SSI 2010 - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL

Who participates in SENCER Summer Institutes?

Traditionally, the majority of SSI participants are educators and administrators from two or four-year colleges and universities.  However, we usually also have representation from graduate and undergraduate students, school districts, community-based organizations, educational and/or disciplinary associations, and government agencies.  We welcome anyone who is interested in improving science, technology, engineering, and math education; from any background.

Are guests allowed at the Institute?

Institute sessions (concurrent, colloquia, plenaries, workshops, and the poster session) are limited to invited and registered Institute participants only. 

Guests may stay with participants on campus (please see Lodging Options for details) and may dine with Institute participants if a meal pass is purchased.  Information on purchasing meal passes will be available in April. Guests are also welcome to take part in all optional activities on Sunday, August 1st.

Will there be time for my team to work together?

Yes, SENCER builds team time into each Institute schedule, and this year will be offering the Intensive Team Planning Day, which should be especially useful for new teams or team members.  Please see the Participation and Special Programs pages for more information on each.

Are there special activities planned for SENCER Leadership Fellows?

SENCER will honor all Leadership Fellows in attendance with other leaders in the SENCER community during a dinner on Saturday, July 31st.  Please note that attendance at SSI 2010 is not mandatory for Leadership Fellows, and that we regret that we do not have the funds to support Leadership Fellow attendance at the Institute.

How can I connect with other people with similar interests in my region?

SENCER plans sessions designated for participants to meet with others in their regional area and SENCER Center for Innovation co-directors.  The SCIs then offer programming during the year locally to supplement national SENCER and NCSCE events.

What is the dress for the Institute?

Dress for the Institute is casual. 

APPLICATIONS

Are applications required for people who have participated in past Institutes or other SENCER symposia?

Yes, applications are required for all potential participants, whether new to SENCER or alumni.

When will I find out if my application is approved?

SENCER will contact all applicants to SSI 2010 on March 31st with feedback from the review panel.  Individuals and teams invited to participate in SSI 2010 will then receive more information about next steps, including:

- Online registration (information for all SSI 2010 materials and workshop selection)

- How to register for UNCA suite housing

- How to purchase meal passes for guests

- Submitting a poster or concurrent session proposal

- Signing up for the Biltmore tour, Blue Ridge Mountain hike, or downtown Asheville tour

SENCER will also respond to requests to participate in the intensive team planning day and the teacher education track at this time.

How will I find out if my application is approved?

SENCER will contact all applicants using the phone number and email address provided on the application (for teams, only the team leader will be contacted).  We strongly encourage you to add the following email addresses to your address book so that our emails do not get filtered to your SPAM box:

sencer@sencer.net

danielle.kraus@ncsce.net

amanda.moodie@sencer.net

We use the Constant Contact email service to send notes out to large groups (such as all SSI participants).  Please make sure that your college/university/organization will allow emails from Constant Contact, as this is how we will communicate important Institute information.