New Student Orientation will be held from Wednesday, August 20 through Sunday, August 24, 2025.
Below, you will find highlights of each day's programming. The full Orientation schedule will be published in early August on this webpage, and in the Navigate app.
Wednesday, August 20 – Opening Day!
Sessions marked with an * are open to parents and family members.
* 8:00am – 11:30am
Move-In, East and West Quads
New students will move into their residence halls.
* 8:30am – 5:00pm
Departments Open Across Campus, various locations noted below
Students, parents, and families are welcome to visit various offices on campus to learn more about what resources and opportunities are available and how offices may work with parents and families throughout the year. Please note that some offices close for lunch (12-1pm), and to attend Opening Convocation (4-5pm).
- Campus Recreation – Jaeger Athletic Center
- Campus Safety – 51 W. Stevens Street
- Center for Career Engagement – College Union Building, Suite 204
- Center for Student Success – College Union Building, Suite 210
- Counseling and Wellness Center – Broadway
- Eisenhower Institute – 157 N. Washington Street
- Financial Aid – Corner of W. Stevens and N. Washington Streets
- G-Tech – West Building (9:00am – 5:00pm)
- Garthwait Leadership Center – College Union Building, Suite 202
- Musselman Library
- Student Accounts – Penn Hall, Ground Floor Service Window
* 11:00am – 12:45pm
Student and Family Lunch, Servo Dining Center
New students and their families are invited to attend lunch in Gettysburg’s dining hall, affectionately known as “Servo”.
* 11:30am – 1:30pm
Information Tables for Families, Jeager Fitness Center Lobby
Gettysburg College parents and select offices will be available to answer questions, give directions to afternoon events, and share information about Family Weekend.
* 12:00pm
Families of Student-Athletes Welcome Session – Winter and Spring Teams, Bream Gymnasium
Families of Winter and Spring Student-Athletes are invited to attend a welcome from the Department of Athletics. The coaching staff will be available, and there will be brief remarks from the Athletic Director. Families are encouraged to have lunch in Servo prior to the session, starting at 11am.
Families of fall student athletes: the information shared in this meeting is the same information that you received when your student-athlete arrived on their move-in day. If you are returning for Opening Day, it is not necessary to attend this session again.
1:00pm – 2:45pm
Just for Students: Orientation Group Assembly, Stine Lake
All new students will gather on Stine Lake to meet up with their Orientation Group, Orientation Leader, and Resident Assistant. We will share the Orientation schedule, what to expect during Orientation, and start to build community with others on your floor.
- Your Orientation Group assignment is posted on the door of your room.
- First Year Commuter students and Transfer Students should check their Gettysburg email for their Orientation Group assignment.
- Students will have time to return to their rooms to change for Convocation following the Assembly.
* 1:15pm – 2:45pm
Just for Parents & Families: Transition to Gettysburg College, Jeager Fitness Center - Bream Gymnasium
This opening session, specifically for parents and family members, will offer insights on the Gettysburg College student experience, share information about how Gettysburg interacts with students and family members and determine how to best support their student’s growing independence.
* 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Welcome Reception for Families, Science Center Patio
Enjoy refreshments and social time with other Gettysburg families and College staff before heading to Convocation.
* 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Opening Convocation Ceremony, Pennsylvania Hall Lawn, North Side – Beachem Portico
All students and families will attend the formal welcoming ceremony for the Class of 2029 and new transfer students. Students will sit with their Orientation Group. The Faculty Processional will begin at 3:55pm.
* 5:00pm – 5:30pm
Farewell to Families, Outside Glatfelter Hall
Students and family members will reconnect following Convocation to say goodbye while enjoying some light refreshments.
5:45pm
First-Year Student Dinner with Orientation Group, Servo
5:45pm – Rice and Paul
6:00pm – Hanson Hall
6:15pm – Patrick and Stevens
5:45pm
Transfer Student Building Meetings & Dinner, CUB 208
New transfer students will gather with members of the Office of Residential Education to receive information covered in the First-Year Building Meetings before heading to dinner in town.
* 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Distance Dinner (by invitation), Mason Dixon Distillery – 331 E. Water St.
Buffet dinner for families traveling to campus for Opening Day. Registration required. New students attend dinner with their orientation groups in Servo. Email families@gettysburg.edu for additional information on the Distance Dinner..
7:00pm – 9:45pm
Building & Floor Meetings, Masters 110 - Mara Auditorium
Residential Education staff and representatives from various campus departments will present information on expectations of living in the residence halls, relationships with facilities staff, and safety. First, students will meet as a building and then break into floor groups to discuss their community expectations for the year.
- Rice and Paul Hall – 7:00pm
- Hanson Hall – 7:45 PM
- Patrick and Stevens Hall – 8:30pm
- First Year Commuter students should report to the CUB Information Desk at 7:00 PM.
- Transfer students are not required to attend this session; information will be shared at the Transfer Student Dinner.
8:30pm – 11:30pm
Chilled to be Here with OSAGL, Stine Lake & CUB Patio
Thursday, August 21
7:45am – 9:00am
Breakfast with Orientation Groups, Servo
7:45am – Rice and Paul
8:00am – Hanson Hall & Transfer Students
8:15am – Patrick and Stevens
9:00am – 9:15am
Living in Our Community: Welcome, Chapel
Students will receive greetings from the Associate Provost about what it means to be part of the Gettysburg academic, residential, and social communities. This session also highlights the upcoming goals of orientation. Students will be dismissed from this session to meet with their First-Year Seminar class or attend the New Transfer Student program.
9:20am – 10:30am
New Transfer Student Programs, GLAT 101
Students will have an advising check in with the Center for Student Success, followed by an introduction to Musselman Library.
9:45am – 10:30am
First-Year Seminar Class Meeting, Various Locations
Students will meet with their First-Year Seminar (FYS) instructor and classmates about what it means to be a member of the specific FYS course and the Gettysburg College community, getting connected (floor, faculty, staff, etc.), exploring new ideas to learn, courses and activities, and more.
10:45am – 12:00pm
Topical Advising Information Sessions, Various Locations
Students will have the chance to hear from select majors and programs about their academic plans should they choose to pursue that area of study.
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Lunch with Orientation Groups, Servo
12:00pm – Rice & Paul Halls
12:15pm – Hanson Hall & Transfer Students
12:30pm – Patrick and Stevens Halls
1:00pm – 4:30pm
Individual Advising Appointments, Various Locations
Students will meet with their faculty advisor to discuss their class schedule and goals for their time at Gettysburg. Each student MUST meet with their advisor to finalize their registration for the fall semester. Additional details will be shared by your advisor via email.
- Meeting with your advisor during this time takes priority over any other activities, events, practices, etc. happening during this time.
- Music major students with a double major will meet with their other major advisor during this time, and their music major advisor on Friday, August 22nd.
1:00pm – 4:30pmMeet students with similar interests through these optional events when you are not meeting with your advisor. More information on the events, their times, and location can be found in Navigate.
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Student Employment Information Session, CUB 260
Are you thinking of pursuing student employment? If so, then come learn more about the opportunities that can provide you with meaningful learning and engagement during your time on campus. Students are employed in a variety of positions across campus – athletics, academics, student life, dining services, the library, and more – enhancing their skills in preparation for life after Gettysburg.
1:30pm – 3:30pm
Go Green, Gettysburg! Stine Lake
Gettysburg College values conservation and various organizations both on and off campus are doing their part to ensure we lower our carbon footprint. Stop by the Eco-Fair to learn what you can do at Gettysburg to help make the college and surrounding region more sustainable. This event will feature music, food, sustainable arts and crafts, and some animal guests from a local nature preserve!
4:45pm – 5:45pm
Dinner with Orientation Groups, Servo
Students will eat dinner with their Orientation groups, then assemble for the First-Year Walk.
4:45pm – Rice & Paul Halls
5:00pm – Hanson Hall & Transfer Students
5:15pm – Patrick and Stevens Hall
6:00pm – 6:20pm
First-Year Walk Introduction, Christ Chapel
The Class of 2029 and new transfer students will gather in the Chapel for an introduction to the First-Year Walk. After remarks from President Iuliano, all students will line up to begin the walk.
6:30pm – 8:30pm
First-Year Walk, Town of Gettysburg
Faculty, staff, administrators, students, and community members will escort the new students through the streets of historic Gettysburg. This Gettysburg College tradition, initiated by a student in 2003, commemorates the same journey taken by college students and community members in 1863, when they walked to the cemetery to hear President Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address.
9:30pm – 12:00am
Explore Gettysburg Events, Various Locations
Optional events for students to participate in to meet students outside of their Orientation Group with similar interests. More information about what events are happening and their locations can be found in Navigate.
9:30pm – 11:30pm
Orientation Bingo, CUB Junction and Bullet Hole
Join the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life for an exciting night of bingo! Prizes will range from “college starter packs” to gift cards and more!
Friday, August 22
7:00am – 10:30am
Breakfast on Own, Servo
8:30am – 12:15pm
GIV Day (Gettysburg is Volunteering) , Atrium and Grill Area
By registration only; breakfast will be served. GIV Day is the first opportunity for you to engage in the local community. Participants will learn about social justice issues while connecting with classmates, upperclass students, and members of the Gettysburg community. To participate, students had to indicate interest on their Dashboard. Confirmed attendees will receive more information via email.
9:30am – 2:30pm
Explore Gettysburg Events, Various Locations
Optional events for students not participating in GIV Day to meet students outside their Orientation Group with similar interests. More information about what events are happening and their locations can be found in Navigate.
11:30am – 1:30pm
Lunch on Your Own, Servo
1:00pm – 2:15pm
Additional time to meet with your Faculty Advisor (if needed), Various Locations
All music majors meet with their Conservatory Advisor (may extend later than 2:15pm), Various Locations
This is additional time for students to meet with their advisor or First-Year Seminar instructor. Music majors should meet with their music advisor during this time.
2:15pm- 5:30pm.
Living in our Community: Monologues, Master Hall - Mara Auditorium
Enjoy performances from Gettysburg College upper-class students as they display a variety of educational scenarios that could occur during your time as a student at Gettysburg College
2:15pm – 3:45pm: Patrick Hall, Stevens Hall, and Paul Hall
4:00PM – 5:30PM: Hanson Hall, Rice Hall, and Transfers
2:15pm - 3:45pm
Darrah Auditorium (McCreary Hall 101) - Hanson 0A,0B,1A
Joseph Theater (Breidenbaugh) - Hanson 2A,2B,3A,3B,Rice 1A
Science Center 200 - Rice 2A,2B, transfer students
Science Center 300 - Rice 3A, 3B
4:00pm - 5:30pm
Darrah Auditorium (McCreary Hall 101) - Patrick 2A,2B,3A
Joseph Theater (Breidenbaugh) - Patrick 1A, 3B, 4A,4B, Stevens 1A
Science Center 200 , Paul 1A, Paul 2A, Paul 2B
Science Center 300 - Stevens 3A, Paul 3A, Paul 3B
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Dinner in Orientation Groups, Servo
5:30pm: Rice and Paul
5:45pm: Hanson and Transfer Students
6:00pm: Patrick Hall, Stevens Hall, and Conservatory Students.
7:00pm – 11pm
Friday Night Frenzy, Memorial Field and Beer Garden
Bounce over to Memorial Field and the new Beer Garden for an evening filled with inflatable games, lawn games, and music!
9:00pm – 12:00am
Explore Gettysburg Events, Various Locations
Optional events for students to participate in to meet students outside of their Orientation Group with similar interests. More information about what events are happening and their locations can be found in Navigate.
Saturday, August 23
7:00am – 10:30am
Breakfast on Own, Servo
10:30am – 12:30pm
Introduction to the Guided Pathways & Co-Curricular Advising, Mara Auditorium, Masters Hall
Meet your Co-Curricular and Career Advisors and learn about the Guided Pathways and how your Personal Advising Team can help you during your time at Gettysburg. This session is required for students that have opted-in to the Guided Pathways program, but also open to any student wanting to learn more about the program.
10:30am – 11:20am: Patrick, Stevens, and Paul Halls
11:30am – 12:20pm: Hanson, Rice and Transfer Students
11:30am – 1:30pm
Lunch on Own, Servo
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Field Day, Memorial Field
Come together with your residence hall and bond through team building activities and games. Wear your building colors and come out for a fun Field Day!
3:30pm – 5:30pm
Choir Open House & Auditions, Schmucker Recital Hall
Meet current singers and learn about choir programs. If you are interested in joining the choir, auditions will be held in Schmucker 214 – sign up for your audition time in Schmucker 212. Audition times will be available through Wednesday, August 27. Additional information can be found here.
5:00pm – 6:30pm
Dinner with Orientation Groups, Servo
5:00pm: Rice and Paul
5:30pm: Hanson Hall and Transfer students
6:00pm: Patrick and Stevens
7:00pm – 8:00pm
“Experience Gettysburg”, Majestic Theater, Carlisle Street
Get a glimpse of everything Gettysburg has to offer. It’s up to you to get involved, but we’d love to show you how! Hear stories and experiences from upper-class students in the historic Majestic Theater.
8:30pm – 12:00am
Explore Gettysburg Events, Various Locations
Optional events for students to participate in to meet students outside of their Orientation Group with similar interests. More information about what events are happening and their locations can be found in Navigate.
10:30pm – 12:30am
Midnight Madness, Bullet Hole & Bullet Hole Patio
Wrap up your orientation experience by attending your first ever Mid Mad! Sponsored by the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life and Dining Services, Mid Mad is a fun-filled event filled with late-night bites and karaoke!
Sunday, August 25
10:00am – 1:30pm
Brunch on Own, Servo
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Pathways Meet and Greet, President’s House, Broadway
Students that have opted into the Guided Pathways Program are welcome to join President Bob Iuliano for a dessert reception at the President’s home. Come mingle with fellow first-year students and learn more about the Pathways from students currently enrolled in the program.
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Explore Gettysburg Events, Various Locations
Optional events for students to participate in to meet students outside of their Orientation Group with similar interests. More information about what events are happening and their locations can be found in Navigate.
4:00pm – 4:45pm
Living in Our Community: Final Meeting with Orientation Groups, Various Locations
Meet with your Orientation group, RA and OL to discuss the topics covered throughout Orientation and ask any lingering questions you have prior to the first day of classes.
4:00pm – 6:00pm
Choir Auditions, Schmucker 214
If you are interested in joining the choir, auditions will be held in Schmucker 214 – sign up for your audition time in Schmucker 212. Audition times will be available through Wednesday, August 27. Additional information can be found here.
5:00pm – 7:30pm
Dinner on Own, Servo
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Choir Auditions, Schmucker 214
If you are interested in joining the choir, auditions will be held in Schmucker 214 – sign up for your audition time in Schmucker 212. Audition times will be available through Wednesday, August 27. Additional information can be found here.