Frequently Asked Questions
1. WHEN DO I HAVE TO ARRIVE AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I GET THERE?
Registration for the Writers Institute takes place on the Sunday prior to the beginning
of your program session -- Sunday, June 30th or Sunday, July 14th -- in Case College
Center. We ask that you arrive between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. More information
about the hours of Case Information Desk will be provided in a letter that goes out
to all accepted students in May, however, you should plan to arrive by 6:00 p.m.
At registration you will receive program information (workshop schedule, visiting
writer's readings, special event info, etc.), information about campus facilities,
and your photo ID. Following registration, beginning at 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, June
30th and again on Sunday, July 14th, we will be hosting an opening night reception
for all students. You will be informed of the reception location when you arrive at
the registration table. Your workshop classes are held Mon, Wed, Fri, from 1:00 to
4:00pm. Optional discussions and Q & A sessions are held Tue & Thurs from 2:00 to
4:00pm. Special events, such as picnics, student readings and panel discussions are
generally scheduled on the weekends. These events are also optional and more information
will be available in your program packet at registration.
DEPARTURE: Students must depart from their apartments by 11:00 a.m. on the Saturday at the end
of their workshop session (July 13th or 27th) and check out at the Case Information
Desk, 2nd floor, Case Center.
2. WHAT ARE THE LIVING AND DINING ACCOMMODATIONS?
Writers Institute students have traditionally lived in a dormitory that will be undergoing
renovations in 2013. Therefore, on-campus housing will be in air-conditioned and moderately
furnished apartments. If you are staying on campus, please note that your apartment
will not be available before 3:00 p.m. Your photo ID card will be issued at the Case
Information Desk, 2nd floor of Case Center, when you check in. Your ID card will serve
as a swipe key card that will allow you access into the apartment, and also into one
of the private bedrooms assigned to you. Because we are on a college campus, it is
also important that you be prepared for some minor inconveniences. Bathrooms are
shared. Private bathrooms are not available. Be sure to thoroughly read the Summer
Information Guide on our web page: www.skidmore.edu/summer. Follow the link to "Guest Information". Once you've reviewed the Guide, please consider packing items that will make your
stay more comfortable, such as a small desk lamp, extra blanket, etc. These items
are also available for purchase at the Skidmore bookstore if you are unable to pack
them. The apartments provide a refrigerator, stove, and microwave, but cooking utensils,
pots, pans, and dishes are NOT provided. If you live on-campus, you are required
to purchase the dining hall meal plan. Your ID card will also serve as your meal card.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the dining hall where you will have the
opportunity to meet people who are enrolled in your program and other programs on
campus. You will find a large assortment of foods, including vegetarian, vegan and
gluten free selections, at every meal.
3. WILL THERE BE ACCESS TO COMPUTERS ON-CAMPUS?
There are public computers in a number of locations on campus where you can access
your email and browse the Internet. A computer lab with printers will be provided.
It is recommended that you bring a laptop if you own one. Every apartment has Wi-Fi.
4. WHAT ABOUT TELEPHONES?
There is a wall mount phone provided in kitchens of the apartments. You may ask
for the extension of your apartment phone at the Case Information Desk.
5. CAN I USE THE GYM?
Yes. Skidmore's Sports and Recreation Center facilities include an indoor pool, racquetball
courts, and workout, fitness and weight rooms. Tennis courts are available on a court-available
basis.
6. WHERE CAN I GET INFORMATION ABOUT SARATOGA SPRINGS?
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at (518) 584-3255 or www.saratoga.org. Or visit our Summer in Saratoga link.
7. WHERE IS THE COLLEGE IN RELATION TO THE TOWN?
Downtown Saratoga Springs is a 10 to15-minute walk along North Broadway, which is
known for its beautiful Victorian homes. Local transportation including trolley service
is also available.
8. CAN I RECEIVE MAIL WHILE I'M ON CAMPUS?
Yes. Mail for all programs is distributed at the Skidmore Post Office located on
campus. The correct address for incoming mail is as follows:
Your Name
General Delivery - Summer Programs
NY State Summer Writers Institute
Skidmore College
815 N. Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-1632
9. WILL I BE RECEIVING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSTITUTE AND THE COLLEGE BEFORE
I GET THERE?
Yes. In May or early June we'll be sending you a letter of more detailed information
about check-in and submission of the manuscripts that you want to be critiqued in
your workshop(s). This letter will arrive by either Email or Postal mail, so be sure
we have current addresses for you and be ready to follow the important instructions
enclosed.
10. IN THE MEANTIME, WHO DO I CONTACT IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE INSTITUTE?
Christine Merrill, NYS Summer Writers Institute, 518-580-5593; or summerwriters@skidmore.edu. You can also find full details on all the above, and more, in our Summer Information
Guide, which you can find on our web page: www.skidmore.edu/summer. Follow the link to "Guest Information".
