Global Programs: Seminar General Information & Logistics
Each seminar brings together faculty, students, administration, and the greater community for a six-day experience that inspires, facilitates, and supports individuals, develops community, and builds upon the coursework throughout the program. Seminar schedules include dynamic guest speakers and accomplished
leaders in the field who attend the seminars, host workshops, and deliver keynote presentations on specific topics.
Seminar Attendance/Schedule
Seminars are an integral part of the Global Online Program's Curricula and therefore full attendance is necessary.
- Ph.D. students are required to attend a fall and winter seminar from enrollment through the first term of Year 5.
- Certificate/MTP students attend an "Opening Seminar" upon enrollment (fall or winter term), followed by a "Closing Seminar" one year later.
Generally, a seminar will begin at12:00 noon on the first day of a six-day, five-night program. The daily schedule can be intensive, beginning with optional meditation at 7:30 a.m., followed by presentations, classes, advising, community gatherings, etc. In addition to breakfast, lunch, and dinner, breaks are scheduled throughout. The day generally ends at 9:30 p.m.
Accommodations
Currently ITP hosts the Global seminars at Presentation Center, 19480 Bear Creek Road in Los Gatos, California. The retreat center — located in the Santa Cruz Mountains — is 20 minutes from downtown San Jose. Housing costs range:
- Single - $750 (includes 3 daily meals)
- Shared room (2-3 per room) - $650 (Includes 3 daily meals)
- Commuter rates
- $400 with lunch and dinner
- $270 without meals.
If you require a single room with a private bath, other accommodations are available in the nearby town of Los Gatos.
About the Retreat Center
Presentation Center is an interfaith retreat and conference center sponsored by the Sisters of the Presentation Order, a Catholic religious congregation. The sisters and lay staff offer warm hospitality in beautiful and peaceful surroundings for those who seek respite, reflection and renewal of mind, body and spirit. It is an eco-friendly environment.
Most sleeping rooms and all bathroom facilities are shared. There are numerous walking trails as well as a labyrinth on the grounds. The center is a non-smoking facility. Dress is very casual and comfortable. Local temperatures (summer high's 75-85° / lows mid-50°F, and winter high's 50-60° with lows lower than 40°). There are two (2) accessible sleeping rooms with a shared accessible bathroom. Although constructed in the early 1900s, the Center is fully wheelchair accessible. If you have any specific accessibility needs, contact Carla Hines at chines@itp.edu, who is happy to work with you.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from each seminar. Nearby airports include (with
distances to the Presentation Center):
- San Jose Norman Mineta International Airport (SJC)—18 miles,
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)—44 miles ,
- Oakland Airport (OAK)—48 miles.
There are several shuttle services that will take you door-to-door from the airport to Presentation Center. The cost ranges from $49-$130+. Additionally you may choose to rent a car. An ITP Community Group is set-up on the virtual campus (ANGEL) for car-pooling and room sharing. If you are interested in ride-sharing from any of the 3 Bay Area airports (San Francisco, San Jose or Oakland) to the venue, log onto ANGEL at: http://itp.angellearning.com ITP Community > Classifieds > Carpooling > Seminars. Be sure to join the correct seminar string. Coordination is the responsibility of the individual student.
International Students
If you're traveling from outside the United States you may require an I-20 document to enter the U.S. The I-20 is used to obtain F class immigration status (student) upon entry to the U.S. If you are able to enter the U.S. under another status and that status allows for study, you do not need to request the I-20. You are responsible for maintaining your immigration status while present in the U.S. To obtain an I-20, please download the Request for I-20 Form from the ANGEL virtual campus under Forms> International Student Forms. An I-20 will be issued to you for the duration of the seminar. The I-20 is valid only for the period of the seminar, so a new request is required for each entry.
Registration
The Registration Form is linked on the main seminars page, and on ANGEL
Learning Management System usually 3-4 months in advance. Receipt of your registration will be acknowledged
within 48-72 hours. A confirmation packet will be sent after the form is signed-off by Accounting, the Registrar,
and Financial Aid (if applicable). Enrolled students do not pay the tuition fee for the seminar; it is included in the
quarterly tuition payment.
Financial Aid
Financial Aid must be secured and in place before you can authorize use of excess financial aid funds to pay for
your housing option. To do so:
- Continuing students: (a) confirm amount with financial aid office; (b) submit difference (if any); and, (c) indicate by signing in payment section of Registration Form.
- Newly enrolled students MUST include a valid credit card with request for use of excess financial aid funds prior to matriculation. If financial aid is not secured and in place 7 days before seminar, the credit card will be charged to cover the housing option. Furthermore, if the student ultimately does not take the financial aid funds, any outstanding charges, including seminar tuition and room and board, will be charged against the credit card.
Dates for each seminar are posted one year in advance. Specific seminar Themes, Registration Forms, and FAQs are posted to the ITP website and ANGEL 3-4 months in advance of each seminar. Please review the FAQ carefully as it will answer many of your questions.
