On any given day walking across the Hilltop, you are bound to feel like everyone you overhear is speaking a foreign language. Really, the seemingly nonsensical jumbles of letters are just acronyms. In this guide, I decode some of Georgetown’s most common acronyms so that you can start speaking like a Hoya, too.
NSO
If you’re reading this, odds are you are part of New Student Orientation. It might feel like you’re being asked to attend too many events, but make the most of them. They’re designed to ease you into college and you’ll never get to meet this many people at once again. Your Orientation Advisor (OA) is a great resource to stay connected to for insider information throughout the year.
GWOW
Georgetown Weeks of Welcome is a program that hosts events during the first six weeks of the Fall semester to welcome new and returning students to campus. In the past, GWOW’s events have included petting zoos, kayaking, arts and crafts, talent shows and, of course, the “Welcome Back, Jack” barbecue. If you want a free shirt, get in line very early — they run out fast.
GUSA
This acronym (pronounced “gus-uh”) stands for the Georgetown University Student Association, Georgetown’s student government. GUSA comprises both elected and appointed positions and its work focuses on improving the Hoya experience. The current president is Darius Wagner (CAS ’27) and the vice president is Nazgol Missaghi (CAS ’28).
GAAP
The Georgetown Admissions Ambassador Program (GAAP, pronounced “gap”) is a student-run organization that hosts three weekend-long events for admitted Georgetown students.
GUGS
Pronounced “jugs,” GUGS is short for the Georgetown University Grilling Society, a student organization that, as the name suggests, grills. When the sun’s out, GUGS brings the buns out to Red Square — don’t miss out!
GUASFCU
If you can’t pronounce this correctly, don’t worry — nobody else at Georgetown can, either. The Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union is a credit union run by Georgetown students specifically designed for the university community and graduates.
ICC
The Edward B. Bunn Intercultural Center, always referred to as the ICC, is home to many departments’ offices, an endlessly confusing layout in which the main entrance is on the third floor, and MUG — More Uncommon Grounds — one of The Corp’s six student-run storefronts on campus.
GERMS
One of Georgetown’s best and most apt acronyms, GERMS is the Georgetown Emergency Response Medical Service. The entirely student-run EMT service responds to calls in and around Georgetown’s Hilltop Campus and can be reached at (202) 687-4357, a number you should absolutely have saved in your phone. Their medical amnesty policy ensures that neither the caller nor the patient will face disciplinary action, including for alcohol or drug use, so, when in doubt, just call GERMS.
GUPD
The Georgetown University Police Department addresses safety and security concerns on and around Georgetown’s campus. Their office is located at the bottom of the Village C buildings.
GUTS
The Georgetown University Transportation Shuttle is an in-house bus service running several routes that connect Georgetown’s campus to the rest of Washington, D.C. and to Rosslyn, Va. — something you will quickly realize is much-needed without a nearby Metro stop. Head to the McDonough Bus Turnaround or Lombardi Circle to hop on a bus, and don’t forget to stop for a quick chat with the wonderful bus drivers!
GSP
The Georgetown Scholars’ Program works to provide first-generation and low-income students with accessible, equitable college educations, providing both financial and programmatic support to students.
CSP
Georgetown’s Community Scholars Program is another Georgetown program providing support to first-generation college students, leading the effort to enroll a student body with diverse socioeconomic backgrounds through summer programs to aid students in transitioning to college and support that continues throughout their time at Georgetown.
CAPS
Georgetown’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services is the university’s primary mental health provider, offering various therapeutic and treatment services. College can be extremely stressful and CAPS is a great resource to make use of. They can be reached at 202-687-6985 (press #2).
CSJ
The Center for Social Justice is home to a number of programs including student organizations, internships and advocacy teams. The various organizations within the CSJ are united by a goal of interrupting systems of oppression through community knowledge and engagement.
CSE
The Center for Student Engagement houses numerous other student programs and organizations. If you take on a leadership role in a student organization, odds are you will become very familiar with the inner workings of the department. It certainly feels bureaucratic, but you can get a lot out of these opportunities!
SNAP(S)
While the Student Neighborhood Assistance Program is officially referred to as SNAP, everyone actually says SNAPS — or, more frequently, people will say that a party they have attended has been SNAPS-ed. From a student’s perspective, it does seem like the office’s only role is to shut down parties that run too late and too loud for non-Georgetown residents, but students can also call SNAP about other issues with neighbors.
GPB
The Georgetown Program Board is a student organization that hosts many events for students throughout the year, from movie screenings and concerts to comedy shows and pageants. GPB has something for everyone and most events are free and/or affordable.
WGTB
WGTB is Georgetown University’s radio. In addition to airing student shows every day, WGTB hosts several concerts throughout the year.
This is by no means a comprehensive list — that would have been far too long for anyone to read — but this should at least help you hit the ground running.
