Participant Information

SPI is an educational experience in the context of community. There is much diversity within the SPI community. Participants represent different nationalities, races/ethnicities, genders, economic classes, educational levels, religious traditions and belief systems.

In some cases, people come from opposing sides in a conflict. It is our hope that the SPI learning community will be a place that is safe for everyone to be able to be truly themselves.

You can help nurture a secure and respectful community by coming prepared to engage with others in ways that honor the other.

Interact respectfully with people whose cultures may be different from your own.
Listen carefully to the experiences and beliefs of others in an effort to learn more about your differences and commonalities.
Be considerate of all individuals, regardless of their opinions and experiences, even if you disagree with them.
When you are speaking or interacting, watch for body language as a clue that your speech or behavior may be making others feel uncomfortable.
Be aware that various cultures have sensitivities about dress that is important to them.
Recognize that views about relationships between men and women vary greatly from society to society.
Sexual harassment, defined broadly as unwelcome sexual advances, is not acceptable in the SPI community. (See EMU’s student handbook or ask a Community Assistant for more information.
Acceptable conduct may differ from culture to culture, so if you become uncomfortable with anyone's behavior toward you at SPI, we encourage you to talk with an SPI Community Assistant or another staff person. We are here to help you feel safe in this learning community.

Weather and Clothing

The weather in the Shenandoah Valley varies greatly during May and June. It can be as cold as 10 ° C (50 ° F) or as hot as 32 ° C (90 ° F). There can be periods of rain or dry heat. Spring is usually, however, quite pleasant.
Bring along an umbrella, a light jacket, sweaters, warm socks and shoes, in addition to hot weather clothing.
If you enjoy physical exercise, you may also want to bring along clothing suitable for such activity. The EMU campus has an outdoor and an indoor walking/jogging track, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, as well as exercise equipment and a weight room, for those who like to work out.
You are also encouraged to bring the traditional clothing of your region. One time each session, we will celebrate the food, clothing, and cultural traditions of SPI participants.

Campus Arrival and Departure

If you are arriving the morning of your class, go to the 2nd floor of the Seminary building (#7 on campus map) for registration and a buffet breakfast.
If you are arriving prior to registration, check in at Hillside Suites (#35 on campus directory) with one of the SPI Community Assistants in Room 102.
If you are expecting a pick-up upon arrival and no one is there to meet you, please call 540-437-6014 (SPI Community Assistants), or 540- 578-2282 (SPI Transportation Coordinator), or 540-432-4672 (SPI Staff Supervisor). Take a taxicab from the DC airports only as a last resort since it may cost you as much as $300 to get to Harrisonburg.
Classes end at 4:00 p.m. on the last day of each session. Please schedule your departure accordingly. SPI transportation will be available for anyone needing drop-off at an airport or train station. A shuttle fee will apply. Please note that it may take three hours to reach the DC airports and you will need to be there two hours in advance of your flight. If your flight departs before 9:00 p.m. you will have to miss the end of your final class.

Lodging

Accommodations on campus are in air-conditioned suites or apartments. Each will have 2-4 bedrooms adjoining a common living room, bathroom and kitchen. There are individual phones but no TVs in the suites.
Handicap-accessible rooms are available. Please request on your reservation form.
Information on area hotels/motels/community rentals is available upon request.

Food

The University Cafeteria serves a noon meal on weekdays. This meal is part of the price of lodging for those living on campus. Those living off campus can purchase the noon meal in the Cafeteria for $6.

The kitchen in each suite/apartment has a stove and refrigerator. Dishes, basic cooking ware and eating utensils are also provided. You are welcome to bring your own favorite kitchen tools.
Two grocery stores, Red Front and Food Lion, are within walking distance of the EMU campus.
Special dietary preferences, such as hallal meat and kosher foods, are hard to find in Harrisonburg.

Support Services

All participants will have access to the library, individual telephones (in each dormitory bedroom) and voicemail.
Books for each course will be available for purchase in the Campus Bookstore located in the University Commons.
Computers, with Internet access, will be available for your use on campus. You are welcome to bring your personal computer, but Internet hookup in your room will be at your own expense. There are several buildings on campus where wireless internet access is available.
There will also be computers set up in various places for email communication.

Health Care/ Services

A nurse practitioner will be available in the Health Center at posted hours and by appointment during SPI. A fee of $5- $15 will apply at time of service, regardless of insurance coverage.
All SPI participants are required to have proof of current health insurance recognized in the US or to purchase the EMU policy for $81.
A health form will need to be completed at registration and turned in to the Health Center. This form will include a basic wellness screening. Additionally, you may be asked to make a follow up appointment with Health Services staff.
If you are currently undergoing any medical treatment for a serious illness (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc.) please bring the appropriate records from your doctor so that your care can be continued in an appropriate manner while you are here.

Travel

If you are traveling through multiple times zones, you may want to schedule your arrival for a day or two before SPI begins in order to allow your body time to catch up. Here are some suggested ways to overcome jet lag: 1) Two or three days before you travel, avoid all caffeinated beverages/foods--coffee, tea, colas, or chocolate. 2) Set your watch to Eastern Standard Time (EST) as soon as you board the plane. 3) Begin in flight to act appropriately to EST. If it is night, try to sleep or rest. If it is morning, drink coffee or tea and try to stay awake, even if you are tired.
SPI will provide pick-up at some places of arrival, if reservations are made in advance (by April 13, 2007). To reserve SPI transportation service, please fill out and return the reservation form in this packet. Address any questions to the “Transportation Coordinator". When we receive your reservation form, we will confirm your transportation details and will provide you with information to help you find your ride upon arrival.
Due to increasing costs, we want you to be aware that you may have to wait several hours for an SPI pick-up from Dulles, BWI or National Airports. If this is too inconvenient for you, please consider another form of transportation.
The SPI rates below are per person for one pick-up or drop-off. If you wish SPI to provide transportation for both your arrival and departure, you will need to double the rate shown. Discounts may be offered for multiple people in the same vehicle.

Nearby Airports Charge for Pick-up or Drop-Off

Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD ) $ 15.00 (Airport Shuttle only)

Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) $ 60.00 (1 hour to EMU)

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) $110.00 (2¼ hours to EMU)

National (Ronald Reagan) Airport (DCA) $150.00 (3 hours to EMU)

Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) $180.00 (3½ hours to EMU )

Train Station

Amtrak Train Station, Staunton, VA $ 40.00 (City Cab only)