Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?
You can submit the completed registration form with your payment by e-mail, mail, fax or over the phone. You can pay with a credit card or check, or we will accept a district purchase order. You must provide a copy of the purchase order with your registration form to reserve a spot in a course. We then send the purchase order, along with an invoice, to your school for payment. We can only guarantee spots to those who pay in full!

When is the last day to register for a workshop?
Class space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning January 30, 2012.

The early registration deadline is 5 p.m. on May 31, 2012 for ALL workshops! After that time, if space remains available, you can register for an additional $50 rush processing fee until the Friday prior to your workshop at noon.

 Materials, supplies and copies are handled weeks in advance, and SMU will incur rush fees for processing and shipping of necessary course materials after May 31, 2012.

What happens if I need to cancel my registration completely?
If it is necessary to cancel your registration, a $50 fee will be withheld from your refund before May 31, 2012. No refunds will be given after the registration deadline (May 31, 2012, at 5 p.m.).

If I must cancel, can another teacher attend in my place?
Yes, substitutions from the same school district, with a completed registration form, are permitted up to five business days prior to the start of the Institute. However, if you request a substitution after the early registration deadline and your sub will be enrolling in a different course, a $50 rush fee will be assessed, as different course materials will need to be ordered (same as a late registrant).

Where/when is the Institute being held?
All workshops except Computer Science A will be held at SMU-in-Plano, 5228 Tennyson Pkwy, Plano, TX 752024. Check-in on Monday morning will take place in Building 3 at 7:45 a.m. Courses at SMU-in-Plano run Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with 40 minutes for lunch.

Computer Science participants should report to John Paul II High School, 900 Coit Road, Plano, TX 75075. Location and times vary for this institute, please click here for more information.

Attendance for all 30 contact hours is required to receive a College Board certificate.

What if I am taking AP Computer Science A?
As an AP Computer Science A participant, you will still have a first-class APSI experience, but you will be hosted at John Paul II High School, also located in Plano, TX. Parking is complimentary and the class dines together off-site for lunch. This excellent facility is better suited to the needs of a computer course. Location and times vary for this institute, please click here for more information.

What should I bring?
PLEASE click on the link for your course on the course offerings page to see if your lead consultant requests that you bring any materials. You may also want to bring your own writing utensil, notepad or laptop (Wi-Fi available). You will probably receive books, binders and materials from your consultant, so you may wish to bring a backpack or tote.

If you need breakfast or coffee in the morning, please make sure to stop on your way in. Please dress comfortably and appropriately for a casual, educational environment. While it may be sweltering outside, you could need a jacket inside the air conditioned classrooms. Also, consider bringing change for the vending machines if you wish a snack or beverage throughout the day.

Please note only registered participants are allowed in the classrooms and lunch area. We do not provide facilities for guests, children or pets during the Institute.

Do I need to pay extra for parking?
No, parking at both sites is complimentary.

Is lunch provided?
Yes! Your class will be assigned a 40-minute time slot for lunch each day and a catered meal and beverages will be provided at that time. Your class will also be assigned a 10-minute "caffeine break" mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Should you wish snacks or additional beverages throughout the day, please bring them from home or bring change for the vending machines. See below for more information. 

What if I have special dietary needs?
If you indicate a need/desire for a vegetarian lunch on your registration form, we will order a vegetarian meal for you. Unfortunately, we know everyone has different dietary needs and culinary preferences, and we are unable to accommodate them all given the hundreds of attendees we host each summer. We try to select a variety of meals over the 4 days. If you have specific questions about the menu for the week, feel free to contact our office at 214-768-7245 so you can make preparations in advance. While an on-site lunch is provided for your convenience, you are welcome to go off-site during your 40-minute lunch break or bring a meal from home, if you prefer.

Where should I stay?
We have negotiated a discounted rate at a local hotel for your convenience. Click here for full details, contact information, rates and photos of the hotel. Please note: all participants must pay for hotel lodging independently of class tuition. We regret that we are unable to bill hotel costs along with tuition. 

What is there to see/do in the area?
SMU-in-Plano is located in the Legacy Park area. The Shops at Legacy is just moments away and affords great dining and shopping opportunities. The Stonebriar Mall is less than a five minute drive and boasts an AMC movie theatre, Dave and Buster's, and an ice skating rink. Numerous sporting arenas are within minutes of the hotel and SMU-in-Plano campus. A short drive to Dallas offers enriching cultural experiences at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, SMU's Meadows Museum, Dallas Museum of Art, The Sixth Floor Museum and many others! The home of the 2011 American League Champion Texas Rangers is located less than an hour away in Arlington.

How do I get my certificate?
Certificates are issued on the last day of the Institute to participants who have attended all class meetings and have paid in full. If you are unable to attend all contact hours for your course, we can prepare a letter for you that verifies the hours you did attend in lieu of the official certificate. Replacement certificates to verify a previous year’s attendance are subject to an administrative fee if the records are still available.

What should I know about TEA reimbursement?
Teacher Training Reimbursements and Campus Awards will not be available for the 2011-2012 school year. Please visit http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index4.aspx?id=3822 for updates related to the AP/IB Incentive program. District personnel with AP/IB program responsibilities may wish to join the AP/IB Incentive listserv. To join the listserv, visit http://miller.tea.state.tx.us/list/ and select “AP-IB-Incentives” from the drop-down menu.

For more information about the Texas AP/IB Incentive Program, please contact Debbie Gonzales, program coordinator, by email at debbie.gonzales@tea.state.tx.us or by telephone at (512) 463-9581.

* Advanced Placement Program and AP are registered trademarks of the College Board and have been used with permission.