Dear Members of the Georgetown Community:

I am writing to share important updates and reminders with regard to our 2020-21 University Holiday Calendar (new window). 

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 (new window). All hourly employees should follow the time entry procedures outlined in this job aid (new window) to enter their hours for Tuesday, January 19th.

Virtual classes that are scheduled will continue, and all employees who are able to telework should do so. Employees who are scheduled to be on campus on Tuesday and who are unable to telework should consult with their managers for guidance. Any exception requested for on-campus operations on Tuesday, January 19, should be directed to the appropriate EVP or COO Office. The University expects to resume normal operations on Thursday, January 21. 

We are taking these steps in response to safety concerns in and around Washington, DC, for the coming week. On January 11, DC Mayor Bowser and the Governors of Maryland and Virginia issued a joint statement (new window) urging people not to come to Washington and to participate in inauguration events virtually. The University is coordinating closely with federal and local authorities on safety planning and more information will be shared with the University community in the days ahead.

All GUTS bus service will be suspended on Monday, January 18; Tuesday, January 19; and Wednesday, January 20. There will also be no University mail services during these three days. On the Main Campus, COVID testing will continue as scheduled throughout next week and on the Law Campus COVID testing will be available on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of next week. 

We understand how disruptive and disturbing recent events have been and that there is the potential for additional challenging days ahead. As a reminder you can find more information about free mental health resources available on the Mental Health, Wellness and Health Care Resources page (new window).

Finally, as a reminder, each year, as part of Georgetown University’s MLK: “Let Freedom Ring!” Initiative, President DeGioia hosts the John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award Ceremony. This year’s ceremony will be virtual, and you can watch it live at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 18 via the Georgetown Facebook page (new window). 

In addition, the Center for Social Justice encourages members of our community to reflect on one of Dr. King’s famous speeches via Teach the Speech (new window). This year, the Georgetown community is invited to focus on Dr. King’s 1965 speech “Our God is Marching On.” In addition, faculty and staff are invited to join the January 19 Teach the Speech Teach-In workshop (new window), featuring three mini-keynote addresses and dialogue with the speakers. The last 11 months have been like no other in modern history so we encourage you to join this special event next Tuesday and to be uplifted by the enduring words of Dr. King.

Thank you for all you do in support of Georgetown University.

Sincerely,

Anthony D. Kinslow, MA, JD
Chief Human Resources Officer
Vice President of Human Resources