Academic and Program Policies for
Georgetown’s Paralegal Studies Program
Georgetown University Regulations and Policies
Students enrolled in the Georgetown University Paralegal Studies Program (PSP) are expected to comply with the policies and procedures of Georgetown University. In particular, students are subject to the standards of behavior and process outlined in the Georgetown University Student Code of Conduct, the Georgetown University Honor System, the School of Continuing Studies and program-specific rules and regulations, as well as all other generally applicable University policies and regulations.
Classroom Environment
Students are expected to display mutual respect and consideration at all times towards each other, the PSP faculty, and paralegal program administration. All policies and procedures must be adhered to for the entire period of a student’s enrollment - from New Student Orientation through the last program activity.
Talking and disruptive activity in class, other than talking which is considered by the course instructor to be appropriate class participation, will not be tolerated. If you are talking, you can’t be listening. If you are not listening, you can’t be learning. Be mindful of your questions while in class. Questions relative to course work are encouraged, and even expected; however, students and instructors need to stay on topic while in class. Avoid tangents unrelated to the topic being discussed. Faculty must stay focused to ensure all course material is covered.
Faculty members are not permitted to address personal legal matters and/or give legal advice of any kind. Do not approach or contact any PSP faculty member regarding personal legal-related matters or problems.
Each class varies depending on the course material and instructor. Policies, procedures, teaching techniques, examination schedules, and other class-related matters will vary. Do not expect each course and instructional methods to be the same from class to class.
Students with Special Needs
Any student who believes she or he has a medical condition that requires accommodation, whether a physical, psychological or learning disability, must contact the Academic Resource Center at 202-687-8354 or arc@georgetown.edu and follow the process outlined by ARC for requesting an accommodation. Such students should contact the ARC prior to the start of the term. Accommodations cannot be offered retroactively, so it will not be possible to honor a request that is not submitted on a timely basis.
Georgetown does not discriminate or deny access to an otherwise qualified disabled student on the basis of disability, and students with disabilities may be eligible for reasonable accommodations and/or special services in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. However, students are responsible for communicating their special needs to the Academic Resource Center. The University is not responsible for making special accommodations for students who have not requested an accommodation and adequately demonstrated their disabilities. Also, the University need not modify course or degree requirements considered to be an essential requirement of the program of instruction.
Attendance
Students are expected to arrive on time for every class session. Attendance will be taken, either at the beginning of class or at some other time during each class session. When class breaks (optional) are given, respect them. Students are expected to return to the classroom and be seated by the time the instructor announces when the class session will resume.
In order to comply with the high standards outlined by the ABA and to ensure a high quality educational experience for students the Paralegal Studies Program maintains a strict attendance policy. For evening classes, students are allowed to miss two class meetings. If a student is more than 15 minutes late to class, he/she will be considered tardy. If the student is tardy three times, this accounts for one absence. A third absence can only be excused by the faculty member with documentation such as a doctor's note or signed statement regarding the serious circumstances that prevented the student from attending the class. A fourth absence can not be excused for any reason and results in a failure for the course.
If a student misses a third class and the absence is not excused by the faculty member, the faculty member is requested to alert the Director of Paralegal Studies. At this point, the student will be dropped from the class and not permitted to attend. This is referred to as an administrative withdrawal and the standard refund withdrawal policy will be applied.
Academic Honesty, Integrity and Responsibility for Learning
Every student is responsible for his/her own coursework. If handouts are distributed in class and a student is absent, it is his/her responsibility to obtain such materials from another student or the faculty member. A class “buddy” is recommended for this and other related reasons. Students may not rely on the PSP office to provide copies of course materials distributed in class.
Punctuality
Students are expected to arrive for class on time, be seated, and be ready to begin class at the scheduled time. Students who cause disturbances in class will be asked to leave. In the event an instructor is not present at the time class is set to begin, and there is no official announcement regarding a delayed ‘start,’ students are expected to wait at least one half hour (30 minutes) before leaving the classroom.
Honor Code Compliance
All PSP students are subject to the Georgetown University Honor Code, as discussed and agreed to at orientation. More information about the Georgetown University Honor Code and Honor System can be found at http://www11.georgetown.edu/programs/gervase/hc/introduction.html.
Classroom Refreshments
Generally, food and beverages are not permitted in any classrooms. Although a light snack may be permitted, it is ultimately each faculty member’s decision whether to allow food and/or beverages in class. Please abide by their individual preferences.
Classroom Support Devices
Class lectures may not be tape recorded unless the PSP director and instructor grant permission. Laptop computers are not permitted in class without prior instructor approval. Activated cell phones and/or beepers are prohibited while classes are in session.
Faculty Contact and Office Hours
PSP faculty are adjunct instructors and therefore do not have office hours on campus. They are not required to come to campus before the regularly scheduled class time or stay after class to meet with a student unless it has been pre-arranged with the instructor. In most cases, faculty members will provide their office phone number and/or e–mail address. Please honor the time they specify to be contacted outside the classroom. When contacting instructors, keep your comments brief and related to coursework at all times.
Make-up Exams
Students are expected to sit for all exams. Make-up exams are generally not accommodated and may be arranged in emergency situations only, pending director approval of written documentation substantiating the reason for the absence. If granted, the date and time for the make-up exam will be determined by the PSP director and instructor and is dependent upon space availability. In order to have a make-up exam scheduled, written documentation must be presented by the student before or on the date it is requested. If written documentation is not presented when requested, the student’s request for a make-up exam may be denied. The decision will be final with no provision for additional time. When a make-up exam is approved and then administered, the exam grade and/or final course grade may be adversely affected. The administration and effect of a make-up exam is at the discretion of the instructor with approval from the director.
No Electronic Submission of Assignments
Unless an instructor gives a student advance permission to do so, assignments may not be submitted on computer disks, via e-mail or fax.
Class Liaison
A class liaison may be "appointed" to make special announcements and/or deliver PSP related handouts. This individual will be encouraged to advise the PSP office staff of any class related issue(s) on behalf of the students if any such issues arise.
Certificate Completion within Two Years
All classes must be successfully completed within two years (six terms) of your enrollment. Continuing beyond two years requires the prior written consent of the program director.
In the event that a student must stop taking courses for a term, the student must notify the director of his/her intent to defer enrollment for a full term. Students wishing to return to the certificate program, must obtain written approval from the program director to begin retaking certificate program.
Course Withdrawal Policy
In the event that a student must withdraw from a course, tuition for the one-year Evening Program is partially refundable, upon written request to the Paralegal Studies Program office. The partial refund will be computed as of the date the PSP office receives the written request from the student. For purposes of calculation, the first week begins with the first day of class. Once the PSP office receives a written request for a refund, credit will be given according to the following scale:
1. Up to 5 calendar days prior to the start of the certificate or class - 100% refund. For example: If a course
starts on Thursday, close of business Monday (5pm EST) is the latest that a 100% refund will be granted.
2. Student withdraws after one-two sessions of a course with six or more sessions - 75% refund.
3. Student withdraws after one session of a course with four or more sessions - 50% refund.
4. Student withdraws after two or more sessions of a four session course - no refund.
5. Student has attended any session of a one to three session course - no refund.
*Students enrolled in the Summer Intensive Program are not eligible for a refund.
Please click here to access the Course Withdrawal Form.
A "course" refers to either a single course or a certificate program. Although a certificate program can consist of many courses, the withdrawal policy treats the entire program as one "course" for withdrawal purposes.
A "session" refers to any officially scheduled meeting time of a course. If a course meets Friday evening and all day Saturday, both times are considered sessions.
Georgetown University reserves the right to adapt this schedule for new course offerings that do not fit into the categories above. Please allow 3-4 weeks for refund processing.
Please note that prior to the fourth class meeting, a withdrawal will be treated as a 'drop' and will not be reflected on the student's transcript. Any withdrawals after the fourth class meeting will be recorded as a 'W' in that course.
Grade Dispute
Any student who has received a failing grade on an examination or paper may, after first discussing the matter with the professor who reported the failing grade, may request that the Paralegal Studies Program Director submit that examination or paper to another two professors teaching in the subject for evaluation. These other professors serve merely in a consulting capacity. Final decision for the course grade rests with the professor conducting the course, but the course professor shall give due and appropriate consideration to the views of the consulting colleagues. A request for such evaluation must be made by the student in writing to the Paralegal Studies Director within thirty days of the examinations or paper.
Continuing Education
Graduates may return to the PSP and request enrollment in available legal specialty (elective) courses that are offered during future summer, and fall evening sessions. In addition, continuing paralegal courses are offered through the Center for Professional and Continuing Education for graduates of the Paralegal Studies Program as well as practicing paralegals and legal support professionals looking for advanced education opportunities. Please click here for more information.
Georgetown University Parking
Clarendon Facility
Georgetown University Clarendon Campus is located on the second floor of the Hartford building at 3101 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington. Students have access to the building parking garage which is located on Herndon Street and operated by MetroPark Inc.
As the garage has limited spaces, we suggest students arrive early for daytime and evening classes. Most spaces will be self-park but as the garage reaches its capacity, vehicles may be valet-parked by an attendant.
Parking garage rates are as follows:
Monday through Friday - 6:00 am to 11:00 pm
Daily Rate= $7.00
Large Vehicle Rate = $12.00
Evening Rate for Georgetown (After 5:00 pm) = $2.00
Saturday - 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Georgetown Rate = $2.00
Main Campus
Campus parking is available in the Southwest Quad Parking garage, which is accessible through the Canal Street and Prospect Street entrances to campus (please see campus map). The parking rates are as follows:
Weekly Daily - $12.00
Weeknight (after 5 pm) - $3.00
Weekend - free
ID Cards
PSP students will receive a Georgetown University ID card that will allow them access into buildings and libraries. Students should have this card with them at all times while on campus or using Georgetown facilities. After registration, students must go to the GoCard Services office, located in Darnell Hall at the north end of campus, where they will take your picture and print your card.
Georgetown University NetID and Webmail
PSP students will receive a University NetID that will allow them to access computer systems and services such as
classroom tools and email. You should receive your NetID and temporary password during registration/orientation; to reset
your temporary password to a permanent one of your choosing, follow this NetID Tools link.
You will then have access to your GU WebMail account as well as other internet
tools and services.
Student Access+
All students are responsible for having a functioning e-mail, phone and mailing address on file with Student Access+.
The PSP faculty and staff frequently use e-mails to contact students and are not responsible if students do not receive
these e-mails. To update contact information, students should go to http://www.georgetown.edu/access.
Again, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure Student Access+ has your accurate contact information.
Blackboard
Some instructors may elect to use Blackboard to post class-related information and communicate with students. Students are expected to access Blackboard on a routine basis to obtain all class-related information. Internet access is available in campus libraries and in public libraries throughout the metropolitan D.C. area.
Registrar
All official Georgetown University transcripts are maintained by the Office of the University Registrar. A student may request a copy of his/her transcript in person or by writing the Registrar, G-01, White-Gravenor, (202) 687-4020. Certificate students receive a letter in their Orientation packet that informs them about Student Access, a computer program that allows students to register online, view their student address, degree audit, class schedule, grades, billing statement, and other personal data via the World Wide Web. Each student is assigned and must activate as directed a Net ID. Students are periodically emailed information by the Registrar on the use of Student Access and its services.
Student Accounts
Student billing and student accounts management are handled by the Office of Student Accounts, located on the ground floor of White-Gravenor, (202) 687-7100 or 7111. Tuition adjustments are made by the CCPE Registration Coordinator, and Student Accounts processes the refunds. When a credit balance is due, it can be refunded only after it appears on the Student Account ledger. Please see the website for information on methods and details of payment.
Student Financial Aid
Federal Student Loans may be available to PSP students depending on eligibility. For guidance on applying for financial
aid you may contact your counselor in the Office of Student
Financial Services (OSFS). Students receiving financial aid should consult their counselor prior to making changes to
their enrollment status. You can learn more about financial aid opportunities that are available to you by visiting the
OSFS website.
Bookstore
The Leavey Center Bookstore is located on the main floor of the Leavey Center. The main line is (202) 687-7482. Always call and confirm the hours when planning to go to the Bookstore.
Lauinger Library
The main campus library is located on the corner of 37th and Prospect Street. Please click here for a map. Call (202) 687-7500 to verify the daily schedule. You must have your ID Card to enter.
Georgetown University Law Library
Paralegal students have access to the Georgetown University Law Library. Students must obtain a Law Library card by
emailing paralegalstudies@georgetown.edu, or calling (202) 687-7360. Students are strongly advised not to abuse law library privileges. Students may ask the law library staff general questions related to legal research but are not permitted to ask excessive questions.
Veterans and Active Duty Military Personnel Services
Students who are eligible to receive veterans educational benefits through the Veterans Administration may contact the Registration Coordinator at CCPE, (202) 687-6312, for Veterans education benefits, and enrollment certification/information.
Student Center
The Leavey Center provides students several places for dining: Center Grill (cafeteria), Fast Break (fast-food), The Faculty Club (restaurant), Vital Vittles (mini-market), and several coffee bars. The Leavey Center also has open lobbies for study as well as a full service attached Marriott Hotel.
Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle
G.U.T.S. is a bus transportation service offered by Georgetown University. For routes, schedules, and fares, call (202) 687-4364 or check the website at Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle (GUTS).
