AO Summer School
Frequently Asked Questions
I would like to attend AO Summer School. Where do I start?
The online application for AO Summer School is available on the CfAO website April 1, 2010. Only 60 students are accepted into this weeklong course, so interested students are encouraged to apply right away. The Director reviews each application and accepted students will receive an email confirmation/invoice within a few days.
I've received my confirmation email that I have been accepted. What's next?
This email is your initial invoice. Please follow the online credit card instructions stated in the email. Your payment is due immediately. If your payment has not been received within three weeks of your application, you will be moved to the waiting list. When your payment has been received, you will be moved back into the active list of students if space is still available. Foreign Travelers ~ Visa's can take a long time...please apply early to allow for this. If you unable to obtain a visa by June 14, 2010, you will be moved to the waiting list to allow space for other students to attend.
What are the registration, payment and cancellation deadlines?
The registration deadline is June 14, 2010.
Payment is due immediately upon registration. If your payment has not been received within three weeks of your application, you will be moved to the waiting list. When your payment has been received, you will be moved back onto the active list of students if space is still available.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund if your cancellation request is made by July 5, 2010
Half refund if your cancellation is made by July 19, 2010
No refund after July 19, 2010.
My institution requires me to get funding approval before I can pay my registration fees, is this okay?
We prefer you get this approval before applying to AO Summer School. Space is extremely limited. Please contact Leslie Ward if you anticipate difficulties paying the fee on time.
When does instruction start?
Instruction begins on Sunday, August 8th at 2:00 PM. Two sessions will be presented that afternoon, and ALL students are expected to attend, so please make your travel plans accordingly.
Can I use my laptop?
There is an Ethernet connection in all bedrooms. You MUST bring your own ethernet cable. Please visit http://resnet.ucsc.edu/configinfo/ prior to arrival for configuration information. Many areas of the campus are wireless and the staff at the Conference Office will be happy to give you locations. They also offer complimentary limited email access for conference guests at the College 8 and Crown College Library Conference Offices.
What’s the weather like?
The weather in Santa Cruz is very pleasant – warm days and cool mornings and evenings. The key is dressing in layers, so bring a jacket or sweater and don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes as many areas on the campus are hilly and on uneven terrain.
What is my room like - What should I bring?
Participants staying on campus will be housed in student apartments. These four-bedroom suites share common areas - living and dining room, kitchen and bathroom. All beds are twin-sized. If you are sharing a room, there will be two beds in the room. Being student apartments, they contain few amenities. Alarm clocks, personal toiletries, etc. are not provided. Bed linens, two towels and a washcloth will be provided. You may request additional towels from the Conference Services office, but you may prefer to bring a couple from home. Please Note: Replacement keys cost $75. Please do not loose them, as you will be responsible for the replacement charge.
Where do I park my car?
Participants with vehicles will receive a parking permit upon check in. (For participants staying on-campus: the cost of the permit is included in your lodging costs. For participants staying off-campus: the cost is $27 and should be noted on your application form.) Parking for conferences is very limited and may not be near the lecture hall. We encourage all participants to car pool or take commuter shuttles whenever possible. Participants who do not park in designated conference parking areas will receive a parking ticket. Payment of parking tickets is the responsibility of the participant.
What kind of food is served?
All meals (except planned catered events) will be served in the campus dining hall. You will have several entrée options at each meal and vegetarian options are always included. A meal card will be given to you upon check-in. DO NOT loose this card: replacement cards cost $10 and will be the responsibility of the participant. Please contact the Conference Office if you loose your card.
Can I smoke on the campus?
The State of California has designated the UCSC campus as a non-smoking zone. No smoking is allowed in any building on campus. You may smoke outside, being sure to stay at least 25 feet from building entrances.
Is there a restaurant on campus?
Joe’s Pizza and Subs (831-459-3066) and the Baytree Bookstore (831-459-1337) are located in Quarry Plaza near the center of campus. The Express Store at the Baytree Bookstore offers snacks and drinks to take out Monday through Saturday. Beverage and snack machines are located throughout campus, but access may be limited. Click here for the official 2010 summer restaurant list.
Are their any banks on campus?
There are no banks on the UCSC campus, however, ATM machines, accepting most credit cards, are located just across from the Baytree Bookstore in the center of campus.
