Dear Students,
President DeGioia just announced that Georgetown University will offer all of its courses in online format at the beginning of the semester and that some will later return to an in-person hyflex or hybrid format, if and when circumstances allow. The university will continue to work with the DC Mayor’s office and health officials to assess the situation frequently.
We are surprised with this decision and recognize what a significant shift this is for our entire community. We will work with all students as you adapt to this new development. As always, we will share all information we have available, as the situation continues to unfold.
We are actively working with our faculty as they adapt their courses to this new format. The faculty will meet in the near future to discuss this announcement, and a range of other issues (DEI, course planning, etc.) for the fall.
If you haven’t already read it, you should also read Provost Groves’ message about tuition reduction.
We are particularly concerned about the impact on our international students. While many of these decisions are made centrally, we are working closely with the Dean’s Office and University administration to address the implications of this change for international students.
The announcement includes the possibility of obtaining sufficient in-person instruction to meet visa demands. In recognition of visa concerns, we are asking all MSFS faculty who are currently planning to go hybrid or hyflex to be prepared to return to in-person should that become possible. We are also working with the broader SFS community to create a one-credit in-person course for those who need to meet this requirement. We are also planning to revise the language of our internship requirement to allow MSFS students on an F1 visa to meet CPT eligibility without a 2 semester residency requirement. Please consult with your OGS advisor regarding the implications of this change for F1 and other visa requirements.
We know that this is a very challenging time and that these significant changes cause significant disruption to your planning and work. Please let us know how we can support you during this time. The MSFS team is available to field questions or provide support, as you need it. We look forward to sharing more information as it becomes available.
Regards,
Director Shambaugh on behalf of the MSFS Leadership Team