Information for Families & Guests

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Commencement
Information for Families & Guests

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General Information A - Z

Accessibility

Please see the Accessibility section below.

Alternate Viewing

Baccalaureate (Saturday, May 18):

On campus: Air-conditioned alternate viewing locations with live video streaming will be available in the following locations:

Breidenbaugh Hall (2^nd floor): Joseph Theater, BREI 205 & BREI 209
Masters Hall: Mara Auditorium

On the web: This event will be offered to virtual guests via the web as a live video stream beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 18. A link to the live video stream will be posted on the Commencement home page

Commencement (Sunday, May 19):

On campus: Live video streaming coverage of the commencement exercises will be available rain or shine in the following buildings:

College Union Building: Ballroom and Junction
Breidenbaugh Hall: Joseph Theater
Masters Hall: Mara Auditorium
McCreary Hall: Bowen Auditorium
Pennsylvania Hall: Lyceum

On the web: This event will be offered to virtual guests via the web as a live video stream beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, May 19 - A link to the live video stream will be posted on the Commencement home page.

Announcements

Custom announcements are available through the College Bookstore. Information and order forms are sent directly home to the senior's parents in February. Please contact the College Bookstore at 800-337-6367 for any additional information or questions after receiving the mailing.

Animal Policy

Due to the number of guests expected, only service animals are permitted at the Commencement site.

Ceremony Courtesy

With courtesy and respect to all graduates and families, please refrain from disrupting the weekend's formal ceremonies with the use of noisemakers (such as air horns, cowbells and bullhorns), shouting or chanting, and high-volume mobile phone ringtones and conversations.

Dining

Several weekend events will serve light refreshments. Please see the Commencement home page for details.
Please see the Campus Services section below for Commencement Weekend Bullet Hole and Commons Café hours.
Visit the Restaurants page for a listing of local restaurants.
Other special Commencement Weekend dining options are available:
- The Majestic Theater is hosting a Commencement Dinner on Saturday, May 18th, catered by the Altland House. A buffet dinner, consisting of a Salad/Bread station, 3 entrees with starches and vegetables and a Coffee/Tea/Dessert station will be served from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm. The price per person including tax and service charge is $32 and a cash bar will also be offered. Call (717) 259-9535 or email nicole_suski@altlandhouse.com for information and reservations.
- Expanded dining options are available during Commencement weekend at the historic Gettysburg Hotel in downtown Gettysburg. Call (717) 338-5455 or visit their website for information and reservations.
- Flats Café, located inside the Majestic Theater, will be offering expanded seating during their normal hours of operation (Daily from 11am-8pm). Reservations are not required.

Gift Ideas

Parents & Family

We invite the families of the Class of 2013 are invited to honor their graduates and to show appreciation for a special member of the Gettysburg College community by making a gift to the Gettysburg Fund. Find out more.

Seniors

Have you contributed to the Senior Class Gift? Your donation to the Gettysburg Fund can help the Class of 2013 leave a mark on Gettysburg College that no class before you has left! Find out more.

Everyone

Display & wear your Gettysburg College pride! From diploma frames to sweatshirts, find graduation gift ideas at the Gettysburg College Bookstore.

Send tasty treats to a senior during finals (or anytime!) from Dining Service’s Spoil ‘Em Long Distance program.

Recognize a graduating senior and help support Musselman Library through the Honor with Books program.

Hotels & Lodging

Visit the Hotel Accommodations page for a listing of local hotels.
Some area hotels may have a "Commencement Weekend" rate. Please call them for details to inquire and arrange.

Mobile Website

Mobile commencement website

Find out more about the Gettysburg College mobile apps

Parking

Parking is available in lots throughout campus. For detailed Accessibility Parking information, please see below.
Campus Map (PDF)
Campus Parking Map (PDF)

Photography

GradImages is the official photographer for our Commencement. Proofs will be sent to your home and via email within three to five days after graduation. Pictures can be ordered online, by phone or by mail. GradImages can be contacted at 800-261-2576 or via email at www.gradimages.com.

Registering your graduate with GradImages provides them with the information they need to deliver your graduation proofs to you in a timely manner. Giving them an accurate mailing address and email address will allow them to get your proofs to you on the first try. You may also provide them with email addresses of up to six friends and family members to allow them to celebrate in the accomplishment.

Restrooms

During Commencement exercises, guests may find restrooms in the surrounding campus buildings, including:

Weidensall Hall
The Science Center
Masters Hall
Breidenbaugh Hall
College Union Building
Musselman Library (Please note that Musselman Library has limited facilities and will be used as a staging area for Faculty during Commencement.)

Additional ADA compliant outdoor portable restrooms will be available adjacent to the commencement site for guests with limited mobility—Located along the sidewalk at the east end of Musselman Library, near Weidensall Hall.

Campus Map (PDF)
For Accessibility information, please see the section below.

Social Media: #gburg2013

Share Commencement moments, photos and memories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: #gburg2013

Stay connected & involved

Join the Parents of Alumni Association.
Find more opportunities for involvement.
Read the latest news and subscribe to news feeds via the Gettysburg College News Center.
Update your contact information.

Tickets

No tickets are needed for the Commencement exercises on Sunday at 11:00 a.m. The ceremony takes place at the Beachem Portico, North side of Pennsylvania Hall, rain or shine. Indoor viewing locations with live-streaming video will be available in several campus locations.

Tips on planning an enjoyable weekend

Transportation

To Campus: Reservations for transportation to campus from local airports & train stations must be made and paid for by May 10, 2013. Click here for more information or call 717-337-6923.

Around Town: Freedom Transit offers free public transportation around Gettysburg. See the Freedom Transit website for details and schedules.

Video

DVDs of Commencement may be ordered through Odyssey Video Productions using the form below:
Odyssey Video Productions - 410-857-6312
DVD Order Form (PDF)
For info on live streaming video via the web, please see "Alternate Viewing".

Weather

Commencement takes place at the Beachem Portico, North side of Pennsylvania Hall rain or shine.

Sometimes it rains on Commencement and we need to be prepared. This means providing ponchos for graduates and faculty, and advising guests to be prepared with rain gear and warm clothing. If it is raining, Commencement will continue outdoors as planned. It is possible that Commencement might be delayed due to dangerous weather. If so, notification will be provided as follows:
- A message will be posted on the College phone number 717.337.6896.
- A message will be posted on the College's home page as first news item and to Facebook and Twitter.
- An all-campus email will be sent.
- An all-campus voice mail message will be sent to College phones.

Dangerous weather is defined as lightning and strong winds. Rain alone does not constitute dangerous weather, only inconvenient weather. Should the weather turn dangerous once the ceremony has begun, an emergency weather plan will be put into place. All degrees will be conferred, and graduates will receive instructions regarding diploma pick up. Ushers and DPS officers will be on duty to answer questions and direct attendees into campus buildings.

Please see the Commencement homepage for weather-related site change information for other events (Baccalaureate line-up, Departmental Receptions, etc.)
See the Commencement Tips page for tips on how to be prepared for any weather.
Local weather forecast.

Yearbook (Spectrum)

Seniors may order yearbooks in person at Commencement Prep Day or online anytime.

Campus Services - Commencement Weekend

Information - CUB Desk Commencement Hours

On campus, call x6300
Off campus, call 717.337.6300
Times are approximate and subject to change:
Thursday, May 16:8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 17: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 18: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 19: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Student Accounts

Commencement weekend hours: Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
The Student Accounts Office would like to congratulate the senior class and their parents on their pending graduation. We would also like to remind you to check to be sure that all financial obligations to the College have been satisfied no later than May 18, 2013. Please feel free to contact the office at 717-337-6220 or via email at studentaccounts@gettysburg.edu.

Residence Life

Senior week housing will end on Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 10:00 p.m.
Seniors may request an extension to remain in housing until Monday, May 20 at 10:00 a.m. All seniors will receive a Senior Week housing letter which includes departure information for them to sign and return to the Office of Resident Life by noon, Friday, April 26 (Commencement Prep Day). All seniors with an approved extension must completely vacate their rooms by 10:00 a.m. Monday.

Diploma Information and Grades

The Registrar's Office will be open for one hour following the Commencement ceremonies for those who wish to order transcripts or who have questions about their diplomas or academic records.

Transportation

To Campus: Reservations for transportation to campus from local airports & train stations must be made and paid for by Friday, May 10, 2013. Click here for more information or call 717-337-6923.

Around Town: Freedom Transit offers free public transportation around Gettysburg. See the Freedom Transit website for details and schedules.

Flower Gazebo

Flowers will be available for purchase on Sunday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the campus gazebo, adjacent to the Commencement site. Please note that pre-orders are not available. Available while supplies last.

College Bookstore Commencement Hours

Saturday, May 18: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 20: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
(Details)

Bullet Hole Commencement Hours

Friday, May 17: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 18: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
(Dining Services Schedules)

Commons Café Commencement Hours

Friday, May 17: 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 18: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
(Dining Services Schedules)

Commencement Morning Refreshments

Sunday, May 19 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
In addition to offerings available at the Bullet Hole and Commons Café in the College Union Building, a selection of coffee and breakfast items will be available for purchase outside Plank Gym.
Available subject to weather. In the event of rain, please visit the College Union Building.

Musselman Library Commencement Hours

Saturday, May 18: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
In addition to regular services, a Children's Book Cart will be available in Musselman Library for families to read to help entertain young children during Commencement morning.
(Please note that Musselman Library has limited restroom facilities and will be used as a possible staging area for Faculty during Commencement. Other restroom options are listed here.)

The John F. Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation and Fitness Commencement Hours

Ortenzio Fitness Center
Friday, May 17: 6:30 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, May 18: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, May 19: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Bullets Pool
Friday, May 17: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19 – Closed
Schedules & calendars

Schmucker Art Gallery Commencement Hours

Saturday, May 18: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 19: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Exhibition details

Accessibility

In order to better meet the needs of guests with disabilities or special needs, Gettysburg College will provide special seating, signing, accessible parking and shuttle service during key Commencement Weekend events. Ushers and other College staff are on duty at all functions throughout the weekend. Please do not hesitate to ask for any assistance you may need. Ushers and College staff can be identified by name tags with orange ribbons.

To arrange for accessible parking, please call the Department of Public Safety (DPS) at 717-337-6912. They will need the following information to process your request: name of person needing parking accommodations, make/model/color of car, license plate # (including state), days parking needed (Sat. and/or Sun.), needs (parking or drop-off). Please make these arrangements by Friday, May 10:

Spring Honors Day and Baccalaureate (Saturday)
Call DPS by May 10 to arrange a parking space in the Admissions Lot, which is adjacent to the Chapel. The wheelchair lift is located on the side of the Chapel, and an officer will be on hand to operate the lift. Once inside, wheelchair spaces will be available in the Chapel near the front with one companion seat, and ushers will be available to help. Other members of larger parties may find seating in the Chapel or in campus video viewing locations (Baccalaureate only). Accessible restroom facilities are available on the main floor of the Chapel near the wheelchair lift entrance.

Senior Class Party (Saturday evening)
Accessibility parking and drop off will be available along Lincoln Avenue as well as in campus parking lots. To take the elevator to the CUB Lobby level, guests may enter the CUB via the Bullet Hole entrance. Restroom facilities are available on each floor of the CUB.

Commencement (Sunday)
Call DPS by May 10 to arrange for parking in Masters Lot. Shuttle service will be available to transport your party between Masters Lot and the Commencement site if needed. When you reach the ceremony site, ushers with orange ribbons will be available to assist you with finding seating. Wheelchair spaces with companion seating are dispersed throughout the Commencement site’s general seating area. During Commencement, accessible restrooms are available in campus buildings including Weidensall Hall, Science Center, College Union Building, Plank Gym, Breidenbaugh Hall, Masters Hall and Pennsylvania Hall - Please use the elevator to Floor 3. Additional ADA compliant outdoor portable restrooms will be available adjacent to the commencement site for guests with limited mobility—Located along the sidewalk at the east end of Musselman Library, near Weidensall Hall.

Campus Map (PDF)

There will be a sign-language interpreter at the Commencement ceremony. If you need direct sightline seating, please contact Human Resources at 717-337-6207 by Friday, May 10.
Portable assisted listening devices (ALDs) may be reserved for use during the Commencement Ceremony. Please call Human Resources at 717-337-6207 by Friday, May 10.
The Commencement ceremony will be held outdoors, rain or shine. For guest comfort, indoor video-viewing locations will be available in several campus locations. Ushers will help you find these locations. Guests are encouraged to bring along any items for your comfort or convenience (rain gear, warm clothing, water, seat cushions, snacks, wheelchairs, etc.) See Commencement tips
The Baccalaureate and Commencement exercises will be streamed live on the web for any guests who are unable to attend.
The following local businesses may be contacted directly if you need to arrange for personal wheelchair rental:

Dick’s Homecare, Inc.
238 West Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-338-0711
Guests are encouraged to make arrangements before Wednesday, May 9.

Gettysburg Rental Center
720 York Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-334-0021
Quantities are limited.

If you or your guests need additional assistance or have needs that require specialized accommodation, please call Human Resources at 717-337- 6207 by Friday, May 10.