Greetings to all students, parents, colleagues, alumni, and friends of Gettysburg College! As Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students, I have the distinct pleasure of working with our students in developing their talents and leadership abilities and extending their learning beyond the classroom.

Student learning is the core goal of Gettysburg’s out-of-class experience. Ultimately we want our students to use their learning to make a difference in their professions, their communities and the organizations of which they are a part. For us, leadership is the capacity to take purposeful action in service of the community. We believe that everyone has the capacity to learn effective leadership behaviors—whether you are the president of your class or a first year student just starting your Gettysburg career. We have identified four primary learning goals that provide students with a clear path in their effort to develop their capacities as an effective leader:

• As a CITIZEN of our community, students have a responsibility beyond themselves: to others in their classes, residence halls, the college, and the larger Gettysburg community. As citizens, we support students in taking initiative in the life of the institution. The College depends upon students being a key part of the daily life and operation of the institution.

• Students are encouraged to act with INTEGRITY, to interact honestly and to align their actions with their highest values.

• We work with students to be INCLUSIVE through the learning process. It is important to seek out, respect and share diverse perspectives with other members of our local and global community.

• We help students develop the EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE necessary to engage in healthy, mutually beneficial relationships both inside and outside the classroom. Developing these skills will help students in their ability to deal with the challenges and problems they will face both here at Gettysburg and in their lives after college.

At Gettysburg, students are challenged to do their best work both in the classroom and in the day to-day life of the campus: in residential living, on the athletic fields, and in clubs and organizations. I urge all of our students to take advantage of the learning opportunities offered to you by Gettysburg College.

My very best wishes for a successful year,

Dean Julie Ramsey
 

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