#McCourtVirtual: 3 Tips for Navigating the Fall Semester

As the Fall 2020 semester begins in virtual mode, some things will look a little different (one perk to virtual classrooms are the endless options for fun Zoom backdrops ), but the fundamental elements of a McCourt education remain the same.

With a focus on evidence-based policy delivered by world-class faculty and a highly-engaged and inspiring student community that makes an impact inside and outside the classroom, the Fall semester will be filled with unique opportunities to expand skills and enhance your impact as a changemaker.

Below are a few tips and resources to help navigate the new school year:

1. Prioritize your mental and physical health

• Follow social distancing guidelines, including wearing a mask and keeping six feet apart. When health conditions allow classes to resume on campus safely, students will receive Georgetown masks.
• In a virtual environment, it can help to create a designated study space in your home with limited distractions, access to coffee/tea/water, and natural light. Additionally, it can help to develop a routine that designates time for class, studying, and rest. 
• If you are not feeling well, Georgetown’s Student Health Center, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS), and Health Education Services (HES) offer virtual health services. Learn more about the services and how to schedule an appointment here. 
• If you are looking for ways to break up your day, Georgetown’s Yates Field House offers online resources filled with free virtual mind/body sessions and workout classes.
• If you are looking for some helpful tips for coping with uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, read the article from Georgetown psychologists Abigail Marsh and Andrea Bonior. 

Josh Shapiro (MPP ’21) has all of the #McCourtVirtual essentials, sunlight, a nice candle, a comfy couch, and a lot of hand sanitizer. What does your at-home-learning set up look like? pic.twitter.com/Y15IYqWmkc

— McCourt School (@McCourtSchool) March 20, 2020

2. Familiarize yourself with the virtual McCourt and Georgetown campus resources available to students.

For incoming students, many of these resources are available at upcoming new student information sessions.

• Career Development: The McCourt School Office of Career Development and Alumni Engagement offers a wide variety of resources for current students looking to begin or enhance careers in public policy and policy management. 
• Writing Center: The McCourt School Writing Center aims to help students succeed as writers in the McCourt curriculum and as policy professionals. Contact Jeff or Susan today for an appointment. 
• Georgetown University Writing Center provides peer tutoring by trained graduate and undergraduate students with writing assignments. This support is more technical and less substantive than the McCourt Writing Center offers.
• Library Services: The Library is committed to providing essential services in support of Georgetown’s teaching, learning, and research agenda and delivering these services in a manner that aligns with the evolving health and safety regulations established by the government and the University.
• The Academic Resource Center (ARC) provides academic support as well as evaluates requests for accommodations for students with learning disabilities.

3. Get involved with opportunities outside of the *virtual* classroom

• Student Organizations: The McCourt School offers a thriving ecosystem of student organizations, from student government to organizations whose interest areas focus on specific policy issues or regions of the world. The McCourt Student Association (MSA) serves as the student government at the McCourt School of Public Policy. Learn more about the various opportunities to get involved in student-led organizations.
• McCourt School Events: The McCourt School is excited to host virtual opportunities for McCourt students to engage with policy experts, practitioners, McCourt academic and research faculty, and staff. This Fall, the McCourt School events team is partnering with thought leaders to design events that foster the exchange of ideas and dive deeper into policy discussions outside the classroom to help students learn about pathways to careers in policy. Stay up to date on McCourt events in the Weekly News and Events email, social media, and our online calendar.
• Institute of Politics and Public Service : Our Institute of Politics and Public Service, or GU Politics as we call it, has a full slate of special programming this year to celebrate its fifth anniversary–– including a stellar class of Fellows–– and to offer insight into the political side of policymaking.

Hoya Saxa and welcome to #McCourtVirtual!