Dear Members of the Gettysburg College Community,
In reflecting upon the tragic and disturbing events in Georgia, as President Iuliano spoke to in his letter to the College community yesterday, we wanted to follow up with our students and employees with additional information and resources to support you.
If you would like someone to talk to or you are interested learning how you can more fully support underrepresented classmates and colleagues at Gettysburg College, we would encourage you to reach out to these offices:
- Office of Multicultural Engagement: The OME has been instrumental in supporting diversity and building a more inclusive campus culture at Gettysburg College. The office offers campus programming, first-year and upperclass student mentoring, and a wide range of opportunities for community members to explore their own cultural competency and grow in their understanding of and appreciation for difference. Please connect with the OME by calling 717-337-6311 or emailing Dr. Davenport at ddavenpo@gettysburg.edu.
- International Student Services: From Day 1, our Office of International Student Services welcomes international students to Gettysburg College, and works with them to provide personal advising, professional immigration support, and other essential resources. Community members are encouraged to reach out to this office support, ways to get engaged, and how to become a more effective advocate of international students and colleagues on campus. Please connect with the Office of International Student Services at 717-337-7370 or email Director Brad Lancaster at blancast@gettysburg.edu.
- Religious & Spiritual Life: The Center for Religious & Spiritual Life offers students and employees alike a space to find renewal, grow, and converse across boundaries. The Center warmly welcomes community members of all ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. The Center welcomes those of all faith traditions and no faith tradition, as well as those with different physical, mental, and emotional abilities. Please connect with the Center for Religious & Spiritual Life at 717-337-6280 or by emailing Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman at eeckman@gettysburg.edu.
In addition, RSL is planning two opportunities for members of the community to come together including an opportunity for sharing and discussion and a vigil to honor the victims of the Atlanta shooting.
Safe Space to Share: Join Chaplain Elizabeth and Muslim Student Association Advisor Niamate Leeper at the Religious & Spiritual Life house on Tuesday March 23rd from 5-6pm. This time is for anyone who identifies as Asian, Asian-American & Pacific Islander to gather either in person and over Zoom to share their feelings, fears, thoughts after the shooting in Atlanta that took 8 lives.
Vigil to honor victims of Atlanta shooting: Next week RSL will be holding a vigil for those who recently fell victim to acts of hate that took 8 lives in Atlanta. If you would like to be a part of planning this vigil please contact Chaplain Elizabeth Eckman at eeckman@gettysburg.edu.
- Counseling Services: Counseling Services is committed to creating a safe and comfortable environment for all Gettysburg College students. It provides free confidential counseling, emergency services, psychiatric services, consultations, self-help resources and educational programs, and workshops to help students to thrive in their life and learning. Faculty and staff seeking similar services are encouraged to participate in the Employee Assistance Program (see below). Students can connect with Counseling Services at 717-337-6960.
- Employee Assistance Program: The College’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is provided by WellSpan. The program was designed in recognition that faculty and staff may experience problems in their lives or careers that are difficult to manage without assistance. The EAP offers this needed assistance. Please visit our website to learn more about the program and eligibility. Employees seeking support are also encouraged to connect with Human Resources at hr@gettysburg.edu or 717-337-6202.
Certainly, there are many other offices, departments, and programs available to Gettysburg College students and employees to support our community members, but we wanted to reach out to let you know that you can always be in touch with these five resources, as well as either of us, for support and we will seek to provide you with the assistance you need.
Communities are strongest when its members look out for one another, listen to one another, and support one another. As Gettysburgians, let’s do what we can, in this difficult moment, to grow stronger together as a community.
Sincerely,
Jeff Foster, D.Ed.
Interim Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students
Darrien Davenport, Ed.D.
Assistant Secretary to the BOT/Assistant Vice President of College Life