Gettysburg College's newest students in the Class of 2016 will have many opportunities to get to know the College, community and one another through myriad experiences and activities during Orientation.

Ascent

From backpacking on the Appalachian Trail to tackling poverty in Adams County, the Ascent pre-orientation program gives first-year students an early taste of the leadership opportunities at Gettysburg College. Co-organized by the Office of Experiential Education and Center for Public Service, the program kicked off Aug. 16. Each trip combines both activity and action to showcase important issues and it is a way for students to learn about the unique ways the college integrates learning beyond the classroom.

Move-In

First-year students will move into their residence halls on Aug. 22. But thanks to the help of hundreds of fellow Gettysburg students who volunteer to assist students and families by carrying armloads of items into their new room, the daunting task takes no time at all. After workshops and panel discussions for both students and parents, the day will conclude with the 181st Opening Convocation Ceremony for the Class of 2016 - a formal welcoming ceremony for first-year students. This year's faculty speaker is Sharon Stephenson, chairperson and professor of physics. This event will be live streamed on the website at 4 p.m. Live stream trouble-shooting guide.

First-Year Walk

On Aug. 23, first-year students will participate in the traditional First-Year Walk to hear a reading of Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. Scott Hartwig, chief historian at the Gettysburg National Military Park, will read the address. The First-Year Walk looks back to Nov. 19, 1863, when Gettysburg College students and townspeople processed with Abraham Lincoln to the Soldiers' National Cemetery where he delivered his "Gettysburg Address." David Wills, who was an 1851 Gettysburg College graduate and local attorney, invited Lincoln to deliver "a few appropriate remarks." Lincoln stayed at his home the night before the Address. The First-Year Walk started in 2003 thanks to the efforts of a student, Lindsey Morlock '04, who wanted to find a way for students to connect with this critical moment in history.

GIV Day

The Class of 2016 will also be highly visible in the community on Aug. 24 as they participated in the 22nd annual Gettysburg Is Volunteering (GIV) Day. GIV Day is an opportunity for students to learn more about the Gettysburg community and how they can play an active role. Students take part in service projects and discussions on social justice issues. The event is the kick-off program for the college's Center for Public Service.

Field Day

During the afternoon on Aug. 24, first-year students will come together within their respective residence halls to compete in a series of high stakes challenges, better know as Field Day. Bragging rights are awarded to the residence hall with the most wins.

Follow along

Alumni, parents, and friends can follow all of the action on Twitter, Flickr, and Facebook. Followers on Twitter can tag their images or tweets with #gbc2016 or email news@gettysburg.edu. Complete Orientation schedule.

This incoming class of first-year students totals approximately 775, and was drawn from an outstanding total applicant pool of 5,622 students who represent 28 states and 11 countries. Total enrollment this year is forecast at approximately 2,600 students. The first day of classes is Aug. 27.

Founded in 1832, Gettysburg College is a highly selective four-year residential college of liberal arts and sciences with a strong academic tradition that includes Rhodes Scholars, a Nobel laureate and other distinguished scholars among its alumni. The college enrolls 2,600 undergraduate students and is located on a 200-acre campus adjacent to the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania.

By: Kendra Martin, director of communications & media relations, 717.337.6801