FAQ - SUUSI 2023
Housing
Are the dorms air-conditioned?
Yes, all dorms have air-conditioning.
Are private dorm rooms available?
Yes. Private rooms are now called a “single” but the bathroom is still shared with another person in the adjoining single room. If you need a private bath or extra space, you may opt to pay for both beds in a double room (twice the regular bed rate).
What if I have a group of people who want to be near each other?
In SOLIS, there is a place called “housing – other requests.” If a group wants to be housed together, choose a name or phrase and have everyone in the group put that exact same phrase (rated PG please!) in the “housing – other requests” space. This allows the Housing Coordinator to find everyone in your group and put them together, if it is possible.
How many people can stay in a dorm room?
For every person in a paid-for bed, there can be one child age 13 or under sleeping on the floor. Therefore, there is a maximum of two adults and two children (age 13 or under and sleeping on the floor) in a double room, and a maximum of one adult and one child (age 13 or under and sleeping on the floor) in a single room. In all cases, all beds in a room must be paid for before a child sleeps on the floor for free.
Can SUUSI staff help me find a roommate?
If you are staying in the Adult, Teen, YA, or Median dorm and do not indicate a roommate when you register, SUUSI staff will assign one for you if you are in a double room. SUUSI does not assign roommates in the family housing. If you know you will have an extra space, it is your responsibility to find a roommate. If you intend to have a child or children sleep on the floor, you can request a single room (and sleep 1 child on the floor) or request a double or a double room and pay for both beds (in which case you can sleep up to 2 children on the floor).
Are there kitchens available for our use?
There are lounges & kitchens on most floors, however, some kitchens are reserved for SUUSI programming. If there is an available kitchen on your floor, you will be sharing it with many other SUUSI participants (these are very large floors). No alcohol may be stored in dorm lounges.
What if I need/want refrigerator space?
If you need to keep items chilled, consider bringing a dorm size fridge or a cooler with ice. One dorm-sized fridge per room is permitted; it may not exceed 4.5 cubic feet in capacity with an electrical rating of 120 volts and no more than 2.0 amps when in operation.
Workshops
Where are workshops held?
Most workshops are held on the campus in lounges, in classrooms, or outside. Locations can change during SUUSI. The most up-to-date information on this can be found on solis.suusi.org or in the SUUSI Office.
Do workshops have fees?
Many workshops have fees. Fees are determined by the number of hours a workshop meets, the supplies (if any are provided), and the number of participants in the workshop. Workshop fees listed are per person. SUUSI strives to price workshops reasonably while making sure that the price covers the expenses.
Do workshops have any restrictions?
Workshops tagged “ES” for “Emotionally Sensitive” involve emotional experiences that may be stressful. At all times during SUUSI, a minister is on call for pastoral care and conflict resolution needs that may arise. During SUUSI week, the phone number to contact the Minister of the Day will be listed in the SUUSI NUUS and on the home page of the website.
Some workshops require a full range of movement in order to get the maximum benefit. These workshop are tagged “PD” for “Physical Dexterity.”
Age limits are set based on content, required skills, and subject matter that may require greater maturity. The age is indicated by a number and a plus sign. For example, 14+ means that anyone 14 years of age or older may attend the workshop.
What are the attendance policies?
Required: Participants should attend all sessions to obtain the full benefit of the workshop. If you sign up for an attendance required workshop, you will not be able to register for another required workshop or a nature trip in the same or overlapping time slot.
Preferred: Attendance is suggested at all sessions to obtain full benefit but overlapping registrations are permitted.
Drop-In: Requires registration but attendance is optional. Please register for drop-in workshops so that minimum enrollment requirements are met and adequate space can be allocated.
Can I add or drop a workshop after I’ve registered?
Yes. You’ll be able to log back into SOLIS and use the drop/add feature to add workshops (or nature trips) that still have space. This option will be available until online registration closes. After that, you can add or drop workshops at SUUSI, either at check-in or at the SUUSI Office.
Does SUUSI offer refunds for dropped or canceled workshops?
If your workshop is canceled, SUUSI will give you a full refund for it. Refunds for canceled workshops will be given as credits on a credit card or as a check mailed after SUUSI.
No cash refunds are given for dropped workshops after the completion of SUUSI check-in on Sunday. If you drop a workshop in the SUUSI Office at least 24 hours before the start of the workshop, you will receive SUUSI credit toward another workshop or nature trip. This credit is only redeemable during the current SUUSI.
Do workshops have limits on the maximum and minimum number of people?
Yes. Maximum limits are set to ensure that leaders have adequate supplies and space. However, if a workshop does fill up before you try to add it, you may still be able to get in if someone else drops it. Minimum limits are also set to ensure that the workshop does not impose a financial burden upon SUUSI.
Is there a waiting list for filled workshops?
No. SUUSI does not maintain waiting lists, but we now have watch lists. If someone does drop a workshop and you are on the watch list, you will get an automated email letting you know that the workshop has had someone drop. That spot is now first come first serve regardless of the watch list.
What should I bring to the workshop? Should I prepare in any way?
Workshop descriptions may list suggested items such as yoga mats, a journal, or a hungry appetite. Some workshop leaders also recommend books, CDs, websites, and other sources to enhance your understanding and experience. When possible, books and CDs are available for purchase in the SUUSI Store.
What do “Teen Friendly,” “YA Friendly,” and “Median Friendly” mean?
These labels are meant to encourage Teens or individuals that identify as Young Adults (YAs), or Medians, respectively, to register for those workshops, but these workshops are open to any SUUSI participants within the specified age limits.
Sounds great! How can I sign up?
During the online registration period, you can sign up for workshops using SOLIS, the SUUSI registration database. Workshops can be added or dropped at SUUSI at check-in and at the SUUSI office during the week.
Can I lead a workshop?
All SUUSI workshops are led by volunteer members of our community. While we do not pay any workshop leaders, they do receive credit toward SUUSI registration and meals. Workshop proposals are accepted each fall for the following SUUSI. Check the SUUSI website for the deadline and other details. If you are interested in sharing your skills by leading a workshop next year, consider attending the free workshop, “How to Lead a SUUSI Workshop.”
Wait, I have a great idea for this year! Can I?
If you would like to get together with like-minded people while at SUUSI, consider meeting in the Common Ground Café for discussions. While you cannot reserve the space, this is a great way to meet people and share interests. You can advertise “Birds of a Feather” gatherings in the SUUSI NUUS. E-mail nuus@suusi.org to submit entries to the daily NUUS.
Nature Trips
Should I pre-register for Nature trips?
Yes. Don’t wait until you arrive at SUUSI to sign up for Nature trips. Reservations at venues, equipment rentals, and transportation needs are based on advance registrations. Trips with low pre-registration numbers may be canceled.
From where do Nature trips depart?
Youth and Middler Nature trips will depart from the youth program area. All other trips will depart from the Nature Tent/Office, the location of which will be marked on the SUUSI map you will get when you arrive.
Even if the trip takes place on campus, please go to the Nature Tent/Office first to check in.
When do trips depart? What if I’m late?
Please meet 15 minutes early to check in with your trip leader. Trips leave at the time stated in the catalog, or earlier if everyone has arrived. If you are not present when departure is nearing and others are waiting on standby, your spot may be forfeited.
What do I need to bring? What happens if I do not have all the required equipment?
Some equipment may be provided by SUUSI. Read all the information on your trip type and the description for each of your trips carefully. The trip requirements are real. If the equipment or supplies are listed as required then this is what you must provide. Before the trip departs the trip leader is required to make sure all participants have the proper equipment. If you don’t show up on time with the right gear you won’t be allowed to go. At least a quart of water and rain gear are required for nearly all Nature trips. If you have questions about trip requirements, drop by the Nature Tent/Office, ask a Nature staffer, or get in touch with the directors at nature@suusi.org.
Are Nature trips ever canceled (if it’s raining, for example)? Do locations ever change?
The Nature program will cancel a trip only if conditions are unsafe. Locations may be changed to assure safety, to improve the experience if site conditions are not good, or if the site is no longer available.
Are waivers required to go on a Nature trip?
Yes. A few trips require two waivers: one for SUUSI and one for the owner of the property we will be using. Parents or guardians must co-sign an assumption of responsibility form for minors under their supervision. Nature trip leaders will warn you about common risks and hazards, but they cannot protect you against all hazards.
What guidelines should I use when choosing a Nature trip?
Check the difficulty rating for your trip below each description and in the legend at the beginning of each Nature program section. Trip difficulty ratings are there for your safety, and the Nature staff have devoted a great deal of time, expertise, and attention to evaluating each trip’s requirements to afford every participant the best experience possible. Some of our trips are very physically challenging. Please consider the level of difficulty and evaluate your current capabilities before registering for any Nature trip. Nature activities are group experiences as well as personal explorations. We want participants to be able to stretch themselves without intruding on the experience of others.
We ask that you prepare for your own well-being. If the day is not a good day for you to carry out the activity safely, either physically or mentally, please don’t go on the trip. Always stay with the group, follow the leader’s instructions, stay focused on safety, and use common sense in deciding what to bring with you in addition to the required items. For example, a sunburn or poison ivy can spoil your day, or maybe even your week.
What if I have physical limitations or need assistance?
If you have specific physical limitations or need more information to determine whether you possess the abilities needed for an activity before SUUSI, please contact Nature staff at nature@suusi.org. At SUUSI, visit the Nature table at check-in or the Nature Tent/Office during the week. Anyone under a physician’s care should consult with their physician before pre-registering for an activity. Please notify your trip leader of any limitations before leaving the Nature Tent. If you need one-on-one assistance to participate, your support person is welcome to come along as long as they also are registered for the trip.
One of the goals of SUUSI Nature programming is to provide opportunities for participants to challenge themselves and stretch beyond their typical comfort zone. However, the safety and well-being of trip participants always remain the first priority of Nature Staff, who are authorized to refuse to take a person they consider inappropriately prepared on a trip. Thank you for joining in helping to make Nature programming as safe, accessible, adventurous, and enjoyable as possible.
My child wants to go on a Nature trip. What do I need to know?
Look for “FF” (Family Friendly) after the title to find trips that are open to children 13 and younger. An adult must register for the trip and accompany each child under 14 years old, except on Nature trips run through our Youth and Middler programs. The accompanying adult is responsible for the child’s safety and behavior during the activity and must maintain direct supervision of the child at all times.
What can I do if the trip I want is full?
If the trip you want is full when you register, don’t despair. Sometimes people drop trips and spaces open up. You can add your name to a watch list in your registration by selecting the trip you want and selecting that option. Nature staff will do their best to monitor the list to let you know if space has become available - and you can check in SOLIS later, too. If space hasn't become available prior to the close of online registration, you may be able to add a trip at check-in on Sunday, or at the SUUSI office and Nature Tent during SUUSI.
Even if a trip remains full as you're checking throughout the week of SUUSI, you are welcome to come to the Nature Tent/Office 15 minutes before the start time and check in as a standby. If there is a “no show” you can go in their place. This is especially likely late in the week after some folks have expended their energy. Remember to be prepared with the required equipment (clothes, shoes, water, etc.) and fees.
Does SUUSI give refunds for Nature trips?
If the SUUSI Nature program cancels a trip the fee will be refunded to you or you may donate the fee to SUUSI. Refunds are not given to people who don’t show up, arrive at the Nature Tent late or arrive without their required equipment. If you cancel your Nature trip at least 24 hours in advance, a credit can be issued to be used for another Nature trip, workshop, or activity during the current SUUSI.