2016 Summer Policy Institute FAQ’s

1) Should I bring a computer? 

If you have a laptop or tablet, you’re encouraged to bring them as we are going to try to post most materials online rather than print hard copies. However, we will have some copies of materials for those who are without computers. During the conference, we request that those who are taking notes or tweeting on their laptops sit towards the back of the room. Wifi will be available through The University of Tulsa. Instructions will be distributed upon check-in.

2) What about transportation to/from Tulsa?

Students are responsible for their own transportation to SPI. If you’re interested in carpooling to Tulsa, let us know where you’d be leaving from and we will try to connect you with fellow participants willing to carpool.

3) Where does the program take place, and where do I park when I get there? 

The program will take place mostly in the Allen Chapman Student Union at the University of Tulsa, 440 S Gary Ave, Tulsa, OK 74104. Guests can park in the Union Lot (map) but it does fill up quickly with service vehicles. If anyone gets a ticket, they should write “visitor – OK Policy” on it and mail it to Campus Security (5^th Street is no longer accessible from Harvard, so if your GPS routes you that way you will need to choose an alternate route).

4) When and where will I sign in/check in? 

For those staying in residence:  Lodging will be provided in the Chi-Omega and Delta Delta Delta sorority houses on the University of Tulsa campus located near 5th Street & Harvard. Please check in between 12:00-12:30pm on the 2^nd floor lobby of the Student Union, which will give you time to get your room assignment and drop off your belongings. Bedding and towels will be provided; of course bring toiletries and all personal items. Standard university housing rules apply – no firearms, no illegal drugs, etc. Check-out will be 4:00 pm on Wednesday, unless you need to make other arrangements. If you need to make other arrangements, you must let Shiloh know at check-in. Due to our schedule, it may be beneficial to be prepared to leave from TU before the start of the program on the morning of Wednesday, August 3rd. Keys are checked out to each individual. There is an $85 key replacement cost if it is lost or not turned into TU. Guests can either park in the McFarlin Library Lot or the LPC Lot (Lorton Performance Center). Guests can park in the Union Lot as well – but it does fill up quickly with service vehicles. McFarlin is closest to the houses but is only accessible by driving from the north side but there is now a paved walking path between the houses and to get to the parking lot. If anyone gets a ticket in either lot, they should write “visitor – OK Policy” on it and mail it to Campus Security.

For those commuting (not staying on campus): Please check in between 12:30 – 1:30 at the University of Tulsa Allen Chapman Student Union.

We will not be providing lunch on Sunday. We will have water and snacks in the afternoon. If you arrive late, you’ll have a chance to check in following the afternoon programs.

5) Will I need to attend the entire program?

 We expect you to attend the full program, including all meals, and to notify us if you need to miss any sessions.

6) What’s the dress code? 

Attire for most of SPI is business casual. In general, dress as you would for going to work in a professional, but not formal setting. However, for the banquet on Tuesday night you may want to wear something a little nicer and more formal (for guidance, Emily Post can help).

7) How to I get to the events that are not on campus at TU?

You will be responsible for your own transportation to the Circle Cinema Sunday night and to the Bond Event Center (limited parking) on Tuesday night (maps will be provided). If you won’t have a car, we’ll help you coordinate with another student or staffperson to carpool to the off-campus events. For Monday evening’s program – a tour of the Greenwood District and dinner at the McNellie’s Public House – we’ll be providing a charter bus. All students will need to meet at the TU Allen Chapman Student Union at 5:30pm to catch the bus for the tour which will leave no later than 5:45pm. This will be the only chance to board the charter.

8) Can I bring a guest to the Monday night event?

We would be happy to have you invite a guest to join us for food and drinks Monday night at McNellie’s Public House, which is located at 409 E 1st St, Tulsa, OK 74120. We’ve invited all the program speakers, along with last year’s participants, elected officials and various friends of OK Policy, and we expect it to be a fun, casual evening (casual attire). If you will have a guest, please let Shiloh know via email ASAP.

9) Am I allowed to bring a guest to other parts of the program?

Due to limited space and a desire to make the event as valuable as possible for all of you, we are not opening the program to the general public. However, if you have a colleague, teacher or friend who you think would benefit from attending one or more of the sessions, let us know in advance and we’d be happy to consider it.

10) Other questions?

Prior to SPI, call us at 918-794-3944 or email info@okpolicy.org. During the event, you can call or text the program coordinator, Shiloh Kantz, at 918-406-5270 or email skantz@okpolicy.org if something comes up.