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 the next 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: O29 (Online MBA Class of 2029) | PT29 (Part-time MBA Class of 2029) | FT28 (Full-time MBA Class of 2028)
The names of the Flex MBA and Flex MBA Online programs were 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.
2026 MBA Opening Term at a Glance
Aug 4 (Mon) to Aug 11 (Tue): Optional Waiver Exams
Aug 5 (Wed): Virtual Orientation (6:00 - 9:00 p.m.) - Schedule & Zoom Access Link
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 11 (Tue) to Aug 21 (Fri): MBA Opening Term: The Hoya Way
Aug 18 (Tues) to Aug 21 (Fri): In-Person Online program residency #1 - don't forget to take these days off from work!
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)
Below you will find the detailed Opening Term Schedule. Navigate to your cohort's tab to see your schedule.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change.
🎓 Who: The In-Person International MBA Student Orientation is required for all 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
📍Where: McDonough School of Business (Rafik B. Hariri Building)
How to prepare? Please read the case before: Cort Case and Cort Prep Sheet)
🎓 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
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.
📅 When: Tuesday, August 25, 2026
📍 Where: Various nonprofits 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.)
⚓ O29 Dinner Cruise
🎓Who: Incoming O29 students
📅 When: Friday, August 14, 2026
• Recommended Arrival: 6:10 PM
• Boarding: 6:30 PM
• Cruise Departs: 7:00 PM sharp
📍Where: Spirit of Washington
City Cruises Pier 4
580 Water St SW, Washington, DC
RSVP by Tuesday, August 11, 2026 11:59 PM: Reservation Link
Dress: Casual/comfortable but polished attire. Comfortable shoes are encouraged.
ℹ️ Additional event details, including arrival information, are available in the RSVP form. If you have any questions, please contact the MBA Program Office at mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu.
The MBA Program Office has reserved a room block at the Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC/Dupont Circle for students attending Flex Online Residency #1.
📅When:
Hotel Check-In: Monday, August 17, 2026 (Beginning at 3:00 PM)
University Programming runs from Tuesday, August 18, to Friday, August 21, 2026
Hotel Check-Out: Saturday, August 22, 2026 (By 12:00 PM)
📍 Where: Residence Inn by Marriott Washington, DC/Dupont Circle (2120 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20037)
✔ Your Stay Includes
Georgetown-sponsored hotel accommodations during the standard Residency #1 dates
Complimentary hot breakfast
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Convenient location in Dupont Circle, within walking distance of campus and Metro
About my reservation? Georgetown University covers the cost of your hotel stay for the standard Residency #1 reservation within the approved stay dates.
Students are responsible for any incidental charges (parking, room service, personal expenses, etc.).
Can I bring a guest? Residency hotel rooms are reserved exclusively for Georgetown MBA students participating in Residency Week. Due to the nature of the week and the focus on team building, we encourage students to travel and stay at the hotel independently. However, if a student chooses to bring a partner, any associated arrangements, costs, or logistics must be managed directly by the student. Georgetown University is not involved in or responsible for these arrangements.
Questions? For reservation questions, early arrivals, extended stays, or special accommodation requests, please contact:
Lawrence Jones: Director of Sales|📞 202-466-6800 ext. 7105|📧 lawrence.jones@riddc.com
If you have questions regarding Residency Week or hotel accommodations, please contact the MBA Program Office at: 📧 mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu
Can I check in early or leave later? Based on availability; unauthorized late checkout will incur charges. Please contact the hotel directly to check the options.
What if I want to extend my stay? Based on availability, contact Lawrence if extending your stay
🎓 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?
Thursday, August 20; 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
An interactive campus challenge designed to help you discover essential resources and spaces within and outside Hariri.
Instructions:
Form groups of 4-5 within your cohort.
Scan the QR code on the right to begin (or click this link):
Solve each riddle, find the next stop, and scan the QR code there. Complete all 7 stops to finish the Hunt and get to know campus a little better!
Dress Code (Online MBA)
For most Opening Term events, we recommend Business Casual or Smart Casual attire, except:
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Business Professional (Headshots Available)
Please review the McDonough Business Attire Guide for examples.
Contact your program advisor if you have any questions.
Tip: You can make a copy of the entire presentation to edit based on your desired courses over time.
Note that the slides are subject to change.
Slide 2 details the 8 Custom Core areas, course offerings & timing, and specific rules per area.
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)
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)
MyHoyaMBA is your one-stop shop for everything MBA—academics, 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.
Click here to download Excel & Stats Booth Camp (MBA 2026) Database.
Make a copy of the file to your Google Drive. You'll use it during BoothCamp Session.
For BADM 5400 course materials, please visit the class Canvas site.
All other Online MBA Opening Term slides and recordings will be posted here:
Wednesday, August 5
Friday, August 14
Tuesday, August 18
On-Campus Orientation, The Cohort Connection: Slides
Wednesday, August 19
Thursday, August 20
AI Bootcamp: All Sessions Materials & Follow-Alongs
Ethical Use of AI & Closing Speaker (Doug Holladay): Slides, Recording
How was your MBA Opening Term Experience? Let us know by filling up the feedback survey.
See you soon!
Questions? Please don't hesitate to contact the MBA Program Office at mbaprogramoffice@georgetown.edu.