Parent Guide (English) [AY 2023-24]

GEORGETOWN SCHOLARS PROGRAM Parent Guide

Welcome!

Dear loved ones of our newest class of GSPers,

The Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP) is a community like no other We are here to support your student as they navigate their next four years on the Hilltop (our nickname for this campus)! Our purpose is to ensure that your student has what they need in order to thrive at Georgetown; we want to make sure that they feel welcomed and supported by the GSP community.

To learn more about a typical semester at Georgetown, please review this guide, which we have prepared for the loved ones of the students joining our community this year!

You should be proud that your student has been selected to join an incredible incoming class of GSP students Being part of the GSP community means stepping into a thriving and welcoming environment, one in which each individual is given an equal opportunity to succeed at Georgetown University.

Hoya Saxa and Welcome!

The GSP Staff

Meet the GSP Team

Deputy Director Program Budgeting and Finances Program Management and Development

Necessity Fund Administration

Program Coordinator Events and Marketing Communications Student Board Liaison General Office Manager Data and Systems Management

Program Coordinator Student Advising Mentor Programs Coordinator Regional Network Liaison

Francine "Frankie" Rubio (C'16)

Brenda Flores (C'17)

Melissa "Missy" Foy (C'03)

Alexis Green (G'23)

Onrei Josh Ladao (C'21)

Albert Ramirez

Travel to Georgetown

Union Station

Serving cities all up and down the eastern seaboard, Union Station is a convenient metro ride from campus. It has AMTRAK and MARC services as well as various bus companies.

Driving

Driving to DC can be a convenient option for students and their families when moving them in for the first time It makes transporting their things easier and avoids the cost of a plane ticket

Reagan/DCA

DCA is the closest and most accessible airport from campus. Students can easily metro from DCA to the Rosslyn station and then board a free Georgetown University Transportation Service (GUTS) bus from the metro station to campus. Georgetown is also a short rideshare or taxi ride away. It is a smaller airport, however, and has fewer flights coming in and out.

Dulles/IAD Baltimore/BWI

IAD is a larger airport located about 30 minutes outside of D.C. in Virginia. This airport is a little harder to access, but it has more flights going in and out, and students may find flights from here cheaper than from DCA. Sometimes students use their GroupMe chats to see who else may be coming into IAD so they can split a rideshare! A typical rideshare trip to campus can be between $40 to $50 (depending on peak times).

BWI is very far from campus and is often not the best option for flights. While flights out of BWI may be cheaper, make sure to take into account the additional time and cost for transportation to and from Baltimore (up to $100+). If it's unavoidable, there is a shuttle that runs from BWI to the MARC train, and for $8, your student can take the MARC train to Union Station and either GUTS, metro, rideshare, or take a taxi to campus.

Welcome: Bedding and Move-In

Bedding Inititative Project Move-In

GSP provides FREE bedding for all incoming first-year students who sign up for the Bedding Initiative We know many students come from across the country – sometimes alone – so we've run the bedding initiative for the past ten years to help alleviate some of the stress and financial burdens of arriving on campus! Students' bedding packs come with all they need: comforters, blankets, a pillow, and towels!

Move-In will take place over the course of 2 days for first-year & new transfer students on Thursday, August 17th and Friday, August 18th, 2023 If your student will be traveling to D.C. alone, ensure they sign up for Project Move-In! This service is designed to benefit firstyear students who arrive at Georgetown unaccompanied by family or friends. Georgetown volunteers welcome first-years into their second home on the Hilltop! Volunteers will meet students at the airport or train station and help them get settled into their dorms Students will have received an email with information on how to sign up over the summer!

Meal Plans, Mail and Packages

Meal Plans

All first-years are required to have a meal plan Students have a variety of meal choices at the dining hall (Leo's) and at food vendors on campus

Some students often go to the dining hall, while others prefer to keep more food in their dorm and prepare it in the common room between classes Make sure your student budgets for how much they'll spend eating off campus (including meals during travel or eating out with friends)

Mail and Packages

Students can use mailing address forma campus housing assign

{Student Full Name}

{Building and Room Number}

Georgetown University

3700 O St NW

Washington, DC 20057

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Finances

College brings many hidden costs aside from just tuition (e.g. books, transportation, food, and more). Your student might find themselves needing to budget. We recommend discussing the importance of budgeting and saving with your student before they arrive on campus.

Financial Aid

Every student has a financial aid team assigned by their last name who should be their first point of contact for any financial concerns. Their contact information can be found at finaid.georgetown.edu/contact-us. You can also contact the Office of Student Financial Services (the Financial Aid Office) at (202) 687-4547 if you have any questions or concerns.

Necessity Grant Funding

To help with unexpected expenses, GSP students have access to Necessity Grants via their Hoya360 platform, where your student can apply for these funds GSP Grants can be used to cover costs like tutoring, medical bills, emergency travel, professional development, and winter coats to name a few!

Tuition Refunds

If your student receives money in the form of a refund, those funds should be used for education-related expenses such as a new laptop, computer repair costs, books, or travel between campus and home at the start and end of each semester. A refund is often just enough to cover these costs, so encourage your student to save those funds!

Loans

Loans are nothing to be afraid of. We've seen many students take on an excess of jobs or jump into severe credit card debt out of fear of accepting the loans offered in their financial aid package. Accepting these loans can help your student focus on their studies without the added financial stress. Ask your student to talk to their financial aid team about any loans offered in their package and the repayment options after graduation.

Breaks and Holidays

Alternative Breaks Program (ABP)

Georgetown offers students the opportunity to participate in the Alternative Breaks Program (ABP), which takes place during spring break Rather than going home, students get to participate and make a difference in the lives of underserved individuals through service and immersion in different communities These breaks can take place in many different places such as DC, the border, Appalachia, and others ABP has significant scholarship opportunities available to Hoyas! Last but not least, they're amazing opportunities for learning

GSP Break Programming

For students staying on campus, GSP offers break programming for Thanksgiving, Spring, and Easter Break so that GSPers (what we call students in GSP!) can enjoy fun activities together during the holiday seasons Students that stay over the breaks feel that GSP support from our community especially during these times when campus feels eerily empty! GSPers may apply for grocery grants during school breaks since dining locations on campus have reduced hours

Tip: Encourage your student to take advantage of the travel home grant available only during their first year! Additionally, encourage your student to book their travel as early as possible, keeping in mind their exam schedules All holiday and break dates are available on Georgetown's Academic Calendar

Sense of Belonging at Georgetown

Faith at Georgetown

We encourage students to bring their own beliefs to campus and to share and develop them over their college years. Georgetown University and Campus Ministry welcome students of all faiths and religious (or non-religious) backgrounds. Georgetown encourages its students to learn about all religious faiths and to be accepting of others' beliefs on campus. While we are a Catholic school with Jesuits, we also have a Muslim Imam, a Jewish Rabbi, a Hindi Priest, pastors, and reverends. "Chaplains-In-Residence" of various religious background available for students!

Affinity Spaces

GSP works closely with partners in the Office of Student Equity & Inclusion (OSEI) which encompasses key departments such as the Center for Multicultural Equity and Access (CMEA), the Community Scholars Program (CSP), the Women's Center, and the LGBTQ Resource Center! OSEI promotes student development, sponsors programs and events, and engages in matters related to student diversity, equity, and inclusion at Georgetown University.

Student Wellness

Wellness

Students have access to many resources such as Campus Ministry, the Student Health Center, and Health Education Services (HES). At these offices, staff members are on-hand to offer support and resources to address a variety of concerns. Students are members of the campus gym "Yates," where they can find a space for workouts and exercise classes. With the cost of membership included in tuition, many students find it an easy and convenient way to stay active and destress after a long day. Georgetown also has a Meditation Center right on campus which is completely free to students. Encourage your student to find a healthy balance in the various parts of their lives for their overall well-being!

Health Insurance

All students are required to have health insurance. Your student is automatically enrolled in the GU Student Health Insurance Plan, which students can waive if they are already covered under another plan. If your student is enrolled in State Medicaid or under your employerprovided insurance plan, make sure they are fully covered in D.C. before they submit the waiver. Too often we see students end up with large bills because their coverage at home did not extend to D.C. or only partially covered some expenses. Students will see the charge for the GU Student Health Insurance Plan on their bill unless they waive it. If the cost of health insurance is burdensome, some students are eligible for a scholarship which ensures they can be covered. For more details, encourage your student to reach out to their financial aid team. Visit the Student Health Insurance website for more information!

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)

The university offers FREE counseling to students through the CAPS office Short-term sessions are free, and students in the program can schedule additional sessions free of charge by indicating they are in GSP Please encourage your student to visit CAPS if they are looking for support during the transition process or at any time during their college experience CAPS is a completely confidential service and students should never hesitate to use it. Students can call (202) 687-6985 to get connected with CAPS. This mainline will direct them to an emergency consultation line for after-hours emergencies. Visit CAPS' website to learn more about the resources they offer.

Student Social Life

Georgetown is located in the vibrant and accessible city of Washington, DC, so we encourage students to venture off campus and explore It can be really easy to stay on campus and relax, but you should encourage your student to break the "Georgetown Bubble" to see and experience the nation's capital There are many things to choose from, and often, events and activities are free, such as visiting the wide array of museums in the heart of DC Students often attend shows, concerts, athletic events, and more!

Living a life outside the classroom (and not spending every second in the library) will help your student adjust to college, make friends, and build a community!

However, keep in mind that the freedom of college life can present many new and unforeseen challenges for students as well. For many students, this is their first time being away from home and on their own.

We recommend speaking with your student about making informed and responsible decisions regarding their relationships and social lives, including partying and drinking. These discussions are often helpful in making sure your student develops a healthy relationship with themselves and others Communicating about these matters goes a long way in helping your student find balance

Aside from classwork, students should carve out time to care for themselves, explore their interests, and become involved in campus activities!

Employment and Extracurriculars

Employment

Many students choose to work during the school year to earn money for college, to pay for personal expenses, and to build their resumes! By visiting seogeorgetownedu, students can find a variety of jobs available on or offcampus and can filter positions by FWS (Federal Work-Study) or nonFWS. We encourage students not to work too many hours, especially during their first semester as they transition to the Hilltop!

As students grow accustomed to the rigor of their classes and the college experience, we notice they tend to take on more responsibilities. Upperclass students tend to seek additional professional development opportunities such as internships.

Extracurriculars

Georgetown offers its students a wide array of extracurricular activities Activities range from intramural & club sports, political organizations, cultural clubs, and more! Students are known to also start their own club if they have not found one that matches their interests. We encourage students to get involved with at least 1-2 activities their first semester because it's a great way to make friends and become involved in campus life! There are hundreds of student clubs and organizations that can be found on Georgetown CampusGroups as well as daily events and activities accessible to students. Campus life provides students with countless spaces to engage and connect with others at GU.

Classes and Grades

Class Schedule

New classes are taken each semester, with two semesters in a single academic year Students receive final grades at the end of each semester, which can be found online through their MyAccess account. They can also check in with professors on their progress throughout the semester. Classes are offered Monday through Friday and can start as early as 8AM and end as late as 9PM. Depending on their schedule, a student can choose to have classes back to back or have breaks in between classes. The transition over the first semester can be difficult so encourage your student to put aside time for themselves and take breaks from schoolwork throughout the semester!

Finals and Grades

Students' mid-semester testing a period known as "Midterms Season" can take place anytime within the two middle months of a semester, while finals take place for approximately a week and a half at the very end of each semester. During these periods, students spend time in study spots on campus preparing for upcoming exams. The campus can be a very tense and stressful atmosphere around exam season, but the GSP Lounge is always open to offer students a study break! Grades in college are very different from grades in high school. Typically, a "great" GPA at Georgetown is anything above a 3.0 after the first semester. Often, students' grades are lower the first semester as they adjust to life on campus - which is completely normal! Grades tend to improve significantly with time, but it's helpful to remind your student that hard work will pay off. Encourage your student to reach out and engage with resources like the Academic Resource Center (ARC), tutoring services, study groups, or professors and TAs (teaching assistants) during their office hours (a time dedicated for students to come in and ask questions).

Notable Campus Spaces

Encourage your student to make an appointment with a staff member to talk about their college transition or to just stop by the lounge between classes, grab a coffee, and get to know fellow GSPers

This center has individual study rooms and tons of spaces both indoors and outdoors to study, relax, and catch up. There is also a TV lounge, two dance studios, programming and event rooms, and food locations like The Hilltoss (a student-run salad shop)!

Leo's offers tons of options for students to pick from, including vegetarian and vegan meals. From an all-you-can-eat style downstairs to different options upstairs, this is where most first-years will eat their meals. It's a great place to meet up with friends between classes and catch up!

TheLeaveyCenterisourotherstudentcenter

Inside, students often study or hang out in Sellinger Lounge Additionally, Leavey has multiple dining options, a student-run convenience store, and the GU Bookstore Leavey is also home to The Cawley Career Center, which offers career counseling and industryadvisingservicestostudents

Lauisapopularplacetostudyandhasavariety of amenities including group study rooms, computers, the Maker Hub, quiet study floors, andastudent-runcoffeeshop(MidnightMug) Lau also houses the WritingCenter, a place for students to get help from their peers on papers Encourage your student to explore thecountlessFREEresourcesLauoffers!

GSP Lounge

Healey Family Student Center (HSFC)

Thomas & Dorothy Leavey Center (Leavey)

Leo O'Donovan Dining Hall (Leo's)

Lauinger Library (Lau)

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington is a busy city how safe is the campus?

Georgetown takes student safety very seriously! For example, if your student wants to go somewhere within a half-mile of Georgetown at night, the university provides a free van service called Saferides. Saferides service begins every evening at 8PM. The service is available until 2AM Sunday-Wednesday and until 3AM Thursday-Saturday All residential buildings have electronic card readers so only students with Georgetown identification cards can get into the buildings Students can also download the LiveSafe app to receive safety alerts on campus For more information on the Georgetown University Police Department (GUPD) and some campus services, visit policegeorgetownedu

What if my student is struggling or failing a class?

Your student's best academic resources are their teaching assistants (TAs), professors, and their academic dean (basically their college academic guidance counselor) We encourage your student to develop a strong relationship with their deans, as they can be a huge asset in anything from an academic to a medical crisis In addition, Georgetown offers lots of academic support through tutoring While tutoring is free for some classes, other classes might require that your student find and pay for a tutor on their own. To help offset the cost of tutoring, students may apply for a GSP Necessity Grant They can reach out to the GSP staff for more information about the grant process

Will a poor grade affect my student’s scholarships at Georgetown?

NO! If your student receives a failing grade (failing is considered an F), they will first be put on academic probation They will NOT lose scholarship aid as a result of academic probation However, violations of the code of conduct (such as possessing illegal substances) can result in loss of financial aid per federal rules.

Whom can we contact in an emergency?

In an emergency, you can contact GUPD Keep in mind, due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the university cannot release private student information if they are over 18. Transcripts, disciplinary records, contact information, and class schedules are all protected under FERPA Upon a student turning 18 years old, the right to this information is transferred from parents/guardians to the student only

Frequently Asked Questions

What will we do with my student’s belongings during the summer?

GSP offers discounted storage annually through the on-campus service Corp Storage that your student can sign up for There are outside storage companies that can provide this service also, but your student would have to pay the full cost

Do we have to come to Family Weekend? Can we visit another time?

Parents can always visit campus There are a variety of hotels nearby, though some cheaper options can be found in across the bridge in Virginia, (which is a short bus or walk from campus!) We suggest that you always clear a visit with your student in advance; otherwise, paper and exam deadlines may leave them with no time to spend with family! While it is not required for you to attend Family Weekend, it can be a fun way to get to know the university better and become acquainted with its resources

My student already has health insurance how can we avoid paying for the health insurance that Georgetown offers students?

If your student is fully covered under another plan, they can waive the cost of the GU Student Health Insurance Plan For more information visit: studenthealthinsurancegeorgetownedu/waive-coverage/ Your student should first call Medicaid or your insurance provider to double check that they will be completely covered when in D.C. In either case, do not let cost be a factor! Students can contact their financial aid team to see if they are eligible for a Georgetown Health Insurance Scholarship to cover that cost if finances are a burden

What happens if my student was hospitalized for underage drinking?

This isn't common, but parents have asked just to be well-informed. We encourage students to partake in safe activities. If you are comfortable, it can be helpful to talk to your student about the reality of drugs and alcohol on college campuses The Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service (GERMS), the on-campus paramedic team, can provide medical services and transport students to the oncampus hospital. GERMS has a medical amnesty policy, which allows students to seek treatment without disciplinary consequences from the university You may receive a bill from the GU Hospital, but it will not go on your student's record.

Glossary

All active links in the e-copy can be found below!

Georgetown Scholars Program: https://gspgeorgetownedu/ Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle: https://transportation.georgetown.edu/guts/

MARC Train: https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule?type=marc-train

Move-In Information: https://residentiallivinggeorgetownedu/living/move/new/ Meal Plans: https://wwwhoyaeatscom/meal-plans/

Mail Services: https://auxiliarygeorgetownedu/home-page/mail-services/student-mail-andpackage-faqs/

Financial Aid Office Contact Information: https://finaidgeorgetownedu/contact-us

Necessity Grants: https://gspgeorgetownedu/student-resources-2/currentstudents/necessity-grants-2/

Hoya360 Platform: https://hoya360.georgetown.edu/s/

Alternative Breaks Program: https://csj.georgetown.edu/csjprograms/abp/

Academic Calendar: https://registrargeorgetownedu/main-campus-multi-year-academiccalendar/

Campus Ministry: https://campusministrygeorgetownedu/

Office of Student Equity and Inclusion: https://oseigeorgetownedu/

Center for Multicultural Equity and Access: https://cmeageorgetownedu

Community Scholars Program: https://cmeageorgetownedu/community-scholars/ Women's Center: https://womenscentergeorgetownedu

LGBTQ Resource Center: https://lgbtq.georgetown.edu

Student Health Center: https://studenthealth.georgetown.edu/medical-care/ Health Education Services: https://studenthealthgeorgetownedu/health-promotion/ Yates Field House: https://recreationgeorgetownedu/ Meditation Center: https://johnmaincenterorg

Student Health Insurance Office: https://studenthealthinsurancegeorgetownedu

Counseling and Psychiatric Services: https://studenthealthgeorgetownedu/mental-health/ Student Employment Office: https://seogeorgetownedu/

CampusGroups: https://georgetown.campusgroups.com/home login

MyAccess: https://myaccess.georgetown.edu

Academic Resource Center: https://academicsupport.georgetown.edu/

Cawley Career Education Center: https://careercentergeorgetownedu/

Writing Center: https://writingcentergeorgetownedu/ Saferide: https://policegeorgetownedu/campus/saferides/

LiveSafe: https://uisgeorgetownedu/livesafe/

GU Police Department: https://policegeorgetownedu/

Family Weekend: https://familygeorgetownedu/family-weekend/ Health Insurance Waiver: https://studenthealthinsurance.georgetown.edu/waivecoverage/

Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service: http://www.georgetownems.org