Leadership TREK
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the dates for TREK?
August 21-26, 2004
When and where do I check-in?
TREK check-in will take place on Saturday, August 22nd, from 9am-10:30am in the Cook
Commons Dining Hall of the Billings Student Center located on Main Campus. Upon
arrival, you will be greeted by TREK staff who will help you check in and ensure you
have all the gear you need. The early you arrive (ie: closer to 9am), the more time you’ll
have to get your things to your room.
When EXACTLY does TREK end?
On Thursday, August 26, all of the TREK programs will arrive back on campus
sometime from 10am-4pm. Students go back to their room, shower, unpack a bit, then
meet at the Billings Student Center for a Closing and Cook-out Dinner. The dinner
begins at 4pm is usually done by 6pm. THAT is the last scheduled TREK activity.
How will it work to move into my room?
After you drop off your gear on Saturday, August 22, you will receive your residence hall
keys. At that time, you will be able to unload belongings into your room. We know
you’ll be eager to unpack and fix your room the way you like it, but it is imperative that
you return to the Billings Student Center by 11am for the start of the program. When
you return from TREK on the 26th, you will have that evening and the whole next day to
finished getting things set up the way you like them. All other first year students will be
moving in on the 27th, so you’ll actually be ahead of them!
Should my parents come back on Thursday the 26th or Friday the 27th to help me
move in, unpack, and just generally settle in?
It all depends. They certainly do not have to; you’ll be well moved in and will have
plenty of time on Thursday night and all day Friday to get things set up. It can be tricky
with parents/family coming on Thursday because there is no way to know exactly when
you’ll be back from your trip on Thursday, and then on Thursday night, you’ll be busy at
the Closing Cook out Dinner, though they can meet you there at 4pm.
Can my parents stay longer on Saturday, August 22nd and finish moving my stuff
into my room/setting up my room while I go on TREK?
No. You will need to turn in your room keys before you leave for TREK. You parents
are not allowed to go back to your room or stay in your room.
Can I have a cell phone during TREK?
No. The use of cell phones during TREK causes significant problems in group
dynamics, the group’s ability to achieve tasks and goals, and individual students’
abilities to focus. It distracts students from the group and prevents them from being fully
present in the TREK experience. Thus, we ask that students not bring cell phones.
Some family members, however, find great security in the ability to stay connected with
their student while on TREK. Some family members want a regular update or report on
the happenings of the week or want to know that they can get in contact with their
student in the case of emergency. Indeed, there are many reasons for wanting to stay
connected and for bringing a cell phone to TREK.
Despite all of these reasons, I ask that you refrain from bringing or planning to use a cell
phone during TREK. If there is an emergency, the TREK leaders will have cell phones
to use to call for help. Additionally, family members can call the Student Life Office
(802-656-2060) to send along a message to the TREK student. In this age of
connectedness, I know it can be unusual to not stay in contact with others, but that is
precisely what makes TREK unique and so powerful for students. Please do not bring
your cell phone!
How can my parents/friends/family contact me during TREK?
In case of emergency, family members can call the Student Life Office (802-656-2060)
to send along a message to the TREK student.
Who are the TREK leaders?
There are 4 Leadership TREK Leaders, all of whom participated in TREK when they
were first year students. They are trained leaders who will be with you throughout the
week to serve as your guide, facilitator, mentor, and friend. They are:
Katie Musick; Sophomore; from St. Louis, MO; College of Arts & Sciences
Brian Raines; Sophomore; from New Rochelle, NY; School of Business Administration
Anne Scheideler; Senior; from Glens Falls, NY, College of Agriculture and Life Science
Sam Schoolcraft; Junior; from Niskayuna, NY; College of Arts & Sciences
How many other TREK participants will there be?
There will be approximately 24 other students in the Leadership TREK program. There
will be additional 200 students in the other TREK programs (Wilderness and Community
Service). As Leadership TREKKIE, you’ll meet the 23 other students in the Leadership
Program, your 4 leaders, and you’ll also have dinner one night with one of the
community service groups, which will have about 10 students in it.
What exactly will we be doing each day?
Well, if we told you all the details, it would ruin some of the fun! However, you can be
sure that each day will be different from the previous one. The planned activities
include: Ropes Course (low and high); a community service project; hiking (for all levels
of skills/abilities); and workshops on leadership styles, getting involved on campus,
diversity, and other subjects related to being a student leader.
Because of travel plans, I need to come early. Can I stay on campus on Friday
night (August 21st)?
Unfortunately, we are not able to accommodate students who need to come early for
TREK. While we appreciate the travel efforts you and your family is making to come to
Vermont early, under no circumstances are students participating in TREK able to
access their rooms before the day TREK begins. There are many hotels in the area,
however, who can accommodate you. See the list of hotels on the website.
Why don’t you allow smoking?
Even though it is legal for students who are 18, we do not allow students to smoke
during TREK. Statistically, we know that if we send a group of people into the woods
and only a few of them smoke, when they come back, more people will be smokers.
We don’t want to promote or encourage smoking. We do want to provide and promote
an environment that is free of pressures, expectations, standards, or norms related to
smoking. Finally, as everyone knows, smoking is not healthy and even second-hand
smoke can be dangerous or problematic for others. In the small space in which you’ll
share with your fellow students, the smoke can easily become noticeable and irritating.
Will I need money during the week?
Strictly speaking, no, you will not need any money. The cost of the program covers
everything: housing, group supplies, food, snacks, and beverages. There may be a rare
occasion however, when you will have an unforeseen problem or issue that requires
you to buy something you weren’t planning. TREK leaders have basic “emergency”
supplies like extra anti-itching cream for bug bites and extra feminine hygiene products,
but they do not have enough for a week supply for individual students. If a student
needs something along this line, a TREK leader will take them to the store to buy what
they need.
Because I completed the TREK Registration Form (which included a thorough
medical history), does that mean I don’t have to complete the UVM Center for
Health and Welbeing Health History Form?
No. These are two different offices, two different forms, and two different purposes. All
incoming students are required to complete the other health form, which can be
downloaded from www.uvm.edu/~dosa/chw