Information for Graduates

  • Please continue to revisit this page for the latest updates.
  • Don’t forget to check out the Commencement Prep Day page to make sure you have everything you need for the big day!  
  • Commencement Student Speaker:  The Class of 2013 Senior Address will be given by Anthony Palmer ’13.
  • Social Media: #gburg2013
    Want to send congrats to your classmates?  Have a great photo of your cap & gown, ready to go?  Share your Commencement moments, photos & memories on Facebook, Twitter  & Instagram: #gburg2013

Academic Regalia

Caps and Gowns
Since Baccalaureate and Commencement events are formal, academic attire is required. Students are responsible for ordering and purchasing regalia through the College Bookstore's website.  Your regalia package will include a black gown, cap & tassel as well as an academic hood with the appropriate degree colors.  In addition, you will also receive a Stole of Gratitude (see details below).

It is important that you pre-order your student regalia by March 22, 2013 to guarantee that your size is available.

Instructions on how to order student regalia.

After ordering your regalia, you will obtain it in person in the CUB Ballroom on Commencement Preparation Day, April 26, 2013. If you will not be available on April 26, please contact the College Bookstore to make alternative arrangements.

Gowns should be pressed before being worn at any occasion. Please wear the cap properly with the tassel on the right side until the degree has been conferred.  An academic hood will come with your regalia and should be worn properly – Please refer to the instruction sheet which comes with the hood. 

Stoles of Gratitude
The Stole of Gratitude is in part a gift from the Gettysburg College Alumni Association and the Class. Graduates will wear the stoles throughout the Commencement Exercises as a symbol of their appreciation for all of the individuals whose support was instrumental in bringing them to this day. At the reception following Commencement, graduates may present the stole to someone to demonstrate their gratitude for that individual's role in their success.

Honor Cords
After Senior Week, please check your campus email if you think you have earned an honor cord (summa, magna or cum laude). Notification will be sent via email on the Friday before Commencement, and honor cords will be distributed on Commencement morning in Bream Gym during line-up. If your academic department gives departmental honor cords, they will be distributed at the Departmental Receptions on Saturday afternoon or as directed by each academic department administrator.

Ceremony Policies

All ceremonies will start promptly. Please be at the appointed place in good time. If for any reason the planned procedure is interrupted, look to the president, college marshal, the dean or the student marshals for direction.

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.

Dress
Since Baccalaureate and Commencement events are formal, academic attire (i.e. "cap & gown") is required.  Casual attire is not appropriate dress for Baccalaureate or Commencement.  Sensible shoes are recommended as high heels may sink into the grass during outdoor events.

Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking is not permitted once you have entered the academic procession. Please remember that no alcohol is allowed at the graduation site.

Ceremony Instructions

Baccalaureate
Instructions.

Commencement
You will receive more detailed instructions for Commencement during the line-up in Bream Gym:

  • Please arrive at Bream Gym NO LATER than 9:45 a.m. on Commencement morning (Sunday, May 19, 2013) in your regalia (cap, gown & stole).   Check in at the registration tables at the entrance for seating instructions (and to pick up an honor cord if applicable).  Please go immediately to your seat after check-in. You will be given instructions on how everything works when you arrive.
  • No food or drinks will be permitted in Bream Gym.
  • Please plan to use the restrooms before entering Bream Gym.  Once you are inside, you must remain inside.
  • Remember to take ALL belongings with you when you leave Bream Gym in the Commencement procession.
  • More ceremony information.

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.

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

 

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300 North Washington Street
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325
717.337.6300

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