Congratulations on joining Georgetown University's MBA program! The MBA Program Office is excited to welcome you to our community and to support you throughout this transformative journey. Opening Term is designed to help you build meaningful connections, develop essential skills, and begin your MBA with confidence.
Over these two weeks, you'll learn, collaborate, challenge yourself, and become part of a community that will support you throughout your MBA experience and beyond. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and can't wait to see all that you'll accomplish.
Welcome to The Hoya Way.
Class Year Abbreviations: FT28 (Full-time MBA Class of 2028) | PT29 (Part-time MBA Class of 2029) | O29 (Online MBA Class of 2029).
The names of the Flex MBA and Flex MBA Online programs have changed to the Part-time MBA and Online MBA.
Review all of the information on this page before your first day of MBA Opening Term.
(Please note that details are subject to change. Questions? mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu)
Opening Term is an immersive two-week experience designed to prepare you for every aspect of your MBA journey. Throughout the program, you'll move across three connected pillars, our 3 Cs:
Curriculum & Academics: to build the academic foundation for your MBA.
Career Preparation & Professional Development: to begin exploring your professional goals and career strategy.
Community & Relationship Building: to connect with classmates, discover leadership opportunities, and experience the Georgetown community.
Rather than experiencing these separately, you'll move between all three throughout Opening Term, creating one integrated learning experience.
All Orientation sessions will be part of the Opening Term, except for the separate International Student Orientation sessions noted below.
Aug 4 (Mon) to Aug 11 (Tue): Optional Waiver Exams
Aug 6 (Thu): Deadline to submit Custom Core registration preferences
Aug 6 (Thu): Veterans MBA Orientation (Open to: FT28, PT29, and O29)
Aug 7 (Fri): FT28 International Students Orientation (Open to: PT29, and O29)
Aug 10 (Mon) to Aug 21 (Fri): MBA Opening Term: The Hoya Way
Aug 21 (Fri): Opening Term Closing Celebration at Convene (Open to: FT28, PT29, and O29)
Aug 25 (Tue): MBA Service Day (Sign up for volunteer opportunities)
Aug 26 (Wed): Fall semester classes begin (MBA Academic Calendar)
Navigate to your cohort's tab to see your schedule.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
See full information and resources to help you choose your Custom Core in the Registration section below.
International MBA Students Orientation (Aug 07) - Required
🎓 Who: Required for all international students on F-1 or J-1 visas.
All sessions are also open to any student who identifies as international and would like to attend.
📅 When: Friday, August 7, 2026 | 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM 📒 Click here to view the full schedule
📍Where: McDonough School of Business (Rafik B. Hariri Building)
Dress code: Business Casual or Smart Casual attire.
How to prepare? Please read the following beforehand: Cort Case and Cort Prep Sheet)
For more resources, please review the Admissions Welcome Page for International Students.
Tell Me About Yourself (TMAY) Breakout Groups (Aug 10) - Required
🎓 Who: FT28 MBA Students Only.
📅 When: Monday, August 10, 2026
📍 Where: Breakout Room Assignments
🎓 Who: FT28 MBA Students Only.
📅 When: Wednesday, August 13, 2026; 12:15 - 12:45 p.m.
📍 Where: Pick up box lunch in Connelly Commons, then:
Women: Hariri 240
International Students: Hariri 250
Hispanic/Latinx: Hariri 340
Black/African-American: Hariri 350
LGBTQ+: Hariri 370
MBA Opening Term Closing Celebration (Aug 21)
🎓 Who: FT28, PT29, and O29 MBA Students Only.
No guests or partners allowed due to space constraints.
📅 When: Friday, August 21, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Where: Convene | 1201 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA
What will be offered? Enjoy light food, drinks, a DJ, and great company.
Please fill out this form and RSVP by Tuesday, August 18, 2026 5:00 pm
MBA Service Day (Aug 25)
At Georgetown, service is an important part of who we are so we invite all incoming MBA students to show their Hoya spirit of "people for others" and join for MBA service day to help the community.
🎓 Who: MBA Students
📅 When: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
📍 Where: Various service sites in different locations
How to register? All volunteer opportunities and registration details will be available through MSB CampusGroups. Simply browse the available opportunities and register for the one that best fits your interests (Park Clean Up, Food and Donation Sorting, Virtual Letter Writing to Increase Voter Participation, etc.)
Office of Global Services (OGS) Orientation (Aug 25) - Required
🎓 Who: Required for all international students on F-1 or J-1 visas.
📅 When: Tuesday, August 25, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
📍Where: Capitol Campus, 125 E St NW (Shuttle service is available between the Hilltop Campus and the Capitol Campus)
Please note that the Office of Global Services (OGS) hosts a separate required orientation for all F-1 and J-1 students. Be sure to register for OGS Orientation using this link.
You can still participate in MBA Service Day! Morning volunteer opportunities are available before your OGS Orientation, including D.C. Central Kitchen (9:00 AM–12:00 PM), Vote Forward (10:00–11:00 AM), Cultivate the City – Nationals Park Rooftop Farm (8:00–11:00 AM), and Ward 8 Woods Conservancy (10:00 AM–12:00 PM). Please RSVP as soon as possible, as space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families & Partners Welcome! (RSVP by Aug. 6)
Your family and partner are an important part of your MBA journey, and they're warmly invited to join us for two special Opening Term sessions: the Cohort Lunch (August 10) and the Letter to Your Future Self Session & Ice Cream Social (August 20). Please register, or ask them to, by August 6 using this form: MBA Partner & Family RSVP – Opening Term.
📅 When:
Monday, August 10: Cohort Lunch (1:00 to 2:30 p.m.)
Pick up lunch at Connelly (3rd floor), then go to Classroom 450 (4th floor)
Thursday, August 20:
3:30pm Letter to Future Self Session (Lohrfink Auditorium, 2nd floor)
4:30pm: Family and Partners Session with Dean Kilby
5:00-5:30pm: Ice Cream Social
📍Where: McDonough School of Business (Rafik B. Hariri Building)
What can you learn more about during this Supplemental Opportunities Fair event?
MBA study abroad and international exchange programs
Cross-registration opportunities at other Georgetown schools, including Georgetown Law, the Walsh School of Foreign Service, the McCourt School of Public Policy, and the School of Continuing Studies
McDonough research centers and initiatives, including:
• Baratta Center for Global Business Education
• Business for Healthcare Initiative
• Center for Business and Public Policy
• Sustainable Business Initiative
• Georgetown Entrepreneurship
• Steers Center for Global Real Assets
• National Retail Federation Business of Retail Initiative
• Jesuit Business Initiative
Faculty representatives will also be available to discuss the following MBA certificates (please review the Certificate page prior to the event):
• Certificate in the Business of Healthcare
• Certificate in Sustainable Business
• Certificate in Global Real Estate
The directors of the Certificate in Consumer Analytics and Insights and the Certificate in Nonmarket Strategy will not be attending the fair, but students are encouraged to review the program information and contact them after the event with questions.
🎓 Who: FT28 & O29 MBA Students
📅 When: Thursday, August 20 - 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Reflect on your journey to Georgetown McDonough and the MBA program.
Things to consider:
Why an MBA? Why Georgetown?
What will success look like by graduation?
What do you hope to accomplish?
How are you feeling today?
What are you most excited for?
Where do you hope to be when you walk across the stage at Commencement?
What does the Good Life look like for you?
Dress Code (Full-time MBA)
For most Opening Term events, we recommend Business Casual or Smart Casual attire, except:
Tuesday, Aug. 18: Business Professional (Headshots Available)
Thursday, Aug. 20: Hoya Saxa T-shirt (Navy blue, provided on Day 1 of Opening Term)
Please review the McDonough Business Attire Guide for examples.
You will know your full 1st semester fall schedule the week of Aug. 10.
DEADLINE: Thursday, Aug. 6, 11:59 p.m. ET
You will see your cohort's Fall Foundational Core schedule in the form after you select your cohort. Your assigned cohort is in the email you received on 7/30 titled Welcome FT28s
One course is required for each of 4 areas during your first semester.
You submit one choice for Module 1 (1st half of the semester) and three choices for Module 2 (2nd half of the semester)
Please note that we will try to prioritize your top choices, but they are not guaranteed.
You are limited to 1 response, but you may edit your response until the deadline.
Tip: You can make a copy of the entire presentation to edit based on your desired courses.
Note that the slides are subject to change.
Slide 2 details the 8 Custom Core areas, course offerings & timing, and specific rules per area.
Slide 3 provides a user guide for the following slides.
Slides 4 through 14 offer Curriculum Pathways for 10 career paths.
Each slide provides recommendations on: Custom Core course & timing selection, electives and ILEs, co-curricular engagement, and perspectives from second-year students.
Review sample syllabi to get a closer look at course content. Subject to change.
All FT28 students are required to complete one of the two finance Custom Core courses during the first semester: Finance Essentials (FINC 6200, 1.5 credits) or Corporate Finance (FINC 6250, 1.5 credits).
To ensure you choose the right finance course, we offer an online placement exam. This is a tool for guidance that you should take prior to August 6, when your Custom Core Preference Form is due.
Join the Canvas course page to access the placement exam, view instructions, and guidance for registration based on your score.
The placement exam is optional and its recommendation is not binding. It is a diagnostic tool only.
If you don't take the exam or prefer a more introductory approach, you're advised to begin with Finance Essentials.
The exam requires Excel and is auto-graded, so you'll see your score immediately. The exam is scored out of 212 points:
180 or higher: Corporate Finance is strongly recommended.
160 or lower: Finance Essentials is recommended.
120 or lower: Finance Essentials is strongly recommended.
The exam is not proctored. Because it's designed to reflect your own knowledge and guide your course choice, you're strongly advised not to use outside sources, including AI tools, while taking it.
Waiver Exams are offered for these specific MBA core courses: ACCT 5500, FINC 6250, and OPAN 5600. They are intended for incoming students with a relevant academic or professional background.
If you pass a waiver exam, you replace that core course requirement with an elective. No MBA academic credit is awarded for the waiver exam itself. The passing standard is high, and a relatively small proportion of students pass. If you don't pass the Corporate Finance waiver exam, you'll still be registered in the Finance Custom Core from your Custom Core Preference Form.
Waiver exam requests were due July 24, 2026, through the Waiver Exam Application Form. Late requests can only be accepted through August 2. The waiver exam schedule is:
OPAN 5600 Managerial Statistics: August 4, 6:30–9:30 p.m. (online)
ACCT 5500 Accounting Fundamentals: August 5, 6:30–9:30 p.m. (online)
FINC 6250 Corporate Finance: August 11, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (in person, Full-time students only)*
*Students with visa delays who cannot arrive in-person to take the FINC 6250 waiver exam on August 11 will have the opportunity for a makeup exam on September 4.
Those who applied in time will receive a calendar invite with exam details (including software installation instructions) before the scheduled exam.
Videos to watch prior to Opening Term
To streamline your onboarding, the MBA Program Office has curated a series of videos to provide foundational information to help you start your MBA journey at Georgetown.
Please review all of the videos and info on this page prior to the first day of the MBA Opening Term:
MSB Technology Team Onboarding Instructions
MSB Network Orientation (Part 1)
MSB Network Orientation (Part 2)
Consider earning an optional MBA Certificate in one of the specialized areas below. Register for the MBA elective classes you need to achieve these credentials, starting in the spring semester.
MBA Certificate in Consumer Analytics and Insights (CCAI)
MBA Certificate in Nonmarket Strategy (CNMS)
MBA Certificate in Global Real Estate (CGRE)
MBA Certificate in Sustainable Business (CSBS)
MBA Certificate in the Business of Healthcare (CBHC)
To learn more, visit the MBA Certificates page on MyHoyaMBA, where you'll find program requirements, course sequencing information, and the introductory videos from certificate faculty directors.
MSB CampusGroups is the official platform for all co-curricular and MBA Student Organization-led activities in the MBA program at the McDonough School of Business. Use it to explore student organizations, events, volunteer opportunities, and connect with peers. You will use CampusGroups to check-in for various sessions during Opening Term.
How to access? One week prior to Opening Term, you’ll be added to MSB CampusGroups and receive emails to your Georgetown email with more information.
Mobile App: Once you are added, you can download the CampusGroups app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Make sure that when prompted to “Choose Campus," you select "MBA Clubs – Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business."
(More information on MBA Student OrgS Page and the Joining MBA Clubs Page)
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business (Rafik B. Hariri Building)
Address: 37th and O Streets, Rafik B. Hariri Building, Washington, DC 20057 Google Map
The McDonough School of Business Rafik B. Hariri Building is located on Georgetown University’s main campus. Below are detailed directions from several points on or near campus. We recommend visitors travel by public transit, rideshare services, or free university shuttles as parking is limited. Please note that the address for the entirety of campus is 37th and O Streets, NW. If you use this address you will be led to the front gates of campus, which is a 10-minute walk from the Hariri Building.
Campus Bus & Public Transit
The Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle, otherwise known as the GUTS Bus, is free and runs service to six different locations in the DC area.
Dupont Circle, Rosslyn, Wisconsin Ave, Arlington Loop, Downtown DC, and the GU Law Center.
Routes that pickup near Metro stops:
Dupont Circle (accessible via the Metro Red line - map)
Rosslyn (accessible via the Blue, Silver, and Orange lines - map)
GUTS buses are free and operate daily (see route timetables for more information).
The C91 Metrobus and D94 Metrobus (DC public transit buses) drop off at the Georgetown campus as well.
Taxi/Rideshare
If you use a taxi or rideshare app, you can set Georgetown University McDonough School of Business Rafik B. Hariri Building as your destination so you can be dropped off outside of the building.
Campus is accessible by car via either the Canal Road entrance or the hospital Entrance 4 (Reservoir Road).
You can also be dropped off at the Main Gates (37th & O St. NW) for a short walk across campus.
Personal Car
Georgetown does not offer on-campus parking options for students.
Alternative transportation options are encouraged!
If you do drive to campus (not recommended), you can park in the visitor’s parking area - Southwest Quad Garage.
The Southwest Garage is accessible via the Canal Road entrance and the daily visitor’s parking rate is $25. ($5 if you park after 4:30 p.m. and have a valid student GoCard)
The MBA Program Office, in partnership with the MBA Program Ambassadors, has designed this self-guided walking tour for MBA students, families, and visitors who are interested in exploring & enjoying the beautiful and iconic Georgetown University campus.
We’ve compiled the list below with essential resources you’ll need in the coming days—GoCard (Georgetown ID), breakout room passcodes, nametags, name plates, and more. Please also visit the MBA Student Resource Page to explore the full range of support available across Georgetown University, including Health & Wellness, International Students, People for Others, tips for Libraries & Study Spaces, MBA Business Cards, email signatures, Research Centers & Initiatives, and many more valuable tools and services.
MSB Technology Center
If you have not yet done so, be sure to watch both Technology Orientation Part I and Technology Orientation Part II videos.
You can also check out the MSBTC Website for more information, such as a virtual help desk, important downloads, and more.
If you have any questions or need any additional assistance, you can visit the help desk on the 1st floor of the Hariri Building or email msbhelp@georgetown.edu.
Laptop Information
Review the MSB computer requirements.
Ensure you have administrator rights to your laptop.
NetID:
Setup your GU NetID and password - the default Georgetown password is normally "gu" and last 6 digits of your GO Card number.
Navigate to the Georgetown NetID Password Station and reset your NetID Password.
Log into GU Google Apps using your NetID and new password.
On Campus Printing
Check out the Tech Center’s instructions on printing in Hariri.
Connect with the MSBTC team if you have any issues or follow-up questions.
GoCard
Your GoCard is your Georgetown University ID.
You use your GoCard to access resources such as Yates Fieldhouse (the on campus recreation center), and you can also use your GoCard to access campus buildings after hours.
Additionally, you can preload your GoCard to pay for items on campus
Set up your GoCard
Submit a photo for your first GoCard.
Set up the GoCard Mobile Credential on your mobile device (physical GoCards will not be distributed).
Check out the GoCard FAQ page if you have questions.
GoCard Help
If you have any questions or are experiencing difficulty with your GoCard, please contact UIS
General Breakout Room Information
MBA students can book the 24 breakout rooms in the Hariri Building on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors.
The door codes for the 2nd and 3rd floor breakout rooms are currently 2-1-5-4.
Note: Student accounts must be created in EMS before students can reserve breakout rooms.
Please allow 1-2 business days for newly created student EMS accounts to gain access to view and book breakout rooms.
If you do not have access to book breakout rooms after 1-2 business days, please email msbhelp@georgetown.edu.
MBA Breakout Rooms Policy
Breakout rooms may be reserved through EMS.
Each student is allowed one booking per day up to two hours.
Breakout rooms are intended for group work and should not be reserved for individual use.
Rooms may be requested up to three weeks in advance.
If you request a breakout room less than 24 business-day hours in advance, your name may not appear on the printed reservation report.
Current breakout room reservations can be viewed on Virtual EMS and sorted by Location.
Space is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis when there are no existing room reservations.
As listed on the MBA Student Resources Page, At the beginning of the MBA Program, each student is provided with a nameplate and a magnetic nametag by the MBA Program Office. If there was an error with printing your name during the initial order, we will reorder the correct nametags or nameplates for you. Fill out the form at Opening Term check-in or contact us at mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu
Oops, lost it? Time for a change?
If you need to order a replacement nametag or nameplate for any reason (loss, damage, theft, or other changes), you are responsible for ordering and paying for your own replacement items. Approximate item Costs are $20 for nameplate, $9 for nametag, and $10 for shipping. Follow these simple steps:
Contact the vendor using this replacement email template (customize the information highlighted in yellow)
You will provide payment information when prompted by the vendor.
For order updates, shipping information, or any questions, please contact the vendor directly.
Campus Information
Check out the MBA Resource Page for detailed information on everything you'll want or need to know as a Georgetown MBA student.
Take a virtual campus tour
Want a Locker in Hariri? Lockers are available to all MBA students! Incoming new students can begin reserving MBA lockers August 4th.
To reserve a locker, submit a $30 refundable deposit via MSB Campus Groups by Friday, August 21, using your Georgetown email. Locker assignments will be updated 3-5 days after the request, and you must bring your own padlock. If you miss this deadline, please email the mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu for options to secure a locker.
You will be allowed to use the locker throughout the entire academic year until May 2027. The deposit will be refunded at the end of the academic year if you clean out your locker and submit a form by the deadline (Tuesday, May 25, 2027). The refund request form will be sent in Mod 4 during the Spring 2027 semester. Info will also be posted on the Student Resources Page.
Lost something?
All lost items found in the Hariri Building are taken to the MSB Tech Center (Hariri First Floor).
There are various food options around campus; their hours change during the summer. Be sure to check out available dining options and their summer hours, including Leo’s, Leavey Starbucks, Leavey Chick-fil-A, and Epicurean. Hours may vary throughout the season, so plan ahead before your visit!
For additional summer resources, campus services, important dates, and updates, visit the Georgetown University Summer Sessions website to stay informed and make the most of your summer on the Hilltop. (Schedule is subject to change)
What is the MBA Open Challenge?
The MBA Open Challenge is an optional summer experience designed to help you connect with your classmates, explore Georgetown and Washington, DC, and start building your MBA community before Opening Term. Complete fun activities, earn points, and get a head start on your Georgetown journey.
This challenge is open only to FT28 students.
How It Works
Review the MBA Open Challenge Activities and associated points.
Make sure you use your Georgetown email to access the Challenge list and submission form.
Check-off completed challenges through MBA Open Challenge Submission Form.
Earn points for every completed challenge.
Submit the form as many times as you'd like throughout the summer.
You'll receive points for each challenge only once.
New challenges will be released throughout the summer.
Timeline
Round 1 (July 17) – The first set of challenges is now live.
Round 2 (First Week of August) – A new set of challenges will unlock. Stay tuned!
Round 3 (During Opening Term) – Once you arrive on campus, you'll have even more opportunities to earn points with your cohort through the final set of challenges.
Winners Announced (End of Opening Term) – We'll recognize and reward both the top individual participants and the winning cohort at the conclusion of Opening Term. Prizes include exclusive McDonough swag, fun giveaways, and additional funds for the winning cohort's social budget.
MyHoyaMBA is your one-stop shop for everything MBA—academic policies and opportunities, career resources, student life, and more. Before classes begin, take some time to explore the key sections below (especially Academics, Career, Student Resources, and Student Orgs) to set yourself up for success. You’ll use this site throughout your MBA journey—bookmark it!
Looking for something specific? Use the search bar in the top right corner to quickly find what you need,
JackBot: We also have JackBot, the MBA AI Assistant, to help answer your questions. Please note that JackBot is currently being updated for incoming students, and new student information will be available in August.
For BADM 5400 course materials, please visit the course Canvas site.
All other Full-time Opening Term slides and recordings are posted below:
Friday, August 7
Monday, August 10
Dean's Welcome, View From the Top, Becoming a Georgetown MBA, Keynote Address: Slides, Recording (other sessions), Recording (Keynote)
Career Center Welcome: Slides, Recording (start time 01:52:00)
Tuesday, August 11
Wednesday, August 12
Industry Overviews (Tech, Impact, CPG and more!): Slides
Thursday, August 13
Friday, August 14
Saturday, August 15
Monday, August 17
Tuesday, August 18
Wednesday, August 19
Thursday, August 20
AI Bootcamp: All Sessions Materials & Follow-Alongs
Ethical Use of AI, Closing Speaker (Doug Holladay) & Cohort Competition Closing: Slides, Recording
How was your MBA Opening Term Experience? Let us know by filling up the feedback survey.
Click here to download Excel & Stats Prep (MBA 2026) Database.
Make a copy of the file to your Google Drive. You'll use it during Prep Session.
See you soon!
Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact the MBA Program Office at mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu.