TICS FAQ--28th Session 11-22 August, 2008

Before the session begins, we thought that you might need more information to make your stay here as pleasant as possible. We thought we would answer some of the frequently-asked-questions.

What is the cost of this session?

Total tuition for the next session is $2,850 U.S.D. This includes the $100 application fee due at the time of application (to cover the cost of processing and shipping Visa application documents, etc.). The deposit of $500 is due by 21 July. While the TICS prefers payment in full prior to the beginning of the next session, full tuition is due the first day of classes. Payment should be negotiated via cheque, credit card or wire transfer. For tuition, students recieve class instruction, admittance on tours, lunch on weekdays and dinner at school-sanctioned events. Tuition does not cover non-sanctioned meals, lodging or air fare.

When I arrive in Lubbock, how do I get to the hotel?

We will pick you up at the airport. To ensure that we’re going to pick you up, make sure you’ve sent a copy of your travel itinerary to michael.l.stephens@ttu.edu before you depart.

Where am I staying?

You are staying at the Residence Inn, 2551 South Loop 289. It is 13 miles from Lubbock Preston Smith Airport and 10 miles from the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute, where you’ll be attending classes. It is a full-service hotel, conveniently located (as you’ll see). For reservations or answers to your questions, contact them here. PLEASE REMEMBER, transportation to classes, tours and events will only be provided to the students staying at the official TICS hotel. If you choose to stay elsewhere, you will have to arrange your own tuition.

Where is the Texas International Cotton School?

Classes are taught at the Fiber & Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI), 1001 E Loop 289, a 110,000 square-foot research facility on the eastern edge of the City of Lubbock.

What is appropriate dress during the school?

Please note that August in West Texas can be a mix of different weather. Traditionally, the days are hot and the nights are cool, with a slight possibility of rain throughout your stay here. We mostly anticipate hot days, so you are encouraged to dress comfortably/casually for each day’s classes (there will be times that we are out in the heat). More formal attire may be required for evening parties and dinners. In addition, you will want to dress formally for the class picture offered later this week.

When does class begin?

Class begins Monday, August 11. You will be picked up at the Residence Inn at precisely 7:45 a.m. The van will depart for the FBRI at exactly 8 a.m. If you are not staying at the hotel, you are responsible for your own transportation to the FBRI or you are welcome to meet us at the hotel at 7:45. If you are late for the morning shuttle, you are also responsible for your own transportation to the IFBRI.

What materials will I be required to bring to classes?

All materials for your notes and for the information provided during Cotton School classes will be provided for you.

What may I use to record the lectures during the school?

All lecture and instruction materials are the sole property of the Texas International Cotton School and therefore may not be recorded or reproduced in any fashion.

What will I be bringing home from the session?

All instructional materials will be provided to you in an electronic or paper binder. Please let us know which you would prefer as soon as you as possible.

What arrangements are made for dining?

Breakfast is provided at the hotel. Each day of class, lunch will be provided to you. In addition, there will be several sponsored dinners during the session. Any other time, you are responsible for making your own arrangements for evening meals.

What is there to do after classes?

You’ll find that there are many entertainment opportunities here in Lubbock. Some of them are more difficult to get to than others.

Near your hotel, you have several options:

• If you are interested in shopping, you can visit the neighboring Target Store. In addition, we often pick a weekend day to shuttle you to the South Plains Mall for shopping. You will be able to leave the Mall at your own discretion (they will call a cab for you to go back to the Hotel). Also, we often plan to take a trip to a shop that features “Western” attire. If you are interested in shopping for cowboy boots, hats, etc., let us know.
• There are several restaurants around your hotel ranging from full-service to cafeteria fare. Please check your session's schedule for a list of the evenings that you can dine with the entire group and meet members of the Lubbock Cotton Exchange, International Textile Center, etc.