FAQ (frequently asked questions)
Q: What is the deadline to submit student applications?
A: We do not have a firm deadline for applications but are keeping positions open until we fill them. The faculty will meet on April 22 for the initial screening of student applications. We hope to have our review of student applications completed by May 15, but again, there is no deadline for submission. We recommend students submit their applications as soon as possible. We will screen and review applications starting April 22 and continue until all of 100 students have been accepted. We will notify students as decisions are made. Once we have selected our 100 students we will put all other applicants on a waiting list. The faculty will keep a short waiting list of students in case any of the accepted students decide not to attend.
Our initial plan was to notify all applicants by May 15, 2009 whether they have been accepted, not accepted, or have been placed on the waiting list. If we have not yet contacted you and you have submitted all of your materials, please be patient. We are processing the applications as quickly as we can. In some cases we have only two of the three parts of the application. We are working very hard to communicate with all applicants as soon as we can.
Q: What should students expect from a typical day at the Governor's School?
A: While we are still putting the final details on the schedule, here is a general idea of what you should expect Monday through Friday:
7:00 AM: Wake up
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00 AM: Classes start
12:30 PM: Lunch
2:00 PM: Classes continue
4:30 PM: Organized free time
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Planned recreational activities and/or study hall
9:30 PM: Free time/showers/etc.
10:30 PM: Small group work
11:00 PM: Lights out
Q: Where will students eat, sleep, and take classes during the Governor's School?
A: Students will eat all meals in Sbisa Dining Hall on campus. All students will be housed two per room in Briggs Residence Hall on campus (female and male students in seperate sections) and attend classes during the day in the Harrington Tower and Harrington Educational Classroom Center.
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Briggs Hall
Sbisa Dining Hall
Harrington Tower
Q: Can I select my own roommate?
A: Good question. We will accept requests for roommates but cannot make any guarantees.
Q: What should I bring to the Governor's School?
A: Students should bring comfortable clothing for their three-week stay including suitable attire for attending class and appropriate sports and recreation attire; an umbrella; and, waterproof jacket/rain gear. (Ideally, students should label their clothes on the inside cuff, waistline, or neckline in case clothing is left in the communal laundry room.) Students should bring notebooks, pens, pencils, linens for a single mattress, pillow, blanket, towels, soap, shampoo, and other personal items, snacks in sealed zip-lock bags, and/or coins for the vending machines (optional). Students will have access to coin operated laundry facilities which will require laundry products and quarters. Students may bring cell phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, digital video cameras, musical instruments, and iPods/MP3 players. While students will have a key to securely lock their residence hall room, Texas A&M cannot assume responsibility for loss, damage or theft of personal items. Students who are required to take medication should bring enough with them to last the three-week stay. Students who bring medication with them must notify the residential director. However, students are responsible for their own medication.
Q: What should I not bring to the Governor's School?
A: Students should not bring weapons, pets, cooking appliances, hotplates, microwaves, bicycles, skateboards, radios, stereos, televisions, or expensive jewelry. No matches, flammables, candles, inscence, or fireworks of any kind. Under no circumstances should students possess, distribute, purchase, sell, or consume alcohol, tobacco, drugs or paraphernalia. The Governor's School will have a zero tolerance policy for the possession or use of these or any other illegal items.
Q: Should I bring money with me to the Governor's School?
A: Students do not need to bring any money with them except quarters for the laundry machines and the vending machines in the residence hall. Some students may want to shop at the Texas A&M bookstore for items to bring home. Also, some students may want to buy coffee between classes at one of the coffee houses on campus. Others may want to buy a souvenir the museum stores during our Saturday field experiences. These are all optional. However, students who decide to bring money should not bring large sums of money, and when on campus should lock all valuables in their residence hall room. Texas A&M University and the Governor's School are not responsible for the loss or theft of money or valuables.
Q: Can I drive my car and park on campus?
A: No. If you have extenuating circumstances that require the use of a car you should contact the co-directors. Under no circumstances will students be allowed to leave the program at any time.
Q: Can my parents and family visit me during the three-week program?
A: No. In the case of an emergency, parents and family should contact the co-directors or residence hall director.
Q: I have specific diet restrictions/requirements. Will I be able to find the foods I need?
A: The Sbisa Dining Hall is a large cafeteria-style facility that offers a wide range of food options, however students with special needs must notify the residential director prior to arrival at the Governor's School.
Q: Will I be able to attend religious services during the Governor's School?
A: We will work with students to make sure they are able to attend religious services as our schedule allows on Fridays. We have a flexible schedule on Sundays and we will work with students to make arrangements to attend church services.
Q: Will students have access to work-out and exercise equipment?
A: No, students will not have access to university recreation facilities, swimming pools, or exercise and work-out equipment. We will plan for many recreational activities, games, and sports so students can stay in shape and active during the Governor's School.
Q: What will students to do when they are not in classes?
A: This is another great question. Many evening and weekend recreational activities will be planned! Studentss can participate in neat stuff like Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Sand Volleyball, and Capture the Flag at Night! Plus, other cool stuff like costumes and theater. There will be all kinds of music and dance, movies (like some we make our own), and cell phone photo scavenger hunts (and you don't even have to own your own cell phone!). And let's not forget, there will be plenty of time to just hang out in the hall with your new Governor's School friends!
Q: What if my parents or family need to contact me while I am at the Governor's School?
A: Parents or family can call students on their cell phones but can also reach the co-directors by e-mail (tamugovernorsschool@gmail.com). Telephone contact numbers will be provided on-site at registration. In case of serious emergency, the Texas A&M University Police on the Texas A&M University can be reached at the following numbers: (979) 845-2345 or 9-911 on-campus.
Q: Where can parents/family park when dropping off and picking up students at the beginning and end of the Governor's School?
A: The map below provides details about available parking lots for check in and check out. Click on the map for a downloadable PDF file.
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