Frequently Asked Questions

Parents are only notified if the student is under 18 years old or if the sanctions for that violation that constitutes housing probation or disciplinary probation.

I just got an email saying that I violated the Code of Conduct. What happens next?

First, if you are confused about why you are being charged with a specific violation, you should go to the Office of Student Conduct on the 5th floor of Leavey and ask to see the incident report. Next, you should attend the meeting that is listed on the email that you received. If you have a conflict, be sure to respond to the email and let them know about your conflict. You will need to find time for another meeting. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO THIS. If you have any questions about this process, the Student Advocacy Office can help you out. Contact us at [email protected].

What is DPS? What do they do?

DPS is the Department of Public Safety, and they serve as the police force on campus. They patrol on-campus. If they ask for your GoCard, you need to give it to them. If you do not have your GoCard, provide them with another form of ID to avoid a “Failure to Comply” charge.

What is SNAPS? What do they do?

SNAPS is the neighborhood patrol that operates from 10pm-3am on Thursday - Saturday. They drive around the neighborhoods surrounding the Georgetown campus and look for parties that appear to be becoming too loud. If they approach a house that you are at, remain calm. They will knock on the door and speak to the owner of the house. They may either simply ask the people in the house to be quieter or they may break-up the party. Comply with what SNAPS asks, including if they ask for your GoCard. However, under no circumstances is a SNAP patrol member allowed to enter a home.

What is MPD? What can they do?

MPD is the official police of the District of Columbia. They have all the same jurisdictions as the police in your own hometown. They have the right to arrest you. If they approach you, cooperate with them. This can go along way in helping keep you out of real trouble. However, also remember that you have the right to remain silent.

What is the difference between SNAP, DPS, and MPD?

SNAP, DPS, and MPD all have different jurisdictions. SNAP is a neighborhood patrol, but they are not police. They technically are university administrators, so you are required to provide them with your GoCard, if they ask for it. DPS is the campus department of public safety. They only have jurisdiction on-campus. Finally, MPD has jurisdiction in the greater DC area, including the neighborhoods surrounding the Georgetown campus. They have the power to arrest you.

When am I required to show my GoCard? When am I required to show my actual ID?

You are required to show your GoCard whenever entering a student dorm building, as well as certain other campus buildings, such as Lau. Additionally, you must show your GoCard whenever a university administrator asks for it. University administration includes, but is not limited to DPS, SNAP, and RAs.

When is an RA, SNAP, DPS, or MPD allowed to enter an on-campus residence? An off-campus house?

An RA cannot enter an on-campus residence without your permission unless DPS is present and that DPS officer has received permission from the Office of Student Affairs. If they knock on your door, you may speak to them outside your residence; you don’t need need to invite you in. An RA can ask you to open any doors/drawers in your room, but you are not required to comply with their request. However, if they deem it appropriate, they can call DPS to initiate a search. An RA can only write a report detailing what they see, so if you speak with them outside and they do not see any alcohol, they cannot speculate.

DPS is only allowed to enter an on-campus residence when they have the permission of the Office of Student Affairs. DPS can never enter an off-campus residence.

SNAP is never allowed to enter either an on-campus or off-campus residence.

MPD is only allowed to enter both on-campus and off-campus residences when they have obtained a search warrant or if you provide consent.

What is GERMS? What services do they provide?

GERMS is a student-run EMT service. They provide free and confidential medical help, including help for students who have consumed too much alcohol. They also have a “medical amnesty” policy. This means that you can call them, even if you are under the influence of alcohol, without fear of being punished for drinking illegally.

My underage roommates have alcohol/illegal drugs in our dorm/apartment. They are not mine and I do not use them. Can I get written up for this?

If drugs or alcohol are found in a residence, all residents will receive an email with charges and have to attend a disciplinary meeting. In order to have the charges dropped, whoever the drugs or alcohol belongs to needs to accept responsibility and claim them as their own.

For more FAQs, please see: http://studentconduct.georgetown.edu/FAQ/