Summer Institute FAQ

What is the residence hall like?

See the information sent to you with the acceptance letter.

Can I keep a car on campus?

Yes. The cost for a parking permit will be paid out of your travel allowance. You don't need a car during the week to get to institute sessions (the Center is about a 5-minute walk from the residence hall). Past participants have carpooled for eating out and evening and weekend exploration. Participants have also used rental cars for weekend jaunts (car rental expense is not covered by the grant).

Will I have access to email while at The Evaluation Center?

You will have access to the Internet via the World Wide Web, either in the Center or in one of the University computer labs. The assumption is that you will have access to your email through a Web email client. If you are affiliated with a university or organization that uses a specialized email client (e.g. Eudora, Outlook, GroupWise, etc.) rather than a Web email client, you should check with your internet support staff before you come to learn how to access email via a Web browser.

Do I need to bring a computer?

You will have access in your shared office to a networked Windows computer with WordPerfect, Microsoft Office, and some additional software. Keys will be provided so you can use the office for work outside of regular business hours. You will also have access to computer labs on campus. If you would like to use a computer in your room in the residence hall or for work during the institute sessions, you may wish to bring a notebook computer.

What will the weather be like?

The following information is based on the climatology data from the Weather Channel web site.

http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/49008.htm?dayofyear=163

Climate data for Kalamazoo for June 11 - 29:

Mean daily temperature	71 F
Average Precipitation	3.7" rain
Average High Temp	~ 82 F
Average Low Temp	~ 59 F
Record High Temp	~ 98 F
Record Low Temp	~ 44 F

What kind of clothes should I bring?

The Evaluation Center is air conditioned; the residence hall is not. The weather is variable (see question above). I'm not a follower of fashion trends, but probably the best description for dress for the institute would be somewhere between casual and business casual. Dress for weekend and evening activities will depend upon your preferences. We have a trip to Lake Michigan scheduled for a late afternoon/evening; a walk on the beach can be warm or brisk, depending upon the day.

If you have additional questions, please email them to dale.farland@wmich.edu, and we will reply with an answer and also add them to this list if the question is of a general nature.