Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay with a credit card to register?
You can register and pay online. You may also mail in forms with your credit card information included to: The Civil War Institute, Gettysburg College, Campus Box 435, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

How do I register?
It is easy to register online.

What if I'm waitlisted?
Being waitlisted means that the number of spots that we have planned for have already been filled. However, during the year some of the people that registered early need to cancel. In that case, the next available person on the waitlist will take their spot.

When do I need to make my final payment by?
Your balance must be paid off no later than March 15. Remember that all checks should be made payable to Gettysburg College.

Is that payment refundable?
Any cancellations after March 15 are non-refundable. If you cancel prior to March 15th you will be charged a $100.00 cancellation fee.

If I'm a tuition only participant, do I get meals too?
Tuition only participants do not get meals as a part of tuition. Meals can be ordered individually or for the week through a form sent in the spring or at registration from a CWI staff member.

Is there air-conditioning in all the dorms?
Yes, all the dorms have air-conditioning.

What transportation is available in Gettysburg?
Information about transportation. The CWI office cannot make arrangements for you. If you are looking for a way to get around town you may consider using the Freedom Transit Trolleys.

Will there be someone at registration to help me with my bags?
No, unfortunately we do not have the staff to provide this service to all of our participants. However, if circumstances prevent a participant from being able to move their belongings into their dorm room, assistance can be acquired.

Where can I park my car? Will I need a parking permit?
Parking is available on campus in student parking lots and parking permits will be required. Participants are not allowed to park in faculty or staff spots. Permits and maps will be provided at registration.

What amenities will be provided in my housing?
Summer Conferences only supplies each person with two flat sheets, a pillow case, and two towels. Fitted sheets are not provided, so you may want to consider bringing your own bedding to fit an extra long twin size bed. Rooms do come furnished with closets, drawers, and desks, but do not include a TV. Soap and other toiletries are also NOT provided.

What should I bring for tours?
Participants should come well prepared for tours. Most tours consist of a great deal of walking, so participants should wear appropriate footwear. For battlefield tours it is also a good idea to wear sunscreen, hat/sunglasses, and insect repellent. For tours that lead participants through fields it is a good idea to wear long pants to prevent reactions to poison ivy. Also, in these situations we recommend that participants check for ticks when they return to campus. Water is always provided on tours but you are welcome to bring your own water bottles.

What do you suggest I bring to lectures?
The College Ballroom is air conditioned and can be quite chilly, so we recommend that you bring a jacket or something warm to wear. Small notepads are provided as supplies last, but you may want to bring your own pen and paper to take notes. Tables are provided in the back rows, but not in the front. You might want to bring a notebook or anything that you can write on without having a table.

Can I smoke in college buildings?
All facilities at Gettysburg College are smoke-free. Smoking is prohibited within fifteen (15) feet of all campus buildings and meeting spaces.

Will I have internet access on campus or access to a computer?
Gettysburg College will be providing Wireless Hot Spots throughout campus during the Institute. This public wireless (gbcwifi) can be accessed using your computer providing you have a working wireless 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11a, or 802.11n adapter. Simply click on gbcwifi and it should connect. The wireless Hot Spots are for internet access only. We will also have two walk-up computers in the CUB available to our participants. You will no longer need a password to access the network. The library will also designate computers for use by the public. These computers are located on the main floor of the library building. Patrons may have access to all of the library's free and purchased online resources at any of these work stations.

Can I use the campus post office, library, or athletic facilities?
Yes, all of these campus facilities and services will be available to participants. A schedule of hours for college facilities will be provided at registration.

Do I have to read the recommending reading?
Of course the reading is not required, but is highly recommended so that participants can get the most out of their experience.

How do I apply for a scholarship?
Scholarships are available to high school sophomores and juniors, as well as primary and secondary teachers (preference goes to applicants that teach U.S. History as part of their curriculum). More information.

If I apply for a scholarship, but am not awarded one, can I still attend the CWI conference as a participant?
If you would still like to attend as a participant even if you are not awarded a scholarship, be sure to notify the CWI office of this by email at civilwar@gettysburg.edu or call 717-337-6590. Your decision to attend as a participant even without a scholarship will not affect how scholarships are awarded.

Do scholarships pay for travel expenses?
Not all scholarships pay for travel expenses. Only the top two scholarship recipients will receive scholarships that will help pay for travel costs.

If I am a teacher, can I get ACT 48 credits for attending the Institute? Do I need to be part of the scholarship program to receive this credit?
Yes, the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College is an approved PA Act 48 Continuing Professional Education Provider through the Division of Professional Development, Bureau of Teaching and Learning Support. However, you do NOT need to be a scholarship recipient to receive credit.

Will I get a chance to get my books signed by the lecturers?
Yes, lecturers will be available to sign books after their lectures. However, we ask that participants be considerate of their time and limit the number of books that they request each lecturer to sign.

If I don't get the tour selection choice that I wanted, or decide that I would like to switch my tour choices, would I be allowed to and how?
If you would like to change your tour selection let Pam Dalrymple know during the week of the conference.

If I have any more questions or concerns, what is the best way to contact the CWI office?
If you have any questions or concerns we recommend that you email us at civilwar@gettysburg.edu or call 717-337-6590.

Can I register for next year yet?
Registration for next year's conference will open during the week of the current year's conference.

I have special dietary needs. Can that be accommodated?
Dining services can accommodate any and all dietary needs. Be sure to note these needs in your registration forms so that the appropriate meal can be included with your tour group.

Is there a refrigerator in the dorm?
Yes, all dorms are outfitted with either a full size refrigerator or micro-fridge.

Can I stay an extra night?
No, Gettysburg College only allows their dormitories to be occupied by people that are participating in educational programs that are on campus. Once the event is considered over at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, participants will not be allowed to occupy the dorm rooms.