Frequently Asked Questions

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An extensive FAQ is in preparation. Please check back.

What exactly is “Single On-campus Accommodation?”

The accommodations are in college dormitories. In 2006 we have been allocated a number of rooms in Chamberlain, a new dormitory. Four single rooms (a bed, desk, and chair) are all arranged in a quad. The quad has its own common room with tables, chairs and a couch. There is also a bathroom inside the quad. These quads are isolated and self-contained. Only men or only women will be housed in each quad.

The number of quads in Chamberlain is limited and they will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis. If there are more participants who wish single rooms than there are available in Chamberlain, additional rooms are available in Coles Tower. The arrangement is similar to that in Chamberlain, but the building is older.

What are “On-campus Apartments?”

The on-campus apartments are a quad unit in Chamberlain. All four single rooms, the common room, and the bathroom, are all allocated to one attendee. The apartments are generally used by a family. They have no cooking facilities, but campus meal plans are available for apartment participants and their accompanying persons.

Are the campus dormitories air-conditioned?

No. Some years it is quite cool in Maine and extra blankets may be needed to keep warm at night. In the last couple of years the nighttime temperatures once dipped below 40° F. Other years it has been quite warm. There are some fans for rent in the Coles Tower office, but there is a limited number and it may be advisable to bring a small electric fan if you are staying on-campus.

Is there internet access at the college?

Yes. All dormitory rooms used for the course had internet (CAT-5/RJ-41) connections. These take a standard internet cable but wireless communications are not available. There are some active ports in the Chemistry building and these can be used at any time the building is open. The protocol that Bowdoin College uses is DHCP, which is a very common standard. If you need internet access and you are bringing a laptop, please have your IT personnel set it up to run under DHCP. Bowdoin College does not provide IT support to summer program participants.

What accommodations are available off-campus?

There is a number of hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns in the Brunswick area. A list will be provided in the near future.

What materials are provided with the courses?

Both courses have extensive course notes. The notes are of several hundred pages and many example spectra are included. There are also tables to help with interpretation. A second notebook of exercises is provided for the evening problem-solving sessions.

What is the dress for the course?

Participants may dress casually. In past years many participants attend lectures in t-shits and shorts, and others wear business casual. Basically, you dress however you feel most comfortable. The weather is generally pleasant in Maine in July, but it can be quite cool. Sometimes the lecture rooms are a bit cool from the air-conditioning, so sweaters or a heavy shirt may be necessary at times.

Last Updated: July 19, 2007