On-Site Academy Information

The Summer Academy is held at NASA Langley Research Center, Hampton, VA. Scholars will choose to participate in one of the Academies.

Students are housed at Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA.

Scholars will arrive at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia on Saturday and depart on Friday afternoon.

Week #1 - June 26-July 2, 2010
Week #2 – July 10 – 16, 2010
Week #3 – July 24 – 30, 2010

Please take time to review the information below and contact us if you have any further questions.

What you need to know prior to your visit to the Langley Research Center (LARC):

Saturday Arrival

Students should arrive at Christopher Newport University between 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturdayof the Academy to which the are assigned Specific dorm information will be sent to the students prior to the Academy. (http://about.cnu.edu/visitingCampus/gettingHere.cfm)

NOTE: Students will NOT be able to access their vehicle during the week if they drive themselves. We prefer parents/guardians to drop off and pick up.

Registration

VASTS staff will be in the lobby to register students. Rooms are pre-assigned and may NOT be changed or traded with another student. Each room will house two same sex students. Teachers stay in rooms on the same floor as the students and serve as chaperones.

Chaperones

Students are required to be under the supervision of the VASTS staff, teachers or mentors at all times.

A VASTS representative will stay at the dorms throughout the duration of the program and is responsible for VASTS interaction with the University. Students and teachers report any problems to this person.

Meals

All meals are provided for students during the Summer Academy. You may choose to bring additional snacks.

Clothing

Students are not allowed to wear shorts during the day and during planned evening activities. Students should dress appropriately, clean and pressed t-shirts (no slogans) with jeans or khakis. Boys must wear belts and tuck in their shirts, no hats or caps are to be worn during the week. Button shirts or polo shirts with sleeves are acceptable and preferred. Only closed toe shoes or sneakers will be permitted. Girls should not wear skirts during the week because of the facility tours, which may require some climbing and bending. For the Closing Ceremony the Scholars will wear their VASTS polo shirts and clean pressed khakis or skirts. Dress shoes are appropriate as the event is business casual.

Cell Phones

Cellular phones are permitted but must be turned off at all times during the Academy. If a phone call is absolutely necessary, please do so only during breaks or lunch. In the case of an emergency when a parent or guardian must reach you, they can call the VASTS Staff. Staff phone numbers will be provided in final email correspondence prior to the Academy.

Transportation

You will be transported to and from the lodging facility by bus. Observe all bus rules regarding conduct while aboard. While onsite at NASA LaRC you will be transported on occasion by van. Always wear your seatbelt.

Visitor Badges

NASA LaRC issues a temporary identification badge at the beginning of the Academy. You must wear this badge at all times when at NASA LaRC. The badge should be attached to the VASTS lanyard and worn around the neck. Report lost badges immediately to the VASTS Staff. Visitor badges are returned to VASTS Staff at the end of the Summer Academy at check-out.

DISCIPLINE POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to state in advance the plan to insure proper discipline for Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS). This policy will be used for handling all disciplinary actions during the weeklong Summer Academy at NASA LaRC. VSGC and NASA LaRC endorse a zero-tolerance policy toward misbehavior and/or disregarding stated rules or safety instructions. Therefore the following procedures will be followed in the event of a problem with student conduct.

  1. Any blatant disregard of the rules of conduct, inappropriate or unsafe behavior will result in the student being called into the Program Manager’s office for a documented verbal warning and a phone call to parents. Inappropriate actions that merit immediate disciplinary action will result in student being sent home without a warning.
  2. Warning and phone conversation will be documented and reviewed with appropriate VASTS staff, teacher and mentor.
  3. No other warning will be given. Any other disruption or misbehavior will result in student being sent home.

Rules of Conduct

You will be sent home for:

  • Leaving the accompaniment of a chaperone (mentor, teacher, VSGC or NASA LaRC personnel) at any time, for any reason, without permission.
  • Unacceptable behavior (not following any staff or teacher’s directions, fighting, public displays of affection, profanity, failing to adhere to the dress code or rules of conduct, safety and technology use rules, etc.).
  • Accessing your car.
  • Leaving your room after curfew for any reason.
  • Damage to any property (You are also held financially responsible).
  • Stealing (from NASA, giftshops, dorms, or restaurants).
  • Drinking alcohol or smoking.

Closing Event and Awards (emails will be sent to students in the late spring with details)

At the conclusion of the Summer Academy, a closing event and reception will be held in the NASA Langley Reid Conference Center beginning at 1:30 p.m. In addition to the scholars, teachers, mentors, invited guests will include parents, legislators, NASA senior staff and other NASA VIPs. Scholars are allowed two guests at the Closing Ceremony and will be contacted by staff prior to the Academy to obtain guests names for badging. All students and guests must be U.S. Citizens in order to obtain a visitor badge.

Upon completion of the Summer Academy, each participant will receive the following: • Certificate of completion for participating in the Virginia Aerospace Scholars program • Group photograph taken by NASA photograph • VASTS program polo shirt • Presentation packet

What To Bring:

  • Camera: There are many "photo opportunities" during on-site tours of Langley Research Center and a variety of field trips. It is suggested that you bring a camera and take advantage of this great opportunity to capture the past, present, and future of the space program! Small video cameras are also allowed.
  • Laptop (optional but highly recommended) and ethernet cable for the dorms
  • Flashdrive (at least 1GB recommended)
  • Iron
  • Scientific or graphing calculator
  • Light Jacket or sweater: Some rooms at LARC are very cold so come prepared.
  • Spending Money: All meals, field trips, and lodging are provided for students and teachers. Spending money should be brought for items such as additional snacks and souvenirs.

Directions for parents/guardians to NASA Langley for Closing Ceremony

From Norfolk/Southside Hampton Roads:

  1. Take I-64 West through the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel
  2. Drive about six miles to exit 262B/Magruder Blvd.
  3. Take Magruder Blvd. two miles to Route 172
  4. Get off onto Route 172/Commander Shepard Blvd.
  5. Follow Commander Shepard about one mile to second traffic light.
  6. Turn right at light and proceed to NASA Langley Research Center main gate.

From Williamsburg/Richmond:

  1. Drive on I-64 East to Exit 261B/Hampton Roads Center Parkway
  2. Take Hampton Roads Center Parkway for about two miles until it ends at Armistead Ave.
  3. Turn left onto Armistead Ave. Go 1.4 miles through three traffic lights.
  4. Take right exit before fourth light onto Commander Shepard Blvd.
  5. Go less than one-quarter mile to stoplight.
  6. Turn right at light and proceed to NASA Langley Research Center main gate.

From Suffolk:

  1. Take 1-664 through the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge Tunnel
  2. Drive about seven miles to Interstate 64 interchange
  3. Take Interstate 64 West (toward Newport News/Richmond)
  4. Go about two miles to exit 262B/Magruder Blvd.
  5. Take Magruder two miles to Route 172
  6. Get off on to Route 172/Commander Shepard Blvd.
  7. Follow Commander Shepard about one mile to second traffic light
  8. Turn right at light and proceed to NASA Langley Research Center main gate.