The Office of Public Affairs
The Office of Public Affairs

Advisory Committee on Business Practices

The Advisory Committee on Business Practices works with the Vice President for Public Affairs and Senior Advisor to the President to analyze, evaluate and deepen understanding of the ethical and moral issues that should be taken into consideration in the evaluation of staff labor policy and Georgetown University vendors. The Committee’s primary responsibility is to advise on practical ways to ensure concordance between Georgetown University business policy and practice and Georgetown’s commitment to social justice and the “common good” as reflected in Georgetown’s Mission Statement, as well as Georgetown’s Just Employment Policy.

Just Employment Policy

Georgetown University, as a Catholic and Jesuit institution, is committed to providing fair and competitive compensation packages for University employees and full-time contract workers who provide services on its campuses in Washington, D.C. This wage is based on a variety of factors, including input from the Advisory Committee on Business Practices, the salary and benefits structure of Georgetown employees, existing University collective bargaining agreements and the University’s overall financial resources and ability to sustain academic excellence. This policy is designed to provide a floor for minimum total compensation appropriate for full-time Georgetown workers in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area; takes into account the costs of housing, health care, child care, transportation, taxes, food and other basic necessities, known as a living wage or just wage, as well as the need to compensate employees without jeopardizing services or jobs; reflects Georgetown’s employee compensation system and existing union contracts; provides an ongoing mechanism to evaluate employee compensation; and ensures that, where appropriate, hourly wage earners will receive equivalent pay for equivalent work.

University Construction Projects

Georgetown University is committed to protecting the rights of workers on University construction projects. On October 6, 2021, the University announced it will incorporate a set of labor standards into new University construction contracts moving forward. These provisions include a requirement for construction managers and their subcontractors to submit certified payroll to Georgetown and pay prevailing wage, as well as reserving Georgetown’s right to conduct an investigation of work performed and compliance with applicable employment or labor standards and laws on University construction sites, either on its own or through an independent monitor. 

NOTE: Given the financial challenges that the University is currently facing, Georgetown has paused implementation of the certified payroll and prevailing wage requirements. As it continues to navigate the current economic hardship faced by higher education and stay true to its mission, Georgetown is evaluating these standards as it continues to review the University’s financial condition. 

During this pause, Georgetown will require contractors and their subcontractors to: 1) submit payroll records to the University, 2) pay a minimum total compensation amount, including fringe benefits, of $20.82 per hour to workers on University construction sites, which will be reviewed on an annual basis, and 3) acknowledge Georgetown’s right to conduct an investigation of work performed and compliance with applicable employment or labor standards and laws on University construction sites, either on its own or through an independent monitor. 

All workers have the right to a safe and harassment-free environment, a workplace free from all forms of discrimination, and the right to freely associate and organize in accordance with applicable laws. Concerns regarding the application of the University’s minimum total compensation requirement or the violation of the rights of workers on University construction sites can be escalated for review through the Georgetown University Compliance Helpline. Information regarding the Compliance Helpline can be found at Georgetown’s Compliance website and will also be advertised in conspicuous locations on University construction sites.

Committee Membership

The Committee includes staff, students, faculty members and administrators. Voting members are expected to be available to participate in regular meetings throughout the academic year.

There is a recommended two-year term, with the possibility of reappointment, for faculty, staff and administrators. Student members will serve a one-year term (September to September), with the possibility of reappointment. The chair of the Committee is J. Callahan Watson, Associate Vice President for Public Affairs and Business Policy.

Current members include: