July 18-23, 2010

Application Deadline: April 16, 2010

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The Program
This exciting residential program is designed for students entering grades 10-12 who love astronomy and want to spend time learning more about this fascinating subject with other students who share their passion.

Classes are taught by distinguished faculty of the Alfred University Physics Department, all recognized experts in their fields. Current research interests of the faculty include variable stars, asteroid measurements, and the study of solar activity.

Facilities
The Astronomy Institute is conducted at the Stull Observatory on the Alfred University Campus. This facility has been judged to be one of the best teaching observatories in the country, and is equipped with telescopes ranging from 8 to 32 inches in diameter as well as electronic detectors and support computers.

The number of institute participants is kept small to allow for individualized attention and optimal use of the observatory's telescopes and other equipment. Attendance ranges from 20-25 students each year.

Content
Institute sessions will cover topics such as:

• Astronomical Basics - Sky motions, telescope construction and use, electronic imaging.
• Variable Star Photometry - measurements of fluctuations in brightness of stars undergoing violent processes.
• Asteroid Astrometry and Photometry - Measurement of the positions and motions of asteroids, including those which pass close to the Earth.
• Astronomical Imaging of Nebulae, Clusters and Galaxies.
• Observation and Analysis of Solar Activity Imaging and Analysis of Solar System Objects
• Lunar and Planetary Science
• Lunar Geology
• Asteroids
• Solar Flares
• Stellar Evolution
• CCD Imaging
• Galactic Structure
• Special Relativity
• Black Holes
• Cosmology
• Spectroscopy

Schedule
Students must arrive between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on Sunday for registration and will leave after lunch on Friday. Students attend classes in the morning and afternoon, enjoy recreational activities in the early evening, and return to the Observatory for observing and additional class sessions at night. View a sample weekly schedule >>>

Further information, including a detailed program schedule and driving directions, will be sent to all students upon acceptance.

Activities
When not in classes, students have lots of fun participating in recreational activities. Living, dining and learning together, students have ample opportunity to get to know each other and develop lasting friendships. Sample activities include:

• indoor and outdoor games
• movies
• visits to a nearby lake for picnics and campfires
• swimming
• hikes
• bowling
• hayrides
• social gatherings at the Terra Cotta Coffee House
• a farewell party on the last night

Supervision
Out-of-class supervision is provided by our wonderful team of Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Assistants (RAs), who are specially trained to serve as camp counselors, positive role models, mentors and friends.

Tuition, Room and Board
The institute fee is $895* (includes a $100 deposit). This covers room and board from dinner on the first day through lunch on the last day, tuition, supervision, program materials and recreational activities. Students stay in University residence halls (2 per room), and must provide their own pillows and bed/bath linens for the week. Delicious, all-you-can-eat, cafeteria-style meals are served in the campus dining hall.

Each participant is responsible for transportation, incidentals and extra nights or meals. If, for any reason, a participant must be sent home early, all expenses will be paid by the student/parents.

The $100 deposit must be submitted with the application. Full payment of the balance ($795) is due May 28, 2010.

*There will be a $30 charge for checks returned for insufficient funds.

How to Apply
We will begin accepting applications January 4, 2010. Students who wish to apply must return:

• a completed application form
• copy of an up-to-date transcript or most recent report card
• two letters of recommendation from H.S. teachers (on official school stationery)
• a one-page essay telling us why you would like to attend this institute (in your own words, with your signature at the bottom)
• a $100 deposit (non-refundable unless student is not accepted into the program).

Application materials must be submitted by April 16. (Later applications may be considered only if space is available. Please call 607-871-2612 to check availability after the deadline.)

Send to: Office of Summer Programs, Alfred University, Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802 or fax to 607.871.2045. Please send all items in one packet. Incomplete or illegible applications cannot be considered. (If you fax the application form and materials, please call us at 607.871.2612 to make sure we receive them and that all is readable.)

Acceptance
The Institute Admissions Committee will evaluate all applications and determine which students will be accepted. Acceptance and non-acceptance letters will be mailed within two weeks of the application deadline. Students requiring an earlier decision should include a note with the application form indicating the date by which they need to be notified. (If a student is not accepted the $100 deposit will be refunded.)

Accepted students will receive, along with the acceptance letter, additional materials including medical forms, liability releases, emergency notification forms, etc. These materials must be filled out as soon as possible and must be back in our hands by May 28. Updated immunization information (including dates) is also required at that time. (If you do not have updated immunization information on hand, you may want to acquire this from your physician now to avoid processing delays.)

Cancellation Policy
Refunds, less the $100 non-refundable deposit, will be made for cancellations received by June 15. 50% refunds will be made for cancellations received from June 16-July 2. We cannot make refunds to students who cancel after July 2 because we must hire staff, purchase materials, arrange for meals and confirm classroom and housing space long before the start of our summer programs. We base all of these arrangements on the number of students accepted into each camp or institute and cannot make changes after contracts are signed and commitments are made.

Financial Aid
Sorry, there are no scholarships or other forms of financial aid available for students in any of our summer programs.

Questions?
For further general information contact the Office of Summer Programs at 607.871.2612. A copy of the institute application is available in pdf form at application. If you are not able to open it, please contact us and we will send or fax one to you.

For specific information concerning class content contact Dr. David Toot, Institute Director at 607.871.2208.

Comments from Past Participants

• "Four stars and two thumbs up! My experience at Alfred's summer program is one not soon to be forgotten. It was a chance to meet intelligent, beautiful kids my age from around the country and build great friendships with them. It was a chance to work with fun professors who, after a couple of days, you consider to be friends, too. It was excellent service, great staff and a lot to learn. I recommend it to all of you!" - Neyshmi M., Lancaster, PA
• "It was a great experience attending the institute this summer. I had a chance to learn more about astronomy and to meet people that don't live in the City. I loved having the opportunity to use the observatory's telescopes." - Carmen E., New York, NY
• "I had an awesome time! I never knew Astronomy could be so interesting. I made friends that I am still keeping in touch with. I will definitely come back to Astronomy camp next year!!" - James W., Alden, NY
• "I enjoyed attending the program this summer. It was great to live on campus with a group of interesting people. I was amazed at how much I learned in the time I was there. I will definitely come back again when I can." - John N., Ellicottville, NY
• "I thoroughly enjoyed the program, and it was definitely worth coming all the way from New Zealand to attend. I found the observatory facilities were excellent. This and the terrific staff and other students made the program memorable." - Ben A., Christchurch, New Zealand
• "I had a great time. I didn't want to leave!" - Emily W., Rocky Hill, CT
• "Stargazing at night was incredible!" - Michelle G., Cortlandt Manor, NY
• "I liked the friendship and respect everyone had for everyone else." - Dave C., East Rochester, NY
• "I loved the observatory. The institute was located in a very beautiful location. Did I mention I LOVED the observatory?!" - Sneha R., Forest Hills, NY
• "I really enjoyed using the telescopes as well as the various classes and lectures. I felt everything was wonderfully informative and very interesting. Everything together made for a most pleasant experience." - Sophie G., Hinckley, OH
• "I loved learning how to use an observatory as a professional astronomer would." - Jezra B., Manchester, NH

About Alfred
Alfred University is located in the safe, peaceful village of Alfred in western New York State, where summer days are warm and nights are cool and comfortable. Surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful meadows and valleys, Alfred University is the perfect place to spend an enjoyable week learning more about your favorite subject and meeting other students who share your passion for astronomy!

The campus, a 6-hour drive from New York City, 2 hours from Buffalo and 1 1/4 hours from Rochester, is easily accessible by car or bus from all directions and is located just five miles south of Interstate 86. The nearest major airport is the Rochester International Airport (about 65 miles north). Transportation to and from the airport can be provided for an additional charge if we receive the request by the date indicated in the acceptance letter. After that date students must make their own arrangements with an airport limo service.

To read or print documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader which can be downloaded for free.

Program Cancellation: The University may cancel any course or activity because of insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled or postponed, the University will refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for other costs, charges, or expenses, including cancellation/change charges assessed by airlines or travel agencies.