In Sudden Reversal, GU Goes All-Virtual
By • July 30, 2020 0 1013
After spending weeks deciding what to do for the fall 2020 semester, Georgetown University has made a complete reversal, citing current pandemic and public health conditions. The university was originally supposed to bring 2,000 undergrads, including all freshmen, to the main campus. Courses will now begin in virtual mode, according to a letter from GU President John J. DeGioia.
Certain activities, such as biomedical, life sciences and physical sciences research, will take place on campus. In-person education will begin as soon as health conditions will allow it.
This decision comes on the heels of students expressing their disapproval about numerous rejections of upperclassmens’ requests for on-campus housing, as The Georgetowner reported last week. The students were upset that some who were living in insecure home situations were not given housing.
Guidance about transitioning from an all-virtual mode will be shared by academic leaders at the appropriate time, DeGioia said.
GU’s decision follows Mayor Muriel Bowser’s extension of D.C.’s state of emergency through Oct. 9. In addition, there are currently restrictions on travel into D.C. from 27 states; those who enter the District from these states, categorized as “high-risk,” are to self-quarantine for two weeks. These facts more than likely contributed to Georgetown’s decision.
