Keira Kant, Associate Dean of College Life, updated residential students with ways to engage, upcoming events, announcements, and reminders.
Dear FY Residential Cohort Students,
I hope this email finds you well and enjoying the beautiful fall weather! I write to you today with more updates and information about happenings on campus, and ways in which our community can continue to rise to the challenge of maintaining health and safety during this very challenging time in our lives. Thank you to those of you who have committed to upholding the Student Health Agreement and showing care and concern for your fellow Gettysburgians.
Since the College de-densified campus, we have heard from many of you about successes and challenges in navigating this semester. Now more than ever it is important for us to support one another and to find new ways to connect. I’d like to address three topics that will help us in these endeavors:
- Top 5 ways to make connections and find things to do
- Upcoming Events for the second half of October
- Odds & Ends – Additional information and reminders
Top 5 ways to make connections and find things to do
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engageGettysburg
- As you look for ways to get involved and meet others with shared interests, we encourage you to start with engageGettysburg. There are over 600 upcoming events, both in-person and virtual.
- Keep an eye on your email. You’ll receive emails, minimally every Thursday, from the engageGettysburg platform, highlighting upcoming programming, with direct links to register. Over the last month, there has been a range of in-person programming offered, from football game viewings on Sundays; DIY programming such as Build a Buddy, succulent planting, and movies; and larger-scale programming like the Mid-Autumn Festival and Fall Fest.
- We will also be using the platform on October 21 to host a virtual Activities Fair, where you can chat, Zoom, and learn about getting involved with student organizations and campus offices/departments.
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Instagram Accounts
RFYP, CAB, OSAGL, OME, Campus Rec – all searchable under the College Instagram account and have a list of events and activities on campus and virtually for students. -
Weekly Roundup by The Gettysburgian
- Each week, The Gettysburgian features upcoming events and things happening on campus and virtually. Check it out!
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GETTWell!
We know this is a stressful time for you in many ways, but here at Gettysburg College we care about your health and well-being, and we have a variety of programs that will invite you to take a break from homework, and do something good for yourself—so you will be better able to be good to others, too! In particular, we want to highlight the following:
Want to support your physical well-being?
- IMLeagues.com
- Campus Recreation website with fitness hours and events
- #gccampusrec
Want to support your career and academic well-being?
Want to support your mental and emotional well-being?
Want to support your financial Well-Being?
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Drop-In Office Hours with faculty and staff
Many staff and faculty have office hours and want to hear from you! We offer these to make connections with students, answer questions for course work and assignments or questions about life outside the classroom. If they are offered, stop in or make an appointment—making a connection with a faculty or staff member can be incredibly rewarding. It is also helpful while in college, and potentially beyond, for mentoring, references, career advice, etc.
Upcoming Events for the second half of October
EngageGettysburg
As mentioned, check out engageGettysburg for a listing of all events in the coming weeks. And if you want to help with programming or have new ideas, fill out the form on the engageGettysburg homepage, share your interests and add new interests, and/or email Caitlin Lindsay at clindsay@gettysburg.edu to offer your thoughts! Interested in hosting a program, let Caitlin know!
Extended Orientation
Check your email each Monday for an update message from Allison Schofield.
Spring Course Registration for FY students
October 28 (appointment time is listed in your Student Center)
Voting in Gettysburg?
For more information, check out eisenhowerinstitute.org/vote or email lcole@gettysburg.edu with questions.
You can cast your ballot in three ways:
- Apply for your absentee ballot ASAP!
- Search “Absentee Ballot PA” for the online form
- Online Absentee Application
- Vote early in person until Oct 27 at the Gettysburg Elections Office.
- 117 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, Room 106
- Vote in person on November 3 at the Gettysburg Firehouse at 35 N. Stratton Street. Transportation: Walk or take public transportation with Rabbit Transit:
- Rabbit Transit will pick up hourly (on the hour) at the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Carlisle Street (near Huber Hall), starting at 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.
- Drop off: N Stratton St and Foth Alley – Fire Department is about 400 feet away, short walk up N Stratton St.
- Pickup: Foth Alley & N Stratton St, on the hour, starting at 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
*Note: Students will have to wait an hour to catch the next bus back to campus. Students ride for free with their ID.
Odds & Ends – Additional information and reminders
Campus Hours/Campus Access
Details for the hours of campus buildings, access to those buildings, and services provided can be found here.
Resident Assistants (RAs)
All first-year students will continue to have a Resident Assistant (RA) in their living space. RAs will help to build community and foster connection between students in their areas. RAs can also help first-years stay connected with the friends they have already made on campus.
Student Success Advocate (SSA) program
Our Student Success Advocate program continues for first-year students and all fall 2020 transfer students. The SSA (a professional staff member) works as part of each first-year student’s “team” of support, which includes a faculty advisor and RA. If you have a question about the SSA program, please contact Keira Kant, Associate Dean of College Life at kkant@gettysburg.edu.
Open Office Hours
If you would like to share ideas and information, have questions, or would just like to chat, please visit my office hours during the semester:
Mondays from 10–11 a.m.—Join Monday Zoom Meeting
Fridays from 12:30–1:30 p.m.—Join Friday Zoom Meeting
Thank you for your continued attention to all of these matters and for your care and support of each other. I also invite you to engage with faculty, staff, and your peers in thinking creatively about new ways for us to connect as a community during these challenging times.
Be safe and be well,
Keira Kant ’95
Associate Dean of College Life