URGENT: Is your new Hoya an Emerging Leader??

The Emerging Leaders Program

Fall 2012

Interested in developing your ability to lead and interacting with an array of current student leaders? Then apply for the Emerging Leaders Program, an 8 week course designed to provide freshmen and sophomores opportunities for self-discovery through a series of informative lectures and dynamic activities, culminating in a ropes course and presentation of a
 personal leadership certificate.

For more information or to apply go to:

hoyalink.georgetown.edu/organization/gold

Application open: Sunday, July 15^th – Wednesday,  August 1st

Welcome to Campus Activities!

Dear new Hoya families,

It is an honor to be among the first to welcome you to the Hilltop! While the campus is serene and peaceful now, my colleagues and I in the Center for Student Programs spend the summer preparing for the weeks in August and September when Copley Lawn is teaming with new and returning Hoyas excited about the promise of another school year.

New students often find that getting acclimated to campus means finding organizations to join and co-curricular opportunities to explore. These avenues lead to new friendships and allow students to shape the campus and make it their own. Here’s a quick preview of what’s to come for your new Hoya this fall as she or he begins co-curricular life on the campus:

Welcome Week begins just as New Student Orientation ends, which provides a seamless transition to a week of activities for all Hoyas to experience the best of Georgetown. The hallmarks of the week include a major speaker, Community Resource Expo, the Student Activities Fair, Community Service Day, a Late Night entertainment event and dozens of small receptions, socials, meetings and workshops where students can meet people who share common interests and experiences. (Also, free food is in abundance during Welcome Week!

The Student Activities Fair is the best time to learn about the clubs and organizations and consider how to get involved on campus. Each organization hosts a table on Copley Lawn and hopes to recruit new members to carry on that group’s traditions and start new ones. The day is full of music and dance performances (with information about group auditions), colorful table displays, and of course, free food.

Weekend social life includes a variety of events sponsored by What’s After Dark, the late night programming initiative that ensures that the Hilltop is as vibrant on Saturday night as it is on Monday afternoon. Concerts, dance parties, off-campus trips, comedy shows and free movies are just some of the events that bring the campus to life after hours. New Hoyas can never claim to be bored.

Washington, DC is an engaging place to attend college; we offer many different programs that help students explore the gifts and resources of the city. Students can kayak on the Potomac River, climb rocks at nearby parks or hike the local trails with Georgetown Outdoor Education. The Big Hunt is a city-wide scavenger hunt held in October where teams of new students compete for prizes by visiting sites around the city. Not only is this a great way to meet people and explore lesser-known areas, but new Hoyas become experts in the local public transportation systems. Finally, for the culturally inclined student, Georgetown Program Board hosts outings to local theater and music performances, with deeply discounted tickets. Past trips have included shows like Wicked and Rent for tickets as low as $20.

As you undoubtedly know, Georgetown students are leaders in every sense of the word. Our students are committed to building traditions, challenging assumptions, demonstrating and honing their many skills and advocating for positive change on campus and in the world. Many students choose to do this through co-curricular involvement in organizations that complement their classroom interests. Our robust political groups, debating societies, social justice organizations, cultural groups, club sports teams and performance troupes offer something for everyone, whether your Hoya has been practicing since she was 5 or decided last week that this is his or her favorite new passion.

A word of advice: all students encounter the moment when they find they are “overcommitted” and the convergence of classroom work, co-curricular responsibilities, and social commitments throws a wrench in their plans. Learning to prioritize and make careful choices about how to spend the most precious resource – time – is one of the best ways to build resilience and a sense of competency. When this happens to your Hoya, our advising strategy is to ask questions that help refine priorities and to recommend steps that can help your student achieve balance and build skills to manage multiple demands. It is also our goal to help students reflect openly and honestly on the deeper meaning of their commitments and how to best demonstrate these commitments in ways that are personally fulfilling. As we engage each Hoya as a whole person, we recognize the unique interests, aptitudes, and abilities that each contributes to the vibrant and active life on campus.

Congratulations on beginning this path with your student. We look forward to welcoming you in person in August.

Best wishes,

Erika Cohen Derr

Director, Center for Student Programs

Welcome to Academics

Greetings from the Georgetown College Dean’s Office, where we are preparing to welcome the Class of 2015 and our new transfer students in just a few weeks!

Much like the Dean's Office, your homes must flurries of activity as you prepare your sons and daughters for their arrival at Georgetown. Admidst your preparations, we ask that you make note of a very important deadline. New Georgetown students are expected to select and submit their fall course requests by 5:00 PM EST on Friday, July 27.

Recently, we mailed your sons and daughters a Guide to Preregistration for New Students, which will walk them through the various steps involved in selecting a schedule of courses for the fall. Click here to visit our Guide to Preregistration for New Students 2012 on our website.

We encourage you to sit down to read these materials as a family. Explore Georgetown College’s General Education requirements and discuss which requirements might be good fits for the first semester – theology, philosophy, humanities and writing, history, social science, math, science, and foreign language. Consider which combinations of courses provide balance, allowing your sons and daughters to pursue established areas of interest while seeking out unchartered disciplines.

Welcome School of Nursing & Health Studies Families!

Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies celebrates the important role that parents play in their child's educational development and college years.

From the moment your child arrives on GeorgetownUniversity's campus at New Student Orientation, NHS faculty and staff look forward to developing a strong relationship with members of the school's parent community. This relationship exists through Commencement and beyond.

Each year, the school hosts signature on-campus events that it hopes you will enjoy as parents. For example, Parents' Weekend and Fall Ball are always highlights of the academic year. We look forward to meeting you in person for the first time during move-in at the Dean’s Welcome and Parents Reception on Saturday, August 27, at 2:00 pm in the Copley Formal Lounge.

When you are not on the Hilltop, the school maintains virtual ways of staying connected. Please, for instance, take a moment to find NHS on Facebook.com by clicking here. Through this site, you will receive regular news about the exciting things happening at the school.

Finally, always feel free to contact the Office of Student Academic Affairs. Visit the office's Web site, by clicking here.

WELCOME TO THE McDONOUGH SCHOOL OF BUSINESS! 

The Robert Emmett McDonough School of Business educates future business leaders of the highest ability, integrity, and commitment to improve the world. Faculty foster a learning environment based on teaching and research that challenge students to take an active role in the education process. The school is committed to developing leaders capable of making complex business decisions in a global environment and who are dedicated to serving their companies, society, and humanity.

For more information regarding about MSB, feel free to to visit our website here. We look forward to meeting you!

WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE! 

The Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS) Dean’s Office is delighted to welcome your son/daughter to Georgetown University this fall! The undergraduate program of the SFS, Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS), places a unique emphasis on advising. The mission of the BSFS Program Dean’s Office is to guide your students’ academic and personal development within the greater mission of the SFS and the University. We do this by providing customized advice and services to your students, connecting their interests with their academic backgrounds, academic and non-academic opportunities, and faculty expertise.

Upon matriculation, every new student is assigned one of six associate and assistant deans. Once a student selects a major, advising becomes more specialized in order to assist students in constructing a coherent plan of study within their area of concentration. Each major has a curricular dean, responsible for administering the major program and advising students on all matters relating to major study. The curricular dean begins working with students on the major declaration process during the second year and continues advising until graduation. Curricular deans have specialized knowledge of their major programs and are familiar with course offerings, faculty specializations, and appropriate overseas study programs.

The deans are also prepared to assist students with challenging personal experiences that may arise during their time here, and can refer students to a variety of on-campus support resources, ranging from academic tutoring to health care provision. We urge you to encourage your children to contact their deans anytime they require assistance or have questions about life at Georgetown.

We at the SFS strongly believe that the relationships among faculty, students, and administrators should provide students with a meaningful experience that they will be able to reflect upon years after graduation. We look forward to welcoming you and your son/daughter in a few weeks.

Here are some useful links about the SFS and the BSFS program:

http://sfs.georgetown.edu/

http://bsfs.georgetown.edu/

Welcome to DC

Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching, and Service

The Center for Social Justice Research, Teaching and Service (CSJ) is one of the many ways that Georgetown students can be engaged in our local and global communities. We hope that service and social justice become a way of life for our students in the Jesuit tradition of becoming men and women for others.

To learn more about CSJ and the scope of learning and engagement in social justice issues in Washington, DC and beyond, go to http://socialjustice.georgetown.edu/.

CSJ provides opportunities for students to get involved in service and social action programs in a variety of ways, including outreach programs, student-run organizaitons, academic coursework and research, alternative spring break trips and summer global immersion trips.

Below is a short reflection from one of our student leaders engaged in the Washington, DC community, Stephanie Frenel (SFS ’12):

When I first became involved in the Center for Social Justice, I had no idea I would find my second home. As a leader of many programs within the CSJ, being an advocate for social justice issues forced me to expand my horizons and to develop my own beliefs and understanding of the world. The amount of growth I experienced working through the Center for Social Justice cannot be compared to anything else I have endured at Georgetown. I was appalled by the plethora of issues festering in the DC community. Nevertheless I felt comforted by the many like-minded students and staff who were willing to stand by my side and work towards solving the same problems. Being an active member of the Center for Social Justice not only enlightened me, but it also empowered me to become a strong voice within the Georgetown community, taking my Georgetown experience far beyond what I could have ever expected.

The Georgetown One Card: GOCard

What is a GOCard?

It's the official identification card of Georgetown University, and much more! It's the way to pay for your purchases on and off campus. The GOCard simplifies campus life.Use your GOCard to buy books, food, supplies, purchase event tickets, entry into the dining hall and even do your laundry. Your GOCard will also allow you access into academic buildings and residence halls. At Georgetown, it's the only card you'll need.

First steps. Avoid waiting in line to take your GOCard photo when you arrive on campus - submit your photo this summer!

Refer to the mailing notifying you of your NETID and password, and visit our website at http://gocard.georgetown.edu/managing/first/. Fill out and submit your photo and Student Advantage application, so everything will be ready for. 

What are the photo requirements for GOCard submission?

Submit your photo via email (jpeg files only please), email to:GOCardphoto@georgetown.edu or US Mail. The following requirements will apply:

Your photo should be in color, show a clear, full face, front view of yourself. Do not look down or to either side. Your photo should display your head, including both face and hair, from the crown of the head to the tip of the chin, and from hairline side-to-side. Head coverings are acceptable due to religious beliefs, provided the head covering shows a full front view of the face, does not cast a shadow onto the face, shows an overall pattern in the fabric or material (not a graphic design). Adequate documentation for the person wearing a traditional facemask or veil is required. Prescription glasses may be worn for the photo; however, there should be no reflections from the eyeglasses that obscure the eyes. Dark glasses or nonprescription glasses with tinted lenses are not acceptable unless they are needed for medical reasons. A medical certificate may be required. No hats are allowed. The key requirement for your GU GOCard ID is that the photo clearly identifies the cardholder.

Where can I pick up my GOCard?

All individuals are expected to pick up their GOCard in person at the GOCard Office in Darnall Hall. You will need to show a valid Government issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport). 

Welcome to the Academic Resource Center

Greetings from the Academic Resource Center! Located on the third floor of the Leavey Center, our office provides academic support and guidance to Georgetown students. We hope that your new student is feeling excited and ready for a Georgetown education.

Sometimes first year students are surprised by the demands of their coursework and don't know where to turn for help. We always recommend that students work with their professors and TAs (Teaching Assistants) first. If they feel that they need additional support, we would be happy to point new students in the right direction, whether it be toward the Writing Center, the Math Assistance Center, one of our own study skills workshops, or another resource on campus.

The Academic Resource Center also offers support services for the specific needs of students with disabilities and student-athletes. If your new student has a disability that may require academic accommodations, please be in contact with us as soon as possible to begin the process of requesting reasonable accommodations. You can reach us via email atarc@georgetown.edu, or by calling (202) 687-8354. More information about all of our services can be found on our website:guarc.georgetown.edu.

Welcome to Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life staff is excited to welcome your student as he or she begins life on the Hilltop this fall. Our highly talented team of student Resident Assistants and professional staff members, including Hall Directors and Area Coordinators, live within the residential communities and work to support your student as they strive to succeed in their academic and person goals. We believe our residence halls are places where students can learn more about themselves, build lasting friendships, gain leadership skills, find support and develop into even more caring, engaged and respectful citizens both on-campus and off.

Students living in the residence halls experience the wonderful opportunity of being a part of a welcoming and diverse community that is grounded in so many of the Jesuit values. In close partnership with our Chaplains and Faculty in Residence, the Office of Residence Life strives to enhance the student experience at Georgetown through programming, community service and other leadership development opportunities.

To learn more about the role Residence Life plays in supporting your student’s development inside and outside of the classroom, please visit our webpage: http://reslife.georgetown.edu/

Welcome to the Student Accounts-Bursar's Office

A lot of effort is involved in preparation for the first year of college. The Office of Student Accounts-Bursar has prepared a Financial Readiness Checklist to help make things easier for you and your student.

Becoming an authorized user:

One of the most important items is to have your student set you up as an authorized user of his or her student account. Georgetown University bills electronically; paper bills will not be sent by mail. This online authorization will take the student only a few minutes to complete in Student Account Services via MyAccess, and will ensure that you receive email notifications directly whenever a new billing statement (eBill) is available online.

Please note that these email notifications are not the actual eBill; it will be important to log in to Student Account Services and view the eBill. It may contain important messages and details not present in the email notification.

As an authorized user, you will also have access to real-time account information, as well as the ability to make payments and enroll in a payment plan online. Payment Plan enrollment is only available online.

Things you can expect to be included in the eBill:

Student Health Insurance, Campus Housing, Meal Plan, and Financial Aid (if applicable). Please visit the Office of Student Accounts website to learn more about billing for new students, payment options and other useful information.

The fall eBill will be available online in late July, the spring eBill will be available online in mid December. For the academic year 2011-2012, the undergraduate full time tuition rate for a semester is $21,180 and the undergraduate per credit rate is $1,765.

For more information...

Feel free to contact the Office of Student Accounts-Bursar with any questions or concerns. Click here to see Basic General Expenses for the 2012-2013 academic year. Please be sure to provide the student name and 9 digit GUID number. They can be reached by phone: (202) 687-7100, fax: (202) 687-1133 and email: studentaccounts@georgetown.edu

A Jesuit Identity

Welcome to a Jesuit Institution

From Father Patrick Rogers, S.J.

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the Office of Campus Ministry, I’d like to welcome you to the Georgetown family!

As the nation’s oldest Catholic and Jesuit University, Georgetown has a long tradition of nurturing the intellectual and spiritual life of students. In the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, we are committed to caring for the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Along with faculty and other colleagues at the University, we strive to help our students integrate learning, faith, and service so that they can become the persons God calls them to be. Respect and reverence for each person and their faith tradition are at the very core of Georgetown’s religious and academic mission.

In Campus Ministry, we offer many opportunities for young people to engage and deepen their faith with programs like retreats and social justice work. We also help our students learn about other faith traditions in a respectful and life-changing way, appreciating differences and finding common bonds.

Our vibrant chaplaincies comprise Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, and Orthodox Christian ministers. We also support student groups from non-Abrahamic faith traditions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Latter Day Saints, to name just a few.

Fr. Kevin O’Brien, S.J., Campus Ministry’s Executive Director, oversees our ministry on Georgetown’s Main Campus, Medical Center and Law Center. I (Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J.) serve as Director of the Catholic Chaplaincy, Rev. Bryant Oskvig of the Protestant Chaplaincy, Imam Yahya Hendi of the Muslim Chaplaincy, Rabbi Rachel Gartner of the Jewish Chaplaincy, and Very Rev. Constantine White of the Orthodox Christian Chaplaincy. Each Chaplaincy has a number of student groups that support small prayer groups, religious education programs, international social justice immersion programs, and community service opportunities in Washington DC.

Two of the most important programs we provide for incoming Freshmen and Transfer students are our Chaplains/Jesuits in Residence Program and the Escape First Year Experience.

Michelle Siemietkowski is the Director of Residential Ministry. Chaplains of varied faith traditions live in each residence hall, working directly to enliven the faith lives of our students. They provide programming throughout the academic year, in addition to offering a safe space to relax, unwind, and enjoy themselves in the company of classmates and caring staff. These ministers are also an integral presence during this transitory time, welcoming students with excitement, open arms and a listening ear.  They play an important role in Georgetown’s “Safety Net,” a regular meeting of campus professionals who assist students in times of distress by finding appropriate help or services.

One particular program for incoming freshmen is the ESCAPE First Year Experience. This 24-hour getaway gives incoming freshmen and transfer students the opportunity to reflect on their transition to college while meeting (and having fun with) classmates and upperclassmen. This is a “can’t miss opportunity” for all incoming students. This popular program is finishing up its 21st year and has touched the lives of countless Hoyas for three decades!

The programs listed above are but a small part of all that the Office of Campus Ministry offers to Georgetown students, faculty and staff. If you desire more information, you can find us on the web at: http://campusministry.georgetown.edu.

We look forward to meeting your son or daughter this coming August and hope to be a part of their Hilltop experience. Please let us know if you have any questions about the services we offer as you prepare your student for their arrival. We’d be more than happy to further discuss our wonderful initiatives and programs.

Blessings,

Rev. Patrick Rogers, S.J

Welcome to Campus Housing

Welcome to the Office of Housing Services!

The Office of Housing Services welcomes new students and parents to Georgetown. Housing will begin assigning new students to campus housing in mid-July. The Living Preference Questionnaire (LPQ) is an online form that all students living on-campus are required to submit. It is used by students participating in Campus Housing Roommate Matching System (CHARMS) and by the Housing Services Office to select roommates for transfer students.

CHARMS will be available to incoming freshmen until 5:00 PM on Thursday, July 19, 2012. Questions about the housing process can be submitted to newstudenthousing@georgetown.edu. Additional information can be found on our website, http://housing.georgetown.edu.