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Off Campus Student Affairs

Division for Student Affairs

Quiet Zone Campaign

One of the great benefits of attending The George Washington University is our location in the Foggy Bottom/West End and Foxhall communities. We enjoy numerous cultural activities as well as excellent shopping, restaurants, and entertainment opportunities. 

The George Washington University is committed to being a good neighbor in our community. The GW University Police Department, the Office of Community Relations, and the Office of Off-Campus Student Affairs work in partnership with students and neighbors to address concerns and make a stronger community for all of us.

As members of the GW, Foggy Bottom /West End and Foxhall communities, we all have a responsibility to be good citizens and good neighbors. It is important to be aware that your neighbors’ lifestyles may differ from your own. Our neighborhoods are filled with working professionals, senior citizens and families with young children. Students’ lifestyles can be very different from the lifestyle of our neighbors. As you may be walking with a group of friends for a fun night out at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, parents are putting their children to bed.  When you return at 1:00 a.m. from enjoying a night on the town, families, senior citizens and working professionals are sound asleep. Throughout the year, it is important for us all to be courteous, respectful, and kind to everyone in our community.

To encourage respectful behavior, the Quiet Zone initiative has been created and we are asking that all members of the GW community practice the following:

  • When walking in a group, please keep conversations to a moderate level, particularly during late night hours.
  • Pay special attention to residential buildings. DC laws prohibit shouting or making a disturbance at night. According to DC law, “It is unlawful for a person to make an unreasonably loud noise between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. that is likely to annoy or disturb one or more other persons in their residences” (DC ST § 22-1321). More information can be found on the DC Council Legislation webpage.
  • Refrain from congregating outside of your on or off campus residence late at night or early in the morning.
  • Keep your phone conversations to a reasonable volume.

It is important to note that noise complaints can be reported to the Metro Police Department or the university at any time of day. Reports submitted to the university will be investigated and addressed by the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities. We encourage you to remember these tips, and use your own common sense in our neighborhoods. We ask that you be a good neighbor, and ensure your friends are as well by practicing the Quiet Zone guidelines listed above.