Huge crowds are expected around Washington, D.C., for the upcoming Inauguration of Barack Obama, and the Georgetown neighborhood is no exception.
“We realize that this is going to be big moment for the University,” President Jack Degioia said in a meeting with members of the student press. “We want everyone to really enjoy this once in a lifetime opportunity but ensure a safe environment at the same time.”
Georgetown’s Department of Public Safety has coordinated safety plans with the Metropolitan Police Department, and additional public safety officers will be out patrolling the University through Tuesday. The flow of vehicular traffic into the Georgetown area will be restricted by the closure of the Key Bridge on Inauguration Day.
In order to deal with the anticipated loss of cell phone service, University safety officials plan to communicate through a network of walkie-talkies and satellite phones.
“After 9/11, we realized that we could not rely on cell phone coverage in the event of an emergency,” Georgetown Spokesperson Julie Green Bataile said.
Guests traveling to the University by car should expect $25 per day parking fees.
“Guest parking is not guaranteed and will be based on availability at the time of arrival,” Vice President for Student Affairs Todd Olson wrote in an e-mail.
According to the Office of Transportation Management, Georgetown University Transportation Shuttles (GUTS) will be operating on a modified schedule from Saturday through Tuesday.
On Saturday and Sunday, shuttles will be running in the afternoon and evening. On Monday and Tuesday, GUTS hours have been extended, but only the Dupont Circle bus will be running on Tuesday.
Georgetown’s SafeRides service will continue to operate during the Inaugural festivities, providing extended hours from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Georgetown is expecting thousands of guests over the break, and additional Residence Life staff members will be on duty through Tuesday.
The University would not release the number of guests registered by students online, citing safety concerns.
Students can pick up passes for guests registered through the online system at their residence hall office. Unregistered guests will not be able to access student housing from January 16th to the 21st.
Bataille emphasized that Georgetown’s approach to the Inaugural celebration was consistent with preparation for previous events such as the Final Four and the IMF protests. She added that the University was expecting unprecedented crowds on Tuesday, but that officials were well prepared.
