GEORGETOWN SCHOLARS PROGRAM Parent Guide
WELCOME
Dear loved ones of our newest class of GSP,
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 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 our largest cohort to date! Being part of the GSP community means gaining a strong sense of belonging, empowerment and understanding of their identities, and access to various resources to succeed at Georgetown University.
Hoya Saxa and Welcome!
The GSP Staff
TRAVEL TO GEORGETOWN
Driving to D.C. 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.
Serving cities all up and down the eastern seaboard, Union Station is a convenient metro ride from campus. It services AMTRAK, MARC, as well as various bus companies.
PLANE
DCA IAD BWI
TRAIN
DCA is the closest and most accessible airport to campus, with a metro to Rosslyn station and a free GUTS bus to Georgetown. It's also a short ride away but has fewer flights.
IAD, a larger airport 30 minutes from D.C., offers more flights and possibly cheaper options. Students often use GroupMe to share rides, which cost $40-$60.
BWI, far from campus, may have cheaper flights but involves significant transportation costs and time. A shuttle from BWI to the MARC train to Union Station, followed by GUTS, metro, or a ride, is an option if necessary. Direct rides to campus from BWI can be upwards of $70.
GSP MOVE-IN PERKS
BEDDINGINITIATIVE
GSP offers free bedding (including a reversible comforter, two sets of sheets, a blanket, a pillow, and towels) to all incoming first-year students who sign up for the Bedding Initiative. This initiative is intended to ease the stress and financial burden of arriving on campus.
PROJECTMOVE-IN
Move-In for first-year and new transfer students is on August 22nd and 23rd. If your student will be traveling alone, they can sign up for Project Move-In, where Georgetown volunteers will meet and assist them for move-in!
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MEAL PLANS, MAIL, & PACKAGES MEALPLANS
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 dorms and prepare it on their own time. Make sure your student budgets for how much they’ll spend eating off campus (including meals during travel).
MAIL&PACKAGES
Students can use the following mailing address:
(Student Full Name)
(Building and Room Number)
Georgetown University
3700 O St N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20057
Note: mail often takes a few days to process before your student receives a notification. If you plan to send packages for move-in, review the mailing services FAQs and expect delays.
FINANCES
College brings many hidden costs aside from tuition (e.g. books, transportation, food, and more). Your student may 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. 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 REFUNDS LOANS
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, professional development, and winter attire to name a few!
If your student has a refund available after classes begin, 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!
Many students take on an excess of jobs or jump into severe credit card debt out of fear of accepting loans offered in their financial aid package. Accepting loans can help your student focus on their studies without added financial stress. Ask your student to talk to their financial aid team about any loans offered in their package.
BREAKS & HOLIDAYS
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 in service trips that involve immersion in different communities such as D.C., the border, Appalachia, and others. ABP has scholarship opportunities available! Last but not least, they're amazing opportunities for learning.
For students staying on campus, GSP organizes vents over the Thanksgiving, Spring, and Easter Breaks so that GSPers (what we call students in GSP!) can enjoy fun activities together. tudents who stay sense that special 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.
SENSE OF BELONGING AT GEORGETOWN
AFFINITYSPACES
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, the LGBTQ Resource Center, and the Disability Cultural Center! OSEI and all the offices within promote student development and belonging.
FAITHATGEORGETOWN
rgetown University and Campus stry embrace students of diverse s and backgrounds, encouraging oration and acceptance of all beliefs. campus offers chaplains from various ious traditions who live in dorms and ide valuable support and resources to ents.
STUDENT WELLNESS
WELLNESS
Students can access resources like Campus Ministry, the Student Health Center, Health Education Services (HES), and the campus gym "Yates," which is included in tuition, as well as a free Meditation Center, to support their wellbeing. Encourage your student to find a healthy balance in the various parts of their lives for their well-being!
INSURANCE COUNSELING
All students must have health insurance and are automatically enrolled in the GU Student Health Insurance Plan unless they waive it with other coverage. Ensure state Medicaid or your employer insurance fully covers them in D.C. to avoid large bills. Scholarships are available to alleviate the cost. Eligibility is based on a student’s estimated family contribution (EFC). For details, contact the financial aid team.
The university offers free, confidential counseling through Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), with short-term and additional sessions available at no cost for GSP students.
Encourage your student to use CAPS for support during their transition or anytime. For assistance, call (202) 6876985, including after-hours emergencies.
STUDENT SOCIAL LIFE 9
Georgetown is located in the vibrant and accessible city of Washington, D.C., 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 D.C.
College life offers freedom but also new challenges, especially for students away from home for the first time. Discuss making responsible decisions about relationships, social lives, and partying. Talk with them about developing healthy relationships and balance. Encourage them to care for themselves, explore interests, and engage in campus activities beyond academics.
EXTRACURRICULARS
Georgetown offers extracurricular activities and club sports, per political organizations, Students can also start match their interests! W to join 1-2 activities to involved in campus life clubs and daily events Georgetown Campu numerous opportunities to engage and connect!
EMPLOYMENT
Many students work during the school year to earn money, cover personal expenses, and build their resumes. By visiting seo.georgetown.edu students can find various on-or-off-campus jobs and filter positions by FWS (Federal Work-Study) or non-FWS. We recommend not working too many hours, especially during the first semester, to ease the transition to college life! As they adjust, students take on more responsibilities and seek professional development opportunities, such as internships.
CLASSES & GRADES
CLASSSCHEDULE GRADES
Students take new classes each semester, with two semesters per academic year. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Students can create schedules either with classes back-to-back or with breaks in between. Encourage your student to take breaks and set aside time for themselves, especially during their first semester transition!
Grades in college differ from high school. A great GPA at Georgetown is typically above 3.0 after the first semester. It's normal for grades to be lower initially as students adjust, but they usually improve with time! Encourage your student to utilize resources like the Academic Resource Center, tutoring services, study groups, and professors' or TAs' office hours.
FINALS
Midterms can occur anytime within the two middle months of a semester, typically known as “midterm season ” , while finals take place over about a week and a half at the semester's end. These periods are stressful, with students intensively preparing for exams, but the GSP Lounge is always open for study breaks!
NOTABLE CAMPUS SPACES
BLACKHOUSE/CASALATINA
Encourage your student to visit Georgetown’s diversity education spaces - Black House and Casa Latina - where students host dialogues, study breaks, community programming, and catered events!
HEALEYFAMILYSTUDENTCENTER(HFSC)
HFSC has individual study rooms, group meeting rooms, as well as indoor and outdoor study and social spaces. There is also a TV lounge, two dance studios, programming and event rooms, and a student-run food location!
OFFICEOFSTUDENTEQUITY&INCLUSION
OSEI promotes accessibility with features including a multipurpose room, a unique sensory room, 31 student workstations, and 2 areas for studying and relaxing!
LEAVEYCENTER(LEAVEY)
LAUINGERLIBRARY(LAU)
Lau is equipped with group study rooms, computers, the Maker Hub, quiet study floors, and a student-run coffee shop. It houses the Writing Center, where students can get help from peers on papers for FREE!
Leavey has study, social, and worship spaces. It also has multiple dining options, a studentrun convenience store, the GU Bookstore, and it is home to the Cawley Career Center, which offers career counseling.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Washingtonisabusy city,howsafeisthe campus?
Georgetown prioritizes student safety. The university offers a free service called Saferides for trips within a half-mile of campus, operating from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday-Wednesday and until 3 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. All buildings have electronic locks accessible only with Georgetown ID cards. Students can download the LiveSafe app for campus safety alerts. For more information about campus police (GUPD) and other services, visit police.georgetown.edu.
Whatifmystudentis strugglingorfailinga class?
Students' best academic resources are their TAs, professors, and academic deans. Developing a strong relationship with their dean can be crucial for support in various situations. Georgetown offers extensive academic support through tutoring, which is free for some classes. For classes requiring paid tutors, students can apply for a GSP Necessity Grant to help offset costs. Students can contact GSP staff for more information about the grant process.
Willapoorgrade affectmystudent’s scholarshipsat Georgetown? NO! If your student receives a failing grade (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.
Whathappensifmy studentwas hospitalizedfor underagedrinking?
HowcanIwaive Georgetown’s studenthealth insurance?
Whatwillwedowith mystudent’s belongingsduring thesummer?
We encourage students to participate in healthy and safe activities. We advise you to have a discussion with your student before they leave. Georgetown's Emergency Response Medical Services (GERMS) offers medical services and transport to the hospital with a medical amnesty policy, ensuring that there will not be disciplinary consequences. Hospital bills may be issued but won't appear on the student's record.
If FULLY COVERED by another plan, students can waive the Georgetown provided health insurance plan. Visit studenthealthinsurance.georgetown.edu/waive-coverage/ for more info.
GSP offers discounted storage annually that your student can sign up for. There are various external storage companies that can provide this service, but your student would have to pay the full cost. First-year students have access to an additional grant to help offset these costs in addition to the discount with our partner!
GLOSSARY
Linksbelowarelistedbyorderofappearance.
Georgetown Scholars Program (GSP): gsp.georgetown.edu/
Hoya Eats: www.hoyaeats.com/meal-plans/
Mailing Services: auxiliary.georgetown.edu/home-page/mail-services/student-mail-andpackage-faqs/
Office of Student Financial Services (OSFS): finaid.georgetown.edu/contact-us
Necessity Grants: gsp.georgetown.edu/student-resources-2/current-students/necessitygrants-2/
Hoya360 Platform: hoya360.georgetown.edu/s/
Alternative Breaks Program (ABP): csj.georgetown.edu/csjprograms/abp/
Office of Student Equity & Inclusion (OESI): osei.georgetown.edu
Center for Multicultural Equity and Access (CMEA): cmea.georgetown.edu
Community Scholars Program (CSP): cmea.georgetown.edu/studentsupportservices/community-scholars/ Women's Center: womenscenter.georgetown.edu
LGBTQ Resource Center: lgbtq.georgetown.edu
Disability Cultural Center (DCC): disabilityculture.georgetown.edu/ Campus Ministry: campusministry.georgetown.edu
Student Health Center: studenthealth.georgetown.edu/medical-care/ Health Education Services: studenthealth.georgetown.edu/health-promotion/ Yates Field House: recreation.georgetown.edu/ Meditation Center: johnmaincenter.org
Student Health Insurance: studenthealthinsurance.georgetown.edu
CAPS: studenthealth.georgetown.edu/mental-health/ Georgetown Campus Groups: georgetown.campusgroups.com/home login
Student Employment Office: seo.georgetown.edu
Academic Resource Center: academicsupport.georgetown.edu
Diversity Education: cmea.georgetown.edu/diversity-education/ Maker Hub: library.georgetown.edu/makerhub
Writing Center: writingcenter.georgetown.edu
Cawley Career Center: careercenter.georgetown.edu
Saferides: police.georgetown.edu/campus/saferides/
LiveSafe: uis.georgetown.edu/livesafe/
GU Police Department: police.georgetown.edu/
GU Emergency Response Medical Services (GERMS): georgetownems.georgetown.edu/ Health Insurance Waiver: studenthealthinsurance.georgetown.edu/waive-coverage/
MEET THE GSP TEAM
Executive Director MissyFoy
Assistant Director CataPajarito
Associate Director BrendaFlores
Program Coordinator AlexisGreen
Deputy Director AlbertRamirez
Program Coordinator OnreiJoshLadao
