Frequently Asked Questions
- What does it cost to attend the Academy?
- Are there any hidden costs or fees?
- What should I bring?
- Is there a curfew?
- May I bring a car?
- May I leave on the weekends?
- Will I have to work all day?
- If I haven't taken physics or calculus yet, will I fall behind?
- Is everyone going to take a summer course?
- How will I get to Rolla?
What does it cost to attend the Academy?
Fees for summer 2017 will be $2100. Fees cover room and board and activity fees. Everyone will be living in Missouri S&T's Thomas Jefferson Hall, a newly renovated residence hall. Participants are encouraged to bring spending money for incidentials while on trips, as well as for personal needs and snacks throughout the 6 week program.
Are there any hidden costs or fees?
Students will need spending money for trips, the occasional trip to Wal-Mart and laundry. Room and board expenses include a meal card. We suggest each student bring a phone card or cell phone to call home.
Students meal cards are issued with an adequte amount of meals and declining balance dollars to last the full six weeks they are on campus. However, the card can be used as much or as little as the students desires, as well as at the Havener Center and Einstein Brothers coffee shop. Students must monitor their meal card balance and any needed additional funds must be purchased by the participant.
What should I bring?
You'll want to bring personal items, laundry soap, etc. Be sure to pack a variety of clothes, as many research projects will require you to get your hands a little dirty and you'll want to look nice for trips and special events. Please ensure that you pack at least one pair of closed toe shoes as all of the labs require this. You may bring a personal computer if you'd like, but it's certainly not necessary as you will have access to all campus computing facilities. Residential hall rooms are equiped with a mini refridgerator.
Students are also able to bring any additional items they would like for their rooms; desk lamp, extention cord, coffee pot, etc... For more detailed information on the Thomas Jefferson Residential Hall, please visit their website at http://reslife.mst.edu/
Is there a curfew?
Yes. All participants are required to be in Thomas Jefferson Hall by 10:00 p.m. and in their respective rooms by 12:00 a.m.
May I bring a car?
Yes, but driving privileges are strictly limited. Participants are required to be on campus property - or within reasonable walking distance of campus property (downtown or nearby restaurant) - at all times unless they have notified SRA staff that they will be away from campus. While you may bring a car, participants are not allowed more than 10 miles from Rolla's city limits - more than enough distance to visit state parks and local sights. Passengers in your vehicle are limited to other SRA participants, and fellow participants are only allowed to ride in your car with their parent's permission. Participants going home for the weekend must check-out with SRA staff and present a signed or emailed notification from their parents (including participants over age 18) before leaving. If you choose to bring a car, you are responsible for purchasing your own parking pass (approximately $40 for a summer pass).
May I leave on the weekends?
Yes, but only with prior parental permission and by checking-out with SRA staff. You may not be gone frequently or without permission. Professional behavior is expected at all times. If you are ill or need to arrange an absence, you are expected to communicate these needs with your faculty mentor and the SRA coordinator.
Will I have to work all day?
You may dedicate as much time to your project as you'd like. Most students will average 4-6 hours per day on their project while some may choose to spend 7-8 hours. You'll want to communicate early on with your faculty advisor about expectations. When you're not working on your project, feel free to spend the afternoon at the pool, help friends on their projects, read a book or explore downtown. We'll have planned [activities] about once a week, but much of your free time will be unstructured.
If I haven't taken physics or calculus yet, will I fall behind?
Faculty mentors are more than willing to help you understand complex theories. You won't be graded or even compared to your peers, the Academy is about exploring the worlds of science and technology. However, you may need to visit the library and read up on a topic once-in-a-while. Don't be afraid to simply ask for help.
Is everyone going to take a summer course?
No. The decision to take a summer course is completely up to you. Some students may choose to take a chemistry or mathematics course, some might enjoy a history or psychology class. Most will probably enjoy the break from homework and take no class at all! If you decide to take a class, please be aware that most summer classes are 8 weeks long. Therefore, you will have to arranage to stay in campus housing for the additional two weeks at the participants expense.
How will I get to Rolla?
Participants must provide their own transportation to and from Missouri S&T. USA Express provides shuttle service from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport to campus. Toll Free Phone: 1.800.872.9399 Schedule information: online