Orientation 2009 Information

Class of 2013 Orientation
August 26-30, 2009

The orientation experience at Gettysburg is designed to allow first-year students to become acclimated to their new "home" through programming related to academics, student life and the transition to college. Orientation begins with the tradition of move-in day during which current students, alumni, faculty and staff assist with carrying all of your items to your new dorm room, and later that day students participate in their first formal event as Gettysburg students- Opening Convocation.

Orientation Traditions

Orientation also includes the traditions of the First-Year Walk and GIV (Gettysburg is Volunteering) Day.  The First-Year Walk looks back to Nov. 19, 1863, when Gettysburg College students, townspeople and Abraham Lincoln processed along Baltimore Street to the National Cemetery site. Each fall, Gettysburg's first-year class follows this same route to hear a reading of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg.  During GIV Day, students participate in service projects or discussions with local organizations in Gettysburg.

Pre-Orientation Trips

Prior to Orientation, trips such as the Ascent wilderness leadership trips and programs through the Center for Public Service are also available for first-year students (details will be available in the spring; registration for Pre-Orientation Trips will be available in ealry June during your myFirstYear registration process).

Check out pictures and videos from the Class of 2012's  Move-in Day, Opening Convocation, First-Year Walk and Field Day.

More details on Orientation for the Class of 2013 will be available on the Orientation website this spring and in the registration packet which will be sent to you in early June.