The Big Questions: ACS Teaching Workshop

How do I get there?

From Orlando International Airport, take a taxi or a van directly to the Rollins campus in Winter Park.  The charge for the trip (about $45 one way) should be considered part of your college-funded transportation, so keep a receipt.  It’s not a good idea to take the bus or a hotel van (unless you find one going directly to Winter Park), since that makes for a very long trip.

In case you have a taxi driver unfamiliar with Winter Park, the official address of the college is 1000 Holt Avenue.  However, the easiest way to give the location is to tell the driver to go to the intersection of Fairbanks and Park Avenue in Winter Park, where you’ll see the Rollins College Gates.  You might also mention that the preferred route to Winter Park is by way of 436 north and then west on Rt. 50 (Colonial Drive) to Bennett.

When you get to campus, you’ll see signs indicating the location of the workshop headquarters in Sutton Place.  Just have the taxi follow those signs and let you off in front of Sutton.

When should I arrive?

Please make your flight arrangements so that you arrive at Orlando International no later than 3 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, June 3, since our first Workshop gathering is scheduled for 4:30, Tuesday, and very important information and workshop activities are planned for the first evening.  The trip from the airport can easily take an hour (including time to collect your bags).  Clearly, you will have a more leisurely check-in if you can schedule your flight to arrive before 3 p.m., especially given possible flight delays.

What about my return flight?

The final session of the workshop will end Saturday night around 8:30 p.m.  Please plan to stay through the final meeting.  We will be providing a leisurely continental breakfast on Sunday morning in the Sutton lounge so that you can visit with your fellow participants while waiting for your shuttle rides or taxis. ACS will provide airport shuttles with several departure times during the day.  Your return flight can be scheduled for any time Sunday, June 8.  Please remember that with security, you may be leaving the Rollins campus approximately two to three hours before your flight’s departure time so you may wish to avoid early flights.

How and when do I check in?

Check-in will take place in the lobby of Sutton Place, Tuesday, June 3, from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.  You’ll be given a key to your room, a meal card, a list of participants and staff, and the detailed conference schedule when you check in.

What’s the housing like?

Let’s just say we’ll be playing students during this Workshop.  (Actually, one of our goals is to understand better what it’s like from the students’ perspective; briefly experiencing their living arrangements—without the loud music down the hall or the annoying roommate—isn’t a bad way to accomplish that.)  Rooms are in Sutton Place, a lakeside student residence on the Rollins campus.  These are air-conditioned two-bedroom, two-bath apartments.  The rooms come with linens, a blanket, towels, soap, and a pillow.  We’ll try to make these as comfortable as possible, but it’s important to remember that these are residence halls, not hotel accommodations.  Past participants have suggested that the comfort level can be increased if you bring a mattress pad (or a blanket which can serve that purpose).  If you’re very attached to a particular kind of pillow, you might consider schlepping that along too.  A clip-on lamp would also be very useful—and don’t forget your alarm clock.  Each room also has an Ethernet connection if you are planning to bring your laptop but you must supply your own ethernet cord.

… and the food?

All meals, except for Friday evening, are included with your registration.  The food is prepared by Rollins Food Service and is usually served cafeteria style.  You’ll have a choice of a hot or cold breakfast; a salad and sandwich or hot meal for lunch; and a choice of two entrees at dinner.  It’s typical college fare; for variety, we’ll have several served dinners and a pizza party.  If you have special dietary needs, you should have indicated that on the Registration Form.  Bring a little extra money (or your credit card) for Friday night on the town: you’ll have a chance to try out one of Winter Park’s eateries (ranging from inexpensive sandwich shops to elegant French cafes—and just about everything in between).

May I bring my family?

For this workshop to achieve its full value for everyone, each participant needs to be fully involved in all of the activities.  Therefore, we ask that participants not bring others along.  (Rooms in Elizabeth can accommodate registered participants only.)  If you’re interested in a Florida vacation, you might consider having your family join you when the workshop ends.

How should I dress?

This is definitely the time for Florida casual; shorts are fine, if you like.  The weather in Winter Park in June is quite warm, with days in the 90’s and evenings in the 70’s.  The humidity usually matches the temperature.  A brimmed hat is useful, especially if you go on the optional boat tour.  Sometimes the air conditioning can be chilly, so it’s wise to pack a light jacket or sweater.  Daily thunderstorms are possible, so an umbrella is a good idea, too. 

Will there be opportunities for activities other than the Workshop?

Breaks in the Workshop schedule will give you a chance to swim in the Rollins pool or play volleyball or tennis on the courts near Elizabeth.  A game of basketball is possible on a nearby court or in the Sports Center.  You’ll also find excellent places for jogging or walking.  For the less outdoorsy types, we’ll have board games and cards in Sutton lounge.  And, of course, there is Winter Park’s famous Park Avenue, with its wonderful shops (including great places for coffee and dessert in the evening), galleries, and the Morse Museum of American Art (featuring the world’s premier collection of Tiffany glass)—all within a short walk.  In addition, we’ll arrange for all who are interested to take a boat tour through the canals and lakes of Winter Park—our treat.

How can I contact my family while I’m there?

Long distance calls may be made from Sutton Place. The emergency number at Rollins is (407) 646-2999 (Campus Safety).  To have a message left for you, your friends and family may call Rick Vitray at (407) 646-2495 or 321-441-5275.  You’ll also have e-mail access at numerous locations around campus.

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