Chesapeake Semester
Applying for the Chesapeake Semester
Download Guidelines for Application (PDF)
Commitment
With its highly varied schedule, numerous days in the field, and dependence upon all participants to be present and involved in all activities, it is highly unlikely that students will be able to participate in athletics during the fall semester. Participation in other extracurricular activities will most likely be minimal and plans should be discussed with faculty advisors and group members before the beginning of the semester. Much of this program will be conducted outdoors, in varying terrain and weather conditions. Some of the time will be spent camping, and you should be prepared to "rough it" occasionally. A full commitment to the Chesapeake Semester at the outset of the program is expected.
Necessities
Students will be responsible for purchasing a number of books and field guides that will accompany you on your travels. The cost of these books will be comparable to what you would expect to spend during a typical four-class semester.
Students will be required to have a valid passport for international travel. This passport must be valid for at least six months after the last date of travel to Peru (November 2012), hence the passport must be valid for travel through May 31, 2013.
While we do not expect you to outfit yourselves for wilderness survival, it should be understood that you will spend much of the semester outside during the fall and early winter months. Warm, waterproof clothing and boots will essential to your comfort. Additionally, a high quality sleeping bag will be necessary during overnight camping trips. Tents, stoves, and other camping equipment will be provided by the College. Lodging will vary from hotels to field stations and some camping, the bulk of the latter being done on Journey 2.
Fees
The Chesapeake Semester requires a $4,900 program fee on top of standard enrollment fees. A $500 non-refundable program deposit is due April 30, 2012. The program fee covers a wide range of expenses not normally covered by tuition, including time on research vessels, museum entrance fees, speakers, airfare to Peru, and other travel expenses. Fees cover about a third of these additional program costs, with the balance covered by generous grants from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Jessie Ball duPont Fund.
The $500 non-refundable deposit is due no later than April 30, 2012. Please mail to:
Chesapeake Semester- Attn. Jenifer Emley
Center for Environment & Society
Washington College
300 Washington Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620
Checks should be made out to Washington College and clearly designated as "Chesapeake Semester Deposit" to insure that they are properly credited. Because of the high demand for this program, a waiting list will be maintained, and slots for which deposits or program fees are not received by the due date will be released to students on the waiting list.
The balance of the program fee ($4,400) is due by August 1, 2012. This fee may be mailed to either the address above or the Washington College Business Office. Please clearly designate the payment as "Chesapeake Semester Program Fee." Because we will need to begin purchasing airfare and making other travel arrangements prior to the start of the semester, we regret that we will not be able to offer refunds to students withdrawing from the program after August 10, 2012.
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in the Chesapeake Semester, you should set up a meeting with your advisor to see that your graduation requirements can be met by participating in the program. Secondly, request an application and information packet (available online) and set up an appointment with Chesapeake Semester staff so that they may answer any questions you may have.
Applications for the fall 2012 semester must be submitted in their entirety to the campus office of Dr. John Seidel by 4:00 PM on Monday, March 6, 2012. Applications will be reviewed by Chesapeake Semester faculty as they are received and you will be notified of your admission status by March 20th. We will accept 10-12 students this semester, so we encourage you to apply early. If you miss the deadline or are not immediately accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list in case a slot opens.
Important Dates
- March 6, 2012 Applications Due
- March 20, 2012 Acceptance notification – we will submit your registration to the Registrar; a wait list will be maintained
- April 30, 2012 Deposit of $500 due
- August 1, 2012 Balance of $4,400 due
Passport verification required - August 10, 2012 Withdrawals prior to this date will be refunded 50% of the program fee. No refunds possible after August 10, 2012.
- August 18, 2012 Arrive on campus
- August 19, 2012 Chesapeake Semester begins
- December 10, 2012 Chesapeake Semester ends
For More Information
- Michael Hardesty, Chesapeake Semester Program Manager
mhardesty2@washcoll.edu or (410) 810-7488 or (410) 699-1940