2009 Catalog

Student Life

Introduction
In addition to their course work, our students enjoy a rich experience outside the classroom. They live on campus under the supervision of resident assistants (RAs) and participate in a variety of activities held each afternoon and on the weekends. More importantly, they get to know other students like them—students whose interests are diverse and who share their exceptional academic abilities and love of learning. Lasting friendships develop as students learn from each other both in and out of the classroom. Throughout the residential program, we focus on helping students have a good time in a safe, supervised environment.

Although helping students have a positive social experience is important to us, prospective students should know that their primary goal while enrolled in the program is to succeed in their academic endeavors. Students unable to make academics their first priority should not attend our program.

Supervision

While students are ultimately responsible for their own conduct, administrative, instructional, and residential staff all work together to provide clear guidelines and careful supervision. Outside class, students are supervised by RAs, who are typically college students selected on the basis of academic record, related work or volunteer experience, recommendations, and performance in an interview. RAs live with students in the residence halls, providing support and encouragement, enforcing rules, and planning and conducting the recreational program. The RAs, as well as instructors, teaching assistants, and administrators, are prepared to help students adjust to the academic demands of CTY and to the experience of being away from home. 

Note to Older Students
While designed with the academic and recreational interests of all age groups in mind, our program is highly structured and operates with only one set of rules. Some older students find they can accept these rules (e.g., 11:00 p.m. lights-out; restricted access to cell phones, the Internet, and other technology; strict campus boundaries; and close supervision), but others find them too restrictive and are unhappy.

Because it is our goal that all students have a positive experience, we encourage older students, indeed all students, to decide whether the program is appropriate for them. They should come only if they are fully committed to following all of the rules.

Housing & Campus Facilities
All participants live in one residence hall on campus, in single-sex groups with their resident assistants (RAs). Each RA group has approximately 15 students. Most students are assigned to double rooms; however, we cannot guarantee a particular housing arrangement to any student. Each double room has its own bathroom. Residence halls are air conditioned. During supervised recreational time, students may socialize in lounges and common spaces; however, at no time are students permitted to enter opposite-sex rooms. Students will also have limited access to other campus facilities, including libraries, computer labs, a multi-purpose room, and an outdoor basketball court.

Technology
In order to maximize engagement and to minimize distractions, CTY limits the use of cell phones, mp3 players, and other technologies. Further information about our technology policies and procedures is contained in our student site information packets, which are sent after enrollment. 

Recreational Activities
Outside of class, students participate in a variety of activities facilitated by the residential staff, including sports, games, arts, and volunteer projects. Offerings at the CTY Nanjing site will reflect the local culture and include such activities as Tai Chi and Calligraphy. Activities are designed so that there is something for everyone, and students often have the option of relaxing in the residence hall instead. 

Weekends
Classes do not meet on weekends, with the exception of Sunday evenings. Instead, all students participate in a full schedule of recreational and social activities, which are supervised by the RAs and administrative staff. In addition to sports and games, weekend activities include special events such as carnivals, dances, movies, field trips in and around Nanjing (including visits to local parks and a hike on the city wall), and a talent show. Students also have time to catch up on laundry or just relax and talk with friends. Weekends conclude with a two-hour class session on Sunday evenings.

Daily Schedule
The daily schedule at a site is quite full. Students are required to attend all classes and activities, and there is little unstructured time. Generally, students attend class from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday-Friday, with short breaks in the morning and afternoon and a longer break for lunch. One hour each class day is dedicated to conversational Mandarin with the rest of the time spent on the chosen course topic. Between the end of class and lights-out, students attend recreational activities, have dinner, return to class for a two-hour evening session, and enjoy social time. Each day concludes with a hall meeting. Lights-out is at 11:00 p.m. 

Typical Daily Schedule

Visits
During the summer session, we discourage families and friends from visiting students and taking them off campus. Weekend time allows students to establish friendships and become fully involved in residential life. (In fact, homesickness is often intensified by visits from parents.) 

Expectations for Student Conduct

• strive to do the best work possible in their courses
• respect individuals of different races, cultures, religions, genders, sexual orientations, ages, disabilities, and national origins
• behave in a friendly, cooperative, and responsible manner toward all persons in the CTY community and in the larger college and local communities
• attend all class sessions, meals, activities, and meetings
• observe all rules for student conduct.

We cannot accommodate students who are unwilling or unable to live up to these expectations.

At each site, students learn about our standards for behavior, including site rules, on the first day. While specific rules vary somewhat from site to site, community standards throughout our summer programs are basic and consistent. They include a commitment to academic integrity, respect for all members of the community, regard for basic rules of physical safety, and cooperation with adult supervision.

Students may be dismissed from the program for any of the following reasons:

• not attending to their academic work in a satisfactory manner
• cheating, plagiarizing, or committing other acts of academic dishonesty
• being in restricted areas of campus, or leaving campus, unaccompanied by a staff member
• being on an opposite-sex hall
• leaving their halls after lights out
• stealing or vandalizing property
• keeping prescription or over-the-counter medication in their possession (see Medical Information for limited exceptions)
• possessing or using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs
• bullying or hazing
• undermining the safety or wellbeing of self or others (including threats).

No tuition refunds will be made to students dismissed from the program. If a student damages property, the cost of repair or replacement is added to the student account balance.

Prohibited Items

• weapons of any kind (including pocket knives and martial arts devices)
• any flame-producing device (including matches, lighters, and firecrackers)
• role-playing game books or other items associated with role-playing games
• trading cards
• pets of any kind
• products that damage surface finishes
• televisions, computer/video games, or DVDs
• bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, skates, scooters, or shoes with wheels
• water guns
• halogen lamps, refrigerators, or cooking devices
• laser pointers.

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