Introduction
In addition to their course work, our students enjoy a rich experience outside the classroom. They live on campus under the supervision of resident assistants (RAs) and participate in a variety of activities held each afternoon and on the weekends. More importantly, they get to know other students like them—students whose interests are diverse and who share their exceptional academic abilities and love of learning. Lasting friendships develop as students learn from each other both in and out of the classroom. Throughout the residential program, we focus on helping students have a good time in a safe, supervised environment. Although helping students have a positive social experience is important to us, prospective students should know that their primary goal while enrolled in the program is to succeed in their academic endeavors. Students unable to make academics their first priority should not attend our program. Supervision
While students are ultimately responsible for their own conduct, the administrative, instructional, and residential staff work together to provide clear guidelines and careful supervision. Outside class, students are supervised by RAs, who are typically college students selected on the basis of academic record, related work or volunteer experience, recommendations, and performance in an interview. RAs live with the students in the residence halls, providing support and encouragement, enforcing rules, and fostering a safe and inclusive community. The RAs, as well as instructors, teaching assistants, and administrators, are prepared to help students adjust to the academic demands of CTY and to the experience of being away from home. Note To Older Students
Most of the students coming to our program are ages 12 to 15; however, every summer we have a number of students at each site who are almost 17 years old. While designed with the academic and recreational interests of all age groups in mind, our program is highly structured and operates with only one set of rules. Some older students find they can accept these rules (e.g., 10:30 p.m. lights-out; restricted access to cell phones, the Internet, and other technology; strict campus boundaries; and close supervision), but others find them too restrictive and are unhappy. Because it is our goal that all students have a positive experience, we encourage older students, indeed all students, to decide whether the program is appropriate for them. They should come only if they are fully committed to following all of the rules. Housing
Students live on single-sex halls with their RAs and are not permitted to visit opposite-sex halls. Students on the same hall share a bathroom. Most students are assigned to double rooms, but we cannot guarantee a particular housing arrangement. Whenever possible, students are assigned roommates of a similar age who are studying a related subject. We are usually unable to accommodate roommate requests. Each RA group has approximately 15 students. The RA group is an important part of the residential experience as it provides students with a sense of identity and belonging within the larger CAA community. Afternoon Activities
When students are not in class, they attend activities planned and supervised by the resident assistants. The RAs’ goal is to offer a variety of activities so that all students can find something they enjoy doing each day. Activities range from the standard fare of board games, athletics, and arts and crafts to the more esoteric (e.g., Silent Football). Facilities
Facilities vary by site, but may include a gymnasium, tennis courts, outdoor fields, a pool, and music practice rooms. These facilities are shared with other programs and are supervised by our staff only during scheduled activity periods. For these reasons, individual training programs and practice schedules cannot be accommodated. Students are not permitted to use campus weight rooms. Student Site Information Packet
After enrollment, students receive a site information packet that includes additional information about policies and facilities at the site to which he or she has been assigned. Technology at the Site
Our sites have very limited computer access for students, for academic purposes only. We design our courses with these limitations in mind (e.g., our instructors expect hand-written work). CTY ensures, however, that students do have computer access when necessary for academic purposes. In order to maximize community engagement and to minimize distractions, CTY limits the use of cell phones, mp3 players, and other technologies. Weekends
Classes do not meet on weekends, with the exception of Sunday evenings. Instead, all students participate in a full schedule of on-campus recreational and social activities, which are supervised by the RAs and administrative staff. In addition to sports and games, weekend activities include special events such as carnivals, dances, movies, and a talent show. Some students choose to attend religious services. Students also have down time in the mornings to catch up on laundry or just relax and talk with friends. Weekends conclude with a mandatory two-hour class session on Sunday evenings. Daily Schedule
We strive to create an academic community that provides daily opportunities to build relationships within an intellectually challenging curriculum and exciting recreational program. Students are required to attend all classes and activity periods. While the daily schedule may differ slightly from site to site, a day at CTY is rigorous and highly structured, and students should be prepared to have very little free time. The days are full, but they are designed to ensure that students have fun both in and out of the classroom. Typical Daily Schedule 7:00 - 9:00 | Morning preparations/breakfast | 9:00 - 12:00 | Class | 12:00 - 1:00 | Lunch | 1:00 - 3:00 | Class/lab | 3:00 - 5:30 | Activity I; Activity II | 5:30 -7:00 | Dinner | 7:00 - 9:00 | Evening class session | 9:00 - 10:15 | Social time and hall meeting | 10:30 | Lights-out |
Visits
Weekend all-site activities allow students to establish friendships and forge strong connections within the CTY community. With that in mind, we discourage families and friends from visiting students and taking them off campus. In fact, homesickness is often intensified by visits from parents. However, parents are permitted to pick up their children for off-site visits, which we will help coordinate. July 4
On July 4, students attend their classes and activities as usual. They may participate in a picnic or other special event recognizing the holiday. Expectations for Student Conduct
We expect our students to meet the highest standards of behavior, both in personal deportment and in dedication to academic pursuits. To this end, students must adhere to the Center for Talented Youth Honor Code, which requires them to uphold personal and academic integrity, respect the ideas and property of others, and ensure that those around them do the same. In addition, students are expected t - strive to do the best work possible in their courses
- respect individuals of different races, cultures, religions, genders, sexual orientations, ages, disabilities, and national origins
- behave in a friendly, cooperative, and responsible manner toward all persons in the CAA community and in the larger college and local communities
- attend all class sessions, meals, activities, and meetings
- observe all rules for student conduct.
We cannot accommodate students who are unwilling or unable to live up to these expectations. At each site, students learn about our standards for behavior, including site rules, on the first day. While specific rules vary somewhat from site to site, community standards throughout our summer programs are basic and consistent. They include a commitment to academic integrity, respect for all members of the community, regard for basic rules of physical safety, and cooperation with adult supervision. Students may be dismissed from the program for any of the following reasons: - not attending to their academic work in a satisfactory manner
- cheating, plagiarizing, or committing other acts of academic dishonesty
- being in restricted areas of campus, or leaving campus, unaccompanied by a staff member
- being on an opposite-sex hall
- leaving their halls after lights out
- stealing or vandalizing property
- keeping prescription or over-the-counter medication in their possession (see Medical Information for limited exceptions)
- possessing or using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
- bullying or hazing
- undermining the safety or well being of self or others (including threats).
No tuition refunds will be made to students dismissed from the program. If a student damages property, the cost of repair or replacement is added to the student account balance. Prohibited Items - weapons of any kind (including pocket knives and martial arts devices)
- any flame-producing device (including matches, lighters, and firecrackers)
- role-playing game books or other items associated with role-playing games
- trading cards
- pets of any kind
- products that damage surface finishes
- televisions, computer/video games, or DVDs
- bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, skates, scooters, or shoes with wheels
- water guns
- halogen lamps, refrigerators, or cooking devices
- laser pointers.
In addition to the above list, we reserve the right to confiscate for the length of the program any items that, in our judgment, demonstrate the potential for distracting students from the goals of the program, pose undue risk to property or to the safety and wellbeing of people. Top |
