July 20-24, 2008

Sorry, we are no longer accepting applications. This program is full.

Institute Brochure

New Application Deadline: June 2 , 2008

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.

When not in class, students enjoy planned activities on campus as well as free time for relaxation. Living, dining and learning together, they have ample opportunity to get to know each other well and develop lasting friendships.

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.

Faculty
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.

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
• Cosmology
• Spectroscopy

Schedule
Students attend classes during the day and enjoy recreational activities in the evening. View a sample weekly schedule >>>

Examples of evening activities include the following:

• Ice-breaker games on the first night to help everyone get acquainted
• Movies in Nevins Theater
• Outdoor games such as "Capture the Flag"
• Indoor games such as "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," ping pong, board games, etc.
• Social gathering with refreshments & music in the Knight Club
• Relaxing and socializing at the Terra Cotta Coffee House

Supervision
When institute participants are not in class, they are supervised by specially-trained college students who serve as Resident Directors (RDs) and Resident Advisors (RAs).

Tuition, Room and Board
Participants will arrive on Sunday and leave after lunch on Thursday. The institute fee is $595* (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 residence halls (2 per room). Students must provide their own pillows and bed/bath linens for the week. All meals are served in the campus dining hall.

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

*There will be a $25 charge for checks returned for insufficient funds.

Application Procedure
Students who wish to participate must return:

1. a completed application form (Please click on the underlined words to open the pdf file. Then simply print the form, fill it out, and send it back to us with the other required materials.)

2. copy of an up-to-date transcript (to January 2008) or most recent report card

3. two letters of recommendation from H.S. teachers (on official school stationery)

4. a one-page essay telling us why you would like to attend this institute (in your own words, with your signature at the bottom)

5. a $100 deposit (non-refundable unless student is not accepted into the program). Full payment of the balance ($495), for accepted students, is due June 20, 2008.

Application materials must be submitted by June 2, 2008. (Later applications may be considered if space is available.)

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.)

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 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 June 20. 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 13. 50% refunds will be made for cancellations received from June 14-27. We cannot make refunds to students who cancel after June 27 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.

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 607.871.2203.

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!" - N. Mora, 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." - C. Espinal, 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!!" - J. Wawrzyniak, 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." - J. Nuthall, 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." - B. Austin, Christchurch, New Zealand

"I had a great time. I didn't want to leave!" - E. Wisnoski, Rocky Hill, CT

"Stargazing at night was incredible!" - M. Grossman, Cortlandt Manor, NY

"I liked the friendship and respect everyone had for everyone else." - D. Cleveland. East Rochester, NY

"I loved the observatory. The institute was located in a very beautiful location. Did I mention I LOVED the observatory?!" - S. Rao, 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." - S. Grodsinsky, Hinckley, OH

"I loved learning how to use an observatory as a professional astronomer would." - J. Beaulieu, Manchester, NH

About Alfred
Alfred University is located in the Village of Alfred in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of Western New York State. You can take a virtual tour of our campus to check out our lovely grounds and great facilities!

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 your request by the date indicated in the acceptance letter. After that date students must make their own arrangements with an airport limo service.

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