Resources

The GEM program is open to all interested students. To apply, those interested should complete the online application and pay the application fee. Keep in mind, courses fill up on a first come, first served basis, so early applications are encouraged.

Participants are required to fill out a Pick Up Form and send it to the Badger Precollege office.

For any extenuating circumstances or special requests, please fill out the appropriate form (found below in “General Information”

The GEM program features two, one-week long sessions. Each weekday, drop off is at 8:45 AM and pick up is at 4 PM. The GEM program manager will be in touch before the program with specific locations and instructions for drop off and pick up.

Each day is filled with class sessions, lunch in Gordon Commons, planned field trips and activities around campus, and afternoon activities. The afternoon activities include a planned lesson led by one of our morning instructors, as well as an opportunity to explore various stations and socialize with classmates.

On the opening day (Monday) of each session, families should accompany their student to registration. Families will also have the opportunity to meet instructors and staff in their classrooms. The final day of each session will include a Family Visiting Day option. Between 10:45 and 11:30, families are invited to come to campus to learn more about what their students have completed throughout the week.

There may be specific items each teacher asks the students to bring based upon activities they may be participating in each day. Information regarding any special instructions will be communicated prior to the start of the program. (Not all classes have special requests.) All classroom supplies and lunch are provided by Badger Precollege. It is a good idea to bring a water bottle and rain gear when appropriate. Comfortable walking shoes are a must!

PACE applicants will need to submit one supporting document with the online application:

• A recent copy of their grade report.
• A copy of recent test scores.
• A completed Badger Precollege letter of recommendation, done by a teacher or other educator who has worked with the student recently.

This will be submitted directly to the online application, so applicants should plan to have this on hand when completing the application.

Participants are required to fill out a Pick Up Form and send it to the Badger Precollege office.

For any extenuating circumstances or special requests, please fill out the appropriate form (found below in “General Information”

The PACE program offers two, one-week long sessions. Each weekday, drop off is at 8:30 AM and pick up is at 4:30 PM. The PACE program manager will share specific locations and instructions for drop off and pick up in the weeks leading up to the program.

Each day features a short morning meeting to hear announcements and updates, engaging class sessions, and field trips and recreational activities after lunch. During this period, students will have the chance to explore a different area of campus and/or participate in community building games and camp activities with their classmates and our Educational Assistants. Please note that all field trips are walking field trips around campus so students should wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

On the opening day (Monday) of each session, families should accompany their student to register and have the opportunity to meet instructors and staff in their classrooms. The final day of each session will include a Family Visiting Day portion. Between 3:30 and 4:15 p.m., families are invited to come to campus to learn more about what their students have completed throughout the week.

PACE students are allowed to bring cell phones to camp and will be informed of the appropriate and inappropriate times for phone use during the camp rules meeting on the first day. In general, phones are only allowed to be used in emergency situations or to coordinate pick up with parents/guardians. Phones will NOT be allowed during class time or during recreational activities/community time. Phones will be required to remain in the students’ backpacks. If a phone becomes an issue during one of those times, the phone will be placed in a locked drawer in the Badger Precollege office for the remainder of day and handed back to the parent during pick-up. The student will be asked to not bring the phone back to camp and parents will be contacted as needed. We expect our students to foster community through face to face interaction.

There may be specific items each teacher asks the students to bring based upon activities they may be participating in each day. You will be notified of these items/requests prior to camp. Not all classes have special requests. In general, here is a basic list:

• Backpack
• Notebook
• Small snack (no nuts)
• Good walking shoes
• Water bottle
• Pens/pencils
• Rain jacket/umbrella
• Sunscreen, sunglasses

To apply, applicants will need to fill out the online application for their chosen program and pay the application fee. The application will require the submission of a current grade report in PDF format. This does not need to be an official transcript; it can be an unofficial report or screenshot from an online portal or other school documentation. This will be uploaded directly into the online application, so it should be ready when the application is started. If you are a new applicant, you may also submit a letter of recommendation and a copy of recent standardized test scores.

There are three required forms to complete in preparation for the program:

• Residential Rules Form
• Commuter Students ONLY:Residential Program Commuter Policy
• Technology Needs Form

Residential students have the option to note any specific housing requests, including requesting a roommate. To do this, please fill out the Residential Options Form.

For any additional requests, please see other pertinent forms in “General Information” above.

Opening Day

Students will be able to check in starting at 12:30pm. Unfortunately, unless there is an extenuating circumstance and a student has received prior approval, we cannot accommodate early check ins. Check in will run from 12:30–3:30 p.m. Families/guardians will be able to help move their student(s) into the residence hall and will have the opportunity to meet program administrative staff, instructors, and residential staff. Program managers will send out specific details and locations in the weeks prior to the start of the program.

Closing Day

Badger Summer Scholars will end on Friday afternoon. Students will complete their last class session from 12:30–3:00 p.m. and then can move out anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. All students must be moved out of the residence hall by 6:00 p.m. We encourage families to discuss their timelines so students are packed and ready when parents arrive to check them out of the program.

ALP students will complete exit interviews and a closing ceremony on the last Saturday. More information and details about the exit interviews are sent prior to the program. Students should plan to pack their things and move out the residence hall between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m., and then attend the closing ceremony between 11:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. All students must move their belongings out before the closing ceremony.

Campus dress is casual but must be tasteful and appropriate. Shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are fine. A sweater, sweatshirt, or a jacket will be necessary for cool evenings and some air-conditioned classrooms. Rain gear is almost always needed. You may want to bring your “best” outfit for special occasions (formal dress is not required, but there will be a dance and other occasions for which students may want to dress up). In any case, the list below will help you plan for your weeks on campus. Some items are certainly optional. Keep in mind – you will have to transport all of your items from the car up to your room, and you will be sharing a small space with a roommate. Plan accordingly!

Students do not need to bring linens for their bed – they are provided by UW Housing.

ALP and Badger Summer Scholars students should bring computers, as they may be helpful for coursework. If you use a computer on regular basis with your normal schoolwork, we would suggest bringing along a computer to camp. If you do not have access to a portable computer, please notify staff as soon as possible so that we can reserve one for you. Loaner computer supplies are limited so please let us know as soon as you can.

Students are discouraged from leaving campus. They will be busy with classes, classwork and activities. Leaving campus may add to stress by making the student feel as if they need to catch up. The following are acceptable reasons for leaving campus during the program.

• Extraordinary verifiable personal or family circumstances (e.g. illness, injury, other).
• Religious beliefs or commitments.
• Significant rare or time sensitive opportunities (education, occupational, or other).
• Medical appointments that cannot be rescheduled.

Please note that leave requests may be denied.

If there is an emergency, parents/guardians should email Anita Laabs or call the camp emergency number (608-515-4332) to arrange leave.

To request campus leave or transportation, fill out the Leave/Transport Request Form no later than 48 hours in advance of the requested leave time.

To apply, applicants will need to fill out the online STEP application and pay the application fee. The application will require the submission of a current grade report in PDF format. This does not need to be an official transcript; it can be an unofficial report or screenshot from an online portal or other school documentation. This will be uploaded directly into the online application, so it should be ready when the application is started. If you are a new applicant, you may also submit a letter of recommendation and a copy of recent standardized test scores.

STEP students have one required form to complete in preparation for the program. Please complete the Residential Rules Form online before arriving to the program.

Students also have the option to note any specific housing requests, including requesting a roommate. To do this, please fill out the Residential Options Form.

For any additional requests, please see other pertinent forms in “General Information” below.

Opening Day

Students will be able to check in starting at 12:30pm. Unfortunately, unless there is an extenuating circumstance and a student has received prior approval, we cannot accommodate early check ins. Check in will run from 12:30–3:30 p.m. Families/guardians will be able to help move their student(s) into the residence hall and will have the opportunity to meet program administrative staff, instructors, and residential staff. Program managers will send out specific details and locations in the weeks prior to the start of the program.

Closing Day

Students will complete exit interviews and a closing ceremony on the last Saturday. More information and details about the exit interviews are sent prior to the program. Students should plan to pack their things and move out the residence hall between 8:00 and 11:00 a.m., and then attend the closing ceremony between 11:15 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. All students must move their belongings out before the closing ceremony.

Campus dress is casual but must be tasteful and appropriate. Shorts, t-shirts, and jeans are fine. A sweater, sweatshirt, or a jacket will be necessary for cool evenings and some air-conditioned classrooms. Rain gear is almost always needed. You may want to bring your “best” outfit for special occasions (formal dress is not required, but there will be a dance and other occasions for which students may want to dress up). In any case, the list below will help you plan for your weeks on campus. Some items are certainly optional. Keep in mind – you will have to transport all of your items from the car up to your room, and you will be sharing a small space with a roommate. Plan accordingly!

Students do not need to bring linens for their bed – they are provided by UW Housing.

Students are discouraged from leaving campus. They will be busy with classes, classwork and activities. Leaving campus may add to stress by making the student feel as if they need to catch up. The following are acceptable reasons for leaving campus during the program.

• Extraordinary verifiable personal or family circumstances (e.g. illness, injury, other).
• Religious beliefs or commitments.
• Significant rare or time sensitive opportunities (education, occupational, or other).
• Medical appointments that cannot be rescheduled.

Please note that leave requests may be denied.

If there is an emergency, parents/guardians should email Kate Ryan or call the camp emergency number (608-515-4332) to arrange leave.

To request campus leave or transportation, fill out the Leave/Transport Request Form no later than 48 hours in advance of the requested leave time.

All students interested in music are welcome to register for Summer Music Clinic! Complete the online form and pay the application fee and then our staff will be in touch with confirmation details. Please note that some courses will have an enrollment capacity, so early registration is encouraged.

There are two things to do on arrival day:

1. Move into the Residence Hall & meet your counselors.
2. Check-in with the Health and Administrative staff to receive important information including camp
   class schedule, first day instructions, performance/presentation schedules.

You will be assigned a time to check in and move in. Once you do so, you’ll have free time until all participants have moved in and completed the registration process. More information on assigned times will be shared prior to the program start.

All students will choose a placement audition or placement conversation at SMC registration upon the start of camp. The placement process ensures that each student is set to succeed in an SMC course that provides a balance of challenge and level appropriate repertoire for a one week program for each student. Students will be organized by part based on audition results on the first day of camp. Each ensemble will provide an equally challenging and rewarding experience combined with meeting the needs of each student.

The placement audition will be a performance based experience. Students are asked to prepare a short solo or excerpt and prepare a provided excerpt. There will also be sight-reading and scales asked for. Auditions are 3-5 minutes in length and times are assigned at SMC registration upon the start of the program.

The placement conversation will be a non-performance based experience. Students will be asked to provide answers about their experience, skill level, and goals for their SMC experience.

All SMC students are welcome to express interest for an audition for the student recital when they arrive on campus.

Parents of any selected student performers will receive an invitation to attend the final recital, including the date and time of their students performance.

All bedding is provided, but please plan to provide your own towels and toiletries. If you are unable to bring your own toiletries, please call us. We will also have limited supplies available at camp. All resident hall rooms are air-conditioned and have small refrigerators.

Campers will receive a swipe card which will serve as their meal ticket and must be worn on your lanyard at all times. To support sustainability and stewardship of our resources, campers should only take what they will eat and eat what they take. This will help reduce food waste. Gordon Market has a variety of foods available with twelve different stations to choose from. Food allergies and menu questions should be directed to UW-Housing’s registered dietician, at Dietitian@housing.wisc.edu. More information about Nutrition and Allergens here.

You should plan to bring the following items:

• towels, wash cloth, soap, and toiletries (bed linens are provided by dorm)
• instrumentalists should bring their instrument in good working condition and a folding music stand – NO MUSIC STANDS ARE PROVIDED (include extra strings, reeds, valve oil, etc., as needed)
• percussionists should bring a snare sticks, bell mallets, yarn mallets & timpani mallets and a bag to carry them in
• guitarists and bass guitarists should bring their own guitar and amp
• jazz drummers – please bring practice pads and expect to rotate/share our drum sets in class.

Summer Music Clinic believes campers will have the most successful experience if they leave mobile phones and devices at home. If a camper chooses to bring one, they will not be permitted to bring it to classes, rehearsals, or when attending a performance.

Commuter students will use the same registration system as residential students. Please make sure to register for the commuter option and double check the times you’ll need to arrive campus each day!

At least one week prior to the camp start date, you will receive an assigned check-in time. Please arrive at the assigned time to help avoid crowds and congestion in parking lots and at check-in. The location of the counseling staff meetings will be confirmed at check-in.

All students will choose a placement audition or placement conversation at SMC registration upon the start of camp. The placement process ensures that each student is set to succeed in an SMC course that provides a balance of challenge and level appropriate repertoire for a one week program for each student. Students will be organized by part based on audition results on the first day of camp. Each ensemble will provide an equally challenging and rewarding experience combined with meeting the needs of each student.

The placement audition will be a performance based experience. Students are asked to prepare a short solo or excerpt and prepare a provided excerpt. There will also be sight-reading and scales asked for. Auditions are 3-5 minutes in length and times are assigned at SMC registration upon the start of the program.

The placement conversation will be a non-performance based experience. Students will be asked to provide answers about their experience, skill level, and goals for their SMC experience.

There is mandatory check-in and check-out for commuter campers each day of classes (Monday-Friday). It is your family’s responsibility to arrange for participant transportation to and from the program. The person doing pick-up should be prepared to show their ID to the counselors for the first couple of days. You will need to designate alternates to pick the students up should there be a delay. In the weeks prior to program start, the program manager will share a commuter pick-up and drop-off from where those designated and their alternates can be listed.

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO CHECK IN DAILY between 7:00 and 7:25am with our commuter supervisory staff.

STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO CHECK OUT DAILY with us at the end of their class day. Pick up time for your student is between 4:30 and 4:45pm.

All SMC students are welcome to express interest for an audition for the student recital when they arrive on campus.

Parents of any selected student performers will receive an invitation to attend the final recital, including the date and time of their students performance.

Campers will receive a swipe card which will serve as their meal ticket and must be worn on your lanyard at all times. To support sustainability and stewardship of our resources, campers should only take what they will eat and eat what they take. This will help reduce food waste. Gordon Market has a variety of foods available with twelve different stations to choose from. Food allergies and menu questions should be directed to UW-Housing’s registered dietician, at Dietitian@housing.wisc.edu. More information about Nutrition and Allergens here.

You should plan to bring the following items:

• towels, wash cloth, soap, and toiletries (bed linens are provided by dorm)
• instrumentalists should bring their instrument in good working condition and a folding music stand – NO MUSIC STANDS ARE PROVIDED (include extra strings, reeds, valve oil, etc., as needed)
• percussionists should bring a snare sticks, bell mallets, yarn mallets & timpani mallets and a bag to carry them in
• guitarists and bass guitarists should bring their own guitar and amp
• jazz drummers – please bring practice pads and expect to rotate/share our drum sets in class.

Summer Music Clinic believes campers will have the most successful experience if they leave mobile phones and devices at home. If a camper chooses to bring one, they will not be permitted to bring it to classes, rehearsals, or when attending a performance.