There are no doubt many questions about what to expect when you arrive at Kellogg, how to prepare, and how your time will be spent here. I'd like to use this opportunity to go over some of the particulars regarding the housing arrangements at Newland Hall, where Kelloggers are housed. In a later post I will address the first weekend schedule, and some of the benefits you can look forward to by being a part of the Appalachian State community while you're here.
HOUSING: Your room & board fee covers the cost of a single occupancy room in Newland Hall. You will share a bathroom with one other (same-sex) participant. Efforts are made to match "quiet" individuals with "quiet" individuals, and "social" with "social" as indicated on the survey you are asked to complete. When roommate assignments are made (late May/early June), we will forward contact information so that suitemates can introduce themselves beforehand.
Rooms are furnished with two twin beds (bunkable), two desks, and a built-in wardrobe/closet. There is also a combination microwave/mini-fridge in each room. A communal kitchen on your floor has a full-sized fridge and stove/oven. Coffeemakers, dishes, flatware, and cooking pots & implements are supplied for your use in the kitchen. We also provide an iron and ironing board for you to share. You can even view a virtual tour of Newland Hall!
The residence hall is air-conditioned, but the University's heat is turned off for the summer, so folks from warmer climes may want to be prepared for cool summer evenings. A (thin) pillow is provided, and your weekly linen package includes sheets, towels, and a lightweight blanket; however, many Kellogg participants choose to either pack or ship a blanket/coverlet to have as extra warmth and a pillow for extra comfort. If you find you need additional bedding when you arrive, there is plenty of shopping nearby. (Quite a few Kellogg participants choose to drive to Boone and are willing to carpool to shops & other local attractions -- there is free public transportation within the town, too.)
Your bathroom will be cleaned weekly by the housekeeping staff. Trash and recycling containers are provided in the residence hall. There are laundry machines on the residence hall's first floor-- coin-operated, or you can load $ on your ID card -- and you can even check online to see if your laundry is done: , and a lounge area has a large-screen tv and seating for rest or study.
The residence halls have wireless and ethernet internet access; it might be a good idea to bring an ethernet cable just in case the wireless signal is weak in your particular room, or you can purchase a cable in town when you arrive. Log-in instructions will be provided, and we strive to have tech support staff availble on move-in day to assist. (You will have access to the campus' many computer labs if you choose not to bring your own computer.)
MEAL PLAN: All on-campus residents are required to purchase the University's dining plan. There are variety of food service units operating on campus, and most special needs can be accommodated. (If you have any specific concerns regarding food allergies, please let me know and I'll discuss your needs with the Food Services staff.)
Be aware that your $280 dining plan may not cover all of your meal needs while at Kellogg; cost-conscious Kelloggers take advantage of the fixed-price breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are available at the all-you-can eat Rivers Street Cafe, where choices include homestyle entrees (vegetarian options available), hot and cold sandwiches, salad and potato bar, and our own bakery's delicious desserts. At this writing the all-you-can eat prices are: Breakfast $6.70, Lunch - $7.35, and Dinner - $7.70.
Other dining units open during the summer serve pizza, subs, Chik-fil-a, and Tex-Mex favorites. Your meal card is accepted at all dining units on campus, with the exception of The Wired Scholar and Crossroads Coffee House. There are also well-stocked convenience store-type markets located across from your residence hall and in the student union.
And if you get tired of dining hall chow, there are over a dozen eateries within easy walking distance of campus.
RELATED INFO: At Kellogg registration you will receive your AppCard. This photo ID serves as your meal card, key access to the residence hall, and library card. You will also have the option of adding an Appalachian Express Account to your card. This gives you the option to deposit additional funds to your AppCard which can be used like a debit card for laundry machines, university bookstore purchases, or additional food purchases, for example. Applications will be available at registration.
MORE QUESTIONS? Feel free to post questions in the comments section below -- if you have a question, chances are someone else is wondering the same thing, and I can publicly answer the question below. Or, if you prefer, e-mail your questions.
More info will be coming in a future post, and you will receive most of this information via snail mail, too. In the meantime, I hope the above has helped with your planning for this coming summer.
~ Denise de Ribert, Kellogg Institute Director