The goals of point forgiveness are:
- To reward students who avoid conduct difficulty
- To give students an opportunity to reduce points through meaningful activities
- To help students learn more about alcohol and other drugs so they can make informed choices
- To help students become more aware how choices affect outcomes
- To provide support to students who want to make positive behavioral changes
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I get a 1-point reduction?
- For each semester that a student is not involved in any adjudicated violations of College Policy, (including for example residential guidelines, network use policy, etc.) ONE point will be removed from their record.
- To qualify for the removal of one point from their record, as described above, students must have completed all outstanding sanctions and meet the scheduling expectations for educational programming and counseling sessions at the time of the initial violation (see the Educational Programming and Counseling section above for more details).
- Students may work with a hearing officer to develop their own point forgiveness program. This program must meet the expectations of all point forgiveness and must be approved by the hearing officer. After successful completion of this program the student will have ONE point removed from their record.
- No more than 4 points can be forgiven for a student in one academic year; no more than 2 points can be forgiven for a student in one semester.
- Points cannot be forgiven for a previous violation if a student is being investigated for (or has been charged with) a new violation, until the new violation has been fully adjudicated.
Note: Point Forgiveness is an opportunity, not a right. While we will provide point forgiveness opportunities throughout the academic year, these opportunities are limited and may conflict with your class/activity schedules. Any student wishing to earn point forgiveness should pursue it immediately upon completing required sanctions. Those who wait may not be able to earn point forgiveness given time and logistical conflicts.
If I have no conduct violations at the end of a semester, do I need to let someone know that I qualify for a 1-point reduction?
No, this happens automatically. For questions, contact Tamra Martin, tmartin@gettysburg.edu.
What can I do to get a 1-point reduction?
You may seek point forgiveness only after you have completed all assigned sanctions. You may reduce a point by completing one of the activities listed below. You may complete each activity only once (unless descriptions specifies you may repeat) and you may not use an activity that has been assigned to you as a sanction to earn point forgiveness. Be sure to keep track of the activities you complete so you don’t accidentally complete an activity more than once. If you are assigned a program as a sanction that you’ve already completed for point forgiveness, let your Area Coordinator know that. You would then be assigned another activity for your sanction.
When may I do a point reduction activity?
It’s strongly recommended that you complete point reduction activities as early in the academic year as possible.
Students who seek point reduction after the end of each semester cannot be accommodated. Students who incur violations toward the end of the school year won’t have the opportunity to earn point forgiveness that year. Before signing up, carefully read the requirements under “Point Forgiveness Activities” to be sure you are choosing the right activity for your situation.
How do I sign up?
It is the student’s responsibility to schedule and fulfill the requirements for voluntary point forgiveness. Students are advised to pursue point forgiveness as early in the academic year as possible. It is also the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are credited for the point reduction after completing the activity.
Before signing up, carefully read requirements under “What can I do to get a 1-point reduction" to be sure you’re choosing the right level.
Point Forgiveness Activities
Intervention Training - (currently not available due to COVID-19)
This workshop provides an opportunity for students to learn the skills of intervention. Students will reflect upon the attitudes and behaviors that influence the process of intervening as an individual or with assistance. Various problematic situations will be covered from alcohol abuse to sexual assault. You will be required to complete a two page reflection paper at the end of the training to earn point forgiveness. To sign up, contact Student Rights and Responsibilities at 717-337-6907.
Campus Kitchen
This program offers the opportunity to serve as a volunteer for the weekly cooking shifts. This program gives back to the community and can be used to qualify for a one point forgiveness. You will be required to serve at two 2-hour shifts to complete this activity. To sign up, email Tamra Martin, tmartin@gettysburg.edu, to set up an appointment to complete paperwork and to obtain available dates/shifts.
Bystander Training
During training, participants will receive a comprehensive approach to responding to and preventing power-based personal violence. The goal for this training is to engage in a basic education program that will equip you to integrate moments of prevention within existing relationships and daily activities. Students participating for points forgiveness will only receive a point off if they have completed the entire training, actively participate, and maintain a positive attitude about the experience. Keep in mind that this is voluntary and there are other points forgiveness opportunities. Only choose this training if you are committed to remaining engaged in this interactive experience.
Show Some Respect! Prevent Harassment
This online course is available for the Point Forgiveness Program. Please contact Student Rights and Responsibilities at 717-337-6907 or email Tamra Martin at tmartin@gettysburg.edu to sign up and receive sign-on information.