Gettysburg students participate in many high-impact practices such as capstone course or experience (part of the graduation requirements) and study-abroad, which are associated with a variety of desirable learning and personal development outcomes based on research. Displayed below are participation rates by the time of their graduation.
Internships
76% of the 2023 graduating class completed at least one internship during their years at the College, enriching their academic learning and gaining valuable work experience.
| Graduating Class | Internship (Paid or Unpaid) Participation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 76% |
| 2022 | 71% |
| 2021* (pandemic year) | 68% |
| 2020 | 74% |
| 2019 | 77% |
| 2018 | 74% |
| 2017 | 80% |
| 2016 | 78% |
| 2015 | 80% |
| 2014 | 70% |
| 2013 | 67% |
Study Abroad
35% of the 2023 graduating class studied abroad for a semester or an academic year during their time at the College, enriching their academic learning and global perspectives.
| Graduating Class | % of Graduates Who Studied Abroad* |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 35% |
| 2022 | 20% |
| 2021 | 53% |
| 2020 | 57% |
| 2019 | 52% |
| 2018 | 55% |
| 2017 | 52% |
| 2016 | 53% |
| 2015 | 54% |
| 2014 | 50% |
*Includes study abroad (for academic credit) for a semester or an academic year (excluding summer). Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many students cancelled their study-abroad plan, thus the lower percentages in the recent graduating classes.
Undergraduate Research
60% of the 2023 graduating class worked with faculty on research during their years at the College, enhancing their level of deep learning and intellectual development.
| Graduating Class | Undergraduate Research Participation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 60% |
| 2022 | 57% |
| 2021 | 56% |
| 2019 | 55% |
| 2018 | 51% |
| 2017 | 57% |
| 2016 | 55% |
| 2015 | 56% |
| 2014 | 57% |
| 2013 | 55% |
First-Year Seminar
First-year seminars (FYS) provide first-year students an opportunity to work closely with a faculty member and a small cohort of peers to explore a topic that they all find interesting. FYS employ and develop a variety of skills including writing, speaking, critical thinking, quantitative reasoning, and the use of technology or instrumentation. Since Fall 2020, all first-year students have been required to take a FYS.
Leadership Experience
64% of the 2023 graduating class served in a leadership role/roles on campus during their years at the College: Residential Education staff (e.g., RA), campus organization/club officer (e.g., in Student Senate, Greek organizations, clubs/organized groups), athletic team captain, GLC (Garthwait Leadership Center) leadership mentor/outdoor facilitator, CPS (Center for Public Service) program coordinator, tour guide, EI (Eisenhower Institute) Undergraduate Fellow, or similar leadership position, substantially enhancing their leadership skills.
| Graduating Class | % Served in a Leadership Role(s) | % Reporting Leadership Skills Substantially** Enhanced |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 64% | 85% |
| 2019 | 59% | 87% |
| 2018 | 61% | 90% |
| 2017 | 63% | 91% |
| 2016 | 64% | 92% |
| 2015 | 69% | 82% |
| 2014 | 69% | 83% |
| 2013 | 67% | 88% |
| 2012 | 65% | 83% |
| 2011 | 58% | 86% |
| 2010 | 66% | 87% |
**“Substantially” is the combined % of students reporting leadership skills “Moderately” or “Greatly” enhanced (Rating Scale: Not at all--A little--Moderately--Greatly). Data not collected for 2020-2022.
Community Service
84% of the 2023 graduating class participated in community service during their years at the College, strengthening their civic engagement.
| Graduating Class | Community Service Participation Rate |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 84% |
| 2022 | 81% |
| 2021 | 82% |
| 2019 | 86% |
| 2018 | 88% |
| 2017 | 86% |
| 2016 | 89% |
| 2015 | 87% |
| 2014 | 83% |
| 2013 | 80% |
Service Learning
In Spring 2020, 71% of seniors reported that at least some of their courses at this institution had included a community-based project (service-learning), integrating classroom learning with civic and community engagement.
| Graduating Class | Service Learning Participation Rate | Average of Liberal Arts Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 71% | 63% |
| 2017 | 68% | 62% |
| 2014 | 64% | 62% |
Notes: 1) All data (except Study Abroad and Service Learning) are based on student self-reports on the annual HEDS graduating senior survey. Approximately 95% of graduating seniors completed the survey every year, except for 2020, 2021, and 2022 when participation rate was 38%, 80%, and 46%, respectively, due to the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. 2) Data source for Study Abroad: Office of Institutional Analysis and Center for Global Education. 3) Data source for Service Learning: student self-reports on National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). 5) High-Impact Educational Practices is a term popularized by NSSE founding director George Kuh: https://www.aacu.org/leap/hips
Source
Office of Institutional Analysis