Frequently Asked Questions

Please read through some commonly-asked questions about the camp. If you still have questions, please feel free to write your question in the comments section at the bottom of the page, or email umkcsdi@gmail.com.

General Questions
Residence Hall Questions

Do you offer scholarships?

Because we price the UMKC Summer Debate Institute at bare minimum prices, we are unable to offer any scholarships. Some students have been able to raise money or receive scholarships from their own school or community organizations.

What is the general schedule?

The general schedule is from 9AM until 9PM each day.  Sundays usually start at 1pm (Residents will still be supervised in the morning).  We understand that some students have job and other personal obligations.  If you need to miss a session or multiple sessions, please inform us in advance, so that we are prepared.  We will post a more detailed schedule closer to the camp start date.  For an example of a possible schedule, you can look at the 2010 schedule.

What is the weekend schedule?

For the 2-week camp, the weekend in the middle of the camp will have programming on each day.  Saturday will start at 9AM, and Sunday will start at 1pm.  We understand that some students have job and other personal obligations.  If you need to miss a session or multiple sessions, please inform us in advance, so that we are prepared.

What should I bring to SDI?

Students staying in the dormitory will need to bring sheets/pillows and all required linens. There are laundry facilities in the dormitory, but you will need to bring money for their use.
All students should bring pens, paper, file folders and any other debate utensils that you normally use such as highlighters or markers. You can bring a computer, but it is certainly not required, and there will be computer resources provided.
Any sporting equipment is optional. There are some facilities, but their use will be dependent upon supervision availability and the schedule of the camp.

Should I bring my laptop?

Laptops are not required, and they will be the responsibility of the student. Students will have the ability to use UMKC computer labs in lieu of a personal laptop for research and other computer needs. If you do bring a laptop, be sure to maintain possession of it at all times, especially in public places like the cafeteria or dormitories.

Can I debate paperless at the camp tournament?

Absolutely! The UMKC Debate Team and many college squads are now paperless. All files will be prepared for paperless, and we would be happy to work with students to develop your paperless debate skills.

Do I need to bring dress clothes?

No.  Students are encouraged to dress casual, but appropriate for the camp.  Students will be walking outside between buildings.  It will be very hot outside, but the buildings are air conditioned.

I am attending the camp with my partner, can I be able to be in the same lab as my partner?

Yes.  Just make sure you indicate your partner preference on the application form.  If you did not indicate a partner preference on the application, email us any preference you have prior to the start of camp so that we can make sure those preferences are honored.

Can a commuter buy a meal plan?

Yes. The commuter meal plan provides lunch and dinner each day. You can register for the meal plan under the registration pages.

Can a commuter eat in the cafeteria without a meal plan?

Yes. The cafeteria accepts cash and many major credit cards. The costs are between $5-$8/meal. Exact meal costs are not known at this time, and will be posted when they are available from the UMKC Cafeteria.

Can a commuter eat meals away from campus?

Students are encouraged to set these parameters with their parents. There are many options close to campus. Commuters are only allowed to drive others with them that specifically have permission from their parents/guardians to ride with that person. Commuters are NOT ALLOWED to drive residents to lunch. Residents must stay on campus at all times unless they have a specific permission form.

I require a special diet. Can the camp accomodate this?

Generally, yes. The cafeteria has a wide array of food options from a salad bar, to cereal, several meal options, etc. You can visit this page to learn more about the options for food: http://www.umkc.edu/foodservice/nutrition.html.

If I need to park at UMKC, do I need a parking pass?

Yes. There is very limited street parking, but it is difficult to consistently find. Parking permits are available for purchase under the registration pages. If you are car-pooling with another student, you are encouraged to share a parking pass to minimize costs.

What is the emergency contact number during the camp?

The emergency contact numbers will be posted one week prior to the camp and handed out at registration.

What happens if a child becomes ill at the institute?

While we take great measures to protect the health and safety of our residents, it is impossible to watch students in the dorm who become ill for an extended period of time.  Having ill students in the dormitories also increases the likelihood that other students could become ill. We will attempt to work with the student to alleviate symptoms and attain medical care if possible.  If students miss extended institute events and/or show no signs of getting better, or if the student appears to be contagious, parents will be asked to check the student out of the workshop.

Can students have visitors at the camp?

We ask that parents/guardians authorize any visitors as they would anytime that a student might leave the camp. Please fill out the permission to leave form and bring it to registration.

Residence Hall FAQs

Who supervises in the residence hall?

UMKC SDI hires adult staff members to supervise the residence hall. Along with the UMKC Residence Hall staff, we strive for safety and supervision while at SDI.

Are the dorms CoEd?

Males and females are seperated in the dorms. They will either be seperated by floor or hallway. Students are not allowed in the rooms of a member of the opposite at any time during the camp.

Which Residence Hall will the camp use?

We will be housed in either Johnson or Oak Street Dormitories. Both are very modern dorms and are wonderful facilities.

What items should I make sure I bring with me that people often forget?

Umbrella, sheets and pillows, bathroom supplies, laundry supplies, comfortable shoes, drinks and snacks, file folders, chargers for cell phones and laptops, highlighters.

Is there laundry facilities?

Yes. There are coin-operated washer/dryers in the dorms. SDI staff will not likely have change, so you should bring your own. You will also need detergent.

What should I not bring?

Anything illegal. Anything that is valuable that you might not be able to maintain on your person at all times. The dorms are set up in suite style. You will be sharing a room with a roommate, and your room will connect to another room through the bathroom. If you bring something that could be stolen, it is impossible for the SDI Staff to guarantee its safety in the dorm.

How much spending money will I need if I am a resident with a meal plan?

The camp is designed to include all costs in the registration fees. The only spending money you may want is for snacks, drinks and souvenirs. 3 meals will be provided for you each day of camp. Most students should require very little for drinks and snacks they wish to purchase from the vending machines. Students may want to order pizza or chinese food at night. Students who anticipate ordering food will need additional money.

Is there a curfew?

Yes. These rules will be explained at the Residence Hall Rules Meeting the first night of camp. There will be ample time each evening to work on assignments and wind-down. There are several public areas for students to congregate.

How do I send mail to my son or daughter in the dorms?

The dorms will not deliver mail for summer camp residents. If you have an emergency item that needs to be delivered please contact the summer camp administrator for details on how you can send that item.

Am I allowed to leave campus during the camp if I am a resident?

You are only allowed to leave if you have a permission to leave form on file with your parent or guardian signature.