the 2021 presidential inauguration approaches, we are writing to share information with you about on-campus services and safety measures both on and off campus. We understand how disruptive and disturbing recent events have been and that there is the potential for additional challenging days ahead.
The University is coordinating closely with federal and local authorities on safety planning and we strongly recommend that all members of the Georgetown community follow the guidance of federal and local authorities. As you may know, based on safety and COVID-19 concerns, authorities and the Presidential Inaugural Committee recommend that everyone refrain from travel and participate in inaugural activities virtually.
It is also strongly advised to avoid the downtown areas of Washington, DC, through this coming weekend and Inauguration Day. The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is closing perimeter streets at various locations that surround the Law Center and near the School of Continuing Studies. MPD expects these closures will continue through the inauguration. Please be prepared to show your Georgetown GOCard to the MPD officer who is controlling traffic at the Law Center. For real-time updates and information, please visit MPD Twitter.
Inauguration Safety Planning
- We recommend you learn about the additional security measures that will be in place throughout the District over the course of inauguration weekend. For updates on public safety, street closures, weather alerts, transit updates, and more from the DC Government, text INAUG2021 to 888-777 or go to http://inauguration.dc.gov/.
- Call for help if you feel threatened. If you are off campus, call 911. If you are on the Main or Medical campus, call the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) at (202) 687-4343 or, if you are on the Law campus, call the Georgetown Law Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 202-662-9325.
- Download the Georgetown LiveSafe App – which has information about emergency response and allows you to communicate with GUPD (anonymously if you prefer).
- We encourage all of our students and staff living in Washington, DC, to have medications and other essentials that will last through inauguration.
We will communicate any significant safety concerns on or near our campuses via HOYAlert. Please take a moment to log into HOYAlert and ensure your contact information is up-to-date and that you have entered your cell phone number so that you are able to receive HOYAlerts via text message.
On-Campus Support and Services
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Inauguration Day, the University will be closed on Monday, January 18, and Wednesday, January 20. Additionally, on Tuesday, January 19, in order to minimize the number of members of our community on campus, and with limited, approved exceptions, the University will operate virtually and our physical campuses will be Closed with Instructional Continuity and Essential Services.
Please note the following updates:
- Dining Services: Dining services will be available January 18-20. Royal Jacket in the Leavey Center North Corridor will be open from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. The Hoyas @ Home grocery delivery program will also be available during this time. Details and updates can be found on the Dining Services website.
- GUTS Bus Service: All GUTS bus service will be suspended on Monday, January 18, Tuesday, January 19, and Wednesday, January 20.
- GU Mail Service: There will also be no University mail services, including package delivery, during these three days. We discourage ordering packages with a scheduled delivery in the 1/18-1/20 window.
- COVID-19 Testing: On the Main and Medical campuses, COVID-19 testing will continue as scheduled throughout next week. On the Law campus, COVID-19 testing will now be available on Thursday and Friday of next week (testing originally scheduled for Tuesday has been cancelled and appointments will need to be rescheduled).
- Residential Living and the Office of Neighborhood Life: As a reminder to our residential students, residents of University-owned housing are not permitted to host overnight guests (e.g., siblings, fellow GU students, friends from other universities) or individuals who are not already living on campus. Residents of University-owned housing are permitted to host groups of 10 or fewer, including the host(s). The number of guests must be consistent with the space being able to accommodate six feet of distance between individuals. The Office of Residential Living and the Office of Neighborhood Life will continue to have their on-call duty staff available to respond to emergencies.
- Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Resources: As a reminder, you can find more information about University resources, including those to support mental wellness, on the Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Resources page.
We recognize these have been very trying days for our nation and all of us individually. Please know that the safety and security of our community is our highest priority as we move forward in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
The Office of Emergency Management