Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to complete these programs?
Guided by the university’s Jesuit tradition of Cura Personalis — caring for the whole person — Georgetown is deeply committed to the health, well-being, and ultimate success of all our students. Because of this, certain topics are so important to creating a safe and supportive environment at Georgetown that the university has created a series of mandatory courses, including Binge Thinking!, Sexual Violence Prevention, Mental Well-Being for Students, and Bringing in the Bystander, to cover them during your time here at Georgetown.
I do not recognize the company names for these programs. Are they legitimate companies?
Yes. Georgetown University has partnered with Catharsis (Binge Thinking!) and Vector Solutions (Sexual Violence Prevention) to provide these interactive and evidence-based programs. You will receive course updates and reminder emails from these companies, and you may see their names throughout the courses.
Who is required to take the courses?
All incoming first-year students and incoming transfer students are required to complete the mandatory courses.
I received the course invitation email in error. I am a transfer student, not a first-year student.
If you received the course invitation and you are a transfer student, it is likely because you recently transferred to Georgetown and this is your first year at the university. The mandate applies to all first-year students, including first-year transfer students, even IF a recently transferred student is now a sophomore, junior or senior. If you are new to Georgetown, you are required to take all three courses.
I am a transfer student and/or I completed the same or a similar course at my previous institution. Do I have to complete this program?
Yes. All incoming students, including transfer students, are required to take all three courses, even if the same course or a similar course was taken at a different institution. Each course has been customized to include important content and resources that are specific to Georgetown University – content that is not included in courses you may have taken elsewhere.
I am a survivor of sexual assault and would like support before/during this training or am worried it may be triggering for me.
You can email a confidential resource in Health Education Services at sarp@georgetown.edu to connect with support, learn more about the course content, or to ask for an exemption from the course.
Note: This confidential email is only for those who have specific questions/requests regarding the sensitive nature of the content.
For all other questions regarding the online courses, email SAPreventionOnlineTraining@georgetown.eu.
For all other questions regarding the bystander intervention training, email bystandertraining@georgetown.edu.
What happens if I don’t complete the courses?
Failure to complete the courses by the designated deadlines will result in a “Hold” on your account, preventing you from registering for future classes.
How long are the courses?
- Bringing in the Bystander – 2 hours
- Binge Thinking! – 45 minutes
- Sexual Violence Prevention – 60 minutes
- Mental Well-Being for Students – 60 minutes
Do I have to complete all of the courses in one sitting?
It is strongly encouraged that you complete each training in one sitting to avoid losing your progress. Some courses MAY save your progress if you close and reopen the course, but this depends on various factors including your computer settings. To be on the safe side and to avoid having to redo course modules, set aside enough time to complete each course in one sitting.
When is the deadline to complete the four mandatory courses?
- Bringing in the Bystander – Sessions will run from Wed. September 11th – Fri. October 25th. Space is limited so register early. Make-up sessions are NOT guaranteed.
- Binge Thinking! – August 28th
- Sexual Violence Prevention – August 28th
- Mental Well-Being for Students – September 30th
Do I have to send my completion certificates to you in order to receive credit for taking each course?
No. Once you have completed each course, there’s nothing else you need to do. Georgetown will regularly receive information about who has completed the courses.
How do I sign up for the courses?
To take each course, simply click on the respective link below. For the bystander training, you will sign up for an in-person session at a time that works best for you.
What if I experience technical difficulties?
Please see our Technical Difficulties page for solutions to common problems and to get contact information for our technical support teams.
What if I need to reschedule my Bringing in the Bystander in-person training?
If you need to reschedule before your session, click the link in your confirmation email that says “View and Manage Your Order Online”. This will allow you to cancel your original registration. Then, follow this link, to find a new date and time that works best for you.
Remember that make-up sessions cannot be guaranteed, so rescheduling should only occur if you absolutely cannot make your original session.
If you have any difficulties please email bystandertraining@georgetown.edu to connect with someone from our office who can assist you.
What if I have additional questions?
If you have general questions regarding the courses and/or the mandate, email
Online Courses: SAPreventionOnlineTraining@georgetown.edu.
Bringing in the Bystander: bystandertraining@georgetown.edu.
For those who have specific questions/requests regarding the sensitive nature of the Sexual Violence Prevention course, email sarp@georgetown.edu.
Please note: This confidential email (sarp@georgetown.edu ) is only for those who have specific questions/requests regarding the sensitive nature of the content.