To the Office of the President

As you are all well aware, Gettysburg College has a history deeply steeped in resilience, and with an emphasis on the education our institution provides. Perhaps the best example of this resilience and commitment to learning is Professor Michael Jacobs infamous for stopping his math class on the morning of July 1st, 1863 not out of fear but rather because the growing cannon and musket fire was becoming a distraction to his students. In the days that followed, the College became the center of one of the bloodiest battles in American history. Despite the carnage, the fall semester began on time and after having a short time to recover. 

This story resonates with the current students of Gettysburg College now more than ever as we face a disaster unmatched since those three fateful days in 1863. Athletes are watching their season crumble before them, seniors are grappling with the idea of never crossing back through Penn Hall to complete their journey, and freshmen are wondering what traditions they’ll be missing out on. 

For many students, the support of Gettysburg College’s amazing faculty and staff have made the school feel more like home than our hometowns. For this reason, we are asking that the school consider the option of allowing students to return to campus to resume class when our extended spring break ends. A large portion of students come from rural areas where internet providers simply cannot handle online classes without severe lagging. On top of this, online learning is incredibly difficult for students with learning disabilities, many students already have accommodations that simply would not be available to them online. Following the end of spring break, we request that in-person classes resume with the option for students who may be at risk or may not feel safe to attend online from the isolation rooms that have been set up on the outskirts of campus. This solution provides students some normalcy in the rapidly changing circumstances, and does not leave those who rely on the college for stable housing or meals. 

At another crossroads in history, students are now more than ever looking to the Gettysburg College community for the support and stability it can provide its students. 

Signed,