Fall 2026 Registrar Welcome and Semester Information

Posted in Faculty Communications

August 19, 2026

Dear Faculty,

Welcome to Fall 2026!

As we begin a new academic year, I hope you’re returning to campus refreshed and ready for the semester ahead. The start of a new term always brings a great deal of activity, and I know how much work goes into preparing for our students’ arrival. I’m grateful for all that you do to create an engaging and supportive learning environment at Georgetown.

To help you get started, I’ve gathered some important dates, reminders, and resources below. Please take a moment to review the academic calendar and update your syllabi in GU360 and Canvas accordingly. 
 

Important Fall 2026 Dates and Information

  • Fall classes begin Wednesday, August 26. The first day of classes follows a Wednesday schedule.
  • The last day of add/drop is Friday, September 4. Students may add or drop full-session courses through this date, provided they meet applicable prerequisites and restrictions.
    • For courses requiring special permission, undergraduate students must obtain instructor approval by email and submit the Fall 2026 Course Registration Add Form by 5 p.m. on September 4. Graduate students should contact their program advisor.
    • If you intend to permit enrollment above the course capacity, please explicitly state this on the Add/Drop Form and in your email approval. Instructor permission alone does not increase the course capacity.
  • The waitlist will run on weekdays through Thursday, August 20, and will close on Friday, August 21. Any remaining open seats will become available for students to add in GU Experience until the last day of add/drop, Friday, September 4; provided they meet the course prerequisites and any restrictions.
  • Labor Day is Monday, September 7, and the University will be closed.
  • Classes will follow a Monday schedule on Tuesday, September 8.
  • The academic calendar is available on the Registrar’s website, including important dates for the remainder of the semester. GUQ, MSB, and SON faculty should consult with their programs for a complete list of applicable dates and deadlines.
  • The Schedule of Classes provides the most up-to-date course and room assignment information.
  • The Fall 2026 Final Exam Schedule is available on the Registrar’s website. Final exam room assignments will be posted later in the semester. Please be sure to communicate any final exam room preferences to your department scheduler. Questions regarding the Final Exam Policy, schedule, or room assignments may be directed to schedulechanges@georgetown.edu.
  • GU Experience is the official student academic information portal. Training and documentation are available to help faculty navigate the system.
  • Please access your most up-to-date class rosters through GU Experience. If you have difficulty obtaining a roster, your department administrator can assist. Please note that DUO authentication may be required to access GU Experience. If you do not have DUO, instructions are available here.
  • OADS is reintroducing the ability for instructors to manage their own evaluation dates. Please be on the lookout for additional information from OADS regarding this process.

Classroom Technology Support

As we begin the Fall semester, please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the classroom technology in the spaces where you teach. Classroom Educational Technology Services (CETS) and Information Services and Technology (IST) are now part of UIS, bringing classroom technology support together within a single organization.

Hilltop Campus

For classroom technology support, training, or assistance with the technology in your classroom, please visit the UIS Classroom Technology Services website for current information and support resources. Faculty are encouraged to schedule a classroom orientation or technology review before the start of classes, particularly if you are teaching in a new classroom or using equipment or software that is unfamiliar to you.

If you anticipate needing specialized software, equipment, or other classroom technology support, please submit your request as early as possible so the team has sufficient time to assist.

Capitol Campus

Faculty teaching on the Capitol Campus can access classroom technology support through UIS. If you need assistance with classroom technology, please contact UIS at (202) 662-ZOOM. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment with UIS before your first class to review the technology in your classroom.

Additional information about classroom technology and IT services is available through the Capitol Campus IT Services website.

Policy on Instructional Continuity

Georgetown’s policy on instructional continuity provides guidance for maintaining academic activities during unforeseen disruptions or University closures. Faculty should establish a plan within their course syllabus for maintaining instructional continuity if face-to-face instruction is interrupted.

The intent of this policy is to give faculty flexibility to determine the approach that best fits their teaching context while supporting continued academic progress for students. The Instructional Continuity website includes resources and suggestions for adapting assignments and maintaining communication with students when classes cannot meet in person.

OUR Virtual Office Hours

The Office of the University Registrar continues to offer virtual office hours to connect faculty and staff with members of our teams. Please refer to the Contact Us section of the OUR website for additional information.

Accessibility Resources

We remain committed to ensuring equitable access to Georgetown’s academic programs. Faculty and students have access to a range of resources, including the CNDLS Guidebook on Accommodations and Accessibility, accessible course design guidance, recorded webinars, and the Accessibility Resources for Students page linked on Canvas course sites.

For individual support, faculty and students may consult with CNDLS or contact the Academic Resource Center regarding specific accommodations. We encourage faculty to check in with students throughout the semester and remain attentive to changing access needs.

Thank you for the many ways you contribute to the academic experience at Georgetown. I hope the semester ahead brings opportunities for meaningful teaching, learning, and connection with our students and colleagues.

Wishing you a smooth start to Fall 2026 and a successful semester ahead.

Sincerely,

Annamarie Bianco
Associate Vice President and University Registrar