Frequently Asked Questions

How many people usually attend the program?

How long does the program last?

The program begins with participant registration on campus at 11:00 a.m. Thursday and runs until 12:00 noon on Saturday. All participants are expected to attend all sessions and activities of the program.

How many students can I bring?

Each school can be funded up to one teacher and five students. Additional students and teachers can attend on a self-paid basis by paying a fee of $135 per individual. There is no limit to the number of additional individuals.

Our school has never attended before and we want to see what the symposium is about. Do we have to pay?

No, we invite first-time schools to attend as our guests by inviting them to bring juniors and sophomores. Hopefully through their exposure to the symposium they will be encouraged to work on a research project for next year’s symposium.

Can I bring students who are not submitting a paper?

Yes, but if your school is not a first-time participant your students will have to attend on a self-paid basis.

Is a refund possible if I register for the program and later become unable to attend?

No refunds will be made for cancellations after February 15 and a $10 processing fee will be deducted.

Are substitutions possible if a student has to cancel?

Yes, however, same gender substitution is preferred. Opposite gender substitutions are allowed if hotel space is available. A student application must be submitted for the student substitute.

How are hotel room assignments made?

Students are roomed four to a room with two double beds. Every effort is made to room students from the same school together. Otherwise, students from different schools will be roomed together in order to make the most of the available space. Adults are roomed two to a room with two double beds. If adults prefer a private room they must indicate such on their registration form and submit an additional $60 to cover the cost. Please note that we are unable to guarantee private rooms. All rooms are based on hotel availability.

Who is responsible for guidance, discipline and mentoring?

Teacher participants are considered as part of the JSEHS staff and have responsibility for student participant behavior.

I live in the St. Louis area. Do I stay at the hotel?

All participants stay at the hotel unless parents or the school requests otherwise.

What should I wear?

The program dress is comfortable and casual but participants typically dress professionally, coat and tie, at the dinners, especially the banquet on Friday, and presenters dress more professionally for the paper presentations. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking during the laboratory tours and field trips. Participants should be aware that some field trips have dress codes and do not allow visitors to wear tennis shoes, open-toed shoes, or shorts. Students and teachers should bring a pair of leather shoes for field trips on Friday in case you are assigned such a field trip. There will be swimming and workout facilities available at the hotel.

How much spending money should I bring?

Meals are included in your registration fee, except for your lunch on Thursday and Saturday. There is a limited amount of free time where students can visit the campus bookstore and shop for books and souvenirs if interested in doing so. There will be a discount coupon in your registration packet for the bookstore.

Have a question you do not see here?