The project will begin on Saturday, June 9th. Plan to arrive that day at the airport. We will pick you up, even if it’s a late flight (as many flights to Anchorage are). Please do not arrive before June 9th, as housing will not yet be available. The project concludes on Saturday, August 11th. You are free to leave that morning. Everyone is expected to stay until the 11th of August, as the momentum and unity of the project is adversely affected by early departures. Student staff arrive June 5th and depart July 11th.
If the beginning or ending dates for the project create a conflict for you, please let the project directors know ASAP.
It is very important to arrive on time. The first five days of the project will include a project orientation time, team building activities, job searching, and activities designed to build relationships and equip you for a successful summer. We assure you that any extra effort given to make it on time will be worthwhile.
NOTE FOR QUARTER SYSTEM SCHOOLS
If your university’s final exam schedule conflicts with the project arrival date, be prepared to talk to your professors and ask to take your exams early. We have found in the past that most professors allow their students to do this. If you approach your professor early in the quarter with prayer, tact, and humility, briefly but clearly stating to him or her why it is important for you to take an early exam, our experience has been that the vast majority of professors will allow you to do so. Remember, you must ask early in the quarter for the best chances!
If you cannot take your finals early, another option is to request that they send the exam directly to us. We can administer the exam to you on the project and guarantee honesty to the professor. This has been done often in the past, so talk with your professors as soon as Spring Quarter begins.
If you have sincerely tried but are not able to take your finals early, please contact us no later than April 15th to discuss your situation.
FREE TIME & PROJECT ABSENCES
For your and other project student’s benefit, we ask that you stay for the duration of the project. It is often asked if there are free weekends for you to visit friends or go sightseeing. You will have free time, but because of the nature of the project your schedule will be very full. You will be working a full-time job and having scheduled activities most evenings and weekends.
If you have an exception you would like us to consider, please contact us as soon as possible. Exceptions that have been made in the past include early departures for RA job’s or Greek House responsibilities, family emergencies as well as weddings that you are either in or include close family members. All departures / absences from project outside of the official project dates must be approved by the project director’s team. We will discuss it with you and give you a decision on your situation. Keep in mind that there are a limited number of spots on project and we want all who come to fully engage and benefit from the entire project experience.
If you have questions concerning the schedule please ask first on the Facebook page or if it’s a sensitive issue please email kirk.brower@uscm.org (for men) and kristen.hamm@uscm.org (for women).