Opening Day, August 27

The 2014 Orientation schedule can be found below. Please note that this is an evolving document and may change before you arrive. Please check back often for updates!

August 27 - August 28 - August 29 -August 30 - August 31

8:00 am. - 11:30 am.
Move-In
New students move into their residence halls: Stine, Rice, Paul, Patrick, Hanson, and Huber.

9:00 am. - 1:00 pm.
Information Tables
Breidenbaugh Hall North Lawn, Lincoln Avenue
Stop by and learn about the services the College and the town of Gettysburg have to offer. Open a bank account; speak with representatives from Career Services, Facilities, Information Technology, etc. You can also visit the College Bookstore or Bed Bath & Beyond tent for items to make your new room more comfortable.

10:00 am. - 4:00 pm.
Hospitality for Parents and Families
Gazebo on Stine Lake and across Lincoln Avenue from Dining Center entrance
Stop by our hospitality site locations and chat with current Gettysburg College parents. Get your questions answered! Here you can also find campus maps, parent resources, water, and cookies.

11:00 am.
Student and Family Lunch
Dining Center
You and your family are invited to attend lunch in Gettysburg's dining hall, affectionately known as "Servo."

11:00 am.
Student Athletes and Family Lunch
Under the Tent, Memorial Field
Fall, Winter, and Spring Student Athletes and their families are invited to attend lunch under the tent on West Lawn. Staff from the Athletic Department will make remarks for families at 12:00 pm.  This event is only for athletes and their families; all other students and families are invited to the Dining Hall at this time.  Fall athletes will most likely be in practice or meetings, but families of those students are welcome to attend the lunch if they return to campus for Opening Day.

12:45 pm.
Transfer Student Assembly & Course Advising
Plank 110
Transfer students will gather with their Orientation Leaders in Plank 110 to begin to get to know one another. This session will also include the opportunity to meet with the Registrar about course selection and advising. 

1:00 pm. - 2:30 pm.
Orientation Groups Assembly
Stine Lake
This is your first opportunity to meet your floormates as a group and begin to get to know one another. This session will provide information about expectations during orientation. Students will assemble in orientation groups to meet their First-Year Team (Orientation Leader & Resident Assistant). Your Orientation Group assignment is on the door of your room.

1:00 pm. Parents as Partners
College Union Building (CUB), Ballroom
This session is for families. New students will meet with their orientation groups at this time. Julie Ramsey, Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students; Jack Ryan, Vice Provost; and two current students will help parents anticipate the Gettysburg College student experience, understand how Gettysburg interacts with students and parents, and determine how best to support their daughter's or son's growing independence.

1:00 pm. - 3:00 pm. Sibling Social
The Junction

This open house session is for siblings and family members of the Class of 2018. Novelty ice cream will be served, there will be a balloon artist, and board games will be available. It is a great opportunity to get out of the heat and relax for a bit.  New students will meet with their orientation groups and parents will be in an information session at this time.  Please note this is not a daycare service; there will be limited supervision present.

2:00 pm. - 3:30 pm.

Open Houses for Families various locations

Academic Advising, College Union Building, second floor

Department of Public Safety, 51 W. Stevens Street

Eisenhower Institute, 157 N. Washington Street

Hillel, 135 N. Washington Street

The Jaeger Center for Athletics, Recreation, and Fitness, Lincoln Avenue

Musselman Library, Library

Women's Center, 30 N. Washington St

2:00 pm. - 4:00 pm.
Opening Day Lounge for Families
Norris-Wachob Alumni House
Now that the heavy lifting is done and you've moved your students into their residence halls, it's time to relax. Come lounge in the living room of Norris-Wachob Alumni House, where we will provide a relaxing place for you to sit, get a cup of coffee and other snacks, take a breather, and meet other Gettysburg parents.

2:15 pm. - 3:15 pm.
Campus Tour for Transfer Students, Campus

2:30pm.
Dress for Opening Convocation
Residence Halls
Students will return to their rooms to dress for the ceremony. This is a formal occasion; please dress in business casual attire.  Families are invited to attend and are welcome in move-in attire.

4:00 pm. - 5:00 pm.
183rd Opening Convocation Ceremony
Pennsylvania Hall Lawn, North Side, Beachem Portico
All students and families will attend the formal welcoming ceremony for the incoming first year class. This is a formal academic occasion; please dress in business casual attire. The Faculty Processional will begin at approximately 3:55 p.m. with the Program to follow.  This event will be live streamed.

5:00 pm. - 6:00 pm.
Farewell to Families
Alumni House Lawn
Take moment to say goodbye to your family while enjoying some light refreshments on the front lawn of the Alumni House near Glatfelter Hall.  Lounge for Families Open, Norris-Wachob Alumni House.

6:15 pm.
Dinner for the Class of 2018
Under the Tent, Memorial Field
In case of dangerous weather, the dinner will be held in the Dining Center.

6:15 - 7:45 pm.
Dinner for Transfer Students
The Junction
Upperclass students by invitation only.

6:30 - 8:30 pm.
Distance Dinner
The Gettysburg Hotel
Buffet dinner for families traveling from a significant distance.  Invitation only.

8:00 pm. - 9:30 pm.
First Floor Meetings
Various Locations
The First-Year staff and representatives from various campus departments will present information on expectations of living in the halls, the relationship with the Facilities staff, safety in the halls, etc. Students will meet as a building group first and then break into floor groups to discuss living together using the Residence Life Citizenship Pillars.

8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Social Junction and Commons, College Union Building

Wind down from a busy day and come out and meet fellow First-Year Students. There will be great music, cookie decorating, board games, and amazing people!

9:30 pm.
Building Social Events and preparation for Academic Advising and Field Day
Residence Halls

*Events, Times, and Locations may change*

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