AwesomeMath Summer Program

2019 Student Handbook

The AwesomeMath Summer Program (AMSP) is a mathematically stimulating experience

designed to broaden students’ view of mathematics while fostering their excitement toward
further study. This year the AMSP will provide talented middle and high school students with a
unique opportunity to challenge their minds and hone their mathematical problem solving
skills.

There are, perhaps, more relaxing ways to spend a summer vacation. But in exchange for your
hard work, you will gain valuable knowledge, get to meet and make many new friends with
other students exuberant about math, and leave with the satisfaction of tremendous
accomplishment.

Just as in any event, AMSP requires preparation and careful review of the information, and we
hope you will use this handbook as your guide to answer some of the questions you may have
about the program. Safety and the well-being of the students are of critical importance to us. In
this material, you will find the policies that help ensure a positive and safe experience.

After reading this handbook, should you have any concerns or unanswered questions, do not
hesitate to call me at (702) RAD-MATH, or to e-mail us admin@awesomemath.org.

Sincerely,

Titu Andreescu Director, AwesomeMath

TRAVEL INFORMATION 3
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAYS AND TIMES 3
ARRIVAL 3
DEPARTURE 3

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS/CODE OF CONDUCT 4

CODE OF CONDUCT 5
TELEPHONE CALLS ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

INFORMATION FOR DAY STUDENTS 6

DAY STUDENTS 6

INFORMATION FOR RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS 6

ORIENTATION 6
HOUSING 6
MEALS 7
CLOTHING AND BEDDING (SEE PACKING LIST WHICH IS INCLUDED WITH ONLINE STUDENT REGISTRATION) 7
WHILE ATTENDING THE CAMP, STUDENTS MAY RECEIVE MAIL AS FOLLOWS: 7
TELEPHONE CALLS 8
SPENDING MONEY 8
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES 8

POLICIES 8
ATTENDANCE 8
VISITS 8
DORM ROOMS 8
CONSENT TO USE PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES 9
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT AND VALUABLES 9
DINING HALL 9
RESIDENT ASSISTANT MEETINGS 9
LANYARDS 9
CURFEW 9
HEALTH CARE 10
ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO 10
STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AND HOUSEKEEPING 10
EXPECTATIONS AND REGULATIONS FOR AMSP STUDENTS 10
TRANSPORTATION 10
PARENT EXPECTATIONS 11
TRAVEL INFORMATION

Arrival and Departure Days and Times

Arrival

AMSP 2019 begins on:

• Afternoon of June 5 for UT Dallas (UTD). Classes begin June 6, 9:00 am

• Afternoon of June 24 for Cornell University, Session 1. Classes begin June 25, 9:00 am
• Afternoon of July 14 for Cornell University, Session 2. Classes begin July 15, 9:00 am
• Afternoon of July 17 for University of Puget Sound (UPS). Classes begin July 18, 9:00 am

Day students should:

• Arrive between 8:30 and 8:50 AM each day
• Be prepared with pencils and notebook

Students traveling by CAR:

• Are to arrive between: 1:00pm –5:00pm
• If you are traveling by car and cannot arrive or depart at the listed times, you are
required to notify us at admin@awesomemath.org.

Students arriving by AIR should schedule their flight to arrive:

• Between: 8:00am-4:00pm
• If you are traveling by air and cannot arrive between the listed times, you will need to
get approval from AwesomeMath before purchasing your airline ticket. Please contact
admin@awesomemath.org

All students will be greeted at their baggage claim at the airport by AMSP staff who will assist
with transportation to campus. Students should not leave the baggage claim area until they
have made contact with our staff. Our staff will make sure participants arrive safely to the
campus (transportation being arranged ahead of time).

We do not provide unaccompanied minor (UAM) service. Please check with your airline for the
definition and rules of UAMs to determine if your child is “qualified” to travel on the their own.
If not, an adult (or other qualified chaperone) should accompany your child to their destination.
In other words, an AwesomeMath Staff Member does not provide the airline with a contact
name/phone number and meet a child at their gate.

Departure

AMSP 2019 ends on:

 • June 22 for UT Dallas
• July 12 for Cornell University, Session 1
• August 1 for Cornell University, Session 2
• August 4 for University of Puget Sound

Day students should:

• Be picked up each day between 5:15 PM and 5:30 PM

Students traveling by CAR should depart at:

• UT Dallas students are to depart between: 12:30pm-2:00pm
• Cornell and UPS students are to depart no later than 2:00pm
• If you are traveling by car and cannot depart at the listed times, you are required to
notify us at admin@awesomemath.org.

Students departing by AIR should schedule their flight to depart:

• UT Dallas students are to schedule their flights to depart between: 1:00pm-5:00pm
• Cornell and UPS students are to schedule their flights to depart between 8:00am-
2:00pm
• If you are traveling by air and cannot depart between the listed times, you will need to
get approval from AwesomeMath before purchasing your airline ticket. Please contact
admin@awesomemath.org

IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who must depart out of Syracuse International before 8:00 am
will be invoiced for an additional $50 transportation fee. Syracuse is 1 hour and 15 minutes
away from campus so we will need to hire taxi services, which are expensive because of the
distance. In some instances, $50 might not even cover it, but we will subsidize the
difference. You will be required to acknowledge your acceptance of this transportation fee
(part of your online student registration) when you provide us with your travel details. This
fee must be paid prior to the start of camp.

Students flying out of DFW airport, Dallas Love Field, Syracuse Hancock International, Ithaca
Tompkins Regional, and Seattle will be taken to their airport with plenty of time to make the
flight indicated on the travel information form you submitted.

Rooms should be cleaned before departure and the room keys returned to AMSP staff. Any
room damage must be reported to the AwesomeMath staff prior to checkout. Please note
that a fee will be charged for lost keys. UT Dallas and Cornell University charge $80 for a lost
key and $15 for a lost meal card/access card. Students will be held financially responsible
for any damages done to University facilities.

Student Expectations/Code of Conduct

Students are expected to create a positive learning environment by behaving and allowing all
participants, including themselves, to reach their full potential. This means being respectful,
kind, and curious as well as properly using all materials, resources, and property of
AwesomeMath and our host Universities.
Code of Conduct
Participants in the AwesomeMath Summer Program (AMSP) are expected to abide by the
following Code of Conduct:
• AMSP Students are expected to be
honest, kind, and hold high standards of
integrity in their academic work and
personal conduct.
• AMSP Students are expected to show
respect and courtesy to their peers,
AwesomeMath Staff, and University
Personnel and Visitors.
• AMSP Students shall not take part in or
facilitate discrimination of any kind,
including, but not limited to,
discrimination based on gender, race,
national origin, ethnicity, age, religion,
sexual orientation, disability, or
intelligence.
• AMSP Students are expected to show
respect for and take reasonable care of
University property, including their
residences, dining halls, classrooms, and
other University facilities,
equipment/furnishings.
• AMSP Students are expected to respect
the belongings of fellow students. They
shall not borrow, use, or disturb items
belonging to other students/staff without
clear prior permission.
• AMSP Students shall not use, possess, or
distribute alcohol, tobacco, or drugs,
except for prescription and over-the-
counter medications approved for use by
the student’s parent/guardian. Any
participation in the above will be cause
for immediate dismissal even if the
student did not consume or intend to
consume these substances.
• AMSP Students are expected to follow
the instructions of the AMSP staff.
Disrespectful behavior is not tolerated.
• AMSP Students shall not commit acts of
violence on persons or property, nor
shall they threaten to commit any act of
violence.
• AMSP Students shall not engage in any
form of self-harm that impacts their
safety and/or well-being.
• AMSP Students shall not engage in any
form of harassment or bullying.
Harassment consists of conduct of any
type (including but not limited to written,
verbal, graphic, or physical conduct)
which has the purpose or effect of
unreasonably interfering with a student’s
academic, physical or social well-being or
which creates an intimidating, hostile or
offensive environment.
• AMSP Students must not engage in
groping, cuddling, or sexual behavior of
any kind.
• AMSP Students recognize that they are a
part of a kind and eclectic community of
mathematicians and students and as
such, are expected to demonstrate a
spirit of collaboration and creativity
within the camp’s academic guidelines so
that they may be challenged and grow to
their fullest potential.
• AMSP Students are expected to know
and follow all the rules/policies listed in
this Code of Conduct, those listed in the
handbook, as well as the rules presented
by the residential and teaching staff of
the program.
Any acts of bullying, disrespect, endangerment, self-harm, or misuse of property will result in
immediate action. If positive redirection is appropriate to the incident, this will be the first
step, however, if redirection is inadequate or if the incident creates an unsafe environment for
any of our students, staff, or University personnel then parents will be contacted immediately
and the student(s) could risk expulsion without a refund. All behavior issues and incidents must
be addressed by AwesomeMath staff – students are not to engage with University personnel
regarding the camps and their operations and doing so could also result in immediate action.

Information for Day Students

Day Students
Day students can take advantage of all the same activities as the residential students including
office hours, sports, forums, and games. All day students must arrive 15 minutes before their
class.

They will be assigned a counselor with whom they will check in and check out of the program
each day.

Lunch is provided, however, if a student wishes to stay for dinner, they can bring the cash to
pay for a meal at the Dining Hall (approximately $17).

They will need to have a cell phone with them and provide the number to their counselor so
that communication can take place between them.

Information for Residential Students

Orientation
An orientation session is scheduled for 7:00 pm on June 5 (UT Dallas), 7:00 pm on June 24
(Cornell, Session 1), 7:00 pm on July 14 (Cornell, Session 2) and 7:00 pm on July 17 (UPS). At this
orientation, students will meet the faculty and staff, and be re-familiarized with all rules,
regulations, expectations, and policies. As such, it is very important that students arrive in time
for the orientation. Parents are welcome to attend (but not required). An email will be sent to
families close to the start of camp with more information about Orientation location.

Housing
At UT Dallas, students will be housed in Residence Hall Northwest at the University Village.
There are suites shared by three students. Each suite is completely furnished and has three
bedrooms, one common area and a complete bathroom. No linens will be provided.
At Cornell University, students will be housed in Donlon Hall. Suites are typically a mix of single
and double rooms, and come furnished with beds, dressers, desks, and linens. Restroom
facilities are shared.

At the University of Puget Sound, student housing for 2019 is TBD but the residence halls are
typically double rooms furnished with beds, dressers and desks. No linens will be provided. In
most cases, restroom facilities are shared. Residence halls are very closing walking distance to
the student center, classrooms and cafeteria.

Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided daily. Students who have a special diet or are
vegetarians must specify this on their online student registration form to ensure proper
attention. Vending machines are available for snacks and students will need to bring some cash.

Clothing and Bedding (see Packing List which is included with online student registration)
Casual dress (shorts, jeans) is the classroom attire. Washing machines and dryers are available
at each location which students can use at no charge. Laundry detergent will be provided by
AMSP. Students at UT Dallas and Puget Sound should bring a pillow, a set of bed sheets for an
extra-long twin bed, and a bath towel. Cornell University provides a pillow, sheet set, light
blanket and bath towel. Additional comfort items such as a light blanket or a small electric fan
are welcome, as well.

While attending the camp, students may receive mail as follows:

For UT Dallas camp, address mail to:

UT Dallas
Name of Student - AwesomeMath Summer Program
Residence Hall Northwest
950 North Loop Road
Richardson, TX 75080

For the Cornell location, address mail to:

Name of Student – AwesomeMath Summer Program
Cornell Conference Services
Robert Purcell Community Center
107 Jessup Rd
Ithaca, NY 14853

For the Puget Sound location, address mail to:

University of Puget Sound
C/O Name of Student - AwesomeMath Summer Program
1500 N. Warner St. #1093
Tacoma, WA 98416-1093
Telephone Calls
Messages for AMSP staff, faculty, and students should be left at (702) RAD-MATH. Alternatively,
students are strongly encouraged to bring a cell phone, but its use will be restricted to their
rooms, and only when the day’s schedule is complete.

Spending Money
Items are listed under "Packing List" to help students determine how much spending money to
bring with them. Base your spending money on these options, not to exceed $200.00. Keep in
mind that everything necessary is program-sponsored, and that there are ATMs at each
campus. AwesomeMath is not responsible for lost cash.

Weekend Activities
Sundays are "free days" with on campus activities scheduled. If students leave campus, they
may only do so if accompanied by AMSP staff, and must check out and in. If parents and
relatives want to spend time or pick up students for the weekend or any other
afternoon/evening they will need to send an email at least 24 hours in advance to
admin@awesomemath.org

POLICIES
Attendance
Students are expected to remain at UT Dallas, Cornell University, University of Puget Sound for
the entire program. This includes weekends, since interaction among students and weekend
assignments are important components of the program. Students may not leave AMSP early or
arrive late, except if approved by the Director; we expect a full-time commitment, unless there
are special circumstances for which prior arrangements have been made (requests should be
sent to admin@awesomemath.org). It is important that students participate in all classes and
activities. We believe that continuous participation, including evenings and weekends, is very
important for community building and full active participation is key to the program.

Visits
The best times to visit your child is after 5:30pm on teaching days. You or a relative can pick up
your child and take them off campus during the non-teaching days. However, a parent is asked
to give us at least 24-hour notice through email at admin@awesomemath.org. **PLEASE NOTE
– Parents are NOT allowed in the University Residence floors (UTD), Residence Halls (Cornell &
UPS) or rooms (UTD, Cornell, UPS) and may only pick up and visit their students in designated
lobby and common areas.

Dorm Rooms
Whenever a visitor is present in a dorm bedroom (this is only allowed on drop off and pick up
days – otherwise all visitors must meet their AMSP camper in designated common areas), the
door to that bedroom MUST be open far enough that AMSP staff can observe the interior of the
room from the hallway. Students are discouraged from having gatherings in their rooms and
should instead make use of common areas to socialize. Students MUST sleep in their own
rooms and beds at all times.

Consent to Use Photographic Images

Participation in the AMSP constitutes an agreement by the student to AwesomeMath to use
and distribute (both now and in the future) the student’s image or voice in photographs, video
or audio capture, or electronic reproductions of such classes and other campus and program
activities.

Electronic Equipment and Valuables

While security is not normally a problem, the AwesomeMath Summer Program, UT Dallas,
Cornell University, and the University of Puget Sound cannot be responsible for lost or stolen
articles, cash, musical instruments, belongings, etc. We recommend that you bring as few
valuables as possible and keep them safely out of view. AMSP is NOT responsible for
stolen/damaged property – each family assumes the risk for any loss, destruction, or damage
of valuables brought to the camp.

Calculators may be helpful on occasion but will not be necessary. Personal electronics (such as
laptops and iPads) are permitted but discouraged and unnecessary. We also discourage the use
of any type of stereo/music equipment. If you do wish to bring speakers, you must also bring
earphones, so as not to disturb roommates, neighbors, or staff. Cell phones are permitted.

Dining Hall
Students are expected to behave well in University dining halls including returning their trays,
cleaning up their area, and treating personnel with respect and courtesy.

Resident Assistant Meetings

Students attending any of the residential programs are required to attend their nightly
meetings run by their assigned resident assistant to receive important announcements and
other relevant information pertaining to camp.

Lanyards
Students are provided lanyards for the camps which serve as visual identification that the
student is permitted on the University campus. Students are expected to wear their lanyards at
all times. Swinging and twirling is not allowed because of potential injuries.

Curfew
We stress the importance of the curfew to students for their own health and safety. Students
will be in their rooms by 10:00 pm on weekdays with lights out at 11:00 pm. Curfews may be
extended at the discretion of Program staff for special events. Students breaking curfew are
subject to disciplinary action ranging from grounding to expulsion as outlined in the
Expectations and Regulations.

Health Care
Medical Forms – Questions pertaining to health-related matters have been included in your
online student registration. This information will be used to inform our staff of a student's
health needs and insurance information. This information will be readily available in case an
emergency should arise. We keep all this information confidential and we do not share it with
third parties.

Medication – A Parent/Legal Guardian will be required to indicate, as part of their student

registration, whether or not the Student has permission to keep and self-administer their own
medication. If medication needs to be refrigerated, please be sure to indicate this on the
medical section of the student registration forms.

Illegal Substances, Alcohol, and Tobacco

AMSP has a no-tolerance policy towards alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs. The possession, use
and/or distribution of tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited for AMSP students
and staff. If a student is found in violation of this policy, the parent/guardian will be contacted
and the student will be sent home immediately at the parent/guardian's expense.

Standards of Conduct and Housekeeping

The AwesomeMath Summer Program, UT Dallas, Cornell University, and University of Puget
Sound will not tolerate any willful destruction and/or reckless disregard to property.
Destruction or intentional abuse of property may be grounds for dismissal.

We expect students to maintain the classrooms, dorm rooms, and other facilities we use in a
respectful manner. Prior to class each day beds should be made, all clothes picked up and
properly stored. Periodic inspections by AMSP staff will insure compliance with these rules.

Students are not allowed to rearrange furniture without permission of AMSP staff. Any
furniture that is moved must be returned to its original state by the end of the program.
Students who do not comply will be charged labor fees for returning furniture to its original
location.

Expectations and Regulations for AMSP Students

Any student violating the AMSP Expectations/Regulations or Policies as written in this
handbook will be subject to discipline at the discretion of the AMSP staff as outlined in the
Expectations and Regulations.

Transportation
Students are expected to use AwesomeMath transportation to all events unless prior
arrangements have been made.
Parent Expectations
We understand that sending your children to camp, especially residential, for almost 3 weeks
can cause parents worry. Please know that “no news is good news” and we have systems in
place so that we constantly know the whereabouts of all of our campers. Beyond learning
exemplary mathematics in a collaborative environment that focuses on kindness and positive
guidance, camp is also a place for students to safely test their freedom. Please limit
communications if possible to morning calls (around 8am-8:45am) because they are less likely
to feel homesick if they have a day full of activities to look forward to! Parents are NOT allowed
in the residence areas as it infringes on the experience of other campers and since parents do
not have lanyards, it creates an unsafe space when strangers are in the dorms. Parents cannot
attend classes since it will interfere with students’ teaching and learning.