Georgetown University News: Legal Wins, Policy Changes, Campus Renovations, and Fall Sports Kickoff – July 14, 2025

Good afternoon, Hoyas! It's Monday, July 14, 2025, and here's what's happening around Georgetown University. Currently, it's partly sunny with a temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect cloudy skies throughout the day, with temperatures reaching up to 86 degrees this afternoon. There's a chance of thunderstorms starting around 6 p.m., so keep an umbrella handy if you're heading out this evening. In a significant legal development, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled on July 1 that Badar Khan Suri, a 41-year-old pro-Palestinian Georgetown University student from India, can remain free while contesting deportation efforts initiated by the Trump administration. Suri, a postdoctoral fellow at Georgetown's Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, was arrested in March and released in May. The court's decision emphasizes the importance of legal oversight in such cases. On the policy front, Georgetown University is updating its Paid Time Off benefits for administrative employees, effective July 1, 2025. The university is transitioning from an accrual to an allotment model to encourage staff to take time off and reduce financial liability from unused PTO. Employees will receive their full annual PTO allotment in addition to maintaining the use of their remaining accrued PTO. In response to student concerns, the Georgetown University Student Association launched a petition titled "Save Georgetown Day," aiming to reform policies implemented in 2024 that restricted campus gatherings. The petition, which gathered 295 signatures in two days, led the administration to announce on April 23 that some restrictions would be loosened for future Georgetown Day celebrations. Georgetown University is set to begin renovations for its campus hotel in fall 2025. The five-story hotel will feature 146 guest rooms, a restaurant and bar, and over 13,000 square feet of event and meeting space. The design aims to modernize the space while aligning with Georgetown's architectural style. Additionally, the university has submitted design concepts for a new boathouse to the Old Georgetown Board. The proposed facility will have a traditional look, featuring a granite facade that echoes the academic buildings on the Hilltop. The boathouse will include a public dock, providing access for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The Georgetown Men's Soccer team has announced its 2025 schedule, which includes 17 regular-season contests, with 11 home games on the Hilltop. Notably, Shaw Field will have lights installed this summer, allowing for evening games. The season kicks off with an away game at High Point on August 21, followed by a home opener against Maryland on August 25 at 7:30 p.m. The Women's Soccer team has also released its 2025 schedule, featuring 18 regular-season contests, including nine home matches. The Hoyas will face eight nonconference opponents, five of whom made the 2024 NCAA Tournament. The season begins at home against Old Dominion on August 14 at 7 p.m. In Women's Basketball, Head Coach Darnell Haney welcomes eight newcomers to the Hilltop for the 2025-26 season. The group includes seven transfers and one freshman, aiming to bolster the team's performance in the upcoming season. For those planning their financial future, Georgetown University is hosting "Retirement Planning University" on July 15 and 16 at 6 p.m. in the John R. Thompson Jr. Intercollegiate Athletic Center's Nolan Hall. The sessions will cover investment strategies, healthcare options, and more. Interested participants can register online. That's all for today's update. Stay safe, and we'll see you next time!