Keira Kant, Associate Dean of College Life, informs incoming students about this year’s virtual and in-person orientation program.
Dear Gettysburgians,
Greetings from Residential & First-Year Programs! We are thrilled that you will be joining us on campus soon, and look forward to getting to know you throughout move-in and Orientation.
The Orientation program is an essential part of your transition to college life and is the perfect opportunity to get to know your peers, the campus, and resources you may need to access during your time at Gettysburg. While we’ve had to make some changes for health and safety, we have been working hard to ensure that this year’s Orientation program – a hybrid of in-person and virtual offerings – delivers an engaging experience that welcomes new students into our community.
Orientation Schedule
The Orientation schedule can be viewed on the College website. As public health conditions continue to evolve daily, we appreciate your patience and understanding in recognizing that the schedule may be adjusted in order to respond to ever-changing circumstances, and to uphold our steadfast commitment to the health and safety of our community.
Virtual Orientation Programming
Throughout the week of August 10th, Orientation programming will be made available to students virtually. Students can participate in and complete these programs while they are awaiting their COVID-19 test results. Specific instructions on how to access these programs will be provided in forthcoming communications. These programs will include:
- Living In Our Community: a series of virtual modules to help introduce new students to the Gettysburg community, which includes:
- Learning & Honesty: Introduction to Academic Integrity at Gettysburg
- Introduction to the Department of Public Safety & Title IX
- Student Monologues
- Introduction to Student Conduct and Bias Policies
- Green Dot Bystander Intervention Program
- Academic Programming: opportunities to learn about different academic programs and meet with your faculty advisor.
- Orientation Group Meetings: meetings with your Orientation group to get to know other students on your floor.
In-Person Orientation Programming
Throughout the weekend of August 15th – 16th, we are planning to engage new students in small Orientation groups of no more than 12 students. These groups will be led by Resident Assistants (RAs) and Orientation Leaders (OLs). These groups will gather to discuss the online modules completed by the students and get to know each other.
Recognizing that many incoming students did not get a chance to visit campus this spring, we will also plan to offer campus tours as well as the opportunity to walk your course schedule with an OL or RA.
Next Steps for Incoming Students
As you prepare to join our community, remember to complete the following Next Steps to ensure a smooth arrival and transition:
- If you haven’t already done so, review and sign the Student Health Agreement as soon as possible.
- Review move-in procedures.
- Complete Alcohol Wise online module (instructions emailed on July 27); due August 14.
- Complete Diversity Education online module (instructions emailed on July 27); due August 14.
- Review our Pre-Arrival health guidelines and complete the pre-screening form, beginning 14 days prior to your arrival on campus. This form, COVID-19 Initial Pre-Arrival Screening Form, can be found on your Medicat Patient Portal under “Forms – REQUIRED FORMS.”
- Complete the COVID-19 Education Module available now on Moodle; due August 17.
- Review FAQs and previous communications on the Better Together webpage.
Incoming Students Commuting or Studying Remotely
We recognize that some of our incoming students have selected to commute to campus or learn remotely for the fall semester. Rest assured, you will not miss out on Orientation programming. Incoming students who are commuting or studying remotely can participate in all of the virtual Orientation programs we plan to offer. These students will also be assigned to Orientation groups comprised of fellow commuters or remote learners, which will continue to meet remotely throughout the Orientation period.
Parent Programming
We appreciate the special role that parents and families play in our broader Gettysburg College community and we plan to offer virtual engagement opportunities for parents and families, as well. More information about these programs is forthcoming.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at orientation@gettysburg.edu with any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Thank you,
Keira S. Kant ’95
Associate Dean of College Life
