Calvin College
Faith & International Development Conference
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is registration and are there any discounts or scholarships
available?
Due to the generous support of our sponsors and Calvin student hosts we are able
to offer the conference at $40 per student. We do not offer scholarships or discounts,
but many schools have vocation exploration funds available and we suggest that
you check with your career development office or professor.
Is there group registration?
Yes! If you are planning on coming as a group please email Kelly
at kjd33@calvin.edu for your group
registration code. This will make the paperwork easier for us and will
help us place the members of your group together in housing.
When does registration close?
Registration at the current price will close on Friday, January
18. It may be extended at a higher price, but be sure to
register early to ensure that you get a spot!
What is the Broken Bread
Meal?
The Broken Bread Poverty Meal is a creative activism event sponsored
by World Vision's Acting on AIDS. Participants are invited
to identify, interact with and intercede for those broken by
the cycle of AIDS, poverty and hunger. Using a simple porridge meal, true-to-life
stories, discussion, prayer and advocacy, students are invited
to engage their faith and respond with their hearts and through their
citizenship. If you would like to participate in this event during Friday's
supper please check the box on your registration.
What opportunities are there to build relationships with development
professionals and students from other schools?
During lunch you can choose to sit at specific "Topic Tables" where
you will join with other students and development professionals
to discuss issues that are on your heart and to learn about what
others are doing that you can learn from. This is a great time to build
relationships between like-minded students from different schools as well
as with development professionals who can mentor you and develop your
thinking.
The breakout sessions are intentionally kept to small sizes for increased interaction between the presenter and students, so come ready to challenge and be challenged. The keynote speakers will each have a breakout session presentation during which they will take questions and elaborate on the ideas that they introduced during their plenary session.
There will also be display tables where you can find information about volunteer, internship, and career opportunities with specific organizations as well as talk with professionals who are working in the field.
What are Boxed Dinners?
The boxed dinners are provided as a courtesy to students who
will be traveling long distances home on Saturday afternoon/evening.
They are put together by Calvin Dining Services and will include a sandwich,
fruit, dessert, and snack. Please indicate on your registration form
if you would like to receive one. If you order a boxed dinner please
be sure to pick it up on Saturday. There will be information in your
registration package about where and when they will be available.
What rules will I have to comply with in the
residence halls?
Courtesy Hours mandating moderate noise levels are from
9am to 11pm. There is a break for Loud Hours from 4:30pm to 6pm
when noise levels can rise. Quiet hours are from 11pm to 9am. Open House
Hours (when men can be on women's floors and vice versa) are Friday 12pm
to 1 am and Saturday 12pm to 12am. Smoking is only allowed in designated
outside smoking areas and Calvin is a dry campus.
For the full list of Calvin Housing and Dorm rules, please refer to: www.calvin.edu/admin/housing/ and www.calvin.edu/admin/housing/residence_hall.htm
What meals are provided?
Dinner on Thursday; breakfast, lunch and dinner on Friday; breakfast,
lunch, and optional boxed dinner on Saturday.
Is there a place for chaperones to stay?
The on-campus Prince Conference Center is a convenient option
for many chaperones and adult attendees. For more information or to book
a room contact Tracy at tb26@calvin.edu and
mention that you are attending the Faith and International Development
Conference for special pricing.
What should I bring?
If you are staying with Calvin students it is wise to bring your
own sleeping bag and pillow. Also be sure to bring plenty
of warm layers as Michigan’s winter weather will be in full swing.
Your favourite notebook will be put to good use, and a camera can help
you capture special memories. The dress for the conference is casual,
so there is no need to take up precious packing space with formal clothes.
What organizations will be there?
Our major sponsors are: the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee,
International Aid, Mennonite Central Committee, Partner’s Worldwide,
and World Vision US. Other sponsoring and participating organizations
include: Bread for the World, Christian Connection for International
Health, ECHO, Food for the Hungry, Foods Resource Bank, Micah
Challenge, Lambi, World Hope, World Relief and others.
How can I get there?
Grand Rapids has the Gerald R. Ford International Airport which
runs multiple flights to and from the major hugs of Chicago and Detroit
daily and there are bus and train terminals downtown. If you need transportation
from the airport/terminal to the college please contact Kelly at kjd33@calvin.edu and
arrangement can be made.
More questions?
Email Kelly at kjd33@calvin.edu for
more specific information.