Class of 2023 Orientation
August 21-25, 2019
The orientation experience at Gettysburg is designed to allow first-year students to become acclimated to their new "home" through programming related to academics, student life and the transition to college. Orientation begins with the tradition of move-in day during which current students, alumni, faculty and staff assist with carrying all of your items to your new dorm room.
Later that day students participate in their first formal event as Gettysburg students - Opening Convocation. More details on Orientation for the Class of 2023 will be available in the registration packet which will be sent to you in mid-May.
Orientation Traditions
Orientation also includes the traditions of the First-Year Walk and GIV (Gettysburg is Volunteering) Day. The First-Year Walk looks back to Nov. 19, 1863, when Gettysburg College students, townspeople and Abraham Lincoln processed along Baltimore Street to the National Cemetery site. Each fall, Gettysburg’s first-year class follows this same route to hear a reading of Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg. During GIV Day, students participate in service projects or discussions with local organizations in Gettysburg.
Pre-Orientation Trips
Prior to Orientation, first-year students can participate in Ascent leadership trips which are led by students from the Office of Experiential Education and the Center for Public Service.
From backpacking on the Appalachian Trail to tackling poverty in Adams County, the Ascent pre-orientation program gives first-year students an early taste of the leadership opportunities at Gettysburg College.
Registration for Ascent will be available in mid-May through your orientation registration.
Class of 2022’s Orientation
Check out pictures from the Class of 2022's Move-in Day, Opening Convocation, First-Year Walk and Field Day from August 2018.