John F. Jaeger Center (Photo Allyson Frantz/The Gettysburgian)
Compiled by Gauri Mangala, Managing Editor
Along with the announcement of Gettysburg College’s move to online learning, a lengthy Frequently Asked Question section has been added to the college’s website. Here are some of the key questions:
Are we going to have Commencement?
We understand that this is a very important question for many students, especially graduating students. We are working as fast as we can to give students some clarity about this, with the understanding that we don’t know what the situation will be in May.
(For employees) Will I be laid off?
We take seriously our commitment to our employees. The College has a long tradition of supporting its employees, and we are going to honor that tradition to the very best of our ability during these turbulent times.
(For study abroad students) I’m concerned that if I leave my host country and return home, I will lose my academic credit. What should I do?
Gettysburg College has been working closely with all of our program providers and host institutions around the world to understand the options for continuing coursework and enabling our students to earn credit for their global study semester. In the majority of cases, programs are offering coursework through a virtual learning format. In the few cases where students do not have options to continue coursework online or students are at risk of losing academic credit, Gettysburg will work with you individually to address these issues upon your return.
When is the latest I need to have my room cleared out?
Saturday, March 21, at 8 p.m. for students who need to return to campus to move out.
Will I be reimbursed for room and board?
Students leaving campus
Students who leave campus will be issued a credit to their student account for 50 percent of the semester cost of their housing plan. The amount of the credit is determined by the housing plan. Credits will be the net of any credits already applied for residence life positions (i.e. RAs, RCs, etc.).
Students who leave campus will be issued a credit to their student account for 50 percent of the semester cost of their meal plan. The amount of the credit is determined by the meal plan.
Any unused Bullet Bucks that have been added during the semester will be credited to the student’s account.
Students living in private off-campus housing
Students renting directly from area landlords may want to ask if the landlord is willing to adjust their lease agreement.
Students who live in private off-campus housing that have meal plans will be issued a credit to their student account for 50 percent of the semester cost of their meal plan. The amount of the credit is determined by the meal plan.
Any unused Bullet Bucks that have been added during the semester will be credited to the student’s account.
Students remaining on campus
For the very few students who have been permitted to remain on campus by the College will not receive a credit for room or meals. Dining Services will remain open in a limited capacity to meet the needs of students approved to remain on campus.
Study abroad
Students required to return early from study abroad programs will receive prorated room and board credits based on the respective timeframe of their program and when the student left the program.
I am already off campus and cannot come back to pack my belongings. What do I do?
Options include:
- Have someone currently on campus pack your belongings for storage and/or mail them home. In order to do this, please fill out the Cannot Return form before March 21 at 8 p.m. form no later than Thursday, March 19 at noon.
- The College can pack and mail one medium sized box of essential items (i.e., academic materials, medications) free of charge. In order to do this, please fill out Cannot Return form before March 21 at 8 p.m. form by Thursday, March 19 at noon.
- The College will be in touch with you at a later date about any remaining items in your room.
Hey Gettysburgians: Tell us how this news is affecting you and what questions you have for the college (anonymously if you’d like) in this web form.
