Cooperative Spirit of G.U.’s Office of Neighborhood Life
By • September 27, 2021 0 1023
In August of 2012, a Town and Gown agreement was made to create a more harmonious existence between Georgetown University students and the surrounding residents. In response, The Office of Neighborhood Life (ONL) was established to encourage students to foster good relationships with permanent neighbors through exercising mature conduct throughout the residential community. Prior to the agreement, students were a larger contingency of the adjoining neighborhood due to a lack of campus housing. Now that additional dorms have been built and renovated on campus, living off campus is viewed as a privilege and an opportunity for personal growth.
ONL is located at 1300 36th St. NW and reminds students that in addition to their Georgetown enrollment, they’re also a member of the local community. To reinforce this mindset, students are educated on university policies and local ordinances. ONL Director, Cory Peterson, has been with the program since its inception and believes the relationship between the two is evolving. “The ever changing needs and priorities of students and neighbors living in the neighborhood every semester brings a new challenge to tackle,” said Peterson.
ONL will continue to have its sights set on being a good neighbor in Washington’s oldest neighborhood by serving as a positive outreach to the community and effectively conveying and promoting the message of good conduct and courtesy throughout the G.U. student body. “The most interesting part of my job is getting to meet and work with new students and neighbors each year to ensure the neighborhood is a great place to live for everyone,” said Peterson.
The Student Neighborhood Assistance Program (SNAP) falls under ONL’s jurisdiction and is in place to enhance safety and assist students. SNAP vehicles respond to concerns raised by both students and community members residing in West Georgetown, Burleith, Foxhall, the Cloisters, and adjacent neighborhoods. Whether it’s a house party or an excessive noise complaint, they will address and report the concern to the Office of Student Conduct, who will in-turn follow up with the student(s) involved. Sanctions are issued on a case-by-case basis depending on the circumstances of the incident to students who are found violating the Code of Student Conduct.
SNAP can be contacted through a 24/7 GU Helpline by calling 202-687-8413. During the academic year, SNAP operates from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Shifts from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. also run on Friday and Saturday nights in early fall and late spring. On Friday and Saturday nights during the summer months, SNAP operates from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Each vehicle on patrol will have a SNAP decal and a solid amber light.
Neighbors are encouraged to contact Peterson at 202-687-5138 to discuss G.U. related concerns in the neighborhood or by email at neighborhoodlife@georgetown.edu. For any additional information, visit neighborhood.georgetown.edu
