Alumni Square Relocation

Why are some Alumni Square residents being relocated?

Earlier this academic year, we notified you that we were inspecting the roofs of Alumni Square following a maintenance inquiry from the occupants of one apartment unit. Since then, we’ve made repairs in seven units and conducted weekly monitoring of the roofs. There is no indication of immediate concern. While the roofs are now being inspected daily and have been outfitted with pumps to remove excess moisture, heavy loading of the roof over time (through significant snow accumulation or extreme high wind events) may place pressure on the rafters. Out of an abundance of caution, we will relocate students out of the top floor units for the remainder of the semester. This will allow us to begin repairs and reinforcement of the roof later this month.

How many students will be relocated from their rooms in Alumni Square?

Approximately 85 students will be relocated.

Where will students be relocated?

Students will be relocated to the Georgetown University Hotel & Conference Center, accessible via the Leavey Center.

When will the relocation take place?

Students can begin moving in as soon as Monday, February 11 and as late as Friday, February 15 at 1:00 p.m.. After this date, students will no longer be able to access their top-floor units.

Once a student receives their new housing assignment, can any changes be made?

Beyond requests for accessibility accommodations, we are unable to make any changes to specific hotel assignments due to limited room availability and tight timeline. Hotel assignments are based on current direct roommate pairing.

When will students be able to return to their original housing assignments in alumni square?

Students will not be able to return to Alumni Square for the remainder of the semester.

Will students receive housing refunds?

Students living on the top floor will receive a full housing credit for the 2019 spring semester, unless they are already receiving scholarship aid that includes housing coverage. If a student is already receiving financial support from the University for housing, then nothing will change on their account.

Will students have the option to move off campus without penalty?

Students living on the top floor of Alumni Square have the option to move off-campus without the normal $1,000 cancellation fee. Students choosing to move off-campus will receive a full housing credit for the 2019 spring semester. If they make arrangements to move off-campus, arrangements and expenses are the responsibility of the student.

How will students be compensated for this relocation?

Relocated students will be receive a full housing credit for the 2019 spring semester, unless they are already receiving scholarship aid that includes housing coverage. All students will also be provided the All Access 7 meal plan and an additional $200 in flex dollars free of charge for the remainder of the semester. This meal plan will replace any meal plans currently on the student’s account, with a credit processed for the current semester balance. Weekly laundry service accounts through Wash Cycle are also available free of charge.

What meal options are available to Alumni Square residents while they are relocated?

Students will be enrolled in the All Access 7 plan and provided an additional $200 in flex dollars to use for the semester while they are living in the hotel. The Hoya Hospitality Dietitian is available to address specific dietary concerns.

Why can’t students remain in their current housing assignments?

While there is no imminent concern, we understand that heavy loading of the roof (such as through significant snow or extreme high wind events) may place pressure on the rafters. Because of the unpredictability of future weather, as well as the time for building renovation, we have decided to relocate all students living in top-floor units of Alumni Square to begin repairs.

Is it safe for students occupying the non-relocated floors to remain in their rooms in Alumni Square?

Alumni Square residents on lower floors are safe in their living units. Structural engineers have confirmed that there are no structural concerns with students continuing to occupy the lower floors of the building during this time. In addition to the monitoring that’s taken place since the fall, we are also inspecting the roofs on a daily basis. As we begin repairs to the roofs, we will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the work is minimally disruptive.

What is the scope of the work?

All three structures within Alumni Square will receive roof repairs. Only top floor units will be directly affected.

How long is the work expected to last?

The work will continue through the 2019 spring semester and should end before the 2019 fall semester.

How long has the University been aware of concerns with Alumni Square’s roof?

Earlier this academic year, we notified students that we were inspecting the roofs of Alumni Square following a maintenance inquiry from the occupants of one apartment unit. Since then, we’ve made repairs in seven units and conducted weekly monitoring of the roofs.

Have there been previous maintenance/repairs to address this issue?

One alumni square apartment (housing four students) was temporarily moved in October to reinforce and repair the ceiling. The current move will allow similar repairs to be made in all top-floor units.

The Alumni Square facilities were recently renovated during the summer months; why was this issue not addressed during the renovation period?

Over the last two years, more than 30 units within Alumni Square received interior renovations. The new repairs fall outside of previous renovation scope.

Are there similar problems in other University residence halls?

We have reviewed the residence halls on campus and have confirmed that there are no similar issues.

What should students know about checking into their assigned hotel room?

Students should be prepared to show their GOCard for ID. The GOCard will be coded at check-in and will become the hotel room key. Students will not be required to provide a credit card at check-in, however, students will be responsible for any incidental charges, and for any damages.

What should students pack? Will students need to take everything from their rooms?

Students will need to pack all items within their room in boxes provided by the University. Students should directly transport their valuable items, including ​medications, computers, and small fragile items. After the moving period, students will no longer have access to their rooms or any belongings left behind.

Will boxes be provided to students to pack their possessions?

Students will be able to pack their belongings in moving boxes provided by movers contracted by the university. Boxes will be dropped off to students’ rooms on Monday, February 11. Additional packing materials, such as newspaper, bubble wrap, markers, etc., are available for pick-up in the Alumni Square laundry room.

What furniture will be included in hotel rooms?

Each room comes equipped with a bed, desk, dresser and wardrobe. Double occupancy rooms will contain two beds, dressers and wardrobes. Bed linens will be provided. Students are responsible for providing their own towels, hangers and trash cans.

What should I do with furniture or other large items I personally purchased that won’t fit into a hotel room?

If there are large personal items that you planned to discard at the end of the semester (i.e. kitchen islands, wire storage shelves, personal furniture), those items may be clearly labeled DISCARD and left in the apartment at no charge.
If there are large personal items that you planned to take with you at the end of the semester, please visit the Alumni Square Laundry Room during designated moving periods and notify a University staff member. The staff member will visit your apartment to inventory the large item(s) and offer no-cost storage options.

How will student possessions be moved to their new residence?

All belongings should be packed and prepared to be moved by Friday, February 15 at 1 p.m. The University has contracted professional movers to move the packed and labeled items. Students will receive an assigned time when the movers will be prepared to pick up and move the belongings to the hotel room assignment.
The University has hired movers to transport students’ belongings to the hotel. Movers will only move sealed and labeled boxes and fully-closed & labeled suitcases. Markers will be provided for students to write their LAST NAME AND HOTEL ROOM NUMBER on the outside of each box. Labels will be provided for students to mark suitcases in the same manner.


Movers will be available during the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, 2/12 between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Wednesday, 2/13 between 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Thursday, 2/14 between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Friday, 2/15 between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

When you are ready for your belongings to be moved, please visit the Alumni Square Laundry Room during these periods in order to notify a University staff member. They will add your apartment to the Movers’ queue. You do not need to be at home in order for the move to occur. Movers will be chaperoned within your apartment as they remove your packed boxes and suitcases. You do not need everyone in the apartment to be ready in order to add yourself to the Movers’ queue.
Please visit the hotel starting Monday afternoon to have your GO Card coded as your room key. You may choose to occupy the hotel immediately with an overnight bag or you may remain in your Alumni Square room until Friday, February 15 at 1p.m.

Does the hotel have Wi-Fi access?

Yes, students will have access to the Georgetown University Wi-fi networks, SaxaNet and GuestNet.

Will there be laundry facilities at the hotel?

While the hotel does not provide laundry facilities, students will receive weekly laundry service from Wash Cycle. Students can drop off their laundry for pick-up at 10 a.m. on Thursdays, which will be returned on Fridays, the next day, by 7 p.m. Wash Cycle laundry bags will be available on Tuesday, February 12. Registration is required to start the service and is available through the Georgetown Wash Cycle website.

What about trash removal from the rooms?

Students are responsible to bring their own trash cans and to remove the trash. Trash bins will be located on each floor.

Will the hotel provide towels and daily service?

No. Housekeeping will service student rooms three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Housekeeping services may be refused until 10 a.m. on service days with the use of the Do Not Disturb sign. Housekeeping will enter the room after 10 a.m., even if the Do Not Disturb sign is on the door. Housekeeping includes bathroom cleaning, vacuuming and bed linen changes.

How can students receive packages/mail when staying at the hotel?

Residents of the hotel may receive packages and letter mail at the Arrupe Residence Hall Office (RHO). Students should address packages and letter mail in the following format:

Students Full Name
Arrupe RHO
Hotel Room Number
Georgetown University
3700 O St. NW
Washington, DC 20057

Example:
Jane Hoya
Arrupe RHO
Hotel Room #178
Georgetown University
3700 O ST NW
Washington, DC 20057

Please note that letters addressed as a “P.O. Box” will not be delivered.

Students are not permitted to address packages and letter mail directly to the hotel. The hotel is not responsible for delivering mailpieces addressed to the hotel to residents. Please allow for minor time delays for mail and packages that have not been addressed as outlined above while the mail and shipping companies are re-routed.

Will the University be notifying faculty members?

We encourage students to contact their faculty members directly. To support students who have been impacted by relocations, the University has sent a notice to all Georgetown faculty members.

What if I need additional time to complete class assignments because of this disruption?

We recognize that packing belongings, cleaning, and moving in the midst of the semester are unanticipated, time-consuming activities. Therefore, all faculty have been notified of this disruption and were asked to give every consideration for academic accommodations to affected students during this period.

What should students do if they have a safety concern or emergency while at the hotel?

If you feel threatened or you see anything suspicious on campus, call GUPD at (202) 687-4343. You can also contact GUPD through the LiveSafe app, which has information about emergency response and allows you to communicate with GUPD (anonymously if you prefer).

02/11/19 – Email Communication to Alumni Square Relocated Residents
02/11/19 – Email Communication to All Alumni Square Residents
02/11/19 – To Relocated Residents Regarding Transitioning to the Hotel
02/12/19 – To Relocated Residents Updates on Relocation
02/13/19 – To Relocated Residents Updates on Relocation
02/14/19 – To Relocated Residents Updates on Relocation
02/15/19 – To Relocated Residents Updates on Relocation
02/22/10 – To Relocated Residents Updates on Relocation

02/11/19 – Email Communication to Parents/Guardians of Relocated Alumni Square Residents
02/11/19 – Email Communication to Parents/Guardians of All Alumni Square Residents
02/12/19 – To Parents/Guardians Updates on Relocation
02/13/19 – To Parents/Guardians Updates on Relocation
02/14/19 – To Parents/Guardians Updates on Relocation
02/15/19 – To Parents/Guardians Updates on Relocation

02/11/19 – Broadcast Message to Faculty and Staff