• The Newman Convening will be held at the Royal Sonesta Washington DC Capitol Hill:
  20 Massachusetts Ave NW,
  Washington, DC 20001
   
• Campus Compact will book rooms for all convening participants by September 25th (so please be sure you register by then!). Campus Compact is also covering the room expenses for the nights of November 5th and 6th. Campus Compact assigns roommates based on gender identity. Newmans often report that hanging out with their roommate is the highlight of the Convening!
   

• If you are staying extra nights outside of November 5th and 6th (due to travel plans for example), there will be an extra cost of $249.00 (plus tax) per night. Please mark in registration that you are staying extra nights. If you are requesting a single room, there will be an extra cost of $124.50 (plus tax) per night. In both cases, you will receive a credit card authorization link prior to arrival. This authorization will secure payment for a single room or any additional nights directly with the hotel. Make sure to complete the authorization promptly to avoid any delays during check-in.
   

• Check-in time is 4:00 pm and checkout time is 11:00 AM. Should you stop by the hotel prior to the convening on November 5th, the hotel can store your luggage at the front desk if your room is not ready.
   

• Please see the map below for navigating the hotel during the convening.

Campus Compact will be providing the following meals during the convening (students and institutions will not have to pay for these meals):

• Dinner on Thursday, November 5th
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Friday, November 6th
• Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday, November 7th

Campus Compact will also be providing coffee and tea throughout the convening.

If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies, please specify that in your registration.

We highly recommend that you bring a reusable water bottle with you to Chicago. The hotel will have water available during meal and snack times, and the hotel will have multiple water sources to fill up your water bottle. 

Taking the Train

The Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill is located at 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001, just steps from Union Station.

Getting from the Airport to the Hotel

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — Recommended

DCA is the closest and most convenient airport for travelers flying into Washington, D.C.

• Metro: DCA is directly connected to Metro's Blue and Yellow Lines. Travelers can take the Yellow Line to Gallery Place and transfer to the Red Line toward Glenmont, exiting at Union Station. Alternatively, travelers taking the Blue Line can transfer to the Red Line at Metro Center. The hotel is a short walk from Union Station.
  • Metro trips cost between $2.25 to $6.75 (depending on the length of your trip); you can use a credit card to tap or download the Metro app and pre-load your digital card with funds
• Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are also available from DCA. The drive to the hotel is generally about 15–25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)

• Metro: The Silver Line connects directly to Dulles International Airport. Take the Silver Line toward Washington, D.C., transfer to the Red Line at Metro Center, and exit at Union Station. The hotel is a short walk from Union Station.
  • Metro trips cost between $2.25 to $6.75 (depending on the length of your trip); you can use a credit card to tap or download the Metro app and pre-load your digital card with funds
  • Please note that the Silver Line could take 60-65 minutes
• Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available from Dulles. Travel time to the hotel is generally about 45–60 minutes but may be longer during periods of heavy traffic.

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)

• Train: Travelers can take the complimentary airport shuttle from the terminal to the BWI Airport Rail Station and take either Amtrak or MARC train service to Union Station. The hotel is a short walk from Union Station.
• Rideshare/Taxi: Uber, Lyft, and taxis are also available from BWI. Because BWI is approximately 30 miles from Washington, D.C., travelers should allow additional time for traffic.

Getting Around Washington, D.C.

• Washington, D.C. has an extensive public transportation system, and the Royal Sonesta's location near Union Station makes it easy to navigate the city without a car. Union Station provides access to the Metrorail Red Line, Metrobus, Amtrak, MARC, and VRE.
• Uber, Lyft, and taxis are also widely available throughout Washington, D.C.
• Scooters and bikes are also available for rent. 
• We encourage travelers using public transportation to check the WMATA Trip Planner before traveling for current routes, fares, schedules, and service updates.

If you are driving to the Convening, here are some parking options:

• Overnight parking is $65 per night with unlimited in/out privileges.
• If you are driving in each day, parking is $30 for valet.
• There are also several public parking garages within walking distance of the hotel. Travelers looking for alternative or potentially more affordable parking can use SpotHero to compare nearby garages, rates, and availability.

Dress Code:

Attire is not strictly enforced. Still, we do recommend business casual for workshop sessions and networking events. There is no need for formal suits or ties; we simply ask that you choose clothing that is comfortable, neat, and appropriate for a professional learning environment.

• Check out the weather in DC to help you decide what to pack
• Check out the 2025 Convening pictures to get a sense of what students wore. But please know, we are very casual at Campus Compact and the most important thing is for you to feel comfortable and confident.

If you're wondering what "business casual" means, here are a few examples:

• Khakis, slacks, chinos, or clean jeans without rips
• Blouses, polos, sweaters, button-down shirts, or other nice tops
• Casual dresses or skirts
• Comfortable, clean sneakers, flats, loafers, boots, or other everyday shoes

We want you to be comfortable, but please avoid gym clothes, pajamas, slippers, or clothing intended primarily for sleeping or working out during workshop sessions.

Our goal is for everyone to feel comfortable, confident, and able to focus on learning and connecting with one another. If you don't already own business casual clothing, please don't feel pressure to purchase something new for the convening. Wear what you have that feels neat, comfortable, and appropriate for a professional setting; we're excited to have you with us exactly as you are.

We will take our official Newman Civic Fellows group photo on Friday, November 6th. Fellows will receive their Newman Civic Fellowship t-shirt during check-in and will wear it during portions of the convening, including the group photo.
 

Packing List:

Documents & Essentials:

• Photo ID (for hotel check-in and any travel needs)
• Conference confirmation email
• Personal health information (insurance card, emergency contact info)
• Mobile phone and charger
• Notebook, pens, or tablet for taking notes during workshops
• Business cards (if available for networking)
• Any travel tickets (plane, bus, or train) or itinerary details
• Neck pillow or blanket (for travel if needed)
• Download Uber/Lyft App and the WMATA app (optional) for navigating Washington, D.C.

Clothing:

• Business casual attire for conference sessions and networking events (e.g., slacks, blouses, dress shirts, blazers, modest dresses)
• Comfortable walking shoes (highly recommended for exploring Washington, D.C. and participating in the evening Monument Tour)
• Evening casual wear for dinner and the mocktail networking happy hour
• Weather-appropriate outerwear (coat or warm jacket, layers, scarf, etc.). The Monument Tour will take place outdoors in the evening, and November weather in Washington, D.C. can be cool.
• Workout or lounge wear (optional, for downtime or relaxing in the hotel)

Personal Items:

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Haircare items and makeup (if needed)
• Travel-size hand sanitizer and tissues
• Water bottle (optional, but helpful for staying hydrated during long sessions)
• Snacks (for breaks between sessions)
• Medications (any prescriptions or over-the-counter medications)

Other Helpful Items:

• Laptop or tablet (if you'll be taking electronic notes or checking in on work)
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Earbuds or headphones
• Small backpack or tote bag for carrying items during the day
• Light reading material or something for relaxation during travel
• Extra cash or cards for any personal expenses
• Padfolio/Notepad/ Pens

Travel Reminders:

• Plan for airport or train station arrival times and allow enough time for security or other travel procedures.

Safety & Travel Updates:

We know that national news and current events can raise questions about safety while traveling. Please know that Campus Compact is actively monitoring conditions in DC and staying in close contact with our hotel partners.

The Royal Sonesta has shared the following key information:

• DHS is not allowed to go beyond the lobby of the hotel, without producing a search warrant that Sonesta Corporate validates. ICE usually do not have the proper warrant to go beyond the lobby of the hotel.

Our team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any concerns as you prepare, don’t hesitate to reach out; your safety and comfort are top priorities.

COVID-19:

If anyone wishes to wear a mask at all during the convening, you are welcome to do so and we ask that everyone be respectful of each other's comfort level when it comes to in-person space sharing. We will be providing social contact stickers (green = hugs ok, yellow = handshakes ok, red = distance please) that will be placed on name tags to ensure everyone is respecting one another's boundaries. We encourage all Newman Fellows to take precautions as necessary to stay safe and healthy. Follow the CDC prevention guidelines for further information. 

If able, please take a COVID-19 rapid test before you leave for the Convening, and if you have a positive test or strong sickness symptoms, please stay home. Your health is the first priority. We will work with any Newman who has to miss due to sickness. 

Photo Consent:

When you register be sure to select whether or not you consent to having your photo taken during the convening. We will have a professional photographer at the convening taking pictures throughout our time together. We will provide special lanyards to those who do not wish to have their picture taken.

Code of Conduct:
Campus Compact is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive network for everyone regardless of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disabilities, neurodiversity, physical appearance, body size, ethnicity, nationality, race, age, religion, veteran status, or other protected category. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Campus Compact takes violations of our policy seriously and will respond appropriately. View the full Code of Conduct here.

Wifi

• Network: Sonesta Conference
• Password: sonesta26

Social Media

• Connect on social media using #NewmanEffect
• Tag us on Insta @Campus_Compact

During the conference, Campus Compact will be producing a series of promotional videos to highlight the work we’re doing across the country, and we need your help! In the videos, we’ll feature the voices of Newman Civic Fellows to tell the story of the fellowship, the impact our fellows have in their communities, and the importance of supporting this work. We invite you to participate by sharing your unique story with us.

If you choose to participate, Compact staff will interview you about your participation in the fellowship, the social issues that matter to you, and the importance of democracy. By sharing your story, you will help us spread awareness about Campus Compact’s mission and impact, allowing us to raise critical funds and grow our impact for years to come.

Interview opportunities:

• During the morning and afternoon Coffee/Tea breaks on Friday
• 4:30 - 5:30 PM on Friday
• At the conclusion of the convening on Saturday

We appreciate your help!

Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. Campus Compact supports institutions in fulfilling their public purposes by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. As the largest national higher education association dedicated solely to campus-based civic engagement, we provide professional development to administrators and faculty to enable them to engage effectively, facilitate national partnerships connecting campuses with key issues in their local communities, build pilot programs to test and refine promising models in engaged teaching and scholarship, celebrate and cultivate student civic leadership, and convene higher education institutions and partners beyond higher education to share knowledge and develop collective capacity. Visit compact.org.