Summer Institute FAQ

Are participants provided other kinds of support?

Several books and materials on evaluation will be given to you. A small materials allowance will also be available, allowing you to purchase additional materials while at the institute.

How do I arrange for travel to the institute?

You are responsible to make your own travel arrangements. We encourage you to make your arrangements early enough to take advantage of lower fares. The Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport (KZO) is convenient to campus and served by several national airlines. Kalamazoo also has an Amtrak station. If you have questions about any unusual circumstances, please contact us.

How, when, and how much will I be reimbursed?

You (or an agency paying for the travel) will be reimbursed for actual travel expenses up to $1,000 for one round trip. You can submit your travel expenses on or after the first day of the institute. Keep all original receipts. You must complete, sign, and submit a travel expense voucher (available at the institute) with your original receipts attached. Travel to and from the institute by private car (not during the institute) will be reimbursed for actual mileage at the WMU allowable rate (currently $0.365/mile) up to the maximum allowed travel reimbursement. It takes about 3 weeks to process reimbursement checks. Western Michigan University regulations and policies and NSF project guidelines govern reimbursements.

How are campus housing arrangements made?

For those indicating they will be staying on campus, a reservation (single assignment) will be made for you for June 9-27. Payment is required from you at check in (check or cash). Housing reimbursement checks for 19 days @ $30 per day will be presented to you on Monday, June 10.

What are the meal arrangements?

Meal allowance checks will be distributed on Monday, June 10. The check will cover meals not provided for you (at the WMU per diem rate). Bernhard Center Cafeteria meal tickets (next door to the Evaluation Center) will be provided for lunch Monday-Friday. Dinner will be provided on two occasions.

What is the residence hall like?

Our current information is that Davis Hall will be used as participant's residence this summer. We are waiting for more specific information from the residence hall offices. We will post the information as soon as we have it.

Is other housing available?

Most past participants have stayed in the residence hall, but those who have lived off campus have stayed at bed and breakfast establishments and at motels in the area. The housing allowance is not sufficient to cover the full cost of staying off campus. Participants will be provided with an amount for housing support equal to the cost charged by the University for a room in the residence hall. Transportation to and from campus will also be the responsibility of the participant for those who decide to stay off campus.

Although there are some advantages to staying off-campus, unsolicited feedback from past participants suggests that the opportunity to interact informally in the residence hall is a very positive aspect of the institute. That collegiality and networking opportunities are important outcomes of the institute.

For accommodations in the Kalamazoo area, see the listings at the Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site.

Can I keep a car on campus?

Yes. The cost for a parking permit will be paid out of your travel allowance (up to the allowable travel expense limit). You don't need a car during the week to get to institute sessions (the Center is about a 10-minute walk from the residence hall). Past participants have car pooled 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).

Do I need a car while at the institute?

No. Transportation to and from the airport is via cab and is reimbursed as a travel expense (up to the allowable travel expense limit). Other necessary activities are within easy walking distance (see above).

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.

Will I be busy (or can I bring a lot of catch-up work)?

Leave the work at home. You will be quite busy including some evening and weekend work. The National Science Foundation has committed considerable funds to provide this educational opportunity. Our plan is to provide a reasonable return on that investment. You will also want to spend informal time with other participants, building your evaluation network. Finally, many participants have taken advantage of free time on weekends to visit some of the highlights of the region.

Do I need to bring a computer?

No. You will have access in your shared office to a networked Windows computer with WordPerfect, Microsoft Office, additional software and Internet access. 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. Internet access will be available from the residence hall rooms; we are still confirming whether it will be dial-up or ethernet.

What will the weather be like?

For a quick graphical look, look at the information available from Weather Underground.

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

http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/49008.htm?dayofyear=162

Climate data for Kalamazoo for June 10 - 28:

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 typical dress for the institute would be somewhere between casual and business casual. Dress for weekend and evening activities will depend upon your preferences. Western Michigan is a delightful place to do some weekend travel, so plan accordingly (see Other WMU and Area Information). We are planning a couple of trips away from the Center including one to the Lake Michigan shore.

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