For Parents and Families

Georgetown University takes seriously its commitment to promoting a safe and welcoming environment for minors participating in Georgetown programs and activities and non-University programs that occur on its campus. The University’s Protection of Minors Policy seeks to protect program participants who are under 18 years of age and to provide guidance to University students, faculty and staff.

The University is taking a number of important steps to establish safeguards for your child:

  • We are educating members of the University community and those who run programs on campus about the warning signs of abuse and neglect.
  • We have established clear requirements for reporting known or suspected minor abuse or neglect.
  • We have created “guidelines for working with minors” for those who are involved in programs involving minors.
  • We are requiring training on sexual misconduct for those who will work alone with or spend the night in residence halls with minors.
  • We are requiring certain categories of adults who participate in programs or activities involving minors to clear criminal background checks.

In addition to the steps Georgetown has taken, there are important things you can do to protect your child:

  • In case of an emergency, one should immediately call Georgetown’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) at (202) 687.4343, the Georgetown Law Center Department of Public Safety at (202) 662.9325, or the Metropolitan Police Department at 911.
  • Let Georgetown know promptly (by contacting the Office of Compliance and Ethics at (202) 687.6493 if your child expresses concern about behavior that may be abusive or neglectful.
  • Talk to your child using age-appropriate language about the following:
    • The difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.
    • The fact that children can say NO to any touch they don’t want and that they should trust and pay attention to their feelings and ask questions when they feel uncomfortable.
    • The fact that children can and should speak up if they ever feel unsafe. 

Minor Guest Policy at Georgetown University

The Minor Guest Policy concerns individuals who are guests of Georgetown University residential students.  Guests under the age of 16 are not permitted in campus residences, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests who are 16 or 17 may visit or stay overnight with permission from their parent or guardian.  A parent or guardian must indicate their permission for the minor guest to visit and/or stay overnight in a residence hall by completing a Minor Guest Permission Form.  Learn more about the Minor Guest Policy on the Student Living web page.